The Asian Star March 21 2020 by The Asian Star Newspaper

www.theasianstar.com

Vol 19 - Issue 8

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Punjab students left in the lurch as Canada seals borders

Canada-US border closed last night The Canada - US border will be closed to all non-essential travel in both directions as of Friday night. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the expected timing of the closure Thursday morning after leaders of the two countries revealed details of the plan Wednesday. Both countries have been in talks in recent days to negotiate a mutual ban on recreational travel without restricting the flow of two-way trade and commerce. Essential cross-border workers like health-care professionals, air crews and others are to be permitted to cross. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland says it was vital to the economic health of both countries to avoid restricting the $2.7-billion worth of goods that cross the CanadaU.S. border each day. She calls the agreement a testament to the strong partnership between the two countries even in the face of an escalating global crisis.

Travel restrictions, imposed by the Canadian Government on non-citizens in the wake of Covid outbreak, have dashed the foreign dream of many students. Having deposited several lakhs of rupees as fee in Canadian colleges and universities, parents are now unsure of their wards’ future. Most of them said they had no idea as to when the Canadian Government would allow entry to their wards or whether the universities would extend the session or accommodate students in the next batch. Ludhiana-based Neeraj Gautam said: “My son had taken admission in BBA in a Canadian university, where his session is due to start on April 6. We have already spent Rs25 lakh on his first-year fee and GIC funds. After flight cancellation, yesterday, we got a mail from the university, asking us whether he would be able to attend a counselling session on April 1. Continued on page 6

t was supposed to be a spring vacation for travel freak couple Amit Taneja & Monika Taneja and their children as they were to head to New York on March 3. As the kids’ school session had just got over, Jalandhar-based Tanejas had planned to take them to a host of tourist sites and catch up with their extended family settled in the US during the 15-day break. But the entire plan went haywire in the wake of panic over the spread of coronavirus. “I feel it was a wise decision. There is no point travelling amid so much scare,” says Amit. All his NRI relatives, too, have shelved their plans to come to India, “My Surrey-based uncle, who had his flight booked for March 26, has

Tel:604-591-5423

NRIs can’t leave Punjab

got it cancelled. My Vancouver-based cousin, who was to be here for a wedding, is skipping it. Another friend, who was in Kapurthala and was to leave after construction of his house,

advanced his tickets to New York by 22 days.” More than the Indian tourists, it is the NRIs who are affected. Currently at their native places in Doaba region of Punjab, there are many who have chosen to extend their stay here. Though most of them hail from the US, UK and Canada, they said they were avoiding travel as they were scared of catching the respiratory infection from other tourists at the airport. Tara Singh Gosal, a Calgary-based NRI, said, “As

Continued on page 9

India scrambles to escape Coronavirus crisis, so far, it’s working

BC suspends all K-12 classes in the province

ver the weekend in Lucknow, one of India’s bigger cities, young people packed into pubs. Despite the Indian government scrambling to lock things down, few on the bar scene were taking the coronavirus very seriously. “I am not scared. I eat, party, sleep,’’ said Akshay Gupta, an accountant who was bar hopping on Saturday night. “The scare is overhyped.” India has reported around 125 cases of the coronavirus, and it is a bit of a mystery how the world’s second-most-populous nation, with 1.3 billion people, has remained relatively unscathed while the number of cases explodes to its east and west. That has spawned a sense of almost disbelief about the crisis in some quarters. The latest on the coronavirus pandemic. Doctors say it is either that there are many more cases in India that have not been detected, because of the difficulties of getting tested, or that India has indeed managed to so far escape the worst,

The B.C. government has suspended all schools in the province until further notice to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, according to an announcement made by Premier John Horgan Tuesday. While the majority of provincial public schools are already on spring break, any remaining schools that have not yet closed are being directed to do so now. “We’re used to schools being safe places,” said Education Minister Rob Fleming. “But as the global pandemic, COVID-19, is evolving quickly, and it’s having a growing impact in British Columbia, we have to take action today to protect our students and staff.” Fleming said students would still receive a final mark and that Grade 12 students would graduate, regardless how long the closure persists. As the closure could continue for some time, however, Fleming said that the province may transition to online teaching. Currently,

THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING YOUR HOME ??? RAJDEEP SINGHH SEKHON B.A. (Hons.), MA., LLB

778 320 5359 59 SRS Panorama Realty

Suite #103 - 12030, 80 Ave, Surrey, BC

BRING US ANY OFFER, BRING US ANY TRADE IN! NEW PATHFINDER AWD LEATHER

swfy kol koeI vI Aw&r ilAwE, koeI vI tRf y ilAwE!

NAVIGATION PLUS ALLPOWER & LUXURY OPTIONS,7 PASS

$ 36,988

3 ONLY

NEW QASHQAI SUV 4X4 Intelligent AWD Moonroof •••Alloy Wheels Transmission ••Auto Rear Camera And Much More! •

$ 24,988

NEW ROGUE SUV SAVE THOUSANDS

24,988

OVER 50 NEW & OVER 30 PRE-OWNED ROGUES ALL SALE PRICED!

GENUINE

Saturday, March 21, 2020

AT HONDA

e ciency comes

natural

From how we make it to how you drive it, we’ve continued our + year commitment to reducing our impact on the environment with our new and lineup. improved

CIVIC SEDAN

GET A

TOURING

PLUS LEASE FROM

HONDA BONUSβ

to help maximize performance and fuel-economy for increased eﬃciency and power CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION for optimal shifting and eﬃciency

Driven to reduce emissions since

TOURING

INSIGHT HYBRID

LEASE FROM

CR-V REDESIGNED

LEASE FROM

TOURING

OR FINANCE YOUR HONDA WITH

Call us at 604.583.7421

15291 Fraser Hwy, Surrey, BC Timings: Mon - Thu: 8:30 am - 8:00 pm; Fri - Sat: 8:30 am - 6:00 pm; Sun: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

#1 Car Dealer in Surrey

#Limited time lease offer is from Honda Canada Finance Inc. (HCFI), on approved credit. Lease example: New 2020 4D Civic Touring CVT (FC1F9LKN)/2020 Insight Hybrid Touring (ZE4F7LKN)/2020 CR-V Touring (RW2H9LKNS) for a 24-month period, for a total of 104 weekly payments of $122/$161/$177, leased at 0.99%/2.99%/1.99% APR. 20,000-kilometre annual allowance (12 cents/km excess charge). Total lease obligation is $12,681/$16,744/$18,386. Lease payments include freight and PDI of $1,655/$1,655/$1,815 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. β "Honda Bonus" lease or finance cash of $750 on select in-stock 2020 Civic Sedan models is available on lease or finance transactions from HCFI on approved credit only, deducted from the negotiated selling price after taxes. Excludes Coupe, Hatchback, Si and type R models. *No payments for 90 days (payment deferral) offer is available on any new and unregistered Honda vehicle financed through Honda Financial Services (on approved credit), and delivered at a participating Honda dealer, between January 3, 2020 to February 29, 2020. Monthly payments are deferred for 90 days from the start of the finance contract, and the term of the contract will be extended accordingly. Applicable interest charges will not accrue during the first 60 days of the contract. After 60 days applicable interest will start to accrue, and no later than 90 days from the start of the contract the purchaser will begin to repay principal and applicable interest over the scheduled term of the contract. Offer ends February 29, 2020 and is subject to change or cancellation without notice. Dealer may sell/lease for less. Dealer order or trade may be necessary. Offer available only at participating Honda dealers in BC. Offers valid on select new in-stock 2020 vehicles. Models may not be equipped as shown and are for illustration purposes only. For additional feature information, limitations and restrictions, please visit www.honda.ca/disclaimers and refer to the vehicle’s Owner’s Manual. © 2019 Honda Canada Inc. Visit Honda.ca or your Honda dealer for details.

www.theasianstar.com

Vol 19 - Issue 8

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Two generic drugs being tested in USA to beat Coronavirus US researchers, following the lead of scientists in other countries, have launched studies to see whether widely-available, lowcost generic drugs can be used to help treat the illness caused by the new coronavirus. There are currently no vaccines or treatments for the highly-contagious COVID-19 respiratory illness, so patients can only receive supportive care for now. But a 1,500-person trial, led by the University of Minnesota, began this week to see whether malaria treatment hydroxychloroquine can prevent or reduce

the severity of COVID-19. Two other trials are studying the blood pressure drug losartan as a possible treatment for the disease. The malaria drug, also being tested in China, Australia and France, was touted earlier this week by Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk, who recovered from malaria in 2000 after taking the medication. Besides having a direct antiviral effect, hydroxychloroquine suppresses the production and release of proteins involved in the inflammatory complications of several viral diseases.

Tel:604-591-5423

Curry Lounge, A Celebration of Taste & Culture

Curry Lunge owner Jatin (6th from right) with his staff.

Story on page 21

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Open Letter on COVID-19 from Andrew Wilkinson Together, we are facing an unprecedented challenge across B.C., Canada and throughout the world. The COVID-19 virus has spread from country to country and we have seen the terrible toll it has taken in China, Iran, Italy and many other countries. There have been new preventative and containment measures put in place by both the federal and provincial governments, and more are expected soon. These are unprecedented times and our government officials are doing what they can to ensure public safety, including closing Canada’s borders to all nonresidents. American citizens are currently an exception to this travel ban. However, like Health Minister Adrian Dix, my view is that all non-essential travellers from the United States should not be allowed entry to British Columbia at this time. We are facing a possibly unprecedented health crisis – our hospitals are making

rapid preparations, and health officials are redeploying staff in readiness for further cases. Our healthcare professionals and workers are doing their best, and we owe it to them and to each other to do the same. We all have an important role to play in combating COVID-19. We have to do everything that we can to stop the transmission of this virus from person to person. We all have a duty to one another, whether we are in high-risk group or not, to prevent infection and avoid spreading the virus. Those most vulnerable to COVID-19 - those with compromised immunity and senior citizens - are counting on every single one of us to do our part as a community. As we all do our part by social distancing and isolating ourselves as best as possible, we need to make sure we’re looking out for one another and checking in on those who need us most. Prolonged periods of

isolation, especially when coupled with fear of a pandemic, will increase anxiety, and stress. This will be especially true for seniors living on their own. Please make a point of in checking in with your friends, family, and neighbours during this difficult time. Without establishing physical contact, we can all make sure those around us are in a good spirits. If all of us take the time to call one of our immediate neighbours every day, we will end up in a much better place once this is over. Due to the nature of this pandemic, things are changing at a rapid pace. We have to do everything we can to “flatten the curve” of the infection so I’m again encouraging everyone to please follow the advice of our healthcare professionals and avoid sharing misinformation online. Reliable sources like the B.C. Centre for Disease Control, and the World Health Organization can be counted upon for the most accurate and up-to-date information on COVID-19. I want to assure all British Columbians that, as the Official Opposition, we are working closely and on a daily basis with Health Minister Adrian Dix and his staff in order to provide a constructive approach while we all work to fight this virus. This is a time for all elected officials to ensure that the people of this province are able to stay safe, healthy and supported during these challenging times. In these trying times, please look after yourselves, your loved ones, and your neighbours . If we help each other, practice social distancing, follow medical advice, and allow our health care system to take care of those who are ill, then together we will defeat COVID-19.

Sincerely, Andrew Wilkinson Leader of the B.C. Liberal Party

www.theasianstar.com # 202 - 8388, 128 St., Surrey, BC V3W 4G2 Ph: 604-591-5423 Fax: 604-591-8615 E-mail: editor@theasianstar.com Editor: Umendra Singh Associate Editor: Chhavi Disawar Marketing and Sales: Ravi Cheema........604-715-3847 Shamir Doshi....................604-649-7827 Harminder Kaur...............778-708-0481 Parminder Dhillon..........604-902-2858 Pre-Press: Iftikhar Ahmed Design: Avee J Waseer Contributing writers: Jag Dhatt, Akash Sablok, Kamila Singh, Jay Bains

Publication Mail Agreement No 428336012 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to Circulation Dept.

New address: # 202 - 8388, 128 St., Surrey, BC V3W 4G2 All advertising in The Asian Star is subject to the publishers’ approval and the advertiser agrees to indemnify the publishers against claims arising from publication of any advertisement submitted by the advertiser.

Saturday, March 21, 2020

“Simpson, Thomas & Associates is proud to support the CKNW Kids’ Fund. CKNW Kids’ Fund has granted millions of dollars to support hundreds of thousands of children with a variety of challenges by providing grants for essential specialized medical equipment, therapies, and programs for at-risk youth. For more information or to make a donation please visit: cknwkidsfund.com/donate or call 604 331 2711.”

Saturday, March 21, 2020 Punjab students left in the lurch as Canada seals international borders From page 1 We sought extension of the session, but the university is yet to respond. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know if he will be able to go there anytime soon. Also, a direct flight to Canada will cost us almost double the price.â&#x20AC;? Jalandharbased Umesh Dada, whose one son is in Vancouver on a student visa and another is set to leave, said the situation was dicey at the moment. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My elder son has been asked to work from home. When we asked him if he planned to return, he said going back to Canada would be a problem in that case.â&#x20AC;? About the younger

one, he said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We really do not know if we will be able to send him to SFU in Vancouver, where we have applied for September session.â&#x20AC;? Alok Makkar, whose daughter is doing BBA in a college at Toronto since 2017, too is worried. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My daughter is in a piquant situation. Though she is to appear for her final examination online in August, her student visa is set to expire on March 31. She has already applied for renewal, which she has not got so far. So, we are in a dilemma and unsure of her future.â&#x20AC;?

Full-Service Notary Public

6 < = >

, & - . / / %& . . . 0& 1 & 2 3 - 4 - & / %& 2 . &5 &3 & 0 ) 6 . 7 8 &8 6 + 4 - & 4 3 . 4&- )

$ 6 96

6 : 6 ;

! "

%& ' ( ) * ( +) ( ) * ( +)

Saturday, March 21, 2020

CARETEL MEDICAL NOW OPEN in

SURREY

Dedicate yourself to a higher quality of life!

After serving community for the past 7 years in the old location, we have MOVED to a new Location with a Modern Clinic

ipCly s`q swlW qoN purwxI lokS y n qoN kimaUintI dI syvw krn ipCoN hux AsIN nvIN Aqy AwDuink shUlqW vwly klIink ivc iSPt kr gey hW We have an experienced team of Family Physicians available every weekday. Our doctors have access to specialized facilities. Our doctors work closely with leading consultants too.

Dr. Samina Hamid Dr. Hamid Shabbir

Call for Appointments

604 547 2623

Looking forward to continued serving the community.

Unit 102 - 8488, 160 Street, Surrey, BC (Near Fraser Highway)

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Are we actually flattening the curve? How Canada compares to countries around the world For countries scrambling to contain COVID-19, the challenge is to slow the disease down so there aren’t more cases than

their health systems can handle. Here’s why that matters, and how governments are faring

For anyone who has ever wondered why math is such a big deal, the coming weeks are about to offer a memorable lesson. Put aside the microbiology, the biochemistry and the genetics. At a practical level, how the coronavirus pandemic is being experienced by different countries and how it’s likely to unfold in Canada comes down to the slope of a curve. As events this week made clear, the feasibility of containing the outbreak within China and a few regional hot spots is over. While officials at the World Health Organization stress that containment measures – such as contact tracing and isolation of infected individuals – remain critically important, the question now for places where the virus is still ramping up is how to blunt the impact of the approaching wave. It’s called “flattening the curve,” a term popularized this week by Anthony Fauci, head of the U.S. National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Disease. Instead of exclusively

focusing on preventing infections, like plugging holes in a dike, authorities are shifting to a strategy of delay. Their objective is to keep the rate of new cases – especially serious ones – from rising too steeply, so that the epidemic doesn’t completely overwhelm finite resources and force hard choices about who should be prioritized for care. “Our message to countries continues to be: you must take a comprehensive approach,“ said World Health Organization director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Friday. “Even if you cannot stop transmission, you can slow it down and save lives.” What can I do to stay safe from COVID-19? Some of that is almost certainly about demographics. For example, Italy, with its aging population, has suffered a fatality rate of around 6 per cent – far higher than most other countries. But another big factor is whether governments are getting ahead of the pandemic. The difference between what happened in Wuhan province, where local officials initially refused to acknowledge the threat, and the rest of China, where there was time to react, is a case in point. As the virus goes global, the trajectory of the pandemic will also depend on the degree to which communities and individuals will get on board with health measures that most of us have never seen at a population-wide scale. Here, the math is unforgiving. Because this coronavirus is a newcomer to our species, virtually no one has immunity, though many will experience it as a relatively mild illness. Studies based on the initial outbreak and isolated pockets, such as the Diamond Princess cruise ship, show that each case of COVID-19 can spawn, on average, an additional two to 2.5 cases. But that’s a statistical measure influenced by a host of variables. Epidemiology suggests that many who are infected won’t pass the virus on to anyone, while a few will spread it widely based on physiology and social context. In practice, this is why the fraction of people who will ultimately be infected is so hard to predict. But whether that fraction ultimately turns out to be one-third or two-thirds or something else is not the most important number right now. What matters now is how fast the cases occur and what countries are doing to stretch out the pandemic’s rise so that it becomes an extended but manageable incline, and not a looming spire of disease. Where ‘the curve’ is around the world The charts below show the number of confirmed and recovered cases by country, as measured by national health authorities and compiled by the Center for Systems Science at Johns Hopkins University. If a country’s first case is within the time period shown, it is marked with a dotted line and the date. Pay close attention to the vertical axis on each chart: the number of cases varies dramatically from country to country, so not all charts are on the same scale. China, specifically the city of Wuhan, is where COVID-19 originated last December. Local authorities in Hubei province at first played down reports of the virus, but by late January, as more cases were reported in China and overseas, authorities put Wuhan and other nearby cities under travel lockdowns and delayed the Lunar New Year holiday to slow down travel nationwide. Work-from-home policies and an aggressive public-health response brought China’s curve to the flat plateau shown below: still a higher number of infections than anywhere else, but fewer new ones as time goes on.

