The Asian Star Janaury 4 2020 by The Asian Star Newspaper

Vol 19 - Issue 49

Saturday, January 4, 2020 Sukh Dhaliwal distances himself from ‘Referendum 2020’

400,000 babies born on New Year’s day

India leads with 67,000 babies born on January 1 Nearly 400,000 babies were born around the world on New Year’s Day with India recording the highest number of these births worldwide at 67,385, the UN children’s agency said. An estimated 392,078 babies were born around the world on New Year’s Day, according to UNICEF. Of this, an estimated 67,385 babies were born in India, the most globally. China comes in second with 46,299 births. The beginning of a new year and a new decade is an opportunity to reflect on our hopes and aspirations not only for our future, but the future of those who will come after us, UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore said. As the calendar flips each January, we are reminded of all the possibility and potential of each child embarking on her or his life’s journeyif they are just given that chance. Continued on page 7

Canada suspends parents & grand parents sponsorship program The federal government has hit pause on a popular immigration program that allows people to sponsor their parents or grandparents to come to Canada. The parents and grandparents program normally opens for applications once a year, and often in January. But Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino has given notice that the application process for 2020 is being postponed. “These instructions will allow the Department sufficient time to complete the development of a new application intake management process for the parents and grandparents sponsorship program, to be implemented in 2020,” he wrote in a

Continued on page 6

Bangladesh closes breast milk bank after protests by Muslim clerics A Bangladesh hospital has suspended plans to give donated breast milk to babies after a backlash by Muslim clerics who said the scheme violated Islamic law. The programme aimed to feed up to 500 orphans and infants of working mothers in the Muslim-majority country, which has high rates of child malnutrition and stunted growth. Bangladesh’s top Islamic leadership has not yet made a ruling on Continued on page 38

Tel:604-591-5423

Liberal MP Sukh Dhaliwal distances himself from the “Referendum 2020” campaign and asserted that the Canadian Government does not interfere in matters of other countries, according to media reports. MP Dhaliwal was on a thanksgiving visit to the Golden Temple after being re-elected from Surrey-Newton for the fourth time. On the demand for Khalistan being made by some Sikhs in Canada, Dhaliwal said as far as the campaign was peaceful no curbs would be put. A native of Jagraon, Dhaliwal said: “I had studied at Khalsa College in Amritsar. I was fortunate to have shifted to Canada, where religion is a personal matter and people enjoy equal opportunities.” “Religious faith is very important as it offers hope to individuals. Being born in a Sikh family, I have come to the Golden Temple

Continued on page 7

Anita Anand set to excel as a top cabinet minister The procurement process for a new fighter jet. Shipbuilding contracts. A new vision for Canada Post. Fixing the Phoenix pay system debacle that has screwed up the pay cheques for thousands of federal civil servants. If that’s not enough of a to-do list, there’s the decision on the fate of 24 Sussex Dr., the prime minister’s official residence, which has sat empty for more than four years as officials weigh whether to renovate the structure or tear it down and start fresh. All daunting issues that have tested political veterans in Ottawa. Perhaps all the more daunting for a political rookie. But if Anita Anand, the newly elected MP for Oakville, is intimidated by her appointment as minister of public services and procurement, she’s not showing it. Indeed, she is confident that a professional career spent in the field of governance has left her well-prepared for a cabinet role heading the department that, according to its Continued on page 8

Mukesh Ambani, Asia’s richest man, takes on retail giant Amazon Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries said it had been inviting people to sign up to its grocery delivery service.The company is aiming to use its massive mobile phone customer base as a springboard for the business. The new e-commerce venture could become a major challenger to India’s existing online retail giants.

Two subsidiaries of Mr Ambani’s business empire, Reliance Retail and Reliance Jio, said they had soft-launched the venture, called JioMart. JioMart says it offers “free and express delivery” for a list of grocery goods, which currently numbers some 50,000 items.

Continued on page 7

Unusual spell of cold wave grips North India An unusual and powerful spell of “Western Disturbances”, originating in the Mediterranean sea, has made the Hindi heartland shiver for the past fortnight. Unfortunately, the spell, striking once in four to five decades, will

continue to freeze people on New Year’s Eve too. “It is a long spell, very unique in nature, and would affect entire northwest India,” says Dr Rajendra Jenamani, senior scientist at the India Meteorological Continued on page 36

Saturday, January 4, 2020

Saturday, November 10, 2018

Vol 18 - Issue 49

Saturday, January 4, 2020

Report shows substantial opposition to local police force, Surrey councillor says A report that had previously been kept secret shows significant opposition to a plan in Surrey, B.C., to transition from the RCMP to a local police force, says a city councillor. The city held public consultations last spring and announced in June there was “overwhelming” support for a local force, before releasing a 34page report in July summarizing the feedback. Coun. Brenda Locke said Friday she obtained

the raw data in September and it showed the level of opposition, but the city manager told her it was confidential because the information was “politically sensitive.” She said she filed a freedom-of-information request for the full report and the 628-page document was quietly posted on the city’s website Monday without any news release or announcement.

South Asian teen survives 150-metre fall from top of Mount Hood

A 16-year-old mountain climber from Surrey has survived a 150-metre fall from the top of Mount Hood in Oregon. Gurbaz Singh was climbing with friends on Monday when he lost his footing on ice and fell from a section known as The Pearly Gates, which leads to the summit, shattering his femur. “It happened pretty quick, so it was kind of unexpected,” said Singh in a brief interview from his hospital bed in Portland where he underwent surgery Tuesday. “It looked like a cool mountain to climb. My friends wanted to do it so, why not?” Singh fell at around 9 a.m. PT Monday while at an elevation of

3,200 metres, according to the Clackamas County Sheriff ’s Office. It took rescuers over four hours to reach him, splint his leg and bring him down the mountain. “The Pearly Gates is a narrow chute — almost like climbing up a chimney,” said Sgt. Marcus Mendoza, a public relations officer with the Clackamas County Sheriff ’s Office. “The ice gave way because it’s still early in the climbing season and it wasn’t strong enough at this point.” Rescue crews were “amazed” Singh survived and only suffered a broken leg, Mendoza said.

Tel:604-591-5423

OPINION

Saturday, January 4, 2020

How to make this year’s resolutions work By Faith Wood Most of us have a new year resolution in mind, even if we won’t say it out loud. The trick is to make it stick. We want to accomplish something or make some improvement. Perhaps we want to lose weight, change jobs, stop consuming alcohol – or even find a life mate. Sadly, most of us probably already feel our well-intentioned objectives slipping away. One of the main reasons that people don’t realize their goals and dreams is that they don’t ask for what they want – they ask for what they think they should want. Their heart isn’t necessarily in the game. When I started studying neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), I came across Tony Robbins’s training. He says: “You get what you focus on.” This fit well with ideas from NLP, so I started creating an exciting, compelling vision for my future. I imagined a home that was warm and dry, a reliable vehicle, an income source that would prevent any worries about money, doing what I love, speaking to groups of people, etc.

But there were problems. I didn’t really believe it would happen for me. I felt frightened of failing. In fact, the main thing that drove me to pursue the visions I focused on was my fear of financial collapse. Oops! I thought I understood that focusing on positive mental images would bring them into my life. But I had misunderstood the word focus. What I discovered very quickly is that “what you focus on increases”.Focus is a combination of thought and emotion. Whatever you think about with a strong emotion will increase in your experience over time. Excessive worry about your credit card debt won’t solve the problem. The combination of thought and emotion contained in worry will likely increase the debt. Instead, you need to focus on the solution and the benefits, not the problem. Conversely, if you want to become slim, fit and healthy, imagine how good you’ll feel when you reach that ideal weight and how good it will feel along the journey. Like magic, you’ll start to get slimmer. It’s all about perspective. So how can you make this idea work for you in 2020? Best intentions Make sure your intentions

are something you want as opposed to something you want to avoid or stop. Our brains struggle to process negative or absent information, so knowing that you don’t want to smoke any longer doesn’t necessarily help. You need to know what you do want instead. Language creates a context for our brain. If we tell someone “Don’t drop the glass,” they’re more likely to release their grasp while the brain processes what you just asked it not to do. If you’d like to test this, ask a decorator to paint your house not blue. Take control Make sure the goal is under your control. The more under your control something is, the more your effort will directly translate into results. And when you focus on the next step in achieving something important, you’ll often get further than when you focus on the result. Make it tangible Your goal will be more powerful if you turn it into something you can see, hear and feel. Everything in your brain got there through your senses. Similarly, your brain processes information and ideas using sensory data in a very real and specific way. When you think of all the people who have annoyed you, you don’t think of all people, you think of specific people and probably a specific person. Have a clear target Be specific, not vague. When you set a goal, your brain doesn’t understand “happiness” or “success” or “challenge.” Test this: When your colleague goes to the sandwich shop, ask for the best sandwich or the most interesting sandwich. See what you get. Feel good about your goal Finally, your goal has to be free from side effects and unplanned consequences. When you imagine achieving your goal, does it feel right? Be honest with yourself – if the feeling is in any way off balance or not quite right, refine the goal until it feels good to think about achieving it. When you decide what you want, you see, hear and feel it, and that feels good. At that point, you’re already halfway to achieving it. If you want to realize your goals this year, keep your focus right where it needs to be. Troy Media columnist Faith Wood is a novelist and professional speaker who focuses on helping groups and individuals navigate conflict, shift perceptions and improve communications.

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, January 4, 2020

Simpson, Thomas & Associates is proud to support the Sanjha Vehra Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association. Sanjha Vehra Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association has donated more than $100,000 over the years to cancer societies and the Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation. For more information about the association, to volunteer or to make a donation please contact Rani Mangat on 604-506-6123.

6 From page 1 instructions published Dec. 20, and circulated by his department to the public this week. The application process for the wildly popular

program has been reworked several times in recent years after criticism and problems with the system.

Saturday, January 4, 2020

Canada suspends parents & grand parents sponsorship program Applications used to be accepted on a firstcome, first-serve basis in person, but that system was scrapped after people effectively bought their way to the front of the line by hiring couriers to ensure their forms were at the top of the pile. The Liberals then moved to a lottery system, which was criticized for being too

random, and then an online program that in 2019 saw all the spots snapped up within minutes. The Liberal government promised after that to review the system yet again, but a decision on what would happen for the 2020 program was delayed by the federal election.

The program will reopen at some point next year, according to Mr. Mendicinoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s instructions that were posted online. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Minister intends to issue further Instructions relating to the intake management process for the parents and grandparents program by April 1, 2020, at the latest.â&#x20AC;? About 20,000 people are admitted annually under the parent and grandparent category, but it currently takes about two years to process an application.