Saturday, March 21, 2020

TransLink announces free buses & rear-door boarding to support social distancing during COVID-19 In an effort to allow for proper social distancing in the time of COVID-19, TransLink is bringing in rear-door boarding on all its buses and making them free. The new policy will go into effect Friday, March 20. Buses are not equipped to collect cash at rear doors and some also don’t have Compass Card readers at the back. “It’s a big step and it will have a significant financial impact for TransLink but we do need to take this step to protect our Coast Mountain Bus drivers,” said TransLink spokesman Ben Murphy. How transit users can stay healthy during the coronavirus outbreak Regular fare collection still applies on other TransLink vehicles like SkyTrain and SeaBus. Customers requiring

mobility assistance can continue to use the front doors if needed. Murphy said ridership has plummeted 52 per cent compared to the same time last year. The upside is that social distancing is now possible on transit. Truths and myths: What can and can’t protect you against COVID-19 “What we’re seeing on board is that people are spreading out and giving space,” he said. TransLink has also announced that customers will not be able to use seats closest to operators on certain buses and on SeaBus vessels. The company says it has ramped up cleaning and disinfecting of all modes of transit and stations.

Vancouver real estate board tells Realtors to cancel open houses amid COVID-19 The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver is advising its members to stop hosting open houses to help limit the spread of COVID-19. The board issued a media release Thursday encouraging its 14,000 Realtor members to follow government recommendations on social distancing. Earlier this week, the board also removed the rule requiring that properties listed on MLS be made available for showings. “Realtors want to do their part to help prevent the spread of illness in our communities and to meet the housing needs of residents in a responsible way,” said board president Ashley Smith in the media release. “We’ve heard from some in the community who are unhappy that their Realtors are not holding open houses. To those people,

we ask for your understanding given the public health crisis we all face today.” The board says anyone who has recently travelled abroad or is unwell should not view a property and should stay home. It suggests alternatives to maintain social distancing to slow the spread of the disease, including virtual showings, limiting the number of people viewing a property, regular hand sanitizing, and avoiding touching doorknobs and other surfaces. We won’t know if social isolation is working for weeks, months: Tam The Real Estate Council of B.C., a regulatory agency established by the provincial government, advises anyone looking to buy or sell a home to discuss concerns around COVID-19 with a real estate professional.

NRIs can’t leave From page 1 “As many as 15 persons from my family are at our native home in Nawanshahr. We were to return on March 2 but we cancelled our flights as everyone advised us to take precaution. Everyone’s work is getting affected, but we have no choice. We will leave only after the virus threat subsides.” Kulwant Singh Mahal and wife Bhagwinder Kaur, who are currently at their native Kot Fatuhi village of Mahilpur (Hoshiarpur) and were to go back to Milpitas city in California, have deferred their plans to return. “We will now go only after the Covid-19 threat goes off.” Now that they are stuck here, NRIs are staying away from crowded places and gatherings in Punjab too. Most elderly NRIs have especially chosen to put off their travel for a longer period because they have been warned that aged people with a chronic history of diabetes, heart problems, high BP and compromised immunity are more prone to the infection. They are also sceptical about quarantine policies upon arrival, which could lead to their isolation and confinement for 14 days at hospitals. There are monetary issues involved as well, as some of them have got refunds from airlines upon cancellation but many have been denied. Also, all direct flights have become very expensive. Several international conferences are being postponed. Prof Lakhwinder Pal Singh from Dr BR Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, said he had

been invited to Dubai for a conference where he was to receive an award, besides presenting a paper and chairing a session. But he received a communication that the conference had been cancelled and it would now be held on virtual mode. “They sent me the award by mail asking me to send soft copies of Power Point presentations which would be shown in an e-conference.” Another professor from the same institute who was to go to Bangkok for a conference on chemical engineering too received a cancellation notice. Director, Public Relations from Lovely Professional University, Aman Mittal said he cancelled his Europe trip last week. For tourism and airlines companies, there has been a complete slump. Amir Hussain, director of sales and marketing, Dream Fly Vacation, said, “Our business has fallen badly with most customers either cancelling or postponing their travel plans. Our company was taking two big corporate trips — one of 195 persons to Dubai and another of 90 members to Sri Lanka. Both have been cancelled. We had made advance payments for hotel bookings and cannot refund the money. Even though April, May and June are peak travel months, there are no fresh queries for advance bookings. People are on a wait-and-watch mode.” Trade affected, prices up

LOCAL

LOCAL / NATIONAL

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Irregular migrants to be turned away at Canadian borders with Canada’s values.” Those who have already crossed into Canadian territory in recent days will be allowed to stay, but are in isolation, said Trudeau. He added that the announcement on Friday is a “temporary” measure that’s required in this unprecedented time.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says irregular migrants will be turned back to the United

States when they reach the Canadian border. In his remarks on Friday, Trudeau said the new policy is part of an agreement with the U.S. that addresses concerns about the difficulty of screening refugee claimants for COVID-19 when they arrive. “We will now be returning irregular migrants who attempt to cross anywhere at the Canada-U.S. border,” Trudeau

Canada and the U.S. have also reached a mutual arrangement to shut down all non-essential travel between the two countries in an effort to mitigate the spread of the virus. He said the closure will commence at midnight, Friday.

Number of EI applicants growing amid COVID-19 Canadians have been trying to come said, speaking to reporters outside of Rideau cottage in Ottawa, where he is self-isolating. “We’re making sure that this behaviour and the process is aligned

to grips with a surreal new norm over the past week as the pandemic increasingly encroaches on every-day life. Businesses, schools and previously routine activities have been shutting down en masse as a growing number of people are forced into self-isolation or urged to practice social distancing to help “flatten the curve.” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Service Canada and other government agencies have seen an exponential surge of calls for help in recent weeks, noting the government some logged 500,000 applications for employment insurance this past week, compared to 27,000 during the same period a year ago.

The latest numbers of confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases in Canada as of 3 p.m. on March 20, 2020: There are 943 confirmed and presumptive cases in Canada. Ontario: 308 confirmed (including 2 deaths, 5 resolved) BC: 271 confirmed (including 8 deaths, 5 resolved) Alberta: 146 confirmed (including 1 death) Quebec: 139 confirmed (including 1 death, 1 resolved) askatchewan: 8 confirmed, 12 presumptive Manitoba: 9 confirmed, 8 presumptiv Nova Scotia: 5 confirmed, 10 presumptive New Brunswick: 2 confirmed, 9 presumptiveNewfoundland and Labrador: 3 confirmed, 1 presumptive PEI: 2 confirmed The Territories: No confirmed case.

NRIs can’t leave From page 9 Traders who had been importing material from China are looking for other possible sources. Amit Sehgal, president of the Phagwara Gate Electrical Goods Market Association, said, “Some dealers would earlier go to China to buy new stuff but no one is now even thinking of travelling. Supplies

from China have been curtailed. There is a spurt in the prices of electrical items as a result. The prices of LED bulbs have already shot up by 10 per cent. The prices of spare parts like pumps used in coolers and fan bearings have gone up by 20-25 per cent.”

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Khalsa Business Centre

128th Street, 84th Ave., Surrey, BC

LOCAL / NATIONAL

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Gas prices plunge in Metro Vancouver & Fraser Valley Gas prices in parts of Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley have dropped below $1 per litre as oil prices continue to decline due to global price wars and lower demand from consumers. Drivers in Richmond reported prices dropping to 99.9 cents per litre for regular grade gasoline on Wednesday night, while the price aggregator website gasbuddy is reporting many gas stations in Abbotsford with prices below $1, including 94.9 cents a litre at one station on Thursday. On Thursday night several gas stations in Vancouver dropped prices to 99.9 cents per litre. Petroleum analyst Roger McKnight says the decline is a result of oil price wars and reduced demand from consumers as more people stay indoors due to COVID-19. “It’s something that is out of the control of oil producers or governments at this point in time. It’s trying to hit a ball that you can’t see,” said McKnight, who is the chief petroleum analyst with En-Pro International Inc. “It’s an absolute flood of oil, actually it’s going to get to a point where there’s nowhere to put it.” These double digit prices are a far cry

from 2019 when prices peaked around $1.70 per litre and prompted Premier John Horgan to order an inquiry. Lower prices at the pump are tied to the continuing decline of oil prices, which are, in part, a result of an oil price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia. This week the price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the benchmark for a barrel of oil in North America, fell below $30 US. McKnight says traditionally for every $1 drop in oil prices, consumers will see 60 cents of savings at the pump, but lately the cost of gasoline has been falling much faster than the price of crude oil. “Anyone selling for less than a dollar in British Columbia is actually just losing money hand over fist,” said McKnight. And even though gas prices continue to fall across the country, McKnight says the sub-dollar prices aren’t likely to last long. “If it goes on for another month, I’d be astounded. If it goes on for another month, you might as well shut down the oil business in North America.”

Fraser Health warns of COVID-19 case at Burnaby school Fraser Health is out with a warning about potential contact with a case of COVID-19 at a Burnaby school. The warning says anyone who was at Windsor Elementary School on March 5, 6, 9, and 10 is being told of the confirmed case “out of an abundance of caution.” No information about the patient is being released due to privacy, and

the health authority is stressing there is no cause for concern in people who are not experiencing symptoms. “COVID -19 is spread between people by droplets, which requires close contact with saliva or mucus from the mouth, nose or throat of an infected person. Most people will experience mild illness,” the letter reads. “We are notifying you and asking that you: monitor your health for fever, cough, or

Vancity bank announces 6-month mortgage & loan deferrals during pandemic In an effort to lessen the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Vancity credit union has introduced a 6-month payment deferral program for its members, covering mortgages and other loans. Additionally, the financial institution has vowed to support its members by waiving INTERAC and ATM fees until April 30, providing emergency working capital, and buying back foreign currency at the rate it was sold to reduce the impact of travel disruptions. “For over 74 years, Vancity has been an organization that exists to serve our members,” said CEO Tamara Vrooman, in a prepared statement. “Today that focus remains unchanged and we’ll do everything we can to help our members get through this very difficult time. Many people and businesses will be directly affected by this pandemic, and we’re here to support them.” Vancity members, both Individual and

business, who are interested in loan deferrals are encouraged to contact the credit union directly, and each case will be assessed individually. “We will work with you to identify what supports you need,” Vrooman continued, “including options such as

emergency working capital and mortgage payment flexibility. Vancity will continue to find more solutions during this challenging time as the situation evolves.” Vancity, with $28.2 billion in assets, 543,000 members, and 60 branches in B.C., is Canada’s largest community credit union.

RCMP say COVID-19 no excuse for expired auto insurance, drivers licences ICBC is moving transactions like auto insurance renewals online and over the phone as a way to avoid in-person contact during the spread of COVID-19. Even though auto insurance services are no longer open at many ICBC offices, driving uninsured won’t fly. “There is no reason [or] excuse people cannot renew their insurance,” said Cpl. Mike Halskov, with BC RCMP Traffic Services. “If one fails to renew their insurance when due and continues to drive or is involved in a collision, they are subject to a violation ticket

or, in the event of a crash, may not be insured.” ICBC says to call an Autoplan broker to renew insurance, change a policy or other service. Drivers should give themselves extra time, as transactions may take longer than usual. After insuring a vehicle, usually the driver is given an update decal to stick on their license with the new expiry date. Those will either be mailed out or can be picked up from an open office, a spokesperson with ICBC said. Drivers pulled over for having an expired decal will need to show proof of valid insurance regardless of their sticker.

LOCAL

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Federal gov’t announces mortgage, loan deferral as part of COVID-19 Economic relief Government of Canada announced a number of measures to provide economic relief to citizens and businesses over the following month as all sectors continue to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some highlights from the measures announced by Finance Minister Colm Imbert at Wednesday’s Post Cabinet media briefing: 1. The reserve requirement for banks has been lowered from 17 percent to 14 percent. This is expected to result in reduced interest rates at commercial banks. 2. The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago

(CBTT) has reduced the repo rate (lending rate) from 5 percent to 3.5 percent. This is expected to result in prime lending rates of banks being reduced from 9.25 percent to 6 percent. 3. “Skip a payment.” Following discussions with commercial banks, all customers will have the opportunity to defer loans and mortgages for one month, in the first instance. The Finance Minister indicated that penalties on non-payments will be waived during this period of uncertainty. 4. Interest rates on credit cards will be reduced to 10 percentage points.

5. Banks have been asked to consider increasing limits on credit cards so that cardholders can use the cards to get cash. 6. Credit unions will be asked to reduce rates for loans to around 6 percent. 7. MoneylendersIslandFinanceandUnicomer will also be approached on reduced interest rates. The current interest rate is 24 percent. 8. Trinidad and Tobago Mortgage Finance (TTMF) and the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) will be asked to implement a moratorium on the payment of loans and mortgages, similar to the

arrangements with the commercial banks. 9. Government will provide funding for the National Entrepreneurship Development Company (NEDCO) to support loans to clients. 10. Government has asked the various Chambers of Commerce and the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturing Association (TTMA) to ensure job preservation during this time. 11. Government will accelerate payments of arrears to businesses in the form of VAT refunds. 12. Government will increase the allocation of foreign exchange in the system through the Exim Bank, to prioritise the provision of food, pharmaceuticals and other essential items.

COVID-19: Provincial health officer says enforcement underway to prevent spread Dr. Bonnie Henry wants to make it clear that British Columbians must do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19 at places where people gather or, potentially, face a visit from police. “I can’t say it enough — this is not optional,” the provincial health officer said at her daily news conference with Health Minister Adrian Dix on Thursday. “This is for everybody and we do have the legal authorities to enforce it. I am calling on people’s civic duty right now to do this, and it is in your best interest to take these measures as well.” COVID-19: Provincial health officer says enforcement underway to prevent spread Henry said businesses that cannot adopt orders she made earlier this week must shut down immediately and tap into supports available to them. But she said it is safe for people to go outside to get fresh air, walk pets, ride a bike or exercise, so

long as they maintain social distance from others. On Tuesday, Henry declared a public health emergency, giving her the power to authorize health officers to perform their duties outside of their home health regions, and to require police to enforce her orders. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Her first orders included banning public gatherings of 50 people or more, and closing bars, pubs and night clubs. She also ordered restaurants that can’t ensure social distancing of one to two metres between customers to switch to takeout and delivery only. At the same time, she offered a reminder — not an order — for people to practise hand hygiene, maintain social or physical distancing and stay at home if they are

Federal govt finalizing plan to boost production of pandemic supplies The federal government is finalizing a plan to boost production of ventilators and other medical equipment to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Senior government sources tell CBC News they’re hoping to work with existing manufacturers — especially of gloves, masks and ventilators — on a supply chain that’s resistant to disruption. An announcement is expected from the prime minister on Friday, which will also encourage other industries to retool their production lines to make those products. In addition, sources say, almost every program within the Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development will be “refocused” on fighting the virus. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not permitted to speak publicly. Major federal programs — such as the Strategic Innovation Fund, a pool of money set aside by Ottawa in 2017 to “spur innovation for a better Canada”; and the $950-million

Innovation Superclusters Initiative — will be “tasked to be part of the solution,” one source said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau does not rule anything out when it comes to ensuring Canadians have access to enough medical equipment, including using military procurement as a possible option. 0:47 The National Research Council of Canada, the country’s primary research and development organization, will also be part of the response. The goal, the source said, is “to fight COVID and help come up with a cure.” Ventilators in particular, could spell the difference between life and death for many patients with COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus which can damage the lungs. Canada’s chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam has said that while there is no current shortage of ventilators, federal officials are trying to prevent one by managing existing inventories and securing more of the machines — preparing for the possibility that the COVID-19 caseload could start overwhelming hospitals.

sick or at high risk for serious illness. Henry said on Thursday that public health inspectors have already been issuing orders and enforcing them, but most business operators and event organizers have already complied. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. “It is on a case-by-case basis, it is being enforced,” she said. “We’ve been taking an

approach to advise people to start. But we do have the ability — and we’ve been working with our policing services around the province — that we can enforce these orders along with the support from the policing services, if need be.” The B.C. Public Health Act gives health officials a legal means to “prevent the transmission of an infectious agent,” such as a virus.

Mayor McCallum says Surrey-run daycares, day camps will be shut down Mayor Doug McCallum has announced that starting Monday (March 23), all city-run day camps and daycares will be shut down to the public. He said the day camps and daycares will be shut down to the public “in order to prioritize space for (children of) health workers, first responders and essential service workers.” That includes two daycares located at city hall and Kensington Prairie Community Centre and 56 spring break day camps. This follows the city shutting down its recreation facilities as of March 16. “While

our recreation facilities are closed during this time, we have begun to put up videos of classes that you can do at home,” said McCallum, adding that the videos launched Wednesday. He said the city will continue to add resources from Surrey’s libraries, museums and galleries. In the meantime, McCallum urged residents to continue to enjoy Surrey’s outdoor spaces, including parks, playgrounds and beaches. “Get out in the fresh air, but do so by being mindful of social distancing,” said McCallum.

LOCAL

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Via rail reducing service amid COVID-19 pandemic Via Rail has announced it is halting some routes, as well as extending some previous cancellations, in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Three routes — Montreal to Halifax (the Ocean), Toronto to Vancouver (the Canadian), and the Jasper-Prince GeorgePrince Rupert line — will all be suspended until May 1. The routes were previously suspended, but the rail service announced

Thursday that the cancellations are being extended for more than another month. Meanwhile, regional service between Montreal-Senneterre and MontrealJonquière in Quebec, and Sudbury-White River in northern Ontario will be reduced to one round trip per week, starting March 23. The full list of service reductions can be found on Via’s website.

Langley family claims sick son was denied COVID-19 testing A Langley family believes that their son should be tested for COVID-19 is sharing his concerns about the province’s testing system. Doug Craig says his 12-yearold son, Martin, began showing symptoms of the virus on Sunday. “He started with a cough and then late Sunday night he came down with a fever,” the Langley, B.C., father told CTV News Wednesday. He called 811 the next morning, but the line was busy, so he got in touch with their family doctor who then referred Doug and Martin to the Langley testing centre. “They said they faxed over a form and that we should wait for a call back from the facility,” Doug said. When he didn’t hear back on Tuesday, he called to follow up. “I phoned our doctor’s office again and they said ‘No, just wait for the call.’” Less than an hour later, the office called him back. “They said, ‘No, the testing has changed again.’ Unless you’re sick enough to be hospitalized they’re not doing the testing,” Martin’s father said. Think you might have the novel coronavirus? Here’s what you should know about testing in B.C.

On Wednesday, the boy was still exhibiting symptoms and is now self-isolating at home. If he exhibits issues breathing, his family plans to seek more medical help. Doug and his 14-year-old daughter are not exhibiting symptoms, but were told that isolating would be up to their discretion. “It left us with some concerns about the numbers the province has about those testing positive. If they’re only testing people that are ill enough to be hospitalized, then my suspicion is the numbers are going to be much greater,” said Doug. He says Martin’s illness has also created a lot of uncertainty for friends and family. “Trying to flatten the curve, I think it would be helpful for us to know if he has it, so we know as a family how to best address our own needs and precautions around social distancing.” The family hasn’t travelled recently, but the 12-year-old did attend basketball tournaments prior to getting sick. The entire family plans on staying at home while the situation is sorted out. Doug says the information provided from health officials about testing is confusing. He’s followed all of the guidelines put in place by the province, including its new self-assessment online tool, but he

BC declared state of emergency amid COVID-19 BC govt declared provincial state of emergency in response to the global Coronavirus pandemic. The declaration gives the government sweeping powers to seize land or personal property, remove or restrict people from anywhere in the province and control the price of food, fuel and clothing. The emergency declaration, announced Wednesday by Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth, is in effect for 14 days, but may be extended or cancelled at any time. The move isn’t without recent precedent. Provincial states of emergency were declared in 2017 and 2018 to deal with summer wildfires, with the 2017 declaration remaining in place for 10 weeks. Under B.C.’s Emergency Program Act, the province can take any or all actions to alleviate the effects

of the emergency, including: acquire or use any land or personal property considered necessary to prevent, respond to or alleviate the effects of an emergency or disaster; authorize or require any person to render assistance of a type that the person is qualified to provide or that otherwise is or may be required to prevent, respond to or alleviate the effects of an emergency or disaster; control or prohibit travel to or from any area of British Columbia; cause the evacuation of persons and the removal of livestock, animals and personal property from any area of British Columbia; authorize the entry into any building or on any land, without warrant, by any person; cause the demolition or removal of any trees, structures or crops; construct works considered necessary or appropriate.

Ottawa eyes credit options to help hard-hit smaller businesses The federal government is developing additional lines of support for Canada’s small and medium businesses, a sector hit hard and swiftly by the economic shutdown triggered by the coronavirus pandemic. The measures, which are expected to include additional credit facilities for cash-strapped businesses, are in addition to the emergency stimulus package announced this week – which fell short of some economists’ and business’s expectations. A source familiar with the discussions said the government is exploring ways to work with the country’s financial institutions to provide a range of financing options, including working capital and lines of credit, to help see companies through the upcoming months of crisis. The source, who was not authorized to speak about the discussions publicly, said Canada is expected to follow other economies such as Germany, Britain and the United

States that have moved quickly to backstop their small-business sectors, which also face decimation as their economies effectively shut down in an attempt to contain the pandemic. The Big Six banks have already begun to announce measures on their own to support SMBs, including deferring mortgage and loan payments. In addition, the Business Development Bank of Canada said it would offer workingcapital loans of up to $2-million with flexible repayment terms to hard-hit businesses, as part of a $10-billion bump to the Business Credit Availability Program announced by Ottawa. A spokesman for Finance Minister Bill Morneau did not comment on the discussions but referred The Globe to the package announced Tuesday and said the government was prepared to do more.

Help wanted: Surrey Police Board executive director, members Want to be the executive director to the Surrey Police Board? There’s a job posting for this position on linkedin.com, from the City of Surrey. The board will be responsible for “setting the direction and strategic priorities” of the Surrey Police Department, to replace the Surrey RCMP. “The executive director is s senior professional who represents the board in a discreet manner to a variety of stakeholders in a complex environment,” the posting states. The successful applicant will have a bachelor’s degree in business, public administration or a related field and at least five years of related expereince as an executive director or secretary to a board, with “related knowledge of the Police Act and Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The closing date for the posting is March 26. The linkedin.com website at Thursday said it was posted one week ago and already had 35 applicants. Meantime, a press statement from Assistant Commissioner Brian Edwards, officer in charge of the Surrey RCMP, indicates that during the pandemic the detachment is “taking proactive” steps to make sure “that the safety of Surrey residents will not be compromised, should illness occur within our detachment.”

LOCAL

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Canada opens door to some unregulated sanitizers & health products to fight Coronavirus Health Canada says it will be expediting access to products that “may not fully meet” regulatory requirements, such as hand sanitizer and disinfectants, in its bid to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus. A statement sent on Wednesday night said that the move was made as an temporary

measure to keep up with the “unprecedented demand and urgent need for products that can help limit the spread of COVID-19.” The products are mainly going to include sanitizers, disinfectants and personal protective equipment like masks and gowns, as well as swabs. According to the statement, the only

Canada has tested more than 50,000 people for Covid-19 Across Canada, provincial health authorities have limited access to coronavirus tests to conserve resources, even as the World Health Organization calls on nations to expand testing to slow the spread of the disease. Several provinces, including Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia, are instructing people with mild symptoms of Covid-19 to self-isolate rather than seek testing, partly to guard against shortages. But on Wednesday, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged countries to “isolate, test, treat and trace.” “If they don’t, transmission chains can continue at a low level, then resurge once physical distancing measures are lifted,”

he told reporters. In Ottawa on Wednesday, chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam once again stressed the need to flatten the curve of the virus’ spread, pointing to a “sharp rise in cases” during the past week. “This is a signal there is some degree of community spread,” she said. “Our time to act is now.” As of Wednesday evening, Canada had recorded nearly 730 confirmed and presumptive cases of Covid-19 and nine deaths, including a first death reported in Quebec earlier that day. Though the numbers are clearly increasing, health experts say it’s hard to know how many cases there actually are in Canada, since not everyone with symptoms is being

BC prepared to ‘test, test, test every suspected case’ of COVID-19 As the World Health Organization directs countries to “test, test, test every suspected case” of the novel coronavirus, B.C. will continue to upkeep its supply, the province says. Slightly more than 6,300 people have been swabbed for the disease in B.C., as of March 13, and more than 34,000 people have been tested nationwide. So far, 186 British Columbians have tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Seven of those people have died, with six of those

deaths linked to an outbreak at the Lynn Valley Care Home in North Vancouver and another man, in his 80s, from the Fraser Health region. Six people have recovered. Health Minister Adrian Dix said during a daily health briefing on Tuesday, March 17, that the province has received a new shipment of COVID-19 swabs used to test for the virus, as well as more masks to protect health care workers on the front lines.

BC patients wait to see if long-awaited surgeries will be cancelled amid coronavirus measures Surrey, B.C., resident Jasmine Garcha has been waiting nine months for an elective surgery. But now, with just days to go before the scheduled surgery date, she’s waiting to see if it’s cancelled as B.C. tries to free up beds for COVID-19 patients. On Monday, she learned that all hospitals in the province are being directed to postpone non-urgent scheduled surgeries, including everything from colonoscopies to hip replacements. “I think it’s the right decision for the healthcare system to make, given the outbreak. It’s obviously frustrating,” Garcha told CBC. She’s now waiting for more clarity from her doctor on what will happen with her surgery. “The people whose appointments have been rescheduled, are they now pushed to the bottom of the waiting list?” Garcha asked. Stay informed by joining our CBC Vancouver Facebook group on coronavirus. Health Minister Adrian Dix said B.C. hospitals are now entering the second phase of outbreak response, accepting only urgent and emergency cases to their operating rooms. At North Vancouver’s Lions Gate Hospital, which has been the centre of a COVID-19 outbreak, only emergency patients will be accepted. Dix told reporters that the plan will be put in place over the next few days, resulting in the cancellations of thousands of scheduled surgeries. ‘This is new territory’ Private clinics are also cutting back. At Cambie Surgery Centre in Vancouver, CEO and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Brian Day says surgeries are being cancelled throughout the week to keep patients safe.

“We’ve cancelled all but what we would call urgent surgeries, which would be patients with potential cancers,” Day said. He said he’s not ruling out the possibility of even more cancellations.

regulatory differences in the products would be that they may not meet the packaging, labelling or bilingual requirements of items that are sold Canada-wide. 16:50 Answering your latest questions about coronavirus: March 17

Answering your latest questions about coronavirus: March 17 Products that are not authorized for sale in Canada, but are authorized or registered in “jurisdictions with similar regulatory frameworks and quality assurances,” will also be part of items whose access will be expedited.

Saturday, March 21, 2020

City of Vancouver unanimously passed state of emergency The City of Vancouver has formally declared a state of emergency, giving it expanded powers it hopes will allow it to deal with the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 outbreak. “It’s very surreal to me, the time’s that we’re in,” said Coun. Melissa De Genova, who spoke to the unanimous support for the motion at a special virtual council meeting Thursday. The city passed the emergency declaration through the Vancouver Charter and has asked the province for the following powers: Acquiring or using land or personal property to prevent, respond to or alleviate the effects of the emergency. Buying on a first-priority basis any clothing, equipment, medical supplies or other essential supplies. Restricting the use or occupancy of any premises within the City of Vancouver. City manager Sadhu Johnston said the powers requested would give city staff the flexibility and resources needed, but that more powers could be requested in the future. “This is not to be intended to be used on a broad scale … what this allows us to do is restrict certain activities in businesses as deemed appropriate,” he said. B.C. Supreme Court suspends operations as focus switches to ‘urgent matters’ including COVID-19 orders “This is a proactive step. It’s very important

that people continue to heed the guidance … and pursue the social distancing and the other measures they’re outlining.” v Aside from Stewart, all members of council attended the emergency meeting from home.No word on eviction ban or business help Mayor Kennedy Stewart said examples of measures the city could take under an emergency included closing restaurants not obeying orders around social distancing, or taking over parts of facilities to help ensure homeless people can self-isolate. But he said that the city would be looking to the province on measures to freeze evictions during the COVID-19 outbreak. “We believe the better jurisdiction is the province,” said Johnston. “I know many people are asking that. We are looking at our own charter authority, and whether that’s something we can pursue. At this point, we’re not recommending

to do that … but it’s something we’re looking to see whether we can do.” Several councillors said if the city should attempt to move on the issue if the province failed to act quickly. “We desperately need eviction protection,” said Jean Swanson. “If Doug Ford can do it, I don’t see why John Horgan can’t.” Ontario puts brakes on new eviction orders, postpones ones in the works because of COVID-19 There were also questions about what measures the city could take to help small businesses, but staff said much of that would come from the federal government’s $82 billion economic aid package. “We recognize the business community is obviously strained,” said Johnston. “Our focus as organization right now is to maintain our essential services. To

make sure that when you turn on a tap, water comes out … that when there’s a fire, there are firefighters to fight it.” Delta and New Westminster have also declared local states of emergency. Earlier this week, virtually every municipality in B.C. closed community centres for the indefinite future, and in recent days, some municipalities have begun closing their city halls — though the largest ones in Metro Vancouver remain open. Vancouver’s Evelyne Saller, Carnegie and Gathering Place community centres remain open for essential services. Also, the City of Surrey announced on Thursday it would be shutting down day camps and daycares in city facilities to the general public effective next Monday, though the daycares will remain open to families of first responders. But Mayor Doug McCallum said regular city hall services would remain open, and encouraged people to go outside. “Continue enjoying outdoor spaces, including our parks, playgrounds and beaches,” he said. “Get out in the fresh air, but do so by being mindful of social distancing.”

Help identify this sexual assault suspect Surrey RCMP is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a sexual assault suspect from an incident in the Guildford area. On December 13, 2019, police responded to a report of an attempted sexual assault outside of Guildford Library, during which a man attempted to give an unsolicited kiss to a woman. The victim was not harmed during the incident. Investigators have now been provided CCTV footage of the suspect and are

looking to identify the man. The suspect is described as a 35-40 year-old Caucasian man, slim build, and 5’8”-5’10” tall. He was last seen wearing a red/green toque and a grey jacket with yellow stripes down the sleeves. Investigators believe that this man may be homeless (see attached photo). Anyone with information is asked to contact Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502, or, if you wish to make an anonymous report, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.solvecrime.ca.

Canada, USA to close border to nonessential travel Canada and the United States will announce a deal to partially close the border on Wednesday, while allowing trade and commerce to continue, sources say. To stem the spread of COVID-19, the two countries are finalizing a deal to close the border to non-essential travel. An official said the two countries are in advanced talks but are still working out the details, including what the definition of non-essential travelers will be. Generally speaking, the official defined nonessential travel as tourism and cross-border shoppers. The federal government has stressed that border closures will not affect Canadians and permanent residents returning to the country. On Monday, Canada announced it was closing the border to non-citizens with the exception of permanent residents and Americans among a few other exemptions. At the time Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the exception for Americans was done because of the particular relationship Canada has with the U.S.

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Fitness freak Katrina of functional training, pilates and cardio, which are boosted by exercises using TRX, Bosu, Power plate, Kettlebells, Medicine and

added functional training and pilates to her routine,” says Yasmin. Katrina does a lot of pilates as this really works on your core - the inner most muscles closest to the spine which really fine tune the entire body structure. Today, Katrina’s routine consists

Swiss Balls. The duration of the workouts rests squarely on the final result, and varies from 1 to 3 hours a day, seven days a week, reveals Yasmin. Meanwhile, Arjun Kapoor will be watching movies at home. The actor shared a selfie on his Instagram stories and wrote, “That blue-ray cabinet is gonna be a life saver these next 2 weeks.” He also shared a picture of his house with a script, and a hand sanitiser kept in front of him.

Traditional Massage for Your Health Health

Many Bollywood celebrities are staying homes amid Coronavirus lockdown giving ideas to their fans about how to make the best use of their time at home. As Mumbai saw movie theatres & gyms shutting down as precautionary measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Bollywoodstar Katrina Kaif shared series of her workouts on Instagram for the fans. Kat & her trainer Yasmin are seen performing various exercises on a terrace in video. Sharing her entire exercise regime, which she will be practising during her self-qurantine period, she wrote, “#WorkoutatHome Can’t go to the gym so sharing the workout that Yas and I did at home. Stay safe and be active if u can. Talking about Katrina’s fitness routine, Yasmin had earlier said in an interview that, “Katrina is very hardworking and fitness is really important for her. No matter how packed her day is, she finds that one hour for workout. Even if she has to do it between meetings or shoots, she takes out that one hour and focuses on fitness to a great extent.” Katrina’s Ultimate Workout: No Shortcuts “When I met her, she only used to do yoga and weight training, I

B i Feet, F Over 20 Stores thoughout BC Big assa

ge b e

ep g a s s dsθ180 m a assage chairsθover 300 m

one i t i t rac

Reflexology

Acupressure

Acupuncture

$38 / 50 mins +GST

$43 / 50 mins +GST

See Price in Store

102-7655 Edmonds St. Burnaby Tel: 604-544-6777

10% OFF

1470 Johnston Road White Rock, Tel: 778-291-3555

When you buy VIP Pre-paid package

5258 Imperial St. Burnaby Tel: 604-998-8711

20483 Fraser HWY 2 Langley Tel: 604-427-3382 T

5-3229 5-32298 South Fraser Way Abbotsford Te Tel: 604-744-8898

110-8240 Lansdowne Rd. Richmond Tel: 604-303-0665

1300-8888 Odlin Cr Richmond Tel: 778-297-8788

Suite 1118 7318 137 St. Surrey Tel: 604-503-5288

105-15155 101 Ave. Surrey Tel: 604-497-0888

19-46030 Yale Rd West Chilliwack Tel: 604-392-7270

Bollywood Malaika Arora about ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’

Dancing diva Malaika Arora shot to fame with the song Chaiyya Chaiyya back in 1998. She feels that though there is a trend of remixes these days, the AR Rahman composition is one of those numbers that simply shouldn’t be

touched.The song Chaiyya Chaiyya, sung by Sukhwinder Singh and Sapna Awasthi, for Mani Rathnam’s film Dil Se is an alltime favourite dance number of most people. Its video featured Malaika and actor Shah Rukh Khan matching steps atop a train, and continues to be popular. Malaika recently danced to the number in an episode of the new dance reality show,

India’s Best Dancer. Asked about it, Malaika told IANS: “When you play that song, you can’t help but get up and dance. It is an iconic song. When I shot the song, Geeta (Kapur) was assisting Farah (Khan) at that time. I used to study under Terence (Lewis), Geeta assisted me on that dance.

It was nice. We felt that ‘let’s just go for it’.” But there’s one thing she would like to point out about recreations. “In today’s day and age there is a constant trend of remixes. There are a few songs that I think you should never touch. They are iconic. There must be five or 10 songs over the years that you can pull out. Chaiyya Chaiyya is one of them. Don’t tamper with it, just let the original be and that’s how it should be,” she said.

Bollywood Box Office braces Corona impact Upcoming films have been indefinitely postponed owing to cinema halls being shut down in the wake of coronavirus pandemic, but the films that were already running are bearing the brunt. The Tiger Shroff-starrer “Baaghi 3” and this week’s release “Angrezi Medium,” which brings back Irrfan, are the hardest hit. “Baaghi 3,” which released in India on March 6, was doing brisk business till many states declared an emergency, directing halls to shut down. The film recorded the biggest opening of 2020 so far, raking in Rs 17.50 crore on day one. However, “Baaghi 3” is currently witnessing a slump at the box office after cinema halls were shut down in Delhi, Maharshtra, Jammu, Bihar, Orissa, Karnataka and Kerala, at the time of going to press. Meanwhile, from Ranveer Singh’s “Jayeshbhai Jordaar” to Farhan Akhtar’s “Toofaan” and Vicky Kausal-starrer “Sardar Udham Singh,” makers of several

high-profile films have rescheduled release dates of their respective movies in the wake of coronavirus outbreak. “Jayeshbhai Jordaar” is now slated to release on Oct. 2, which was the initial release date of “Toofaan.” The Farhan Akhtar boxing drama has now been scheduled for Sept. 18. Actor Vicky Kaushal took to social media and shared that his upcoming film “Sardar Udham Singh” has been pushed to Jan. 15, 2021. The film is based on the story of Udham Singh, who assassinated Michael O’ Dwyer, the former lieutenant governor of Punjab in preIndependence India, to avenge the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar in 1919. Singh was subsequently tried and convicted of murder and hanged in July 1940. The decisions come a day after the Delhi government officially announced the shutdown of all cinema halls in the Capital until March 31 due to the outbreak of coronavirus. Bihar, Orissa, Karnataka, Kerala and Jammu are other centers where cinemas have been shut down.