For more Updates, Visit our Website

www.theasianstar.com

Saturday, January 4, 2020

India leads with 67,000 babies born on January 1

From page 1 Fiji in the Pacific most likely delivered 2020’s first baby, while the US, the last of the New Year’s Day. Globally, over half of these births were estimated to have taken place in eight countries — India (67,385), China (46,299), Nigeria (26,039), Pakistan (16,787), Indonesia (13,020), United States of America (10,452), Democratic Republic of Congo (10,247) and Ethiopia (8,493). Each January, UNICEF celebrates babies born on New Year’s Day, an auspicious day for child birth around the world, it said. However, for millions of newborns around the world, the day of their birth is far less auspicious. In 2018, 2.5 million newborns died in just their first month of life; about a third of them on the first day of life. Among those children, most died from preventable causes such as premature birth, complications during delivery, and infections like sepsis. In addition, more than 2.5 million babies are born dead each year. UNICEF said over the past three

From page 1

Mukesh Ambani, Asia’s richest man

Unlike its rivals, JioMart will connect local stores to customers via an app rather than providing and delivering the goods itself. India’s online grocery market is in its infancy - currently estimated to be worth around $870m

From page 1

decades, the world has seen remarkable progress in child survival, cutting the number of children worldwide who die before their fifth birthday by more than half. But there has been slower progress for newborns. Babies dying in the first month accounted for 47 per cent of all deaths among children under five in 2018, up from 40 per cent in 1990. UNICEF’s Every Child Alive campaign calls for immediate investment in health workers with the right training, who are equipped with the right medicines to ensure every mother and newborn is cared for by a safe pair of hands to prevent and treat complications during

a year, with just 0.15% of the population using such services. However, analysts predict the sector could see annual sales of around $14.5bn by 2023.

Sukh Dhaliwal distances himself from ‘Referendum 2020’

to pay my respects and said my prayers on the occasion of Gurpurb,” he said. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee officials, led by its member Gurcharan Singh Grewal, felicitated him with a

“siropa”. Grewal said Dhaliwal was instrumental in tabling a resolution to term the 1984 anti-Sikh riots as genocide in the Canadian Parliament. —

p r e g n a n c y, delivery and birth. Too many mothers and newborns are not being cared for by a trained and equipped midwife or nurse, and the results are devastating, said Fore. We can ensure that millions of babies survive their first day and live into this decade and beyond if every one of them is born into a safe pair of hands. India is projected to surpass China as the world’s most populous country around 2027. According to UN estimates, India is expected to add nearly 273 million people between 2019

and 2050, while the population of Nigeria is projected to grow by 200 million. Together, these two countries could account for 23 per cent of the global population increase to 2050. China, with 1.43 billion people in 2019, and India, with 1.37 billion, have long been the two most populous countries of the world, comprising 19 and 18 per cent, respectively, of the global total in 2019. Through the end of the century, India is estimated to remain the world’s most populous country with nearly 1.5 billion inhabitants, followed by China with just under 1.1 billion, Nigeria with 733 million, the US with 434 million, and Pakistan with 403 million inhabitants. Get the best of News18 delivered to your inbox - subscribe to News18 Daybreak. Follow News18.com on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Telegram, TikTok and on YouTube, and stay in the know with what’s happening in the world around you – in real time.

8 From page 1 website, serves as purchasing agent, property manager, treasurer, accountant and pay and pension administrator for the federal

Saturday, January 4, 2020

Anita Anand set to excel as a top cabinet minister government. Taking on a portfolio where “governance is central and rules are central is not a huge leap for me because I have the

background,” she said in an interview. With some understatement, Anand says it’s been a “very exciting year.” Born and raised in Nova Scotia, Anand is the daughter of two doctors — her mother, who is deceased, was an anesthesiologist, and her father was a general surgeon. She has two sisters, one a doctor in Hamilton and the other a lawyer in Toronto. Anand said she had always aspired to serve in politics and thought that opportunity would come in Kings-Hants, the riding where she lived. A move to Ontario in 1985 and then to Oakville 16 years ago didn’t dampen the political ambition. When John Oliver, the Liberal incumbent in Oakville, announced early in the year that he would not run again, Anand saw an opportunity. “I have really loved contributing to the public policy debates in the area of financial market regulation, corporate governance and securities law. I found that I was ready to speak to a broader audience to try to contribute to our Canadian society,” she said.

The mother of four discussed it with her husband and family and they agreed, “this may be the time.” She won the contested nomination and then won the riding in the Oct. 21 election, fending off a challenge by Conservative Terence Young, who had held the riding between 2008 and 2015. Anand says she went into the campaign acknowledging her lack of political experience but hoping that voters would consider that her expertise in other areas would be valuable in Ottawa. “They were so willing to think outside the box about electing somebody who would bring a different skill set to the table. I’m so grateful they put their faith in me,” she said. That skill set is impressive. Anand was most recently a professor of law at the University of Toronto, topping a resume that stretches for several pages. She holds four degrees and has held academic appointments at the University of Cambridge, the law schools at Yale, Queen’s and Western. She has served as a visiting scholar at the Bank of Canada. She was the inaugural chair of the Ontario Securities Commission Investor Advisory Panel and has sat on the boards of Oakville Hydro and the Oakville Hospital Foundation. In November, the Royal Society of Canada — an organization of scholars, artists and scientists — honoured Anand as one of the “world’s leading scholars of corporate governance.” Her research, the society said, has “significantly altered global thinking about best practices for boards of directors, including the importance of diversity on boards.” All that has set the stage for her next move. “It’s a really good segue to move from the world of academia and interest and public policy to a complex government portfolio where governance is central to discharging the mandate,” she said. Governance, she said, is evolving and distinct for every organization, but it hinges on the directors around the table — their expertise and their recognition of their responsibility. Continued on page 10

Pending decision on Huawei 5G puts Trudeau govt under pressure The Trudeau government has long characterized it as a dispassionate policy exercise drawing on expert evidence. But the political drumbeats are growing louder — at home and abroad — as the federal Liberals come closer to deciding whether to let a Chinese telecom firm help build Canada’s next-generation mobile networks. The development of 5G, or fifth-generation, networks will give people speedier connections and provide vast data capacity to meet the ceaseless demand for emerging applications, like virtual reality and autonomous driving, as more and more things link to the internet. In Canada, China-based Huawei Technologies, Sweden’s Ericsson and Finland’s Nokia are among the leading candidates to help telecommunication firms such as BCE and Telus build their 5G networks. The opposition Conservatives are pressing the Liberals to deny Huawei a role in assembling the country’s 5G infrastructure, alleging it will allow Beijing to spy on Canadians more easily. Some security experts say Huawei’s participation could give it access to an array of digital data gleaned from how, when and where Canadian customers use their electronic devices. In turn, the theory goes, Chinese security agencies could pressure the company into handing over the personal information. Such fears stem from the fact China’s National Intelligence Law plainly states that Chinese organizations and citizens shall support, assist and co-operate with state intelligence work.

Saturday, January 4, 2020

Newton family welcomes Surrey’s first baby of 2020 Solah was born shortly after midnight on Jan. 1 at Surrey Memorial Hospital The Zobaidi family is adjusting well at home after welcoming Surrey’s first baby of the year – and the decade. Solah was born at 12:22 a.m. on Jan. 1 at Surrey Memorial Hospital, said dad Zobaid. She weighed close to 8 lbs. He said Solah and mom, Tanzela, are both doing well since arriving back at their Newton home. This is their third child, he said. Zobaidi said their other children, aged 3 and 6, are excited and “so happy” to have a new baby at home.

While Jan. 6 was Solah’s original due date, Zobaidi said the family is “excited” to have Surrey’s first baby of 2020 and the decade. Solah arrived about 20 minutes after the province’s first baby of 2020, Clarita, at Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster.

Dozens of Canadian firefighters on ground battling blaze in Australia Dozens of Canadian fire-fighting experts on ground in Australia It’s the first such overseas trip arranged by the Winnipeg-based CIFFC, a body formed nearly 40 years ago by disastermanagement officials in provincial and federal natural-resources departments “Since 2015, Australia has helped out Canada immensely ... this is just an opportunity

reciprocate,” Mr. Mousseau said. On Dec. 3, the initial group of 21 Canadians flew to Australia on a five-week deployment. Their term, which spanned the holiday season, will end this weekend as another 21-member team from Canada relieves them. Such efforts could continue for months, Mr. Mousseau said.

Stabbing in Surrey sends one to hospital One person has been sent to hospital following a stabbing, and police are still looking for the suspect. Surrey RCMP said police received a report at 1:18 p.m. of a stabbing in the 10300-block of 152nd Street in Guildford Thursday (Jan. 2).

One male, police said, was sent to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect fled the scene before police arrived. No one is currently in custody. Surrey RCMP said the “parties are known to each other.”

Police say ‘medical matter’ behind death of person found near motel in Surrey Surrey RCMP said Friday that this turned out to be a “medical matter.” Constable Richard Wright said it’s “not deemed suspicious at this point.” Surrey Mounties are investigating near the Canadian Inn motel at 6528 King George Blvd. after a dead body was found in the vicinity shortly after noon Thursday.

Police say it doesn’t appear to be suspicious. The Surrey RCMP is investigating. The age and gender has not been released. The body was discovered at 12:14 p.m., police said. According to media reports, a person from the motel on the phone said, “I’m not supposed to talk,”.

LOCAL

LOCAL / NATIONAL

Saturday, January 4, 2020

Study shows carbon-tax rebate helps lower-income earners the most New research shows that the federal carbon tax and rebate program benefits lower-income earners the most, backing Ottawa’s assertions about the policy aimed at cutting greenhousegas emissions. The program, a federal backstop imposed on provinces that don’t have their own carbon price on consumer

From page 8

goods, will be introduced in Alberta on Jan. 1. It’s already in place in Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and New Brunswick. But it will be removed from the East Coast province as of April 1, when the proposed carbon tax from Progressive Conservative Premier Blaine

Anita Anand set to excel

“I always go back, as I did as a board member on multiple organizations, to what the legal mandate of the board is, which is to act with a view to the best interests of the organization,” Anand said. “We must take into account not only a single stake holder but also the institution as a whole. That is our legal mandate ... It should inform every decision we make.” Anand’s talents could be tested though by the list of tasks laid out by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Her mandate letter sets out

an array of issues that, if fumbled, could cost taxpayers dearly and derail a political career. Among the priorities: modernize procurement practices to make them simpler and encourage more competition; eliminate the outstanding pay issues for public servants and work on a replacement payroll system; enter into a contract — finally — for a new fighter jet; look at options to streamline tangled defence procurement; continue the renewal of the navy fleet and revitalize the country’s shipbuilding industry.