Saturday, March 21, 2020

SRK becomes first owner of Hyundai Creta 2020 Shah Rukh Khan raved about the 2020 Hyundai Creta when he had unveiled the SUV for the first time at Auto Expo 2020. The King of Bollywood has now become the first customer in India of the second-generation Creta with the company handing over the keys in a small ceremony. Shah Rukh Khan already has a garage-full of ultra luxury vehicles but had previously said that his fleet also includes the first-generation Creta that was launched in India back in 2015. Interestingly, he was also the first owner of a Creta in the country at the time. He had previously said he loves to drive the car and that his children also enjoy

themselves in it. Taking the opportunity, he had lavished praise on the second-generation

Creta as well. Shah Rukh Khan has been a brand ambassador for Hyundai for over two decades. “It’s an honour to be with my Hyundai family,” he said.

Alia Bhatt celebrates her birthday Alia Bhatt was spotted with elder sister Shaheen and good friend Akansha Ranjan Kapoor on her birthday on March 15, and not with rumored boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor, so a section of the media was quick to speculate all is not well between the two! Alia celebrated her special day with the girl gang and a video showing the actress cutting two birthday cakes has gone viral. Wishes poured in from friends and colleagues in the film fraternity including her mother Soni Razdan and Ranbir’s mother Neetu Singh, but there was no message from Ranbir, if a report in the website odishatv.in is to be believed. Incidentally, a day after Alia’s birthday, Natasha Poonawalla took to Instagram to share an old picture where Ranbir is seen planting a kiss on a grinning Alia’s cheek, even as Arjun Kapoor and Malaika Arora hug and kiss in the background. The picture was taken in

New York, indiatoday.in reported. Although Alia and Ranbir have neither confirmed nor denied being in a relationship, a section of the media is always over-eager to hunt for signs that attest love and/or breakup. Just the other day, many in the Bollywood media were excitedly reporting of a possible December wedding for the two stars. W h i l e Ranbir and Alia have maintained silence over all such talk, some among the mediapersons even claimed guest lists had already been drawn out for the wedding, which would reportedly happen once the Ranbir-Alia starrer “Brahmastra” released in the year end. “Brahmastra” is Ranbir’s first film with Alia, and is directed by his close friend Ayan Mukerji, who called the shots on the Ranbir Kapoor hits “Wake Up Sid” (2009) and “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani” (2013) before this. The film is touted as the first of an ambitious superhero action trilogy, and it also stars Amitabh Bachchan, Nagarjuna and Mouni Roy.

Himesh Reshammiya in ‘Namastey Rome’ His “Happy Hardy and Heer” with him in a dual role as actor, and also singercomposer, went unsung last month. As always, Himesh Reshammiya in unfazed, and is going full steam into making a sequel of his “The Xpose” and also a new television show. But his prime work now is “Namastey Rome,” in which he is actor, singer and composer again. The romance is directed by Rajesh Sethi, who had last directed a TV series in 2009 and had been assistant to Yash

Chopra. Pamela Chopra, wife of the late filmmaker, has complimented Sethi on his work and blessed him, stating. “Only a disciple of my husband could have thought of making a film like this.” More importantly, Reshammiya is reuniting with Javed Akhtar after “Namastey London” (2007) in this film and has mentioned that “every word of the writer is a gem,” Akhtar, in turn, has stated that he never listens to his own work after the recording is over, but he did so here and was pleasantly surprised.

Saturday, March 21, 2020 Global health guidelines may have warned against large gatherings and public events owing to the coronavirus pandemic, but can that ever dampen Bollywoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mood to celebrate â&#x20AC;&#x201D; especially when the event in question is about scooping up awards and enjoying live performances by the superstars. If you were at the Zee Cine Awards in Mumbai on March 14, pandemic would probably be the last word in your mind. It was a star-studded gala where Hrithik Roshan, Ranveer Singh and Sara Ali Khanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dance performances had them

Celebrities rock at Zee Cine Awards party asking for more. Of course, for the sake of caution, the general public was not allowed entry, and there was no red carpet either. Among B-Town A-listers spotted keeping the shutterbugs busy with their style quotient and posing were Ayushmann Khurrana, Kartik Aaryan, Ananya Panday, Taapsee Pannu, Kriti Sanon, Nora Fatehi, Rakul Preet Singh, Tara Sutaria and Urvashi Rautela. Govinda came with wife Sunita, and Manish Malhotra was spotted giving photo-ops, too. Ranveer Singh lived up to his image of

Amitabh Bachchan in Marathi film â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Ab Anni Cdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Amitabh Bachchanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Marathi film â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ab Anni Cdâ&#x20AC;?, released last week, but not running in theaters due to the corona outbreak. The film will be released in theatres later. The decision was taken after shutdown of cinema halls in several regions, including Delhi, Kerala and Maharashtra. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have pushed the release date for our film â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Ab Anni Cdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; knowingly, what we need to concentrate on is the safety which should be the priority,â&#x20AC;? said Akshay Bardapurkar, producer of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ab Anni Cd.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The response we received till now for

the film has been overwhelming and to see that the audience is so supportive to wait for the film. I hope that people are safe and should take all the precautions needed until the time it is all in control,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This will have to be a collaborative effort by all of us not only the entertainment field but includes every field to be home and stay safe so that we can fight against coronavirus by not spreading it but by ending it,â&#x20AC;? said Bardapurkar.

Bollywood being an outrageous dresser, flaunting shock value in fashion as always in a shiny black coat that had gaudy, multicoloured motifs all over. He insisted on keeping his deeptinted Harry Potter shades on even when he was sitting inside the dimly-lit venue. If you do keep track of who won what, Ranveer won the Best Actor (Male) in a Leading Role award for his performance in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gully Boyâ&#x20AC;? while actress Taapsee Pannu won the Best Actress award for her role in

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Badla.â&#x20AC;? Posting a pic with the trophy on social media, Taapse wrote: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The first one for â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Naina Sethiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.â&#x20AC;? Ranveer returned on stage to collect the Best On-screen Pair trophy along with Siddhant Chaturvedi for â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gully Boy,â&#x20AC;? while Siddhant was also declared Best Male Debutant for the same film. Ananya Panday won Best Female Debutant for â&#x20AC;&#x153;Student Of the Year 2.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Blessings on Blessings on Blessings,â&#x20AC;? wrote Ranveer alongside an image in which he is seen flaunting his trophies.

HOROSCOPE Aries March 21 - April 20 Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be in your element this week as the sun swings into Aries on Thursday, bringing it will remain in your sign for the coming four

This is a very dynamic week in another sense because feisty Mars, your personal planet, the courage to kick-start a project or make a career move that has been on your mind for

Taurus April 21 - May 20 Talkative Mercury moves into Pisces and your social sector on Monday, and its presence here could see you being more proactive when it comes to making friends and ! " love? With inquisitive Mercury in the dreamy sign of Pisces, you may be drawn to those who have a creative or spiritual approach to life, your spiritual sector on Thursday for a stay of "

Gemini May 20 - June 21 Articulate Mercury lights up your sector of # Having this inquisitive planet in this zone could encourage you to meet with those in authority, to get and give advice, and to network with very positive time to grab new opportunities " enjoy life? The illuminating sun moves into Aries and your social sector on Thursday, and its presence here can encourage you to take

Cancer June 22 - July 23 The sun moves into a prominent sector of your chart this week for a four-week stay, so if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re ready to take your place in the spotlight, this is very much the time to

$ prefer a more modest approach, but youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll do much better if you can be willing to showcase " involves facing certain fears, it will certainly

Leo June 24 - August 23 If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re ready for fresh adventures, the sunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s move into your sector of travel and new experiences for a four-week stay can bring you You might decide to go on a vacation, take a

a very productive time at work toward the end of the week as a very positive aspect between #

Virgo August 24 - Sept 24 On Monday, thoughtful Mercury moves into Pisces and your relationship sector for the second time as it gets back on track after its retrograde % & here could also inspire you to get out more and '" ( " friendships and connections, this is an excellent ) " the potential for change as the sun moves into a * " " +

Libra Sept. 24 - Oct 22 Relationships will be more of a priority this week as the sun moves into dynamic ' clear up any issues that may be preventing you " four weeks are also excellent for moving in new circles and enhancing your social life in . " you need to tackle any household chores, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll "

Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 22 Talkative Mercury moves into your leisure and creativity zone on Monday, making this a good time to take up a new interest

" ready to take your creative talents further? Get going now and you can make progress in no ' opportunity to create habits that can help you

% into your lifestyle zone for a stay of around four weeks, you have an opportunity to get organized,

Sagitarius Nov 23 - Dec 22 The sunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s move into Aries and your leisure zone for around four weeks could " " $ may be drawn to activities that can help you

/ or any kind of activity may appeal to you if it 1 also well starred this week, and you may be more '" ( a fabulous Mars-Jupiter tie around Friday could

Capricorn Dec 23 - Jan 20 As the focus on your sign continues, you could be drawn to activities that help you 3 # generous Jupiter for much of this week, so it could pay you to move out of your comfort zone 4 "

' 5 " 6 * " " +

Aquarius Jan 21 - Feb 19 As the radiant sun lights up your communication sector this week, you may be more inclined to connect with those you ( % ( " siblings, or neighbors, giving them a call and making time to chat can keep things on a This is also a great opportunity to promote yourself and your work and get your message '" (

)

Pisces Feb 20 - March 20 The urge to express yourself could grow stronger as chatty Mercury moves back into your 7 connect with those on your wavelength and reach " '" shop, the sun moves into your money zone for a four-week stay, which means you could become "

( necessary? This can be a good time to get back " $

" (

Press release

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Province declares state of emergency to support COVID-19 response BC government has declared provincial state of emergency to support the provincewide response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, made the declaration based on the recommendation from B.C.’s health and emergency management officials, after Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, declared a public health emergency on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. “Declaring a state of emergency is an

important measure to support our provincial health officer and minister of health in swift and powerful response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Farnworth said. “We are working with partners across government and industry to co-ordinate emergency response efforts, and we won’t hesitate to use the tools available to us to keep people safe.” Declaring a state of emergency allows the Province, through the minister, to implement any provincial emergency measures required with access to land and human resource assets

that may be necessary to prevent, respond to or alleviate the effects of an emergency. This includes securing the critical supply chains to make sure people have access to essential goods and services, and that infrastructure necessary in a response is readily available. The state of emergency is initially in effect for 14 days, once issued, and may be extended or rescinded as necessary. The state of emergency applies to the whole province and allows federal, provincial and local resources to be delivered in a co-ordinated effort. As House leader, Farnworth is also working to resume the legislature to complete urgent government business to expedite government’s response to COVID-19. “We are all working together and introducing these powers to protect our people, our health system and our economy,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “These are temporary measures that will help us immensely in the long term. I encourage British Columbians to respect the situation as it stands and remember that each of us has an individual responsibility and civic duty to look out for each other by complying with all emergency orders.” The Province has created 1 888 COVID-19 to connect British Columbians needing nonmedical information about COVID-19. This includes the latest information on travel recommendations and social distancing, as well as access to support and resources

from the provincial and federal governments. 1 888 COVID-19 is available seven days a week, from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. in 110 languages. The 811 number is also in place for medical-related COVID-19 questions. Quick Facts: Declarations of provincial states of emergency may be issued by the minister responsible under the Emergency Program Act. The provincial government can extend the period of a declaration made by the minister responsible for further periods of time. During the 2017 wildfire season, B.C. was in a provincial state of emergency for 10 weeks, from July 7 to Sept. 15. The last provincial declaration of state of emergency was issued in August 2018, also to deal with wildfires. Learn More: Help flatten the curve by checking symptoms online at https://covid19.thrive.health/ If you or a family member have symptoms or need medical advice, call 811. For the most up-to-date health information on the #COVID19 outbreak follow the BC Centre for Disease Control at @CDCofBC (twitter.com) or visit: www.bccdc.ca For up-to-date non-health information, including the latest travel restrictions and provincial and federal programs, call 1 888 COVID-19 or visit: gov.bc.ca/covid19 For the latest COVID-19 updates and statements, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/Search?q=COVID-19 The latest orders and directives from the provincial health officer can be found here: https:// www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bcs-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincialhealth-officer/current-health-topics

Statement from Andrew Wilkinson on Nowruz Leader of the Official Opposition, Andrew Wilkinson, released the following statement today for Nowruz: “Today we celebrate Nowruz, the beginning of a new year in the Persian Calendar. “It is an occasion to spend time reflecting on the values of peace, harmony, and reconciliation.

“It is my sincerest hope that this Nowruz marks a turning point for us all, ushering in a new year of peace, prosperity, and good health. “On behalf of the entire BC Liberal Caucus, I’d like to pass on my sincerest hopes, to everyone celebrating Nowruz here in British Columbia and all around the world, for a happy new year. “Nowruz Mobarak!”

Deepika talks about ‘Balam Pichkari’ Hindi films are known for iconic Holi songs right from the 1940s and 1950s. Resonating with the same emotion, Deepika Padukone also has a dance number

Sharing her thoughts, Padukone, always an admirer of Pritam’s music for her many films, says, ““Balam Pichkari” is like “Rang Barse” (“Silsila”) of our

to groove for Holi and remembered her song “Balam Pichkari” from “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani.”

generation. Nowadays, every Holi party starts with that old song, and the second song has to be “Balam Pichkari.” So, it’s become a new-age Holi anthem. It feels nice to have been part of such an iconic song.” The song written by Irshaad Kamil.

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Manan Buch

From page 3

Curry Lounge, A Celebration of Taste & Culture

n Thursday, I got a call to do a food review at a famous Indian Restaurant in South Surrey. When I googled the name and location, only to find out an already impressive looking and styled hidden gem in the pristine South Surrey community. When I entered the restaurant, honestly, I was truly amazed to see beautiful space romantically lit with jeweltoned lights, fabric and color. The high-ceilinged restaurant where the lamps come down like diyas look more like a royal dining place than your average mom-and-pop curry house. Not to forget the glossy bar where you can find some of your classic drinks and some of the signature drinks, the restaurant has to offer. The clientele was diverse, referring to the popularity of the restaurant. We were greeted and helped to seat by a very professional and bright manager. Curry Lounge offers multiple fusion dishes. The appetizer list alone includes wide variety of starters like chili chicken, fish pakora, paneer chilli and tandoori servings like paneer tikka, Shabnam ke Moti and Aloo Nazakati etc. Our server insisted we try Aloo Nazakati, his absolute favorite. Crispy potato shells stuffed with cottage cheese, marinated with spices and

cooked in day oven. The presentation was appetizing as you can see in the photo and it was served with green mint chutney and coleslaw salad. It was honestly a new tandoori dish for me which I feel you won’t get at any restaurant in Metro Vancouver. Along with it I ordered my favorite the Honey Chili Cauliflower, perfectly battered and deepfried cauliflower sautéed with Honey, Chili and garlic sauce. In the main course, we ordered Sham Savera, along with freshly tandoored

garlic naan. The curry was a very delectable serving of s p i n a c h dumplings filled with creamy cottage cheese on a bed of velvety tomato gravy. The curry was very fresh and unusually light even though the ingredients were a contrast. Along with it,

Music maestro Pyarelal in “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa” Veteran music composer Pyarelal Ramprasad Sharma will be participating in upcoming episode of singing reality show “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa.” A promo has been released in which host Maniesh Paul is seen welcoming Pyarelal and his wife Sunila Sharma on stage. While interacting with the renowned composer, Maniesh shared an anecdote when the former played the piano at his request. “As we all know Pyarelalji is known for playing piano which he has stopped playing since last few years, we all requested Pyarelalji to perform on which he agreed to join us on stage and played his and my

favorite tune on a piano.” “Following that all the contestants along with the judges joined him and sang all time favourite song ‘Zindagi Harr Kadam Ek Badi Jung Hai’ from the movie ‘Meri Jung’. We are were so thrilled and excited and it was out of the world experience to see Pyarelalji perform live,” Maniesh said.

we were served with Veg. Kofta Biryani served in a perfect clay pot with the ever-reliable raita and satiable red coconut chutney. And to round off the three-course meal we were served the dessert masterpiece, Faluda Icecream. The Faluda was originated from Iran and made its way to India. It is a creamy dessert served with a mixture

of rose syrup, vermicelli, sweet basil served with a kulfi. Curry Lounge is a perfect Indian fine dining restaurant where tastes meet tradition. T h e experience was overall v e r y s at i s f y i n g , and I highly recommend taking your family and friends to this beautiful contemporary modern Indian restaurant.

Juhi’s stunning scnes in ‘Lootere’ Juhi Chawla, who wore just a shirt in song “Main Teri Rani Tu Raja Mera,” in “Lootere” (1993), did not want it to look tasteless, she said. Speaking with media, she opined that she was “very selfconscious!” It was a beach sequence in a white shirt and the actor says that she was hesitant at the time of shooting it. Chawla admitted that it was “hard” for her back then, as when she signed the film she had only one hit (“Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak”) behind her. “This was a radical change in my look and feel and everything. It was all Dharmesh Darshan and his imagination. It had

to be in a shirt and I was so self-conscious and asked, ‘What? I am in a shirt on a beach? Only a shirt!’” Only when Chawla found out that Saroj Khan would be choreographing the song did she breathe a sigh of relief. “The moment I knew Saroj-ji was choreographing, I was, like, okay, because she has done work with Sridevi-ji and Madhuri Dixit, and her work has finesse. So then I was comfortable and it happened, and even I have to say that it looked quite nice,” she said.

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Get a

$2,000 Scholarship!*

GET TO WHERE YOU WANT TO GO WITH VANCOUVER CAREER COLLEGE

Enroll in the EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION Program and learn how you can contribute to the development and growth of young children.

www.career.college/ece

1.800.262.2318

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Vol. 11 No. 8

Saturday - March 21, 2020

Tel: 604-591-5423

E-mail: ads@theasianstar.com

BC union calls for suspension of mortgage & rent payments until COVID-19 crisis ends A B.C. union is calling for the immediate suspension of mortgage and rent payments until the COVID-19 pandemic is over. Stephanie Smith, president of the BC Government Employees’ Union, said the demand is part of the union’s mission to protect workers during the crisis. “The BCGEU is urging our members and all working people to trust the science and follow public health recommendations,” said Smith in a statement issued on Friday. “The federal and provincial governments could support our message by suspending mortgage and rent payments during the COVID-19 pandemic to make sure working people can afford to do the right thing.” The CEO of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Evan Siddall, said in tweet that

his agency will support lenders in allowing deferral of mortgage payments for up to six months for those affected by the coronavirus. The agency will use an existing program to help homeowners who are struggling to make their mortgage payments. But, Siddall said in a follow-up message to CTV News Vancouver, CMHC doesn’t currently have “an easy way to get support to renters quickly.” He added that CMHC is working with other government agencies on emergency income support measures, like employment insurance, that could help. In Vancouver and some other Metro Vancouver municipalities, renters can get emergency help from a rent bank, a source of short-term funding for renters who risk being evicted. Many businesses have closed, B.C.’s tourism industry is taking a huge financial hit, and many events have

been cancelled in an attempt to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus. The BCGEU wants the federal and provincial governments to put a plan in place now to anticipate further

measures that could impact workers’ ability to earn wages. “We all have a part to play in flattening the curve– workers, employers and governments,” said Smith. “Our federal and provincial governments have an

opportunity right now to mitigate one of the major economic pressures that force people to choose to keep working even if they have been exposed to COVID-19 or are symptomatic.”

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Some renters get reprieve on evictions as COVID-19 restrictions take hold The City of Vancouver has asked developers to voluntarily and indefinitely hold off on evicting tenants if the e v i c t i o n is for redevelopment, and therefore falls under the city’s tenant relocation policies. Sarah Lindsay is one tenant who could benefit from such a delay: the Vancouver resident has rented a twobedroom apartment in a heritage house in Mount Pleasant for 17 years. She was give an eviction notice in December 2019 so the developer that bought the house, Port Living, can redevelop her home and neighbouring buildings. Lindsay pays under $1,000 to rent her current home, and her main income source is $1,200 a month in disability payments. She’s been searching for a new place for months, but so far hasn’t had any luck, even though she’s given up on Vancouver and has been looking in small towns on Vancouver Island. Her eviction is now looming at the end of April. With businesses and normal activities increasingly shut down to limit the spread of COVID-19, she’s found that landlords are now not even showing units that were previously advertised as available. “I’ve been looking for over a year and I’ve applied for a lot of places and I keep getting turned down, and I have a

month left,” Lindsay said. “No one’s listing anything right now and every place that I had a viewing cancelled on me.” To make matters worse, a small business she runs — finding and selling props to sell to film companies shooting in Vancouver — has now ground to a halt after the retail space she rented closed down because of COVID-19. Because Lindsay’s building is being redeveloped, it falls under the City of Vancouver’s Tenant Relocation Plan — a policy intended to give tenants extra compensation and assistance to look for a new place. But today the City of Vancouver asked developers who are in the process of evicting tenants to voluntarily put a

temporary — but indefinite — hold on evictions for developments that fall under to the Tenant Relocation Plan. The city says it sent the message at noon today and has been in discussions with various developers throughout the afternoon.

In an emailed statement, PortLiving said it is “in close contact with our development partners at the City of Vancouver and will continue to follow their direction toward ensuring the social and economic health of our home and community.” On Tuesday, Ontario’s provincial government announced it will temporarily not issue any new eviction orders due to COVID-19 and will halt the enforcement of evictions scheduled for this week. The move followed similar eviction bans enacted in some American cities and states as the COVID-19 pandemic and measures to contain it increasingly take a toll on the economy. On March 16, California’s governor issued an executive order to authorize local governments to halt evictions for renters and homeowners who have been affected by COVID-19. The B.C. government has been working on the issue, according to MLA Spencer Chandra Herbert, and may have more to say tomorrow. On Wednesday afternoon, Chandra Herbert said he was bringing his recommendations to Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Those recommendations will then go to cabinet on Thursday or Friday.

Reasons why Canada’s apartment building owners are happy

ental apartment building market in Canada is trongest it’s ever been, especially from the perspective of apartment building owners. Buildings are practically full across the country, rental rates are at or near 10-year highs in nearly every market, and average national rents have climbed 4.4 per cent annually over the last two years, according to a new report by commercial property brokerage house CBRE. This rapid rise of rental rates is earning more money for building owners. Total annualized returns for the Canadian multifamily sector were 9.8 per cent as of the first quarter of this year, just behind the industrial sector. Canada’s national average rental apartment vacancy rate ended 2018 at 2.4 per cent, below the 10-year average of 2.6, CBRE said in its national multifamily mid-year update. Investors are lining up to get into the market in most cities. Multifamily investment volume reached record levels for four consecutive years, including an alltime high of $8.3 billion in 2018. Apartments are traditionally viewed as stable and defensive assets to own, said CBRE Canada vice-chairman Paul Morassutti. “(The asset class) never displays great amounts of volatility,” he told Postmedia

last week. “Very rarely would you have declines in rental rates or net operating income. Typically, things would go up in a slow and steady fashion and it was always a favoured asset class for all those reasons.” Here are other main drivers that Morassutti and his firm believe will continue to stoke demand for apartment buildings in Canada. Population growth: Canada’s population is expected to grow by nearly one per cent annually over the next four years, surpassing

growth in all other G7 countries, the report said. Much of this momentum is being fuelled by immigration, which accounted for 80.5 per cent of the country’s population growth last year. The government has a plan to welcome one million new immigrants between 2019 and 2021. Much of that new population is settling in the Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver regions, with Toronto and Vancouver experiencing the sharpest annual apartment rental price growth of 5.0 per cent and 7.1 per cent, respectively, over the past four years.

Shortage of new supply Canada’s big cities are not building enough new rental apartments to keep up with demand, when compared to global peers, the report said. The largest rental market in Canada is Montreal with just under 600,000 units. Toronto follows well behind with 313,000 units, and Vancouver trails with just 109,000 units. Units on the secondary market, including privately rented condos, do close the gap, but it’s clear that renters across the country need more options, or else rents will continue to climb. While we are seeing increased construction of rental units more recently, the overall number remains relatively low, Morassutti said. Rising cost of home ownership An expanding proportion of Canada’s big-city dwellers can’t afford to buy a home. This factor, above all others, is probably having the greatest effect on stoking apartment rental prices, while spurring investors to buy buildings, Morassutti said. “In Toronto, if you want to buy a detached house or semi-detached house, you need to have a household income of close to $200,000,” he said. “The average household income in Toronto I believe is something like $100,000.” (According to the last Canadian census, the average household in the Greater Toronto Area earned $87,993 after tax.) That leaves residents with only a couple of choices.

Saturday, March 21, 2020

The mortgage stress test is making housing supply issues worse — and making homes even more unaffordable

anada is experiencing sustained economic and population growth. Millennials and new Canadians are forming households and their desire for home ownership is very strong. Interest rates are low. In this environment, home sales should thrive and supply should rise alongside demand, keeping prices in check. Instead, our housing supply is lagging and prices have risen dramatically in key markets. Governments bear much of the blame for this undesirable market imbalance, as a narrow focus on suppressing household debt has dominated the policy mix while the root causes of undersupply — including excessive red tape, fees, taxes and nimbyism — have gone largely unaddressed. If we want to address housing affordability in Canada, governments need to redesign the policy mix to confront these factors. For its part, the federal government could start by developing a more nuanced mortgage “stress test.” Ottawa’s stress test is demolishing Canadians’ housing dreams. Which party will rebuild them? Why Ottawa’s attempts to help young Canadians afford housing simply won’t work The mortgage ‘stress test’ has started harming Canadians more than it helps

First, consider mortgage debt in the Canadian context. Canadians have some of the highest rates of home ownership and mortgage borrowing in the world. Evidence shows that Canadians use mortgage debt responsibly; in the majority of cases, we make additional payments or otherwise accelerate our repayments. Equifax credit scores for first-time Canadian homebuyers are in the upper half of the range considered “very good,” and they typically continue to improve in the first, second and third years of home ownership. Second, we have the indisputable finding, reproduced in dozens of independent surveys, that Canadians strongly value home ownership. It is overwhelmingly identified as a top priority across the age

spectrum, from millennials to baby boomers. And the opportunity for home ownership here is a key attraction for immigrants, many of whom leave behind societies where it is rare. Unfortunately, despite all the evidence that Canadians are committed and responsible

borrowers, would-be homebuyers are today restricted by a number of government policies that need redesign, most notably the mortgage stress test. To be clear: when applied selectively on mortgagors who are attempting to borrow significantly more than their annual income or who are carrying a heavy load of non-mortgage debt already, the stress test can be a useful tool. But there is reason to be concerned about the scope and duration of the test’s current application in Canada. While the government’s one-size-fits-all approach has helped cool overheated markets, it has also destabilized Prairie housing markets, which were already suffering from that region’s economic slowdown. It has now been 23 months since the stress test was implemented. At that time, policy-makers wanted to ensure borrowers could service their debts when their mortgages came up for renewal — mainly because it was widely presumed rates would rise in the near term. But now, if anything, interest rates are expected to ease amid weakening economic growth, trade tensions and other factors. Given the current environment, we must ask if the marginal improvement in mortgage credit quality created by the stress test is worth the many unintended consequences it causes.

Condos, the ‘future of our communities,’ now cost more per square foot than a detached home Condominiums may be the “future of our communities” but per square foot, they are hardly a bargain. According to a Royal LePage report released today, aside from Vancouver and Calgary, every major city’s condo price per square foot has increased. With the exception of Vancouver, the median price per square foot of a condo is now higher than that of a single family detached home nationwide. Canadian home prices are up — but by the smallest amount in

a decade. Seven reasons Canada’s housing market is stronger than it looks Vancouver’s housing market is dismal — but you still need six-figure income to get your foot in the door “While condo units are smaller, they are the present and future of our communities. With more development opportunities, they can meet both the growing need for housing and lifestyle expectations of homebuyers,” said Phil Soper, the president of Royal LePage in a

press release. The Greater Ottawa condo price per square foot appreciated the fastest among the cities that were measured, rising 17.9 per cent year-over-year to $395, while the Greater Vancouver price actually declined the most by 8.3 per cent to $764. “We are seeing significant interest in Ottawa’s south and west ends from residents working in the nearby military and technology hubs,” said Kent Browne, broker

Over 11% of Vancouver condos have a non-resident owner, says new CMHC report

#106 - 7565 132 St. Surrey, BC 604.572.3005

Over 11 percent of Vancouver condos have at least one non-resident as an owner, a number that jumps to more than 19 per cent when it comes to newer built condos. The information is contained in a Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation housing market insight report which also found that non-residents — defined as someone who

doesn’t have their principal residence in Canada — tend to own more expensive properties than residents, especially in Vancouver. Some of the other findings: 7.2 per cent of all Vancouver properties have at least one non-resident owner. Non-resident ownership is highest in

and owner of Royal LePage TEAM Realty. The city of Vancouver remains the most expensive condo market in the country, with homebuyers paying $1,044 per square foot for a condo and $1,279 per square foot for a single-family detached home. Greater Calgary offers the lowest condo price per square foot, with a fall of 6.7 per cent to $313.“For the fourth consecutive month, condo inventory in the region declined compared to last year.

Classifieds / Jobs

Saturday, March 21, 2020

South Asian Seniors - Filing Income Tax Returns Free for Year 2019. From March 1st 2020 (Sunday) to April 30th 2020 (Thursday). Vedic Seniors Parivar Centre of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society Surrey informs South Asian Seniors that during the Tax filing period we can help you to file your Income Tax Returns for the year 2019, free of cost, through the community volunteer program of Canada Revenue Agency ( CVITP ), from March 1st. 2020 (Sunday) to April 30th 2020 (Thursday). If you are living in Surrey / Delta. The eligibility Criteria are as follows 1.Single individual with annual income limit up to $ 35,000. 2. Couples with annual income up to $ 45,000. 3. Three persons income $. 47,500, 4. Four persons income $. 50,000 , 5. Five persons or more, add $ 2500 for additional members. Interest income not over $ 1,000.00 and this income will be included as total eligibility. With no investment income, no rental income , no business or partnership income and no capital gain or loss. Sin# card and photo identity will be required to prove the documents. If you are eligible then please contact Surendra Handa Coordinator Tel. 604 - 507 - 9945 for further information. South Asian Seniors - Filing Income Tax Returns Free for Year 2019. From March 1st 2020 (Sunday) to April 30th 2020 (Thursday). Vedic Seniors Parivar Centre of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society Surrey informs South Asian Seniors that during the Tax filing period we can help you to file your Income Tax Returns for the year 2019, free of cost, through the community volunteer program of Canada Revenue Agency ( CVITP ), from March 1st. 2020 (Sunday) to April 30th 2020 (Thursday). If you are living in Surrey / Delta. The eligibility Criteria are as follows 1.Single individual with annual income limit up to $ 35,000. 2. Couples with annual income up to $ 45,000. 3. Three persons income $. 47,500, 4. Four persons income $. 50,000 , 5. Five persons or more, add $ 2500 for additional members. Interest income not over $ 1,000.00 and this income will be included as total eligibility. With no investment income, no rental income , no business or partnership income and no capital gain or loss. Sin# card and photo identity will be required to prove the documents. If you are eligible then please contact Surendra Handa Coordinator Tel. 604 - 507 - 9945 for further information.

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Premier assures Province will ‘do what it can’ to address spiking condo insurance costs Premier John Horgan says his government is looking into the issue of soaring insurance premiums for condo buildings in the province and will “do what it can” to manage those costs. Property managers and condo owners have been calling for the provincial government to intervene in the industry, which some say is on the verge of a crisis. Some strata councils have been unable to get insurance for their buildings, while others have seen their premiums increase by as much as 400 per cent in the past year.

“This is an issue that’s just emerged in the past number of months,” Horgan told reporters Friday morning after addressing the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade. “(Finance) Minister (Carole) James has a committee of cabinet that’s working on this,” the premier added. “We’re going to be speaking to the Insurance Bureau of Canada to try and find out what their rationale is for these unusually large spikes in costs and we’re going to do what we can to manage those down.” Horgan described the sudden increases as the

product of “a bunch of variables,” and said they’re affecting condo owners across the country, not just in British Columbia. Speaking media in Vancouver earlier this month, Insurance Brokers Association of BC executive director Chuck Byrne said the issue is “not rocket science.” “Any insurance company should be able to see a return on investment,” Byrne said at the time. “The bottom line is that they’re not obligated to insure anybody for anything.”That dynamic means that when insurers perceive an increase in risk in the market - as many currently do because

of climate change and other factors - their rates increase and certain properties become less attractive to insure. This poses a problem for strata councils, however. “They have to have insurance for their mortgages, the strata property act says they have to have insurance, they won’t be able to sell or buy or really do anything without insurance,” said Chris Stepchuk, managing broker and co-owner of Fort Park Property Management and Real Estate.

What Vancouver’s housing market could hold in 2020 A funny thing happened in Vancouver’s housing market in 2019: for the first time in many years, not much happened. “Condo prices have slowed down. The fear of missing out madness at open houses has gone away. So there’s been a pause in the market,” said Tom Davidoff, an associate professor at UBC’s Sauder School of Business. One way to measure the relative calm of the market is by looking at the average sale price for detached homes, townhouses and apartments in the area overseen by Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver. Wild fluctuations were once common, as luxury properties were traded like hotcakes. But in 2019, the average value for any type of property never went up or down by more than 17 per cent compared to the previous year. That might not seem significant — but it’s the first time that’s happened since 2014. After a taxing year for real estate, housing

market expected to remain cool in 2019 In between, a massive surge in housing prices created both a windfall for existing homeowners and a backlash that contributed to the fall of provincial and local governments. But with a host of taxation and antispeculation measures now in place, and new supply continuing to come on the market, prices for all types of housing stabilized in 2019, with small declines generally seen across the board. “We wound up in a pretty balanced place,” said Davidoff. “I think it’s a pretty good outcome in that way and I think you’ve probably seen ... a calming of the public discourse around housing.” Too soon to predict 2020 Whether a stable 2019 will continue into 2020 is another question. Multiple housing experts told CBC News it is difficult to predict what direction the housing market will go next year. Market

Metro Vancouver’s luxury home prices forecast to slip further The national brokerage issued a forecast in February, reporting that the median price of a luxury house in Metro Vancouver at the end of January 2020 was $5,394,594, which is 6.7% year-over-year decline. Luxury condos in the region dropped 4.4% to $2,411,773 over the same period, it added. However, Royal LePage said that recent signs of recovery in the market will eventually trickle up to push up prices in the luxury sector, albeit at a slower pace than the lower end of the market. The report said, “While luxury real estate in Greater Vancouver is showing year-overyear declines in median prices for both houses and condominiums over the twelve-month period, a significant boost in luxury unit sales since October 2019 is moving the market towards stabilization. From October 1, 2019 to January 31, 2020, the median price of a

luxury house in Greater Vancouver decreased 1.3% year-over-year, while the median price of a condominium was relatively flat, posting a 0.2% year-over-year increase.” Jason Soprovich, a West Vancouver realtor with Royal LePage Sussex, said, “Metro Vancouver’s residential real estate market is shifting towards a balanced market and this trend has been moving upward through the luxury market. There is healthy demand for homes priced between $3 million and $5 million, and this segment is starting to stabilize. It will take more time for the upperend segment to move into a balanced market, but it is expected.” The report added that luxury home prices in the region were expected to continue their decline, but with relatively “modest” drops, over the coming year.

adjustments to the new taxes are one factor, but so are trade war concerns, continued low interest rates, and the effect of new mortgage rules. “The big picture is actually watching how mortgages, and the availability of mortgages and cheap money, will or will not become available,” said Andy Yan, director of the City Program at Simon Fraser University. Vancouver is still in a housing crisis. But when will we know if it’s over? Yan said that with debates around the effect of speculation taxes largely settled, the most heated

policy arguments would likely be around rental housing, particularly whether proposed projects offered enough nonmarket and multi-bedroom units. “There is this idea of less heat being generated in the [housing] debate, but then there is much light being generated towards the conversation of what kind of city are we becoming,” said Yan. “Who are we including, as well as who are we excluding?” ‘Not magically affordable’

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Real estate board tells realtors to cancel open houses amid COVID-19 The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver is advising its members to stop hosting open houses to help limit the spread of COVID-19. The board issued a media release Thursday encouraging its 14,000 Realtor members to follow government recommendations on social distancing. Earlier this week, the board also removed the rule requiring that properties listed on MLS be made available for showings.

“Realtors want to do their part to help prevent the spread of illness in our communities and to meet the housing needs of residents in a responsible way,” said board president Ashley Smith in the media release. “We’ve heard from some in the community who are unhappy that their Realtors are not holding open houses. To those people, we ask for your understanding given the public health crisis we all face today.” The board says anyone who has recently travelled abroad or is unwell should not view a property and should stay home. It suggests alternatives to maintain social distancing to slow the spread of the disease, including virtual showings, limiting the number of people viewing a property, regular hand sanitizing, and avoiding touching doorknobs and other surfaces.