Higgs comes into effect. Those provinces are all either challenging the federal tax in court or intervening in the legal cases of others. However, the Liberal Party’s re-election in the fall has further emboldened the government to stick with its plan. Ottawa calls the carbon tax

“one of the best tools” to spur innovation, cut pollution and limit the impact on affordability. In the spring, the independent Parliamentary Budget Office published a report that backed Ottawa’s contention that the program leaves the majority of households further ahead.

CNN declares Vancouver Island one of top 20 places in the world to visit As 2020 marks the turn of a new decade, CNN has declared Vancouver Island one of the top 20 places to visit this year. Standing shoulder to shoulder with exotic locales like Galway, Ireland; Kyushu, Japan and the Dead Sea, Vancouver Island is being heralded as a pristine natural environment spotted with picturesque small towns and a bustling capital city. According to CNN, Vancouver Island is an ideal destination for world travellers because it offers easy-to-access outdoor adventures without sacrificing the creature comforts of urban life, like high-class dining and shopping. In particular, the American news outlet highlighted the island communities of Tofino and Victoria, with Tofino being described as a “southern coastal paradise” and Victoria as a “city of stately Edwardian architecture.” “The big, beautiful cities and national parks of Canada’s eastern provinces are attractive options in every sense,” says CNN. “But you’re unlikely to find a treasure chest as bountiful as British Columbia’s Vancouver Island on the West Coast – a 290-mile stretch of pristine forest and beaches punctuated by small, artsy towns and a cosmopolitan capital city.” The recent CNN list is not the first time Vancouver

Island has been recognized for its travelworthy beauty. In August 2019, Macleans magazine placed seven island communities in their list of top 20 places to retire in all of Canada. Shortly before that, another seven island townships were placed among the top 50 locations to live in the Great White North CNN’s top 20 places to travel to in 2020, in alphabetical order, are: Chile Lake District Copenhagen, Denmark The Dead Sea Dominica Estonia Galway, Ireland Jamaica Kyrgyzstan Kyushu, Japan New Caledonia AA Paraty and Ilha Grande, Brazil São Tomé and Príncipe St. Petersburg, Russia Sri Lanka Tunisia Vancouver Island, British Columbia Washington, D.C. Wuppertal, Germany Wyoming, USA Zambia

Saturday, January 4, 2020

Khalsa Business Centre

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

LOCAL / NATIONAL

Saturday, January 4, 2020

Vancouver police investigating city’s 1st homicide of 2020 after assault at Oppenheimer Park Vancouver police are investigating a deadly assault in Oppenheimer Park on New Year’s Day, in what is the city’s first homicide of 2020. Police say officers arrived just before 1 p.m. PT at the park, where a man had been assaulted near the basketball court. Jesus Cristobal-Esteban, 62, was taken to hospital by paramedics, where he fell unconscious. He died as a result of his injuries

on Jan. 2, according to police. “The investigators do believe that the victim and the suspect had some sort of interaction before the assault occurred,” said Const. Tania Visintin. The identity of the suspect is not known at this time. “Investigators are in the park canvassing for witnesses,” said Visintin.

Man injured in early-morning shooting in Surrey A man is being treated for gunshot wounds as RCMP investigate a shooting in Surrey, B.C. RCMP said it responded to a report of shots fired just after 2 a.m. PT in the Morgan Creek neighbourhood in the city’s southwest. A statement said officers found an injured man after arriving. The man was taken to hospital for treatment but RCMP said his

wounds are not life threatening. Officers are canvassing the neighbourhood and speaking with witnesses. T h e statement said the investigation is in its early stages. 1 man dead, another in custody, in Surrey’s 1st homicide of 2020

Woman in hospital after being hit by up to 2 vehicles An elderly woman is in serious condition after she was struck by at least one vehicle and possible another, according to police. The 65-year-old woman was in the area of Victoria Drive and 43rd Avenue around 7 a.m. when she was hit. It’s unclear whether the woman was in a marked crosswalk when she was struck.

She was transported to hospital where she remains in serious condition. Police say both drivers remained on scene and are co-operating with police. An investigation into the incident is currently underway. The VPD’s Collision Investigation Unit is lookingintotheincident.(ShaneMacKichan)

They tried to stage a car crash in Surrey, but ICBC caught them When Yasir Khayyoo smashed into the back of Basim Mansur’s Porsche at a Surrey, B.C., intersection on Aug. 17, 2013, everything was going according to plan. What Mansur didn’t expect was that B.C.’s public auto insurer would catch on to their middle-of-the-road theatrics and that Khayyoo, his partner in crime, would later confess to their scheme in court. Now, the two men must pay ICBC more than $40,000 in damages after a B.C. Supreme Court judge found them liable for making fraudulent claims and staging a vehicle collision. ICBC initially sued 13 different people for fraud over three different collisions between 2010 and 2013, but Justice Michael Brundrett dismissed all other allegations in a lengthy ruling released Dec. 31. Mansur and Khayyoo’s plan to stage an accident was set in motion soon after the two Iraqi-Canadians met in 2013. Mansur is referred to as “the initiator of the plot” in court documents. Khayyoo, who had recently moved to Canada, told Mansur of his need for money after the recent death of his father, according to the reasons for judgment. Mansur, who testified that he always tries to help the Iraqi community in B.C., told Khayyoo that he could “help him make money” and concocted a plan, the ruling said. Khayyoo agreed to the plan after Mansur convinced him it couldn’t fail. Only a few weeks after meeting, the staged collision occurred. Alleged connections between 3 crashes After the collision, both men promptly made personal injury claims to ICBC, with the corporation paying out a combined amount of more than $34,000. But ICBC caught on to the premeditated

nature of the crash because of its connection to two previous collisions, one involving Mansur and another involving Khayyoo’s brother. The three crashes are referred to as collisions 1, 2 and 3 in court documents. Mansur was involved in Collision 1, a crash on May 29, 2010. ICBC claimed he was never in the vehicle at the time of the accident, but jumped in on the claim thinking he could receive a financial payout. However, Brundrett dismissed this theory due to a lack of evidence. ICBC tried to argue that fraudulent claims were made over three separate accidents and two of those accidents were staged. (David Horemans/CBC) Collision 2 occurred on Aug. 11, 2013, six days before the staged Surrey accident for which Mansur and Khayyoo have been found liable. (Collision 3). ICBC alleged there were several connections between those involved in both collisions. The insurer claimed that in Collision 2, Khayyoo’s brother was a passenger in the rear of one of the vehicles, and their cousin was the driver of the other vehicle. ICBC claimed that similar explanations were given by the drivers supposedly at fault in both collisions — that they had “accidentally pressed the gas pedal instead of the brake.” Brundrett dismissed these allegations and said there was no direct evidence Collision 2 was staged, but added that “there are certainly suspicious aspects to the circumstances surrounding [it].”

LOCAL

Saturday, January 4, 2020

Former mayor Bob Bose calls McCallum’s chairing of budget meeting ‘shameful’ A third former Surrey mayor is weighing in on embattled Mayor Doug McCallum’s handling of the Dec. 16 budget approval meeting at city hall, which saw 32 budget bylaws voted on in just under three minutes. Bob Bose, Surrey’s mayor from 1988

to 1996, told the Now-Leader that in his years both in and out of public office, he can recall “no other example as outrageous as that which transpired Monday night. “Proceedings must be conducted in a

1 dead, another in custody, in Surrey’s 1st homicide of 2020 One person is dead and another is in custody, following an earlymorning incident in Newton. According to the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team, police were called to a “fight” in the parking lot of a strip mall at 75A Avenue and Scott Road just before 1 a.m. Thursday (Jan. 2). IHIT said that when police arrived, the suspect had already fled the scene and deceased male was found in the parking lot. The suspect, a 33-year-old man, remains in custody and police are still trying to determine whether anyone else was involved, IHIT stated in a release, but he “does not have any known ties to gangs or drug trafficking.” The male victim has not yet been identified. IHIT said officers are also trying to determine whether the two knew each other. Multiple people saw the fight, IHIT said, and one of the witnesses was able to follow the suspect from a distance and told police of his location. Surrey RCMP officers found the suspect a few blocks away and took him into

custody, IHIT said. A weapon “possibly used in the murder” was also found by police. “One of the witnesses did a good job of keeping an eye on the suspect from a safe distance after he fled the scene, and was able to direct police to his whereabouts,” said Constable Harrison Mohr with IHIT. “Frontline Surrey RCMP officers responded quickly and arrested the suspect minutes after the altercation, and also located a possible weapon involved in the murder. Their efforts have benefited this investigation immensely.” Upon arrival, officers located a deceased male. A second male located nearby was taken into police custody. Investigators with Surrey’s General Investigation Unit were expected to be at the scene “for unknown period of time,” the release, issued just after 2 a.m., notes. The death is the city’s first homicide of 2020. Anyone who witnessed the altercation or anything suspicious in the area is asked to contact IHIT through the IHIT information line at 1-877-551- IHIT (4448), or email ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

Police denounce ‘despicable’ purse snatching that left elderly West Van woman with broken shoulder An 86-year-old woman’s shoulder was broken during what police are describing as a “despicable” purse snatching in West Vancouver on News Year’s Day. The victim was attacked after leaving the Loblaws at Park Royal Mall on foot at around 5:10 p.m. on Wednesday, according to West Vancouver police. She was just turning north up 11th Street from Marine Drive when a stranger came up behind her, grabbed her purse from her shoulder and pushed her to the ground, police say. The suspect took off with the purse and the woman flagged down a passerby, who stayed with her until emergency services arrived. “This is a very unfortunate incident and a rare occurrence in West Vancouver,” Const. Kevin Goodmurphy said in a news release. “To assault a senior like this is despicable. Rest assured that we are working

diligently to identify a suspect.” Victoria police looking for man in trench coat after attempted kidnapping, robbery The victim was taken to hospital, where she learned her shoulder had been fractured. Meanwhile, police say they’ve done extensive searches of the area but were not able to turn up a suspect. Because she was robbed from behind, the victim has been unable to describe the purse snatcher. Police say the victim’s creamcoloured purse contained a wallet holding a bank card and a credit card. Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call police at 604925-7300 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

respectful, clear, and deliberative manner. That was not what occurred,” Bose said. “I’m alarmed at the conduct of Surrey council, includes all members during the course of Monday night’s council meeting. It’s as though the mayor doesn’t even lift his head up from the table to see who’s voting what way and in fact, the members of council who are opposed aren’t even gesturing

their opposition. I don’t it, what I’m seeing. This is just totally unacceptable behavior.” Dianne Watts, who served as Surrey’s mayor from 2005 to 2014, has called that meeting “disgraceful” and an “absolute affront on the democratic process.” Linda Hepner, who served as Surrey’s mayor from 2014 to 2018, also told the Now-Leader that in her more than three