MAPLE STAR IMMIGRATION Visitor Visa Study Permit Spousal Sponsorship

Express Entry Family Sponsorships Super Visa

Harpreet S. Sodhi RCIC (BA. LLB) Cell :

604.318.0001

Work Permit PNP Programs Hearings & Appeals (IAD)

Unit-392, 8148 128th Street Surrey BC V3W 1R1 (Payal Business Centre)

Ph: 604.593.6006

Canadian Immigration Consultancy Service Ltd.

Fx: 604.593.6007

Email: info@maplestarimmigration.com www.maplestarimmigration.com

Saturday, March 21, 2020

DREAM CARPET

29 17

30 18

LOCAL / NATIONAL

Saturday, March 21, 2020

David Sidoo asks for his name to be removed from UBC field A Vancouver businessman and former CFL player who has admitted to participating in a college admissions cheating scheme has requested that his name be removed from a playing field at the University of British Columbia. On Friday, David Sidoo pleaded guilty to a mail fraud conspiracy charge in a court in Boston, Mass. The plea deal would see Sidoo

serve 90 days in prison and pay a $250,000 fine. Sidoo was among 50 prominent parents, university athletic coaches and others charged last March in the scheme, which authorities say involved rigged entrance exams and bogus athletic credentials to make applicants to elite American universities look like star athletes for sports they didn’t play. Sidoo

paid the admissions consultant at the centre of the scheme $200,000 to have someone pose as his sons using a fake ID to secure higher scores on their SATs, prosecutors said. Along with his brother Manny Sidoo, David Sidoo – a UBC alumnus – is “the largest single donor to (UBC’s) athletes’ scholarship program,” according to the Sidoo Family Giving website.

A field at UBC’s Thunderbird Stadium is called the David Sidoo field. As Sidoo’s case progressed through the U.S. court system, the university was “beginning its process around naming revocation in regards to the naming of Sidoo Field and related signage,” according to Kurt Heinrich, a UBC spokesperson, who added that it was important the university follow due process.

Amazon blocks thousands of resellers during COVID-19 crisis, including Vancouver couple Amazon says it has blocked the account of a Vancouver couple who claimed to have resold $100,000 of cleaning supplies amidst the COVID-19 crisis, as well as hundreds of thousands of others who were reselling items. Manny Ranga and Violeta Perez were seen

at a Vancouver Costco on Thursday, filling their truck with boxes of Lysol wipes. CTV News Vancouver caught up with the couple

on Friday outside their house and spoke to Ranga as the couple was about to unload five boxes of Lysol wipes from the trunk of their SUV.

Ranga said he and his wife have three kids who can’t go to their private school because of the novel coronavirus outbreak, so they

Canada & USA agreed on border restrictions in a hurry On Tuesday afternoon, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland called U.S. Vice President Mike Pence with a proposal: could Canada and the United States agree to ban all non-essential travel between the two countries? The idea of a Canadian official pitching new border restrictions with the United States would have seemed profoundly strange until very recently. For most of the last 19 years — at least since the United States briefly closed its border in response to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 — Canada’s focus has been on keeping the flow of people and goods between the two nations as free as possible.

According to senior Canadian government sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, Pence responded positively to Freeland’s suggestion but wanted to take the proposal back to American officials, including President Donald COVID-19: Vancouver’s Donnelly Group shutting down its chain of pubs A trifecta of Vancouver-based restaurant chains — Donnelly Group, The Keg Steakhouse + Bar, and Cactus Club Cafe — are closing due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. All three chains are responding to falling business demand, growing health and safety concerns for both their workers and customers, and escalating government interventions to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Both The Keg and Cactus Club Cafe will completely close Tuesday, March 17. The Donnelly Group’s closure of its pubs and cocktail bars will begin after closure on Monday, March 16. Earls Kitchen + Bar has also decided to close all 66 of its locations across North America, those restaurants will still offer takeout and delivery. The Keg alone employs more than 10,000 people across its 160 locations across Canada and the US. It was forced to close all of its locations in the City of Toronto on Monday night, following a municipal order that shuttered all dining rooms and bars. “As we have seen over recent weeks, the global spread of COVID-19 is impacting us all. Like most, we have been carefully monitoring the progression and have been strictly following the advice of both Canada and US public health authorities,” said The Keg CEO David Aisenstat and president Nick Dean in a joint statement. They believe their closure will last for two weeks, but that remains to be seen. “The health and safety of our Guests and Keg employees continues to be our highest priority,” continued Aisenstat and Dean. “As the virus continues to spread in communities across

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Nordstrom shuts stores in Canada & USA Nordstrom Inc (N:JWN) said on Monday it would temporarily shut its stores in the United States and Canada and pull its fiscal 2020 forecast, as the upscale retailer joins its peers in an effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus. The department store operator said it would close its stores for two weeks starting March 17, while keeping its apps and websites open, including Nordstrom.com, Nordstromrack.com, HauteLook.com. The company said it would provide pay and benefits for store employees during the period. Seattle-based Nordstrom operates 380 stores in 40 states, including 116 full-line stores and 248 off-price Nordstrom Rack stores. The company also suspended its share buyback program as part of a plan to further cut its expenses and withdrew its 2020 outlook. “While February sales were in line with expectations, the company experienced a broad-based deceleration in customer demand over the past couple of weeks, particularly in markets most affected by the virus,” Nordstrom said in a statement. Nordstrom, like other brick-andmortar retailers, has struggled to deal with

disruptions caused by a rise in cases of the respiratory illness in the United States, particularly in its key markets, such as Seattle, New York City and Los Angeles. The Seattle area has been at the center of the outbreak in the United States, with Washington State reporting about 904 confirmed cases of the virus and 48 deaths as of Monday. New York City and Los Angeles ordered restaurants, theaters, bars and movie houses to close, as cities across the country attempt to check the spread of the coronavirus. Nordstrom opened its flagship store in New York last year in a bid to attract new customers with a suite of services including cafes, fine-dining restaurants and a full bar. Several other retailer, including Casper Inc (N:CSPR) and Guess? Inc (N:GES), said they would be closing all their retail stores in the coming days, assuring that their employees would receive pay and benefits. The United States has seen a sharp increase in virus cases, with more than 4,300 infected and at least 80 people dead, according to Johns Hopkins University and public health agencies.

Police identify victim in fatal Scarborough shooting Toronto police other woman has nonhave identified the life-threatening injuries. 38-year-old woman Police have identified who was fatally shot in the victim as Theepa Scarborough Friday. Seevaratnam, of Toronto. Emergency crews Following an autopsy on were called to the Saturday, the cause of death area of Brimley and was determined to be a Pitfield roads, south gunshot wound to the chest. of Sheppard Avenue The suspect has been East, just before 10 described as a black male, a.m. for reports of about five-foot-eight to unknown trouble. six-feet tall, with a medium When officers build and short hair. He arrived, they located was wearing light-coloured two women suffering Theepa Seevaratnam, 38, was fatally pants and a dark jacket. from gunshot wounds. shot in Scarborough on March 13, 2020. Both victims were Anyone with information taken to a trauma centre, where one is asked to contact police or Crime of them was pronounced dead. The Stoppers.

Ontario to suspend all eviction notices, enforcement amid COVID-19 spread The Ontario government says it is suspending all new eviction notices in light of the coronavirus outbreak that has infected hundreds across the country. A statement sent out Monday evening from the Ministry of the Attorney General said, “Tribunals Ontario is reviewing pending eviction matters in light of the rapidly evolving circumstances related to COVID-19 and no new eviction orders will be issued until further notice.” Ontario to open 17 COVID-19 testing centres. The statement also said that Sheriff ’s offices were asked to postpone any scheduled eviction enforcements set for this week. Ontario has reported a total of 172 cases of the virus, following an announcement of 32 new cases earlier on Monday. Ontario may be seeing

community transmission as 32 new coronavirus cases confirmed: officials Health officials said that the province may be seeing the virus spread through community transmission. “The numbers are going up very rapidly. It’s a very quickly-evolving situation now,” said Dr. Barbara Yaffe, Ontario’s associate chief medical officer of health. “We have found that the numbers of new cases have almost doubled in a few days … We really cannot definitively rule out community transmission. That is why, at this point, we feel that we need to take more measures.” Of the total 177 cases, five have been resolved. Ontario government announces new measures for Ontario workers amid coronavirus outbreak

‘Stay home, stay informed’: Ontario reports 1st COVID-19-related death as province declares state of emergency “Stay home, stay informed, stay healthy and stay calm.” That was the message from Ontario’s chief medical officer of health, Dr. David Williams, as the province declared a state of emergency on Tuesday in a bid to combat the spread of COVID-19 and prevent the novel coronavirus

from overwhelming the health-care system. The move came as Ontario recorded its first COVID-19-related death: a 77-year-old man at Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie, about 100 kilometres north of Toronto. Officials say the man himself wasn’t a confirmed case before he died; rather, he was under investigation for the

LOCAL / NATIONAL

31 19

Alberta to pay $573 / week for workers to ease financial worries due to Coronavirus isolation Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, announced the government’s economic measures to help Albertans affected by the COVID-19 crisis, Alberta is providing immediate financial assistance under the Emergency Isolation Support Program for working adult Albertans who must self-isolate. Under the Emergency Isolation Support Program, Albertans will be paid $573 per week during self-isolation, similar to the program initiated by Quebec. The Emergency Isolation Support Program is for those who are self-isolating because they meet the Government of Alberta’s published criteria for self-isolation, including persons who are the sole caregiver for a dependent who must self-isolate because they meet the public health criteria, and who will not have another source of pay or compensation while they are self-isolated. Jason Kenney said that the government is hoping this will bridge the gap until the Federal economic measures kick-in. This is in addition to the 14 days of paid job-protected leave announced earlier.

Kenney also said that this financial relief will be distributed in one payment installment. He emphasised that this is not an economic measure, but rather a public health measure so that Albertans do not have to choose between self-isolation and working. Premier Jason Kenney said, “Albertans are doing their part to keep each other safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19. We are doing ours by assisting Albertans and their families, protecting jobs and supporting workers and employers. We will help shelter Albertans from the economic disruption of COVID-19 now, and position Alberta’s industry and businesses to bounce back when the situation stabilizes. This is an initial set of measures, and more will follow in the days to come.” How to Apply for $573 Per Week Under Emergency Isolation Support Program Alberta is setting up an online application through alberta.ca by next week. Funds will be deposited in the accounts of eligible recipients beginning at that time.

Five things to know about Ottawa’s COVID-19 financial aid package Five things to know about Ottawa’s $82-billion financial-aid package announced Wednesday to help weather the COVID-19 pandemic: New emergency benefits Ottawa is waiving the one-week waiting period to claim employment insurance sickness benefits. The government is also proposing a new emergency care benefit of up to $900 every two weeks for up to 15 weeks to help workers who are quarantined or sick with COVID-19 or taking take of a sick family member, but do not qualify for employment insurance sickness benefits. The new benefit will also be available for parents who can’t earn employment income because they need to care for children, whether or not the parents qualify for employment insurance. Increased benefits and top-ups The government is moving to make a special one-time payment to those who receive the goods and services tax credit that will double the maximum annual payment amounts for the 2019-20 benefit year. The government is also proposing to increase the maximum annual Canada Child Benefit payment amounts for the 2019-20 benefit year by $300 per child. Help for businesses: The government wants to provide eligible small employers a temporary wage 10 per cent wage subsidy for three months. The payment will be up to a maximum subsidy of $1,375 per employee and $25,000 per employer. Companies eligible will include those eligible for the small business deduction, as well as non-profit organizations

and charities. Tax delays: Ottawa is waiving the one-week waiting period to claim employment insurance sickness benefits. The government is also proposing a new emergency care benefit of up to $900 every two weeks for up to 15 weeks to help workers who are quarantined or sick with COVID-19 or taking take of a sick family member, but do not qualify for employment insurance sickness benefits. The new benefit will also be available for parents who can’t earn employment income because they need to care for children, whether or not the parents qualify for employment insurance. The Canada Revenue is pushing back the income-tax filing deadline for individuals until June 1. For trusts with a taxation year the same as the calendar year the filing date will be deferred to May 1. The agency will also allow all businesses to defer, until after Aug. 31, 2020, income-tax payments on amounts that become owing between now and September 2020. No interest or penalties will accumulate on these amounts during this period. Other targeted aid: The government is providing $305 million for a new distinctions-based Indigenous community support fund for First Nations, Inuit, and Metis Nation communities. It is also placing a six-month interest-free moratorium on the repayment of Canada Student Loans. The required minimum withdrawals from Registered Retirement Income Funds are being cut by 25 per cent for 2020.

20 32

National / Finance

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Pandemic hurting BC economy, deficit likely: finance minister BC will likely have a deficit for the 2019/2020 fiscal year, the province’s finance minister announced Tuesday. Carole James says the focus remains on protecting the health and safety of all people, but there’s no doubt businesses are taking a hit. “It’s no question it’s going to have a big impact. It is likely we will have a deficit. I think there’s no question about that. I think the specifics and the numbers, it’s just too early. It’s changing every day. I think that’ll be an economic update that I will need to bring forward,” James said. “I’ll be updating people as we go along, but it’s a little too early to get into the specifics.” James said details will likely come in an economic update at a later date. In February, James forecast a modest budget surplus of $203 million. But the COVID-19 pandemic has changed that. On Tuesday alone, Ontario, Alberta and B.C.

declared a public health emergency. Ontario also announced it’s first coronavirusrelated death. In B.C., three more COVID-19 related deaths occurred, bringing the province’s total to seven. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also announced a package of financial supports to help Canadians struggling amid the COVID-19 pandemic could come as early as Wednesday. B.C. Premier John Horgan said later he hopes any funding update from Ottawa on Wednesday will include detailed measures to help workers worried about losing wages. He also announced the suspension of all K-12 schools in the province until further notice. Horgan said employment insurance

programs in B.C. are now being extended, with support from opposition parties in the Legislature. Meanwhile, the City of Vancouver followed the advice of B.C.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and ordered all restaurants and bars to close on St. Patrick’s Day, to restrict gatherings of 50 people or more. “Following Dr. Henry’s advice is the very best way we can protect province and our communities and our economy,” James said. “British Columbia has a strong economic foundation. But there is

Canada to unveil $27 billion aid package to combat coronavirus damage - source Canada will unveil a C$27 billion ($19 billion) aid package on Wednesday to help overcome the effects of a worsening coronavirus outbreak that Ottawa says could last for months, a government source said on Tuesday. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will make an announcement at 9 am Eastern Time (1300 GMT) and then give the stage to Finance Minister Bill Morneau,

said the source, who requested anonymity given the sensitivity of the situation. News of the aid package was first reported by the Globe and Mail. Reuters revealed last week that Ottawa was considering aid worth up to C$20 billion. Morneau will unveil increased payments for people eligible for unemployment insurance and child benefits, and will

Ottawa to buy up to $50-billion in mortgages in move that harkens back to the crisis of 2008 In response to the COVID-19 virus pandemic, the federal government said Monday that it is preparing to buy up to $50 billion of insured mortgage pools through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). Ottawa said the move is “immediate, significant and effective action” to support Canadians and businesses facing financial hardship as a result of the pandemic and its impact. “This action will provide stable funding to banks and mortgage lenders in order to ensure continued lending to Canadian consumers and businesses,” the government said in a statement, adding that it is meant to enhance other measures unfurled last week, which included an

interest rate cut and easing up on the size of the capital cushion banks must maintain. Ottawa stepped in with a similar program during the 2008 financial crisis. The Canadian government did not buy soured mortgages, as was done in the United States. Instead, the idea is to give the big banks funding and liquidity flexibility so they could provide cash and credit to individuals and businesses, as needed, to keep the economy going. “As insured mortgage pools in Canada already carry Government of Canada backing, there is no additional risk to taxpayers,” the statement issued late Monday said, noting that the purchased insured mortgage pools will earn a rate of return for the government that is above its own cost of borrowing.

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Trudeau would be replaced by Freeland if unable to perform duties amid COVID-19 concerns ustin Trudeau would be replaced by Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland if he was unable to do his job, according to an official order released amid questions about how the government would respond if the Prime Minister were to contract COVID-19. The Privy Council quietly published the Order in Council last Friday, one day after Mr. Trudeau announced that he would be self-isolating at his residence because his wife, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Mr. Trudeau is following the advice of his doctor in not getting himself tested for the virus, as he is not showing any symptoms. “The Prime Minister is feeling well. And he’s keeping extremely busy working from home, as you know, starting his day with a G7 leaders call and making a major announcement today. And as you know, yesterday, he did two interviews, spoke

with two world leaders, and held a cabinet meeting,” Mr. Trudeau’s spokesperson, Cameron Ahmad, said an e-mail Monday. However, Mr. Ahmad did not say how sick Mr. Trudeau would have to be in order for him to be considered “unable to perform the functions of his office,” as outlined in the Order in Council. The legal order lists, in order of priority, cabinet ministers who would be authorized to act on behalf of Mr. Trudeau if he were unable to do his job. Ms. Freeland is listed first, followed by Veterans Affairs Minister Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Carolyn Bennett, and Dominic LeBlanc, President of the Privy Council. Mr. Leblanc has a weakened immune system from undergoing treatments for nonHodgkin lymphoma, a form of blood cancer.

Frustrated Canadians looking for mortgage deferrals from big banks facing delays, denials Some Canadians looking to defer mortgage payments due to COVID-19 say they are facing delays, confusion and outright denials from the country’s big banks. “My wife called the 1-800 number for Bank of Montreal, talked to an adviser on the line to see what we are eligible for,” said Evan McFatridge of Dartmouth, N.S., whose family is down to a single income because his wife has been laid off from her job at a restaurant. “She was told that our mortgage was too new to qualify for a deferral,” he said. As part of the government’s pledge to help Canadians suffering financially due to COVID-19, Finance Minister Bill Morneau asked the heads of Canada’s big banks to allow people to defer mortgage payments for up to six months The banks responded by issuing a statement saying they “have made a commitment to work with personal and small business banking customers on a case-by-case basis to provide flexible solutions to help them manage through challenges such as pay disruption due to COVID-19; child-care

disruption due to school closures; or those facing illness from COVID-19.” But some Canadians looking for relief from mortgage payments say they’re encountering a confusing, opaque and seemingly arbitrary process that is only adding to the stress of illness, isolation and lost income. “I called in yesterday, spent two hours on the phone, and they required a full credit check and credit application in order to even see if I was qualified [for a deferral] and then didn’t even give me a time frame,” said one former BMO branch manager. “So, they had to speak to both me and my wife over the phone, get all our income, our jobs, our assets, our liabilities, said they had to send it to the credit department for review and that someone would contact us,” he said.“They had no criteria for what they’re looking for. If they said to me, ‘One of you has to be laid off. One of you has to be in isolation. You have to sign a disclosure statement.’ Fine.” The man’s wife is on reduced hours at home because she has to care for their kids, whose schools have been shut.