Funeral Announcement Parkash Kaur Duhra It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our much-loved mother Parkash Kaur Duhra on the evening of Sunday December 29th, 2019 in Surrey, BC at the age of 83. Parkash Kaur was born on December 31st, 1935 to Karam Singh and Harnam Kaur Aujla in Boparai Kalan, India. When she immigrated to Canada March 15th, 1963 she came to Vancouver Island and eventually settled in Surrey. She is survived by her loving husband Harbhajan Singh Duhra and her children: son Bindi , daughters Rajinder and Perm (Jasdev) Jawanda . She also leaves behind her precious 5 grandchildren Emeet, Ryan, Matthew, Jessica and Joshua and 1 great-granddaughter Emery. They celebrated their 65th anniversary Nov 29. Funeral services will be held at Riverside Funeral Home (7410 Hopcott Road, Delta)

on Tuesday, January 7th at 1:00 P.M. A lunch and prayer will follow at Brookside Gurdwara (8365 140th Street, Surrey) at 3:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer Society of BC in honour of Parkash Kaur Duhra. https://alzheimer.ca/ en/bc/Get-involved/Ways-to-donate

LOCAL

Saturday, January 4, 2020

Bus stolen in Surrey overnight after driver took bathroom break A 28-year-old man is facing auto theft charges after an N19 NightBus was stolen from the Surrey Central bus loop early Thursday morning. The suspect’s name has not yet been released. Sergeant Clint Hampton, a spokesman with the Metro Vancouver Transit Police, said the theft happened at about 2 a.m after the proper driver left the bus parked at the loop. “The bus was left running, he went in to use the washroom, came back out and the bus was gone. He contacted police right away,” Hampton said, adding GPS was used to locate the bus. “I believe at that time it was around 160th and Fraser Highway. With the assistance of the Surrey RCMP, the bus was pulled over at 176th and Fraser Highway, and the suspect, who is a 28-year-old man, was arrested. Whether or not there’s mental health issues here, that’s of course part of the investigation. Charges have been forwarded for theft of a motor vehicle over $5,000.” No damage was done to the bus. “There were no other passengers on the bus and nobody else was injured.” Hampton told the Now-Leader that this is the first time he’s heard of a bus being stolen in this region. “At least in my time working in media, I’ve never dealt with anything like this,” he said. “I don’t have details on any other incidents like this. If there ever has been, it would be an extremely rare circumstance. I’ve been working on our media side of things for a couple of years now; it’s most

certainly something that I’ve never reported on, so it’s not something that we deal with.” While the Surrey RCMP made the arrest, Transit Police have conduct of the investigation. Asked if the suspect offered up an explanation for the theft, Hampton replied that “would be part of the ongoing investigation. There’s no real indication, as far as I’m aware, as far as what the motive was here, but like I said, that will be part of the investigation. It’s a strange circumstance, yeah.” Anne Drennan, a long-time spokeswoman for the Transit Police, and Vancouver Police before that, could also not recall another case of a bus being stolen in this region. But bulldozers, well, that’s a different story. Decades ago, someone stole a bulldozer from a construction site in North Delta and drove it into Burns Bog, where in the nature reserve it continues to sink to this day, most of it now swallowed up in the muck beside a trail. And then there’s that crazy incident on Dec. 16, 1993, when a 26-year-old man who had a bone to pick with the New Westminster police stole a D8K Caterpillar bulldozer from the Ritchie Brothers’ auction yard in Surrey and drove it across the Pattullo Bridge, chewing up asphalt along the way. Surrey RCMP Inspector Dale Carr was a constable when he arrested the bulldozer thief, and earned a commendation plaque for it.

Chilliwack RCMP dismantle alleged illegal drug operation after year-long probe Police say a year-long investigation in the Fraser Valley has resulted in the dismantling of an alleged criminal operation involving illegal drugs. Chilliwack RCMP say the probe resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of drugs believed to be cocaine, along with firearms, cash and several cellphones. Police say that on Dec. 19 officers searched seven homes and executed three search warrants

on vehicles in connection with the investigation. The probe was started by the Chilliwack crimereduction unit drug sectionn in summer 2018 and was assisted by several other teams and units. Cpl. Mike Rail, spokesman for the Upper Fraser Valley detachment, described it as a “very complex and technical investigation.” A report by the police and evidence gathered will go to the Public Prosecution Service of Canada for assessment of charges.

Goodbye MSP premiums and single-use plastics: Several new laws take effect this year in BC British Columbians will ring in the New Year with no MSP premiums, tougher pollution rules, a hefty vaping tax, and singleuse plastics bans in several municipalities. Here are some of the changes taking effect in B.C., and in Canada, as of Jan. 1. Premiums under the province’s Medical Services Plan will be eliminated starting Jan. 1, saving individuals up to $900 a year while families will pocket up to $1,800. The Finance Ministry says ditching the “unfair” premiums will amount to a net tax cut of $800 million. The change comes a year after premiums were halved and B.C. introduced a new tax of 1.95 per cent for businesses with a payroll over $1.5 million. Some B.C. residents will be starting the new decade with bans on single-use plastics and styrofoam takeout containers, as municipalities work to protect the environment from too much trash. In Vancouver, foam cups and takeout containers are banned starting Wednesday. A ban on plastic and compostable plastic straws takes effect in Vancouver in April,

however restaurants and bars will still need to stock bendable plastic straws for patrons with accessibility challenges. Bubble tea vendors will get a one-year exemption. Another bylaw coming into effect in April is a by-request requirement for single-use utensils. That means customers will have to request single-use utensils if needed, but restaurants will no longer automatically include plastic utensils with takeout orders. In Vancouver, plastic bags will be banned beginning Jan. 1, 2021. Many other communities in B.C. have already implemented restrictions on plastic bags or are in the process of doing so including, Courtenay, Cumberland, Qualicum Beach, Rosalind, Salmon Arm, Sooke, Squamish, Tofino, and Ucluelet. Many businesses are already ditching plastic bags, while B.C. Liquor stores are phasing them out. The provincial government has not banned single-use plastics, however it is looking into how to deal with plastic pollution. Last summer, Prime Minister Justin

White Rock man sentenced for violating BC Securities Act A former Abbotsford resident now living in White Rock has been ordered to pay a total of $15,000 after breaching an order of the B.C. Securities Commission. Richard Gozdek, 56, was sentenced Dec. 23 in Abbotsford Provincial Court. The $15,000 penalty includes $10,000 in restitution and a $5,000 fine. He also received one year of probation. Gozdek previously pleaded guilty to one count of contravening the B.C. Securities Act, while two other counts were stayed. Gozdek was charged in December 2018 for failing to comply in 2015 with a BC Securities Commission (BCSC) order by trading in securities,

acting in a consultative capacity in the securities market and engaging in investor-relations activities. In a settlement agreement in 2013, Gozdek agreed to pay approximately $65,000 to the BCSC and was banned for five years from activities such as trading securities, engaging in investor relations and acting as a consultant in the securities market. At that time, Gozdek admitted that he illegally sold securities in Armadillo – a Nevada corporation that claimed to own an oil lease in Oklahoma, according to a BCSC press release at the time. The agency said that Gozdek had never been registered to sell securities in B.C., and Armadillo had never filed a prospectus, offering

Off-duty Victoria police officers praised for intervening in sex assault in Hawaii Two off-duty Victoria police officers on holiday in Hawaii are being hailed for intervening in a sex assault. Victoria police Chief Del Manak said constables Hayley Swann and Brent Keddell were on a morning jog in a park in Kona, Hawaii Dec. 20 when they heard screaming. Manak said the two officers followed the sound and discovered a man walking away from two women in distress, one of whom was injured. Manak said a male witness “in a state of panic” was calling 911. Manak said Swann, who is assigned to the domestic violence unit in Victoria, immediately assisted the women, while Keddell assisted the witness and helped him provide important details and location co-ordinates to the local authorities by phone. “The officer’s instincts kicked in right away and [he] was able to calm down the person calling 911,” said Manak, adding multiple units responded to the scene because the witness was able to explain the severity of the situation. The police chief said Keddell also approached the male suspect cautiously, unsure if he had a weapon and the state of his mental health and kept eyes on him until Hawaiian police were able to arrest the man when they arrived. Manak said he is “super proud” of Swann and Keddell, who between them have a combined 40 years of police service.

LOCAL

Saturday, January 4, 2020

Dentist loses licence after committing misconduct more than 70 times A Richmond, B.C., dentist who charged patients tens of thousands of dollars for work he didn’t do has lost his licence and been ordered to pay nearly $100,000 in fines and investigation costs. Dr. Bin Xu has not been seen or heard from since January 2017, when he voluntarily withdrew from practice in the face of an investigation by the College of Dental Surgeons of B.C., according to a penalty decision issued last month.

This summer, the college’s inquiry committee found that he was incompetent and had committed misconduct more than 70 times in just three years. After a penalty hearing on Dec. 3, Xu’s registration has been cancelled and he’s been ordered to pay a $50,000 fine and $48,117 in costs. “The impact was financial, emotional and, in some cases, his patients suffered pain and

BC Supreme Court grants injunction against Wet’suwet’en protesters in pipeline standoff A B.C. Supreme Court judge has issued an injunction against members of the Wet’suwe’ten Nation who have blocked access to a natural gas pipeline project inside their traditional territory in northern B.C. Justice Marguerite Church granted Coastal GasLink’s application for an interlocutory injunction in a Prince George courtroom on Tuesday, restraining protesters from barring workers from getting through their checkpoints along a remote logging road near Houston, B.C. Wet’suwet’en Nation members Freda Huson and hereditary chief Smogelgem, the two named defendants in the action, had argued the checkpoints are legal under Wet’suwet’en law because the company doesn’t have permission from the head chief of the Dark House hereditary house group to enter or pass through their territory. The judge rejected that. “The defendants may genuinely believe in their rights under Indigenous law to prevent the plaintiff from entering Dark House territory, but the law does not recognize any right to blockade and obstruct the plaintiff from pursuing lawfully authorized activities,” Church wrote. 10 months later, criminal charges laid against man arrested at Wet’suwet’en barricade

The judge’s order confirms an interim injunction that has been in place for the last year, and includes an order providing RCMP with the power to enforce it. “In the face of the interim injunction order,

the defendants refused to voluntarily comply with the order and enforcement action by the RCMP, as well as ongoing RCMP presence, was required to ensure compliance,” Church wrote. The judge said the company has all the necessary permits and authorizations, and had met the legal tests for an injunction. Fourteen people were arrested in January, 2019 when RCMP moved in to enforce the interim injunction order. Pipeline company, hereditary chiefs respond Coastal GasLink is owned by TC Energy Corporation, formerly TransCanada Pipelines

14,000 still without power as snowstorm central & southern BC BC Hydro says There are still more than 14,000 Hydro crews, who are working to repair customers without power after a snowstorm more than 130 spans of wire and damage in the central and southern Interior on to poles, cross-arms and transformers. Wednesday, according to BC Hydro. The snowstorm damaged hydro infrastructure, leaving hundreds of thousands of customers without power. The utility says the hardest hit communities are Salmon Arm, Vernon, Kamloops, Williams Lake and 100 Mile House.

By Wednesday afternoon, BC Hydro was able to restore power to more than 100,000 customers, but were working on restoring power to another 200,000. B.C. skier found safe and healthy after 2 days lost in backcountry On Thursday morning, power outages continued to affect more than 14,000 customers in those areas. Crews have been brought in from other parts of the province in order to restore power. Some were called back from vacation to help. Heavy snow and poor road conditions continue to create challenges for BC

discomfort as a result of his substandard practice. The fact that many of his patients were elderly and vulnerable makes Dr. Xu’s conduct particularly troubling,” the discipline panel wrote in their decision. In submissions to the discipline panel, the college described the magnitude of Xu’s misconduct as “alarming.”

The penalty decision highlights examples of how Xu’s mistreated about two dozen patients and took financial advantage of seniors and other vulnerable people. One elderly man paid Xu $85,000 upfront for implants for himself and his wife, but the dentist didn’t complete the treatment and wouldn’t provide a refund.

Saturday, January 4, 2020

BC’s first baby of 2020 born at Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster The first baby to be born in British Columbia in the new decade arrived at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday at Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster. The baby girl does not have a name yet, but parents Claire and Jahamel Tabuada of Coquitlam have been calling her by the nickname “Clarita.” The birth was especially emotional for the couple. In 2017, Claire had a stillbirth

when she was 37 weeks pregnant. “Certainly, being the first baby in British Columbia for 2020 is always a great honour. But for this family in particular it’s very special,” said Tasleem Juma, spokesperson for the Fraser Health Authority. The first baby born in B.C. in 2020 is not yet named. (Fraser Health) “Clarita” was born early, at 35 weeks. She was due at the end of January, so the Tabuadas

were initially worried, according to Juma. The baby weighed born four pounds, 10 ounces. “This was definitely a surprise for them. They didn’t realize what time it was. And so when their care team let them know that they were the first in all the British Columbia, they

were quite surprised and very taken aback, but feeling very blessed and very happy,” Juma said. The first baby born in B.C. in 2000 is hopeful and a little wary about the next decade Because “Clarita” was born early, she is in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit. But Juma says she is doing well and will be able to go home with her parents within a few days. Juma said Claire is looking forward to taking her daughter home and having quality family time.

Vedic Seniors Parivar Center members celebrated Christmas at Shanti Niketan hall Surrey

Vedic Seniors Parivar Center members celebrated Christmas at Shanti Niketan hall Surrey BC on 28th December 2019. Dr. Sunil Bhatt well known Musician & Mr. Vinod Bhardwaj a Master Flute Player from Victoria entertained all the guests,

Police investigating assault in Cloverdale Surrey RCMP is currently on scene of an assault in Cloverdale. At approximately 1:57 pm, Surrey RCMP received a report of an assault in progress at a residence in the 6100 block of 175A Street. Upon arrival police located a male victim suffering non-life threatening injuries and he was subsequently transported to local area hospital for treatment. A second male located at scene was taken in to police custody and transported to the Surrey RCMP Detachment Cells. There are no

suspects outstanding and no risk to the general public. Investigators with the Surrey RCMP’s General Investigation Unit are currently on scene continuing with the investigation and will be in the area for an unknown period of time. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 or if you wish to make an anonymous report please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or www. solvecrime.ca.

2 snowboarders dead after avalanche near Haines Summit A man who came across an avalanche survivor near Haines Summit in B.C. says he tried to help two other men who were buried in

the snow but it was too late. The B.C. Coroners Service said two men in their early 20s from Haines, Alaska, died Monday in the avalanche near the Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park in northwestern British Columbia. Daniel Dreiseitl of Whitehorse said he was heading home from a day of skiing when he noticed a man waving his hands about 200 metres off

the road. “We clearly saw that an avalanche was triggered, that there was a pile of snow beneath the hill and one man trying to dig in the snow,” he said. “When we looked in those holes we saw two bodies.” Haines Summit B.C. in the area where an avalanche claimed the lives of two snowboarders from Alaska on Dec. 30, 2019. “We checked the pulse of one of the bodies and the temperature and it was already cold and no pulse at all.” Dreiseitl said the survivor told him the avalanche came down two hours earlier after he and his two friends had hiked up the hill with the intent of snowboarding down. “He mentioned that he saw some cracks in the snow but they didn’t pay attention to that.

Saturday, January 4, 2020

SRK, Big B & other stars celebrate 2020 with words of wisdom, positivity & hope

ith 2020 already here, Bollywood celebrities took to twitter to extend their heartfelt greetings to millions of fans and followers through social media. From Dada Saheb Phalke awardee Amitabh Bachchan to Bollywood’s Badshah Shah Rukh, everyone was seen immersed in the festive spirit as they bid adieu to 2019 and kept arms wide open to welcome 2020. The legendary super star Amitabh Bachchan as he posted couplets from a Hindi poem written by his father, poet Dr Harivansh Rai Bachchan. The veteran actor shared a family photograph, where Jaya Bachchan, daughter Shweta Bachchan-Nanda, grand-daughter have joined the veteran actor and are all smiles, as they pose for the camera. King Khan, Sharukh Khan wished happy new year to his followers by sharing words of wisdom to all. The actor of film ‘Zero’ hopped on to Instagram to share a monochrome picture of himself, slaying in a denim shirt, making the messy hair look all cool. He captioned the post “Not one for telling anyone how they should be...or do what should be done... or what this year & future made to be. I have so many frailties myself... that I wish may the future be kind to all of us...and we be who we are. May Allah be kind to us in spite of ourselves. Happy New Year.” Fans of Sharukh are in much anticipation to know about his new project, as the actor who was last seen in ‘Zero’ have not made any official announcement for his upcoming projects. Former Miss Universe, Sushmita Sen who never misses a chance to spread the dose of positivity, wished everyone a year filled with hope and potential as we enter into the new decade. Ayushmann, Anushka & Other Bollywood Celebs Head Abroad To Welcome New Year 2020! “Happy New Year!! what a fantastic year it’s going to be, filled with new hope & potential!! Welcome to #2020 Let’s share our happiness & blessings Love and kisses, Alisah, Renee @ rohmanshawl & #yourstruly #duggadugga #partytime”, the evergreen actor captioned the post on her Twitter. She captioned the post along with a vivid happy group photograph where her daughters, and boyfriend poses along with the 44-year-old. The veteran actor Anupam

Kher wished his followers by reciting a beautiful poem, one that explained the journey of January to December. The video shows the actor in different locations, in different season and wonderfully covering the beauty of nature. “Here is a poem beautifully describing

the relationship between the months of December and January. These sentiments are true for humans too. Here is wishing you all a very happy & peaceful New year & a New Decade. May God give

you all the happiness in the world. Jai Ho. #Happy2020,” he tweeted alongside the video. Anil Kapoor, shared a picture with fans to usher in the new year and extend his greetings. “2020 here we go!” the actor kept the tweet simple alongside picture.

Bollywood

Saturday, January 4, 2020

Rani Mukerji’s ‘Mardaani 2’ Rani Mukerji’s cop drama ‘Mardaani 2’ which released along with Hollywood’s fantasy adventure drama ‘Jumanji: The Next Level’ starring Dwayne Johnson and others, has finally managed to give a tough competition to its contemporary. Johnson’s sequel which dominated the box office since the first day and an additional day due to paid reviews had a drop of nearly 25% on its first Monday. According to the latest report on Boxofficeindia.com, ‘Jumanji: The

Next Level’ minted Rs 2.75 crore which is equal to the collection of Rani Mukerji’s ‘Mardaani 2’. The audience was in for another epic clash after witnessing Kartik Aaryan’s ‘Pati Patni Aur Woh’ and Arjun Kapoor’s ‘Panipat’ last week. Apart from Rani’s stellar performance, a good word of mouth has also helped ‘Mardaani 2’ grow at the box office. While Johnson’s ‘Jumanji: The Next Level’ which also stars Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas and Awkwafina has reached a total of Rs 27 crore.

Saturday, January 4, 2020 When we ask Arjun Kapoor, who plays Sadashivrao, the Peshwa protagonist of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Panipat,â&#x20AC;? how much Marathi he knows, he replies, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Malaa Marathi yete (I know Marathi)! I can understand it completely, but I am hesitant to speak it, as any mistake might offend someone.â&#x20AC;? Reeling under several flops (his last hit was â&#x20AC;&#x153;2 Statesâ&#x20AC;? way back in 2014), the son of Boney Kapoor is now adorned in a (real) moustache and has shaved his head (â&#x20AC;&#x153;On November 16, 2018!â&#x20AC;? he informs) for his role in the film. Now looking completely normal, the pleasant actor meets the media at the Hotel Sunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Sand. Q: What was the main challenge in doing this role? A: We

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I just want this credible film to do incredible business!â&#x20AC;&#x2122; - says Arjun Kapoor have read about the Peshwas in history, but we forget that whatever else they were, they were human beings as well. We are consumed by the period films that we have watched and what we have been told, but we do not know exactly how they behaved and spoke. Ashutosh Gowariker, my one-stop shop for the researchâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;as he is like an encyclopediaâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; told me to be human like any of us. So I had to unlearn that â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;periodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; baggage, which was the biggest challenge. Just as any

Neha Dhupia After months of speculations and denying the news of her pregnancy, actress Neha Dhupia has finally announced her pregnancy through an adorable photoshoot with husband Angad Bedi. In the photos, both Neha and Angad look extremely excited as they pose together. S e e m i n g l y, the actress is in her third trimester stage of pregnancy. Taking to Instagram, Neha Dhupia wrote, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to new beginnings ... #3ofUs .... #satnamwaheguru [sic].â&#x20AC;?

Talking about Nehaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pregnancy two months ago, when Angad was asked about it, he refuted the news saying that there was no truth to it and that when it happens, they will tell the world. Off late, Neha was mostly spotted wearing ill-fitting clothes, which let everyone speculate more. In the same manner, the couple surprised their followers about their marriage, the actress took to her Instagram account to confirm the news. The newlywed couple were married in an Anand Karaj ceremony attended by close family

Bollywood

of us would behave differently in office, at home or with friends, Sadashivrao must have been different with the warriors, with his wife and with his friends. A man who leads his men to war must also be feeling vulnerable as well as their life is in his hands. But the great foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the sets, costumes and ambience, and no mobilephones were allowedâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and finally the big Marathi actors whom I kept hearing throughout the day, created that feeling

for the era. Q: And what about the physical aspects? A: Armor pads, shin pads, metal over my forearms, shoulders, bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;I am tired even telling you about it! It all weighed about 18 kilos, and with all that, I had to sit on a horse, because the director wanted real metal as the sun could glint on it! It took four men to make me mount and dismount the horse, and for some reason, they shot the battle-scenes in May! (Smiles) I could not even throw a spear properly as I could not move my arm freely. And I had to control my horse with all of this! I know all this sounds tough, but when I watched the film, it all seems worth it!