COVID-19 financial help: EI benefits, bill deferrals & other emergency funds More and more British Columbians are facing financial uncertainty as employers reduce hours or lay off staff, business dries up, and events are cancelled as part of efforts to curb the spread of Coronavirus. Here are some emergency resources and funding out there to help. The list will be updated as more funds and programs become available. Employment Insurance The federal government has waived the one-week waiting period for employment insurance for workers in imposed quarantine or who have been directed to self-isolate. The previous requirement of a medical certificate to access EI sickness benefits is now waived. Apply for EI sickness benefits through the government website. www.canada.ca/en/ services/benefits/ei/ei-sickness/apply.html Rent and mortgage payments Canada’s six largest banks — RBC, TD, BMO, Scotiabank, CIBC and National Bank — will allow mortgage payment deferrals for up to six months for those affected by the economic consequences of COVID-19, effective immediately. They will also provide relief for other credit products. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation is also increasing flexibility for lenders to defer mortgage payments on homeowner governmentinsured mortgage loans. For renters in some parts of the province, it’s possible to get

emergency help for rent payments and one-time interest-free loans through rent bank programs. BC Hydro BC Hydro has introduced a COVID-19 customer assistance program to defer bill payments or arrange for flexible payment plans with no penalty. Call BC Hydro’s customer team at 1-800-224-9376 to discuss bill payment options. Those facing temporary financial hardship and possible disconnection of their service due to job loss, illness, or loss of a family member may also be eligible for BC Hydro’s Customer Crisis Fund, which provides access to grants of up to $600 to pay their bills. ICBC ICBC currently allows one monthly deferral request per policy term. You can change the date of an upcoming monthly payment online. Children and parents The federal government is temporarily boosting Canada Child Benefit payments. EI-eligible and non EI-eligible working parents who must stay home without pay because of children who are sick or who need additional care because of school closures can also apply for the Emergency Care Benefit of up to $900 bi-weekly for up to 15 weeks. Businesses Eligible small businesses can get 10% per cent wage subsidy for next 90 days, up to maximum of $1,375 per employee and $25,000 per employer, to help keep people on the payroll. This also includes not-for-profit organisations and charities.

NATIONAL

INDIA

Saturday, March 21, 2020

PM Modi orders total Natioanl wide curfew (bandh) on Sunday PM Modi on Thursday appealed to citizens to observe a self-curfew on March 22 as part of a trial-run to test social isolation to curb the spread of the coronavirus. In his address to the nation, Modi said the growing challenge posed by the coronavirus was not normal,

and urged everyone to practice social distancing. “These are testing times but we all have to maintain discipline to prevent spread of the virus,” he said, adding the pandemic has severely affected the Indian economy.

India bans incoming flights to rein in coronavirus, and seals off Kashmir India banned incoming international flights on Thursday, restricted public gatherings and blocked roads to seal Kashmir after the insurgency-torn region reported its first coronavirus infection. Elsewhere in densely populated South Asia, Sri Lanka postponed parliamentary elections as the coronavirus epidemic spread in an area that had been relatively unscathed compared to elsewhere in the world. New cases in India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are all accelerating, with the total across the region nearing 700. Six people have died. Authorities worry that these countries could be especially at risk should the virus begin to spread locally, due to poor health facilities and infrastructure. India, the world’s second most populous country after China, said it would ban all international commercial passenger flights from landing from Sunday for a week. The country has already suspended visas for the vast majority of foreigners seeking to enter. In Indian-ruled Kashmir, claimed in whole but ruled in part by both India and Pakistan, dozens of people told Reuters they had been prevented from leaving their neighborhoods by police and paramilitary units. Srinagar’s senior superintendent of police, Haseeb

Mughal, told Reuters that road blockades across the valley had been imposed to prevent the spread of the virus. “I had to take my mother to hospital in Srinagar but the police closed the road,” said Mohammed Ayub, from the nearby town of Budgam. “I am waiting here for the last two hours. I can’t even go home now as the road is blocked due to a traffic jam.” Muslim-majority Kashmir has been relatively unaffected by the virus, reporting its first case on Wednesday. But the picturesque valley of seven million is one of most militarised places on earth due a decades-long insurgency against Indian rule, and its residents have been subject to prolonged curbs on movement.An internet shutdown that began in August following sweeping constitutional changes in Kashmir has only just been eased Sri Lanka said on Thursday it would delay parliamentary elections scheduled for April 25. The island nation banned all incoming flights for two weeks effective Wednesday and imposed a curfew in some areas. There have been 53 confirmed cases in Sri Lanka. Confirmed cases in Afghanistan remained static at 22 on Thursday, despite what experts say is a brewing crisis in the war-torn nation.

Nirbhaya gang rape case

4 convicts executed in Tihar Jail The four men convicted of the gang-rape & murder of a woman on December 16, 2012 were hanged in the darkness of pre-dawn on Friday, ending a horrific chapter in India’s long history of sexual assault that had seared the nation’s soul. Vinay Sharma (26), Mukesh Singh (32), Pawan Gupta (25), and Akshay Kumar were executed at 5:30 am for gang rape of a girl in an empty bus, the victim 23-year-old physiotherapy intern who came to be known the world as Nirbhaya, the fearless. “The doctor has examined the bodies and declared all four dead,” Director General of Tihar Jail Sandeep Goel said. Jail officials said the bodies were kept hanging for half an hour, a mandatory procedure after execution as per the prison manual. This is the first time that four men have been hanged together in Tihar Jail, South Asia’s largest prison complex that houses more than 16,000 inmates. The executions were carried out after the men exhausted every possible legal avenue to escape the gallows. Their desperate attempts only postponed the inevitable by less than two months after the first date of execution was set for January 22. In last-ditch efforts, one of the convicts knocked on the doors of the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court hours before the hanging. Hours before the execution, Pawan Kumar Gupta approached the Supreme Court challenging rejection of the second mercy petition by the President. In an unprecedented late-night hearing that began at 2.30 am and lasted an hour, a Supreme Court bench dismissed his last plea, paving the way for the execution. It also refused to pass any direction allowing Gupta and Akshay Singh to meet their families just before they were sent to the gallows. Relieved that their daughter finally got justice after a seven-year-long legal struggle, Nirbhaya’s parents said they would continue their “fight for India’s daughters”. “We finally got justice. We will continue our fight for justice for India’s daughters. Justice delayed, but not denied,” her mother told reporters after the hanging. She added that

women would definitely feel safer after the execution of the convicts. The mother said the entire country was awake and waiting for justice. There was cheer after the hanging as hundreds of

people, carrying the national flag and shouting slogans of ‘long live Nirbhaya’ and ‘Bharat Mata ki jai’, gathered outside Tihar Jail since early hours of Friday. Some of them distributed sweets after the four convicts were executed. Among the people who gathered outside the jail was social activist Yogita Bhayana. She held a poster which read ‘Nirbhaya has got justice. The other daughters still await’. “Justice has been delivered finally,” she said, adding it was a victory of the legal system. Sana, a resident of west Delhi, said, “Nothing will change after this hanging in our society, but we are happy that the four convicts have been hanged and the justice was delivered to Nirbhaya.” After raping and brutalising Nirbhaya, the men, one of whom was a juvenile at the time, dumped her on the road and left for dead on the cold winter night. Her friend who was with her was also severely beaten and thrown out along with her. She was so severely violated that her insides were spilling out when she was taken to hospital. She died in a Singapore hospital after battling for life for a fortnight. Six people, including the four convicts and the juvenile, were named as accused. While Ram Singh allegedly committed suicide in Tihar Jail days after the trial began in the case, the juvenile was released in 2015 after spending three years in a correctional home.

‘I stayed at work, you stay at home’: AIIMS doctor’s plea goes viral, Modi says ‘well said’ AIIMS doctor’s plea to stay indoors amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak has gained praise online. Prasar Bharati News Service shared a picture of a resident doctor requesting people to “stay at home”. Dr. Amarinder Singh Malhi, who is the resident doctor in AIIMS, New Delhi, was seen carrying a sheet of paper with the message: “I stayed at work for you, you stay at home for us” Prime Minister Narendra Modi retweeted the post and gave a “shout-out to all those working to make our planet safe and healthier”. Modi wrote: “Well said, Doctor! Also a shout-out to all those working to make

our planet safer and healthier. No words will ever do justice to their exceptional efforts. #IndiaFightsCorona”. Meanwhile, the novel coronavirus cases in India rose to 169 after 18 fresh cases were reported from various parts of the country, according to the Health Ministry. The cases include 25 foreign nationals—17 from Italy, three from the Philippines, two from the UK, one each belonging to Canada, Indonesia and Singapore. The figure also includes three deaths reported from Delhi, Karnataka and Maharashtra so far.

Roche diagnostics India 1st pvt firm to get COVID-19 test approval Roche Diagnostics India has received the license from the country’s drug regulator DCGI for its ‘cobas SARS CoV-2’ diagnostic test kit on Wednesday, 18 March, making it the first private firm to get permission to conduct coronavirus tests. According to a senior official, the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has given test license to the Roche Diagnostics India following successful completion of the evaluation of their testing kits. Test Received USFDA Authorisation “We are now assessing giving license to another private diagnostic firm, bioMérieux, which has also sought approval to conduct tests for coronavirus,” the official said. Shravan Subramanyam, Managing Director, Roche Diagnostics India Pvt Ltd said the company has been accorded the test licence for cobas SARS CoV-2 diagnostic test by the

Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). “The test license accorded to Roche Diagnostics India allows us to initiate steps to import select quantities of the cobas SARS CoV-2 diagnostic test for product performance evaluation. Following successful completion of the evaluation, a decision from the authorities will enable us to commercialise the kits in India,” Subramanyam said. “We would like to thank the CDSCO for providing us the test license in record time, as it enables Roche Diagnostics India to initiate the process of bringing a world-class test to the country. Though this is the first step towards enabling access to the cobas SARS CoV-2 diagnostic test in India, it reinforces the government’s intent to enable public-private partnership and improve patient access in a potentially serious healthcare situation,” he added.

PUNJAB

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Punjab suspends bus, auto-rickshaw services from Saturday amid coronavirus threat The Punjab government on Thursday decided to discontinue public transport in the state as a preventive step against novel coronavirus. Buses, auto-rickshaws and tempos will not be allowed to ply in the state from the midnight intervening Friday and Saturday. The decision was made after a group of ministers met on Thursday to review

the state’s preparedness amid the pandemic. It decided to limit public gathering to 20 people. Punjab has reported two coronavirus cases. One person, who had a travel history to Germany and Italy, died due to the disease on Wednesday. The state’s capital, Chandigarh, also reported its first positive case on Wednesday evening.

NIA files charge sheet against nine Khalistani terrorists in Punjab arms drop case The Nationalist Investigation Agency on Wednesday filed a chargesheet against nine members of Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) terrorist group for their alleged involvement in a case relating to dropping of arms and ammunition in Punjab by drones from Pakistan. All the accused, including two senior citizens, have been charged with relevant provisions of the IPC, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Arms Act and Explosives Substances Act, an NIA spokesperson said.

70-year-old man’s death in Nawanshahr village sparks coronavirus fears A 70-year-old man from Pathlawa village in Nawanshahr district who recently came back from Germany died on Wednesday, sparking fears of yet another death from coronavirus. Baldev Singh had come into Banga Civil Hospital this morning complaining of chest pain, Dr Prince Janagill, the medical officer who treated him, said. He died at the hospital later in the day. The hospital has so far put Singh’s down as heart attack. Janagill said that Singh’s family later revealed to the hospital that he had travelled to Germany and Italy recently, and had returned on March 6.“It was while sharing his details that the family intimated us that he had come back from overseas. All the requisite measures as per COVID-19 protocol were followed thereafter. While the patient did not visibly display any coronavirus symptoms, he has a history of diabetes and hypertension as well. For now, it seems to be a case of heart attack. Whether he had coronavirus would be made clear once the

All Deras told to limit gatherings under 50 people While Punjab govt is gearing up to launch door-to-door awareness campaign about COVIC-19, Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh appealed to religious organisations and Deras heads to keep gatherings under 50 in support of the government’s efforts to check the spread of Covid-19. The Chief Minister, after a series of review meetings with health and other officials, said while Punjab, with one confirmed case, was so far safe, it could not afford to be complacent in the face of the spread of coronavirus globally. The government was mulling to give bail to those convicted of minor offences and parole to those who had spent considerable time in jail, said Capt Amarinder, pointing out that the Supreme Court had talked about decongesting the prisons. The final decision would, however, depend on the courts. AdvocateGeneral Atul Nanda was taking up the matter with the Chief Justice of the Punjab & Haryana High Court, he added.

Akashdeep Singh (21), Balwant Singh (48), Harbhajan Singh (65) , Balbir Singh (70), Maan Singh (43), Gurdev Singh (40), Shubhdeep Singh (21), Sajanpreet Singh (22) and Romandeep Singh (20) have been named in the charge sheet filed before the special NIA court here, the official said.

Not a single suspected coronavirus patient missing or absconding: Punjab govt Not a single suspected coronavirus patient is either missing or absconding in Punjab, Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu clarified on Wednesday evening, categorically rejecting media reports to the contrary as “irresponsible and incorrect”. The 167 missing persons referred to by the Ludhiana civil surgeon were not COVID-19 suspected cases but were merely people with foreign travel history who could not be traced due to incomplete contact details shared by the Government of India, said Sidhu, amid reports suggesting that they were suspected coronavirus cases who had absconded or gone missing. All these persons had already been screened at the airports in Delhi, said the Minister, adding that since the coronavirus outbreak, the Centre is sharing reports of

passengers with international travel with all the states, including Punjab. While those found symptomatic are admitted in hospital and kept in isolation, as per protocol, the lists of asymptomatic passengers are shared with the concerned state, he elaborated. As a matter of precaution, the Punjab govt contacts these passengers to re-verify their history and medical condition, he added. In this case, the contact details of 335 passengers shared by the Centre were incomplete, and lists of these passengers were shared with the district administration and the Central government was also duly informed, Sidhu added. Subsequently, 191 of these passengers were successfully contacted, and they all were found asymptomatic and had crossed 14 days period of observation, he added.

INDIA

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Indian Air Force’s first 3 female fighter pilots get “Nari Shakti Puraskar” President Ram Nath Kovind presented the “Nari Shakti Puraskar” to Indian Air Force’s (IAF) first women fighter pilots, Mohana Jitarwal, Avani Chaturvedi and Bhawana Kanth, today at Rashtrapati Bhawan. The three female pilots was inducted into the IAF’s fighter squadron after the Government of India decided to open fighter stream in the force for women on an experimental basis. The three were first to be inducted into the squadron and conduct a solo flight in MIG-21 in 2018. They expressed their desire to serve the nation and hoped to achieve more laurels in the forthcoming years. Avani Chaturvedi completed her training in Hyderabad Air Force Academy. She has been posted to No. 23 Squadron (Panthers), Suratgarh in Rajasthan

and was promoted to the rank of Flight Lieutenant in 2018. Ms Chaturvedi has earned an honorary Doctorate in 2018 conferred by Banasthali Vidyapeeth. Bhawana Kanth, born in Bihar’s Darbhanga, has completed her BE (Medical Electronics) from BMS College of Engineering in Bengaluru. She has been posted to No 3 Squadron (Cobras), Ambala in Haryana. She completed her fighter pilot training and got commissioned in 2016. Born in Agra, Mohana Jitarwal did her schooling from Air Force School in New Delhi. Ms Jitarwal father, Pratap Singh is a Warrant Officer in Indian Air Force. Her grandfather Ladu Ram Jat died fighting during the 1948 Indo-Pak war and was awarded Vir Chakra Award posthumously.

Yes Bank resumes operations; all services available now Yes Bank on Wednesday said it has resumed operations, and all its banking services are available for its customers now. “Our banking services are now operational. You can now experience the full suite of our services. Thank you for your patience and co-operation. #YESforYOU @RBI @FinMinIndia,” the

lender tweeted. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had put restriction on the lender on March 5, under which the bank’s customers were allowed to withdraw up to Rs 50,000 till April 3. The government notified the Yes Bank reconstruction scheme last week.

Coronavirus cases cross 235, offices shut in Mumbai, strict restrictions in Delhi With several new cases of Coronavirus being reported from across the country, several cities have announced virtual lockdown to stop the spread of the deadly infection. Metro services in Delhi, Metro, Bengaluru will not be available on Sunday, March 22 – the day PM Modi has called for Janata Curfew. Jaipur Metro has stopped services till Sunday with immediate effect. The Maharashtra government on Thursday announced closure of offices and shops in Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur till March 31. Shops selling essential commodities will only remain open in these cities. Train

services across the country would remain curtailed on Sunday. A number of passenger trains have been cancelled. The number of Coronavirus case continues to jump in India as the government has stepped up preventive measures to prevent the virus from creating more damage to the Indian economy and society. As of today, there are as many as 236 cases reported in the country out of which 32 are foreign nationals while the rest of them are Indians. Indian health officials and doctors have been able to cure 19 people who were infected with the COVID-19 but could not save the lives of 4 people.

India says 276 citizens have tested positive for coronavirus overseas A total of 276 Indians have tested positive for coronavirus overseas to date, an Indian government minister said on Wednesday. The vast majority, 255, tested positive in Iran, with

others in the United Arab Emirates, Italy, Kuwait, Sri Lanka, Rwanda and Hong Kong, V. Muraleedharan, minister of state for external affairs, said in a written reply to a question in India’s parliament.