HOROSCOPE Aries March 21 - April 20 There have been some exciting aspects recently. However, this Monday can bring fresh encounters and lively conversations that might result in new opportunities to enhance your income. As chatty Mercury aligns with liberated Uranus, you might get a surprise in this regard. The continued focus on your sector of responsibility and reputation could encourage you to make great strides as your ambitious side takes the lead, this could

Taurus April 21 - May 20 Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re traveling or staying home, the coming week can be busy in more ways than one. You might be linking up with people from other countries or cultures, or perhaps with relatives who live quite a long distance away. News and conversation may prove inspiring, and this could see you eager to make changes that may have been on your mind for some while. These are not pie-in-the-sky ideas but very practical considerations that you may have been looking into for some while. Where previously you may have wondered if you

Gemini

May 20 - June 21 What would you most like to change,

hustle and bustle of this festive time, you could have ideas and revelations that bring major changes or perhaps a series of smaller ones. The action this week revolves around a very exciting solar eclipse that occurs in your sector of business, shared resources, and deep soul bonds on December 25. This is where energy could be stuck, preventing you

Cancer

June 22 - July 23

and requests from everyone, and this ! like all your energy is expended on others and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re constantly involved in discussions, tasks, and negotiations. Make time to enjoy some pampering, though, because you need an opportunity to recharge. With a dynamic solar eclipse on December 25, you may feel buoyed up by an encounter or connection that causes you to feel a lot more optimistic and hopeful. This person could be a force for

Leo

June 24 - August 23 After what may have seemed like a long period of hard work, you could begin to see hope on the horizon. Expansive Jupiterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presence in your lifestyle zone can bring opportunities that inspire and recharge you. This weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s buoyant solar eclipse could give you a sense of excitement about the future. The eclipse takes place on December 25 and links with jovial Jupiter and emancipated Uranus, !

" ! your making.

Virgo August 24 - Sept 24 You may be involved in organizing holiday events, and this will certainly keep you busy. Perhaps youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re directing or taking part in a holiday play or arranging activities for children. But more than this, you could be ready to take your creative skills to a new level, and the inspiration to do so might be particularly powerful at this time. This can be a wonderful time to indulge in your favorite hobbies or consider creating an enterprise

Libra Sept. 24 - Oct 22 Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plenty of activity in the more soulful and psychic sectors of your chart. Therefore, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be surprised if you think about someone special and they call you. This might be even more amazing if you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seen them in some time. With lively Mercury forging a tie to emancipated Uranus on Monday, you might feel as though your connection has been revitalized, and this could encourage you to spend more time with each other in the future. Are you # $ % ! "

Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 22 You could learn some information on New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve that is both inspiring and practical. With a lively aspect showing up, this can be a great time for some fascinating discussions and encounters that open your mind. Be willing to embrace cutting-edge ideas, because they could & pick up a lot of information over the coming days

! take a leap of faith. Studying books and browsing online can arm you with everything you need to bring a plan to life.

Sagitarius Nov 23 - Dec 22 Over this holiday week, you may become aware of those things that are truly important to you in life and those that are not. While you might be happy to have friends and family around, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll also revel in the quality of your relationships and the love you have for each other, with the material side of this holiday week being further down the list. With feisty Mars in a more spiritual sector, you may also be eager

bearings with the new year coming along very soon.

Capricorn Dec 23 - Jan 20

This week could bring a golden opportunity your way, one that you may have coveted for some time. As this is also the holiday week, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s possible that encounters and ! ! ' ( with a variety of people could see you involved in some fascinating discussions that hold the keys to further positive developments. With a sizzling solar eclipse in your sign on December 25 linking with two very zesty planets, there is

Aquarius Jan 21 - Feb 19 Have you been struggling to resolve

& bring revelations and insights that prove very helpful. With a major focus on your spiritual & ! ) even though lovely Venus in your sign encourages you to get out and enjoy yourself, you will likely seek a balance between the two. This could be a very revealing week with a dynamic solar eclipse in Capricorn linking to jovial Jupiter and lively Uranus. Something may come to light that helps you see things in perspective, and this can make all the "

Pisces Feb 20 - March 20 Whatever youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing over this holiday week, it looks like youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be busy in more ways than one. Make time for yourself to enjoy some pampering and self-care, because this can make a world " $ ! ! * well as attending events and keeping everything operating smoothly whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re part of a group, organization, or committee. This is a time when your skills and abilities may be noticed, which could stand you in good stead. Someone might be ready to cut you a deal and eager to discuss how you might work together.

Bollywood

Saturday, January 4, 2020

Stunning Sunny Leone

unny Leone has been doing it all from her films to TV shows, and even promoting her makeup business. When not neck deep in work commitments, the star makes it a point to jet out on relaxing holidays with her hubby Daniel Weber and their three kids. This time around, the beauty headed over to Jaipur for a short break and surprised fans with a stunning photo to assure all that she is having a swell time there. Posting a mirror selfie in a floral bikini, the star not only showed off her curves but also gave everyone a good look at her sculpted abs.“Pulled this bikini after a long time! Time for a swim in my private villa pool here in Jaipur! Gorgeous resort!” she captioned the photo. While shooting for her TV show, Sunny also ventured South and starred in ‘Madhuraja’ featuring superstar Mammootty in the lead. known by the name Sunny Leone a Canadian-born Indian-American star and actress, model, currently in Indian film industry, Bollywood. She has American citizenship. She has also used the stage name Karen Malhotra.[8][9] She was named Penthouse Pet of the Year in 2003, was a contract performer for Vivid Entertainment, and was named by Maxim as one of the 12 top porn stars in 2010.

She has played roles in independent mainstream events, films and television series. Her first mainstream appearance was in 2005, when she worked as a red carpet reporter for the MTV Video Music Awards on MTV India. In 2011, she participated in the Indian reality television series Bigg Boss. She also has hosted the Indian reality show Splitsvilla. In 2012, she made her Bollywood debut in Pooja Bhatt’s erotic thriller Jism 2 (2012) and shifted her focus to mainstream acting which was followed up with Jackpot (2013), Ragini MMS 2 (2014), Ek Paheli Leela (2015) and Tera Intezaar (2017). Apart from her acting career she has been part of activism campaigns including the Rock ‘n’ Roll Los Angeles Half-Marathon to raise money for the American Cancer Society and has also posed for a People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) ad campaign with a rescued dog, encouraging pet owners to have their cats and dogs spayed and neutered.Since 2011, Leone has been married to musician Daniel Weber.

Salman, Akshay top highest paid actors Akshay Kumar has emerged as the seventh highest-paid actor in the world by earning USD 40.5 million in 2018, according to Forbes magazine. The Gold actor is closely followed by his contemporary Salman Khan in the ninth place, raking in USD 38.5 million. Kumar and Khan are the only two Bollywood actors to make it to the top 10 highest-paid actors list, compiled by the publication. Kumar, who came in 10th last year, upped his game by USD 3 million. Khan stayed at his ninth rank, but with an increase of USD 1.5 million this year. Shah Rukh Khan, who was at the eighth spot on the 2017 list, did not find a place in 2018. The list has been topped by Hollywood star George Clooney, who scored a careerhigh pre-tax paycheque of USD 239 million between June 1, 2017 and June 1, 2018. Clooney was followed by Dwayne Johnson, who banked USD 124 million pretax to rank. Avengers: Infinity War star Robert Downey Jr, earned USD 81 million

to book the third place. His co-star, Chris Hemsworth came in at number four with USD 64.5 million earnings. The combined earnings of world’s 10 highest-paid actors come at a total USD 748.5 million between June 1, 2017, and June 1, 2018, before fees and taxes - USD. The figure overshadows the salaries of the world’s highest-paid actresses, who earned a cumulative of USD 186 million in the same scoring period. Scarlett Johansson topped the list with USD 40.5 million - the exact amount pocketed by Kumar in the actor’s list. International action star Jackie Chan came in fifth 45.5 million and Will Smith followed in at number six with USD 42 million. Adam Sandler and Infinity War star Chris Evans were in eighth and tenth positions with USD 39.5 million and USD 34 million respectively. Last year’s numero uno, “Transformers” actor Mark Wahlberg, did not make it to the list.

Saturday, January 4, 2020

Bollywood

Saturday, January 4, 2020 Leader of the Official Opposition, Andrew Wilkinson, released the following statement today for Christmas: “Today, millions of British Columbians and people around the world will celebrate Christmas. “The holiday season is one of joy and togetherness. For people of many backgrounds, the Christmas holidays are an opportunity to spend precious time with families and loved ones.

22-24K Gold and

“It is also a time when we should give thanks for all we have and support those in need within our communities during these cold winter nights. “As we look forward to the new year in the coming days, on behalf of the entire BC Liberal Caucus I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, a safe and happy holiday season, and all the best in 2020!”

Silver Jewellery Custom Made Jewellery Repairs

Deepika, celluloid queen

Appraisals

Dharminder kanda

604.502.8823 #102 - 8166, 128th St Surrey BC

(P Pa ayal Business Centre)

Deepika might be away from the celluloid after her stunning performance in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s periodic drama ‘Padmaavat’ but the diva is all set to return as an acid attack survivor in Meghna Gulzar’s film ‘Chhapaak’. Well, that’s not all as the ‘Piku’ star recently revealed about her next dark project. Talking

VOTED BEST HEARING CLINIC IN SURREY Call or visit us to get your FREE HEARING SCREENING Extended Health Care cards are accepted and the clinic is DVA, Indian Affairs and BlueCross approved

HOW CAN I DETECT

Early Signs of

HEARING LOSS

( Your loved ones complain you have the television too loud

( You have difﬁculty hearing higher pitched voices such as young children

( You have difﬁculty hearing in groups and crowded places

( You have difﬁculty hearing birds chirping or wind blowing

( You ﬁnd yourself confusing words or misunderstanding conversations

*PER

995

+ People around you feel that you have a hearing loss

REG. $1395

EAR

EACH

FREE remote control included. *With the purchase of 2 hearing aids. Promotion valid until supply lasts.

www.surreyhearingcare.com Surrey Hearing Care Inc. 101-15957 84 Avenue Surrey, BC V4N 0W7

Surrey Hearing Central 2151-10153 King George Blvd. Surrey, BC V3T 2W3

Surrey Hearing Guildford 105-15277-100 Avenue Surrey, BC V3R 8X2

Surrey Hearing Delta 102-8035-120 St. Delta, BC V4X 6P8

Tel: 778-565-4327 Fax: 778-565-4329

Tel: 778-394-4327 Fax: 778-394-4329

Tel: 604-496-3338 Fax: 604-496-3339

Tel: 604-593-5284 Fax: 778-438-2722

about the project at an event in Mumbai, Deepika said, “I have found a film which I am likely to do early next year but it’s not light, it’ll be quite dark but it’s still in the romance zone.” Deepika & Ranveer, one of the most loved couples. They have been giving us major relationship goals for a long time now. Their Instagram feed is proof that they are in love, truly madly deeply! The duo will be celebrating their first marriage anniversary in November this year. And during a recent interview, the actress opened up about her future kids.