India halts key policy plans as revenues shrink: sources India has dropped at least three crucial policy initiatives, including lowering import taxes on vegetable oils, as the outbreak of the coronavirus hits government revenue collection, two sources said on Tuesday. India’s income tax revenues contracted 3.5% in the first 11 months of the current fiscal year, which began in April 2019, and income from other taxes grew by a meagre 3.8%, the finance ministry told parliament on Monday. The food ministry had proposed lowering import taxes on crude and refined vegetable oils, including palm oil, by 3-7% to keep a lid on domestic prices that leapt more than 11% after India restricted palm oil imports from Malaysia in January. But the finance ministry rejected that proposal due to revenue concerns, the sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters. India had been the biggest buyer of Malaysian palm oil for five years, but purchases ground

to a halt after the January curbs, a retaliation for then prime minister Mahathir Mohamad’s criticism of New Delhi’s policy regarding its Muslim minority. The finance ministry also shelved other proposal by the food ministry that would have raised the supply of highly subsidised rice and wheat to millions of people under the world’s biggest food welfare programme, said the sources, who did not wish to be identified as they are not authorised to talk to media.The food ministry had favoured raising the supply of subsidised rice and wheat to 7 kg a month from the current 5 kg for most beneficiaries — a proposal that would have cost the government an extra 3 billion rupees ($40.4 million), they said. In the next financial year, beginning in April, India plans to spend $15.5 billion to run its mammoth food welfare programme, which gives rice and

Sensex, Nifty tumble over 5% as coronavirus fears grow Indian shares skidded over 6% in the waning moments of trading on Wednesday, with financial stocks suffering the most, as fears of the economic damage from the coronavirus pandemic eclipsed sweeping stimulus moves from policymakers around the world. The Nifty slipped below 8,500 to hit a fresh 3-year low but pared some losses to close 5.5% lower at 8,468.80. The benchmark Sensex tumbled 5.59% to 28,869. Global stocks stumbled back into the red on Wednesday with Wall Street futures pointing to more losses ahead on growing fears over the coronavirus fallout. In

Indian trading, financial stocks have been the hardest hit this week - the Nifty bank index fell over 7% on Wednesday. A total of 276 Indians have tested positive for coronavirus overseas to date, an Indian government minister said on Wednesday. On the blue-chip Nifty 50 index, Indusind Bank was the top loser, crashing over 30% to settle 24% lower. The Nifty auto index closed 5% down with Hero Motocorp tumbling over 8%. Among the gainers on the Nifty 50 index, Yes Bank Ltd which surged nearly 50% during the day, trimmed gains to close over 5% higher.

Saturday, March 21, 2020

PAKISTAN

Saturday, February 15,2020 2020 Saturday, March 21,

Govt announces stimulus package to counter Coronavirus Prime Minister Imran Khan, while addressing to media in Islamabad on Friday, said people should self-quarantine for at least another 45 days to help tackle the coronavirus crisis. He appealed to media the houses, opinion makers and journalist fraternity among others to report judiciously so as to not create panic. He ruled out a complete lockdown in the country which he believes would slow down the economy and increase unemployment. “We are also developing a comprehensive economic package which will be announced on Tuesday,” the premier said during an interaction with senior journalists in Islamabad on Friday.

The prime minister said the government is going to announce incentives for the construction industry, so that day labourers associated with the industry continue to get work amid the economic slowdown in the country. The novel coronavirus – which originated in the central China city of Wuhan towards the end of December 2019 – has spread to all continents excluding Antarctica. The COVID-19 respiratory illness caused by the mysterious contagion has so far killed thousands of people and sickened tens of thousands of others across the globe.

Pakistan closes border with India amid coronavirus scare Pakistan announced on Thursday to close down Wagah border with India for two weeks as the number of coronavirus cases in the country rose to 341. The interior ministry through a notification said that it closed the key border point with India “for an initial period of two weeks (14 days) with immediate effect”. It said the measure was taken to “prevent the spread

of COVID-19, in the best interest of both countries”. Pakistan’s western border with Iran and Afghanistan had already been closed to curb the spread of the deadly virus which had infected people in more than 150 countries. Meanwhile, more coronavirus cases were reported in Pakistan as the number of patients in Balochistan province rose to 45 and KhyberPakhtunkhwa 34.

F-16 jet crashes Wing Commander Nouman Akram died in crash in a jungle near Shakarparian area of the capital, PAF (Pakistan Air Force) said in a statement. The US-built F-16 fighter plane was carrying out routine exercises for the Pakistan Day parade when it crashed, it said, adding that

the PAF has ordered an inquiry into the cause of the crash. There were no casualties on the ground or damage to property, the statement said, adding that security forces have cordoned off the crash site. Smoke was rising from the crash site and rescue efforts were going on to contain the fire, the statement said.

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

UP TO

40% OFF!

See Website for Details *See website for Price Match terms and conditions.

Prices in effect until March 6, 2020, while quantities last.

Visit us online for more great deals!

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

Opposition file petition in favour of arrested journalist Three Pakistani opposition parties have jointly filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court against the arrest of Mir Shakil-urRehman, the editor-in-chief of the Jang Geo Media. The parties have alleged that the arrest

on March 12 for illegal possession of a piece of land, was in violation of constitutional rights. They alleged that Rehman faced action as he had been critical of the government.

Coronavirus cases rise to 470 Total confirmed cases of Coronavirus surpass to 470. In Sindh it has 249, Punjab 96, Balochistan 81, K-P 23, G-B 21, Islamabad 5 and AJK 1 Majority of the COVID-19 cases are linked to those who went to foreigns countries or pilgrimage to Iran. Pakistan shares a 960-kilometre border with Iran, with the main crossing point at Taftan in Balochistan province. The Taftan border has been closed since March 16, but thousands of Pakistan Shi’ite pilgrims who were visiting religious sites in Iran have been allowed to return subject to two weeks’ quarantine. Authorities have screened over 1,015,900 travellers since the virus was first detected in the country. At least 20,088 travellers have been screened in the last 24 hours. Sindh government has come out criticising Centre for lack of foresight in quarantine arrangements in Taftan where over 9,000 pilgrims returning from Iran had been quarantined by the

Balochistan government in a ‘tent city’. After completing the 14-day incubation period, the pilgrims were allowed to travel back to their cities. However, Sindh and K-P sent the pilgrims to isolation facilities in Sukkur and Dera Ismail Khan and tested them before allowing further travel. In its March 13 National Security Committee meeting, Centre formed a Novel Coronavirus Core Committee with daily meetings between federal and provincial authorities. Ruling Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) government tasked National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to coordinate with provincial governments and lead the fight against novel coronavirus. The federal government also decided to ban public gatherings, close all educational institutions until April 5 and cancel Pakistan Day parade on March 23. It also sealed borders and limited international flights operations to Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.

50 minority families urge India to grant them citizenship Around 50 families hailing from the minority community in Pakistan on Monday urged the Centre to grant them Indian citizenship. Addressing the media at Gurdwara Majnu ka Tilla here, in a press meet organised by Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, the families from both Sikh and Hindu

communities from Pakistan claimed that they were being discriminated against on the basis of their religious identity and were subjected to atrocities in the Muslim-majority nation. Talking about his life back home in Sind area of Pakistan, Panju Ram, one of the members, said, “I request the central government to grant us citizenship. I need documentation for

Saturday, March 21, 2020

FIJI

Saturday, March 21, 2020

28-year-old mother of two gives birth to quadruplets It was a joyful moment for 28-year-old Rashika Karishma Kumari , her husband, Ashneel Raj and her family from Nakaulevu in Navua after she gave birth to four babies at the CWM Hospital. Kumari gave birth to three baby girls and one baby boy on Saturday. The 28-year-old has two other sons, one is a kindergarten student while the other son is four years old. She says the doctors told her in her first scan that she will be having four babies. The woman from Nakaulevu says she and her babies are all in good health. Kumari says

iji Airways will suspend all international flights until the end of May, with the exception of twice-weekly services between Singapore and Nadi. This is a 95% reduction in flights which has resulted in the airline implementing Leave Without Pay of four weeks between April and June for all employees. All senior management are taking a 35% pay cut Fiji Airways will operate one flight out of Nadi to Sydney tomorrow and another on Sunday. This route will then be suspended. her children are in the Intensive Care Unit and they are recovering well after they were born prematurely.

Some elevated parts of Suva facing water disruptions Some elevated parts of Suva that are being supplied water by the Tamavua Water Treatment Plant are now facing water disruptions. The Water Authority of Fiji says there is no timeframe on when water supply will normalise as the reservoir levels are low. WAF says the turbidity levels are high in the raw water from the Waimanu Pumping Station and this is causing low production at the

Tamavua Water Treatment Plant. When asked on when water supply will normalise as people have to practice proper hygiene and have to always wash hands with soap and water due to the threat of COVID-19, the Authority says they cannot give a timeframe on when supply will normalise. It says this is subject to the clearing of the current weather condition.

COVID-19 patient is a 27-year-old flight attendant who had recent travel history to USA and NZ - Dr. Sahukhan The Head of Health Protection at the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Dr. Alisha Sahukhan says the COVID-19 patient is a 27-year-old flight attendant of Fiji Airways who had a recent travel history to the USA and New Zealand. Dr. Sahukhan says the flight attendant presented at Lautoka Hospital on Tuesday evening displaying respiratory symptoms at which point he was immediately

Fiji Airways suspends flights

isolated by the staff into a dedicated isolation ward. Dr. Sahukhan says the patient remains isolated and is in a stable condition. She says they received the test results this morning. Dr. Sahukhan it is important to note that this is an imported case of the virus and is not a locally transmitted case. She says based on the patients travel history and when his symptoms started, they believe that he got COVID-19 in the USA.

The airline will also fly once to Los Angeles on Saturday and Sunday with the last flight out of Los Angeles to reach Fiji on 24th March, before suspending the service. Fiji Airways will operate the last return Auckland-Nadi service on Sunday 22nd March. The final South Pacific return services between Nadi or Suva and Nukuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;alofa, Honiara and Funafuti will operate fly tomorrow while the final Nadi â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Honolulu flight will operate on Sunday 22nd March with the return on Monday.

Number of safety measures announced after first case of COVID-19 was confirmed Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama has announced a number of measures to try to isolate and contain COVID-19 after the first case of coronavirus in Lautoka. From midnight tonight our border restrictions on Mainland China, Italy, Iran, Spain and South Korea will be extended to foreign nationals who have been present in the USA and all of Europe including the United Kingdom within 14 days of their intended travel.

From midnight tonight, anyone who enters our country from any overseas destination will be required to self quarantine for 14 days meaning they must stay in one place and avoid contact with others or going out in public. The most stringent travel restrictions have been announced for Lautoka The Prime Minister says starting at midnight tonight, all schools and non-essential businesses within the Greater Lautoka Area will be closed until further notice.

COVID-19: Gatherings of 20 or more people banned in Fiji Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama has announced that gatherings of 20 or more people are now banned in Fiji after the confirmation of the first COVID-19 case. Gatherings are defined as any assembly of individuals in a single location, including meetings, religious gatherings, such as church, mosque and temple services, and sports events. At this stage, workplaces, businesses and inter-island shipping services outside of Lautoka may remain open, buses and Fiji Link services can continue and schools, outside of

Lautoka, will remain open. However Bainimarama says all Fijians should avoid all non-essential travel. The Prime Minister says nightclubs, gyms, cinemas, swimming pools, fitness centres and even recreational contact sporting engagements, which, by their nature, make personal space nearly impossible should also be closed and ceased everywhere in Fiji, effective immediately. For the time being, the judiciary will continue to function, but there will be no movement of people in remand

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Patel confirms UK’s panel to assess threat of hostile activity UK Home Secretary Priti Patel has publicly confirmed the existence of an organisation established to assess the threat of hostile state activity and inform the UK government’s response. The

NRI

Joint State Threats Assessment Team (JSTAT) was created in 2017 in response to the increased threat the UK faces from hostile nations like Russia but has functioned under cover until now

Economist who warned of 2008 crisis doesn’t see a repeat — if USA takes these steps

Raghuram Rajan, the University of Chicago economist who sounded a warning ahead of the 2008 debacle, says the U.S. isn’t currently in a full-blown financial crisis and could avoid a repeat of what happened 12 years ago by moving decisively to contain the coronavirus and the fallout. Barron’s spoke with Rajan, who previously helped get

India’s economy onto a more stable path as the head of the Reserve Bank of India and was also chief economist of the International Monetary Fund, to see how the U.S. can avert a global financial crisis, why TARP 2.0 may be needed, and if the U.S. is headed into a negative interest-rate spiral. An edited and condensed version of the conversation follows.

7-year-old Indian wins $1mn in Dubai Duty Free raffle A 7-year-old Indian national living in Ajman became richer by $1 million when his name was drawn at the Dubai Duty Free raffle. Kapilraj Kanakaraj (pic) held ticket 4234 in series 327, which was bought by his father on February 21. Kanakaraja, the father, hails from

Tamil Nadu and has been an Ajman resident for 27 years. “Words aren’t enough to express how I feel today. My family and I are so thankful. Thank you so much Dubai Duty Free for this life changing win!” said Kanakaraj.

SOUTH ASIA China reports no new domestic coronavirus cases for first time For the first time after the deadly coronavirus broke out about three months ago in Wuhan, China on Thursday said that no new domestic cases of the COVID-19 were confirmed, including in the virus’ epicentre, even as eight more fatalities have been reported, taking the death toll in the country to 3,245. China’s National Health Commission (NHC) in its daily report said that no new domestically transmitted cases of the novel coronavirus disease were reported on the Chinese mainland on Wednesday. However, a total of 34 new COVID-19 cases were reported on the Chinese mainland on Wednesday, all of which were from those arriving from abroad, marking a sharp increase, it said. Of the 34 newly imported cases,

21 were reported in Beijing, nine in Guangdong Province, two in Shanghai, one in Heilongjiang Province and one in Zhejiang Province, the NHC said. Capital of the central Hubei Province Wuhan, which bore the brunt of the coronavirus since the outbreak originated in December last year, also reported zero cases on Wednesday, marking a notable first in the city’s months-long battle with the deadly virus. The Health Commission of Hubei Province said the total confirmed cases of the coronavirus disease in Wuhan and Hubei remained at 50,005 and 67,800 respectively, on Wednesday with no confirmed cases. Also on Wednesday, eight deaths and 23 newly suspected cases were reported on the mainland.

Pakistan urges calm as Coronavirus cases surge and Sri Lanka bans flights Pakistan’s prime minister called for calm after its tally of coronavirus cases rose to 256, while Sri Lanka sealed itself off and declared a partial curfew on Wednesday as South Asian countries tried to stem the epidemic. The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the Indian subcontinent topped 500 on Wednesday. Officials imposed travel restrictions to block the spread of the disease amid fears that inadequate health facilities could be overwhelmed in a region that is home to nearly 1.9 billion people. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, in an address to the nation, urged citizens to remain calm and not rush to get tested.

“Only those with intense symptoms should go to hospital,” he said. “There is no need to worry. We will fight this as a nation. And God-willing, we will win this war.” His comments came amid a growing dispute in Pakistan between federal and provincial authorities, with the latter struggling to secure sufficient coronavirus testing kits and blaming the federal government for failing to properly test and quarantine hundreds of Pakistanis who recently returned home across a land border with Iran. Pakistan said on Tuesday it would require all arriving air passengers to show they had tested negative for the disease.

Billionaire Shetty steps down from Finablr unit Travelex’s board Currency service provider Travelex said on Wednesday the UAE-based Indian billionaire B.R. Shetty and two other directors have resigned from its board, days after its owner Finablr flagged going concern doubts. The two other directors of the company, which has been the subject of a crippling

ransomware attack earlier this year, who quit are Binay Shetty and Abdulrahman Basaddiq. B.R. Shetty founded Finablr and hospital operator NMC Health, which kicked him off its board in February after coming under fire for its financial statements and some of the shareholdings of its major investors.

Saturday, March 21, 2020

BRIGHT TERM DEPOSIT SPECIAL

1.75

12 MONTH REDEEMABLE

Invest in future you Get advice that works for you Meet with a G&F ﬁnancial expert for personalized advice and a SMART MONEY PLANTM that’s custom-made for you.

Deposit to win a luxury escape!**

Anand Sharma, CFP

Raman Takhar

Financial Planner Main Street 604-549-5382

Investment Specialist Nordel 604-549-5384

604-419-8888 gffg.com/BrightTerm *Conditions apply, redeemable after 180 days, early redemption 1.25%. **See complete contest rules and regulations.

Saturday, March 21, 2020

OCEAN PARK FORD

ED ORDER YOUR LOAD F-150 TODAY from $42,48Ta8x

including Freight

and Air

LEA SE TH E D SCAPE S E A W E 0 2 0 2 W E ALL-N %R

187

KS E V E RY 2 W E E

3. 49

†

THS FOR 40 M ON OW N $ 3 ,0 0 0 D H W IT

^^ A W E E K $ T H AT ’S L IK E 9 4

OCEAN PARK FORD (604) 531-6100

SALES LTD. DL8367

3050 King George Blvd, South Surrey https://www ht OCEANPARKFORD.COM OCEA OCEANPA ps:/ EA /A/w w NPA w ww PA w.oceanparkford.com/ RK RKFORD.COM KFORD.COM p kf rd.co OM d *Valid between March 3 and April 30, 2020 (the “Offer Period”), receive $11,000 in combined bonuses towards the purchase or lease of select new 2020 F-150 Lariat 502A models with a Sport Appearance Package during the Offer Period, excluding models with 163.7” Wheelbase, Lariat Chrome Package (86L), 3.0L V6 Power Stroke diesel engine (991) or a 5.0L engine. Bonus value is a combination of a $9,000 delivery allowance and a $2,000 Sport Appearance bonus when the Sport Appearance Package is selected. Delivery allowances are not combinable with any consumer incentives. Some conditions apply. See dealer for details. **F-Series is the best-selling line of pickup trucks in Canada for 54 years in a row, based on Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association statistical sales report up to year-end 2019. Until March 31, 2020, lease a new 2020 Escape SE AWD for up to 40 months and get 3.49% LAPR on approved credit (OAC) from Ford Credit Canada Company. Not all customers will qualify for the lowest LAPR payment. Lease a model with a value of $32,049 (after $3,000 down payment or equivalent trade in and $0 manufacturer rebate deducted and including freight and air tax of $1,950) at 3.49% LAPR for up to 40 months with an optional buyout of $17,679.48, monthly payment is $403.46, (the sum of twelve (12) monthly payments divided by 26 periods gives payee a bi-weekly payment of $186.21), total lease obligation is $19,138.40, interest cost of leasing is $2,818.88 or 3.49% LAPR. Taxes price after Manufacturer Rebate has been deducted.18,000 km per year per year apply. Excess km charges are 12¢per km for Escape, plus applicable taxes. Weekly payments are shown for reference purposes only. Actual payments are calculated on a bi-weekly basis. ©2020 Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. All rights reserved. payable on full amount of total lease

Saturday, March 21, 2020