Saturday, January 4, 2020

Vol. 10 No. 49

Saturday - January 4, 2020

Home sales in every BC region to recover in 2020 - a forecast. Total home transactions across province expected to rise 11 per cent versus 2019, with average sale prices also predicted to increase in every area.

Although every region in B.C. is expected to see lower home sales in 2019 than in 2018, sales will more than recover in 2020, according to a September 5 forecast by the

housing market to see modest price growth in 2020 and 2021, predicts CMHC

The Metro Vancouver housing market will remain “balanced” over the next two years with home prices expected to increase in line with population growth, according to the latest housing market outlook report from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Housing sales and prices have dipped recently as a result of multiple factors — including rising mortgage rates and new taxes — but the CMHC predicts that starting in 2020 and through 2021, there will be a modest increase both in prices and sales volume. Attached homes, condos and apartments priced under $700,000 are expected to generate the strongest demand because “homes in this price range can be accessible to buyers making a purchase based on their income compared with properties requiring substantial equity for a down payment,” says the report. The report says housing starts are expected to remain high, especially multi-family homes, which currently account for 88 per cent of unit starts.

Tel: 604-591-5423

Housing market forecast through 2020 British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA).Overall in 2019, residential transactions across the province are predicted to be five per cent lower, at about 75,000 units, than the 78,505 sales of 2018. Every one of B.C.’s 12 boards is expected to

report a year-over-year decline in total sales across 2019, with drops ranging from one to 14 per cent. However, BCREA forecasted that every board will see considerable sales jumps in 2020, totalling a province-wide increase of nearly 11 per cent to 82,700 homes — which

E-mail: ads@theasianstar.com the association said would be just below the 10-year annual average. “B.C. markets are showing signs of recovery after nearly a year and a half of policy-induced declines,” said Brendon Ogmundson, BCREA’s deputy chief economist. “We expect that recovery to continue into next year, with home sales

Saturday, January 4, 2020

Residential property values down across Metro Vancouver

omeowners have started receiving notices of their property’s most current assessed value from BC Assessment, and while the number is down for nearly every property in the region, they’ll likely be paying more in property taxes anyway. Both detached homes and strata properties are down as much as 16 per cent throughout Metro Vancouver, with some values holding steady without any change and the prices holding steadier the further a property is from the city of Vancouver. West Vancouver and the University Endowment Lands saw the biggest drop at 16 per cent for detached homes, while the city of Vancouver is down 10 per cent overall and Surrey’s overall residential values are down

just four per cent. “Homes located in Whistler and Pemberton can expect a minimal increase in their assessments whereas the rest of the region will likely experience a reduced assessment value,” said BC Assessment Deputy Assessor, Brian Smith, in a press release. BC Assessment is responsible for determining the value of all properties in the province so that municipalities can determine the share of the property tax burden each owner must pay. The provincial government is taking credit for the slump in values, insisting their policies are helping make the region more affordable. “For too long, the previous government sat back and watched housing prices climb well out of the reach of average people,” said housing minister Selina Robinson. “We are encouraged by signs that property

values are continuing to stabilize, giving more certainty for those investing in multifamily buildings, more stability for current homeowners and improved opportunity for those entering the market.” BC Assessment But housing analyst and SFU urban planning professor, Andy Yan, believes policy implementations from all levels of government in addition to tougher mortgage requirements are all responsible for the slow and reasonable return to “normal.” “One has to really note the changes in terms of mortgage reforms as well as local and provincial taxation that really started three years ago and perhaps are coming into full play right now,” said Yan. While property values help determine a home’s property taxes, a lower value doesn’t mean you’ll be paying less in

property taxes. “As noted on your assessment notice, how your assessment changes relative to the average change in your community is what may affect your property taxes,” said Smith. Cities throughout the region finalized their budgets and their property tax rates last month and those budgets don’t change based on the value of their constituents’ properties, so the amount homeowners pay will be recalculated based on relative values. For example, if the home values dropped 10 per cent in your community, but your home dropped by 13 per cent, it’s possible your tax bill could stay the same or even dip a little. But considering the City of Vancouver alone has approved a seven per cent tax hike for 2020, the likelihood of paying less in property taxes this year is slim.

Anti-money-laundering course mandatory for real estate agents and property managers Real estate professionals will learn how to recognize red flags and be instructed on their obligations if they’re involved in a suspicious transaction. The regulatory agency for B.C.’s real estate professionals is launching a mandatory anti-money-laundering course to show real estate agents and strata and property managers how to recognize red flags and what steps they’re obligated to take to report suspected cases. The course will provide “the information you need to understand why real estate is attractive to money launderers,” said the course outline on the website of the Real Estate Council of B.C., the self-regulatory body of the province’s 26,000 licensed real estate pros. Members will learn “how to recognize the risk signs and red flags associated with money laundering (and) review your obligations and the steps to take to report suspicious transactions,” it said. The self-paced online course will “empower them (real estate pros) to actively contribute

to preventing criminal activity in B.C. real estate markets” and support them to “comply with their federal reporting obligations,” spokesman Warren Mirko said in an emailed statement. “Real estate professionals work closely with their clients, so they are well positioned to identify suspicious transactions,” he said. The announcement of the course requirement comes two months after the provincial government unveiled plans to create a new regulator for B.C.’s real estate sector by spring 2021. A single regulator for the sector was a key recommendation of recent reports aimed at cracking down on money laundering. The three reports into money laundering since 2018 have revealed billions in proceeds-of-crime, and other questionable sources of income have been laundered for years through the real estate industry, as well as through other luxury purchases and through casinos.

The latest report, by Maureen Maloney in May, estimated up to $5 billion was funnelled through the B.C. property market in 2018

alone, likely increasing housing prices that year by five per cent. Retired B.C. Supreme Court associate chief Justice Austin Cullen is in the middle of a yearlong public inquiry to investigate the causes, scope and impact of money laundering in the province. Registration will open when the course is launched next week and it will be required for licence renewal beginning April 1. “It will become part of the mandatory education that real estate professionals must take in order to maintain their licence to practise in B.C.,” said Mirko. The B.C. Real Estate Association announced this week a new requirement of 18 hours of professional training every two years for its realtors (who make up 90 per cent of all real estate agents), but there was no reference to money laundering

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, January 4, 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

Matrimonial Seeking match for a Canadian Citizen,BSC Nursing, good family value, 31 years old girl from a reputed family, Boy must be well educated & Vegetarian. Call 1-236-332-9415

Matrimonial Parents are seeking suitable match for for their British born son of 31 year age, holding Master degree in Marketing and he is in Canada on work permit. Please contact by Email vazir@talk21.com Minnegill@gmail.com

Saturday, January 4, 2020

South Asian Adults / Seniors - Visit Dubai, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand & Singapore through the eyes of Camera, Sweet Memories of recent visit on 5th January 2020 (Sunday) at Shanti Niketan hall from 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm. Vedic Seniors Parivar Center of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society Surrey invites South Asian Adults, senior members and even the nonmembers to come and see Dubai, Muscat (Oman), Mumbai, Goa, Cochin (India), Colombo (Sri Lanka), Puket (Thailand) & Singapore captured through the eyes of Camera on 5th January 2020 (Sunday) at Shanti Niketan hall of Lakshmi Narayan Hindu Temple 8321 - 140th street Surrey BC. Please come & see Dubai the most fascinating city, Mumbai the Bollywood Capital OF India and Singapore a tourist hub of Asia, the amazing views from the 124th floor, 555 meters high the Burj Khalifa Tower Observation deck, see the Miracle Garden Dubai, world’s largest natural flower garden with over 50 million flowers and 250 million plants captured through the eyes of the camera. Get a close look at images of Changi airport Singapore, don’t miss to watch and listen to the sweet memories by the members who visited with the group of 48 seniors in December 2019. Tea and light snacks will be served in the end. Please contact Surendra Handa Coordinator Tel. 604 - 507 - 9945 for further information.

Child care provider required at a private home Location Surrey, BC - Salary $14.50 to $14.75 / Hour (To be negotiated) Permanent, Full time 40 Hours / Week Start date As soon as possible Job requirements Languages English Education College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma from a program of 1 year to 2 years Experience 1 year to less than 2 years Additional Skills Assume full responsibility for household in absence of parents, Perform light housekeeping and cleaning duties, Shop for food and household supplies, Travel with family on trips and assist with child supervision and housekeeping duties, Wash, iron and press clothing and household linens Children’s Ages School age (6 - 12 years), and 2 - 3 years Specific Skills Bathe,

dress and feed infants and children, Discipline children according to the methods requested by the parents, Prepare infants and children for rest periods, Keep records of daily activities and health information regarding children, Sterilize bottles, prepare formulas and change diapers for infants, Maintain a safe and healthy environment in the home, Take children to and from school and to appointments, Tend to emotional well-being of children, Instruct children in personal hygiene and social development, Organize, activities such as games and outings for children, Prepare and serve nutritious meals, Supervise and care for children, Help children with homework Work Setting Employer’s home How to apply By email: umendrasingh@hotmail.com By phone: 604-537-3551

Saturday, January 4, 2020

Press release

Struggling forestry workers snubbed by John Horgan and the NDP The BC Liberals are once again calling on John Horgan and the NDP to provide relief to struggling coastal forestry workers after hundreds of workers, contractors and their families rallied outside the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia earlier today calling on government to intervene in the strike that has dragged on for over five months. “Hundreds of coastal forestry workers who have been out of work for months came here to the BC Legislature to demand action from John Horgan and the NDP so they can get back to work,” said BC Liberal Leader Andrew Wilkinson. “These people are losing their homes, vehicles, and ability to feed their families, all while John Horgan once again turns a blind eye to this crisis. In September, forestry workers brought over 250 logging trucks into Vancouver to get the Premier’s

attention, now hundreds have gathered outside of his office in Victoria and he still won’t even do so much as open the curtains to his office and face them.” While Andrew Wilkinson and his BC Liberal colleagues greeted and addressed the crowd, Premier Horgan, his Forestry Minister Doug Donaldson, and NDP North Island MLA Claire Trevena were behind closed doors and shuttered curtains just meters away in the NDP cabinet office. “All these workers came down to Victoria on their own pockets, despite many struggling to put food on their tables this holiday season, because they believed John Horgan would take the time to hear their concerns. Instead, they were snubbed by an out-of-touch NDP government,” added John Rustad, MLA for Nechako Lakes. “The NDP government’s response is absolutely unacceptable.

www.armadascooters.com

Financing Option Available

5% OFF on all models and FREE HELMET

All sides frustrated with NDP rental housing performance BC Liberal Critic for Housing Todd Stone is once again raising concerns about the NDP’s rental housing plan after multiple reports have drawn attention to John Horgan and his government’s continued failure to deliver on their promises. “What we are now seeing is a widespread consensus from people on all sides of the political spectrum that this government is failing to live up to its promises on rental housing,” says Stone. “The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives is now reporting that the government is missing the mark on affordable housing to the tune of 10,000 rental homes per year. With every day that goes by, we are seeing the NDP fall further behind on housing.” Two recent reports — one from the Canadian Centre for Policy

Alternatives and another from Partners for Rental Housing, a coalition of organizations supporting the growth of rental housing in B.C. — have stated that there is a growing deficit of rental units in B.C. and that the NDP plan is failing to achieve its objectives. It is evident that this government is breaking its promise to build 114,000 homes, delivering nowhere near the needed units to keep up with population growth. “John Horgan and his government have repeatedly spoken about an urgent need to address the housing affordability crisis throughout B.C, and yet these new reports show that they are actually doing very little to improve the situation,” concludes Stone. “If John Horgan and the NDP truly want to take real action on affordability they need to get serious about increasing housing supply.”

Retaliator 72V

Predator 72V 32AH

Nemesis 72V

Invader 72V

Combatant 72V

Commander III 72V 32AH .99

.99

1899

Recon 72V

1699

Avenger 60V

.99

1499

Portable Battery

Battalion III 60V

"No Gas, License or Registration Required"

Larry Mah 604.765.3589 armadascooters@gmail.com

14333 - 104th Ave., Surrey, BC

Saturday, January 4, 2020

DREAM CARPET

29 17

30 18

LOCAL / NATIONAL

Saturday, January 4, 2020

South Asian cab driver killed in early morning Vancouver crash with Car2Go; speed & alcohol Vancouver police say a 28-yearold taxi driver is dead following a collision early last Sunday morning. Friends and coworkers have since identified the victim as Sanehpal Singh Randhawa, who they described as a “decent” and “kind” man. The crash happened around 3:30 a.m. in the intersection of East First Avenue and Renfrew Street. Police believe a Car2Go smartcar collided with a Yellow Cab carrying two passengers. The VPD says the driver of the taxi died from his injuries, the driver of the Car2Go remains in hospital in serious condition, and the two passengers have non-life-threatening injuries. The force of the crash sent the taxi into the Royal Bank on First Avenue, damaging the building.

Story continues below advertisement VPD spokesperson Const. Steve Addison said CPR was performed on both drivers, and that the cab driver died in hospital. “This is very sad,” he said. “It’s sad, it’s senseless and it didn’t need to happen.” The BC Coroners Service confirmed it was investigating the fatality, but would not provide additional details. The VPD believes speed and alcohol were factors, adding that they think the Car2Go driver, a man in his 20s, may have run a red light and T-boned the taxi. No charges have been laid in the incident. Addison said it will “take some time to complete” the investigation before that step is taken. 3:34 CounterAttack CampaignThe

Independent Investigations Office (IIO) has also been called in, as police believe the Car2Go driver may have evaded officers at a CounterAttack roadblock prior to the collision. Addison could not say where exactly the roadblock was located, only that it was in East Vancouver. He said officers had an “interaction” with the Car2Go driver, but wouldn’t go into details. The IIO is mandated to investigate whether police action or inaction played a role in any serious incident involving injuries or death. A spokesperson for the IIO said it has not yet determined whether to deploy an investigator, saying it was still reviewing whether the case falls under its mandate. Driver engaged to be married

Yellow Cab president Kulwant Sahota said he heard about the accident through dispatch and other taxi drivers who attended the scene. He added Randhawa had been working with the company since 2015, calling him an “excellent driver” without any issues. “We’re grieving,” he said. “It’s a tragedy for Yellow Cab, and my wishes go out to the passengers as well. “I’ve been with Yellow Cab for about 25 years, and this is the first time I can remember about a death in a Yellow Cab. I have so many guys who are distraught. We know everyone who’s working, we’re a family.”

Ban on foam cups and containers in Vancouver goes into effect on Jan. 1 Don’t expect to sip your takeout caffeinated hangover cure from a foam cup on the morning of Jan. 1. Come New Year’s Day, food and beverages in foam cups and foam take-out containers will be banned from Vancouver’s restaurants and takeout stalls, part of the city’s single-use-item reduction strategy. The strategy “gets to the heart of our throwaway society,” said Monica Kosmak, its senior project manager. “And it’s one of the first actions in the city of Vancouver’s 2040 strategy, which is to send zero waste to landfills or incinerators by then.”

B.C. seeks temporary custody for man accused of blackmailing Amanda Todd The mother of Amanda Todd is hoping 2020 brings the man accused of blackmailing her daughter to Canada to face charges. Carol Todd said in an email that a process that would see Dutch citizen Aydin Coban extradited is taking a long time but news that further steps have been taken to advance the process is heartening. “We have been waiting so long for this to happen as he was initially charged back in April of 2014 and we are now heading into 2020,” Todd said. “Amanda’s story will continue to move forward but this is a part that needs to happen for peace of mind.” Amanda died by suicide on Oct. 10, 2012, after posting a video on YouTube saying she had been blackmailed by an online predator. In the video, the 15-year-old holds up flashcards explaining how she sank into depression after being taunted and physically attacked at school. Coban is accused of being her blackmailer. In 2017, Coban was convicted of online abuse and for blackmailing 34 young girls and men and sentenced to 11 years in Dutch prison. He appealed, but the appeal was later dropped, meaning Canada could begin the extradition process to face charges of extortion, importing or distributing child pornography, possessing child pornography and child luring against Coban. Canada is seeking Coban’s temporary surrender so that he can be tried in British Columbia while he continues to serve a Dutch prison sentence. On Dec. 17 the B.C. Prosecution Services made a court application for an order that would allow for

Saturday, January 4, 2020

New laws and rules coming into effect in 2020 As we usher in another decade, a number of new laws and rules will come into effect in 2020 that may have an impact on your way of life. That includes changes to federal divorce laws, as well as cannabis and vaping regulations in some provinces. Here are the highlights you need to know: The basic amount most Canadians can earn tax-free is going up on Jan. 1, to $13,229. The increase is being phased in over four years until it reaches $15,000 in 2023. For Canadians in the lower income brackets, the changes could result in tax savings of up to $140 in 2020. For those earning more than $150,473 annually, those savings will be clawed back or not offered at all. Also starting on Jan. 1, the employment insurance premiums for individual workers and employees will slightly decrease. The maximum annual EI contribution for a worker will fall by $3.86 to $856.36 and employers’ maximum contribution will fall $5.41 to $1,198.90 per employee. Changes to the Divorce Act Federal laws related to divorce proceedings and family orders were amended with the passage of Bill C-78, with the majority of changes to the Divorce Act coming into effect on July 1, 2020. The changes include updated criteria to determine a child’s best interests in custody cases, as well as measures to address family violence when making parenting arrangements. The changes also aim to make the family justice system “more accessible and affordable” for everyone involved. The Divorce Act applies to married couples who are divorcing, while provincial and territorial legislation applies to all other spousal separations, including those involving unmarried and common-law couples. Overhauling the Indigenous child welfare system Legislation known as the Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis Children, Youth and Families will come into full force on Jan. 1, 2020. It is meant to overhaul Canada’s Indigenous child welfare system, which critics have for years described as inadequate and discriminatory. The changes to the legislation were developed with input from the Assembly of First Nations and experts across the country, and AFN says the new rules are “consistent” with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. British Columbia Minimum wage increase As of June 1, 2020, the minimum wage in the province will increase to $14.60 per hour, from the current hourly rate of

$13.85. In June 2021, the minimum wage is expected to increase to $15.20 per hour. New vaping regulations The province is planning to roll out much tougher rules when it comes to sale and promotion of vaping products in the wake of increasing concerns about the health effects of vaping. Among the new rules: the provincial sales tax on vaping products will increase significantly on Jan. 1, from seven to 20 per cent. No more health-care premiums B.C. is eliminating the provincial health-care premiums for its residents as of Jan. 1. The government says the elimination of the Medical Service Plan premiums will save individuals up to $900 and families up to $1,800 per year. Alberta New carbon tax The federal government will start imposing its carbon tax on Alberta on Jan. 1. Albertans will pay $20 per tonne of CO2 until April 2020, when the price will rise to $30 per tonne. This means that Albertans will now be eligible for the carbon tax rebate when they file their income taxes. The rebate amounts will be as follows: Single adult or first adult in a couple: $444 Second adult in a couple or first child of a single parent: $222 Each child under 18: $111 Baseline amount for a family of four: $888 Property division changes under family law On Jan. 1, certain changes to the provincial family law will make it easier for unmarried partners to divide their property if they break up. The Matrimonial Property Act will be amended to apply to both “adult interdependent partners” and legally married spouses. Other changes to the Act include clarifying property division rules and when couples can enter into property ownership and division agreements. SASKATCHEWAN Big fines for distracted driving Starting on Feb. 1, 2020, the province will significantly increase fines for distracted driving. Fines for first-time offenders will more than double from the current $280to $580. A conviction will also cost the driver four demerit points. A second distracted driving offence within the same year will cost $1,400, four demerits and an immediate week-long

LOCAL / NATIONAL

31 19

Class action lawsuit filed in BC court over LifeLabs data breach Another class action lawsuit has been filed over the massive cyberattack that targeted the laboratory testing company LifeLabs, this time in B.C. Supreme Court. The proposed class action was filed on behalf of Anna Belle Tharani, a B.C. care aide who was among the millions of Canadians whose personal information was potentially compromised in the data breach. Tharani’s lawsuit argues that LifeLabs lacked “adequate security” and “adequate training for employees” ahead of the attack, and that the company should have notified customers sooner after it happened. LifeLabs notified B.C.’s Information and Privacy Commissioner about the breach on Nov. 1, but the public was not made aware until mid-December.

That delay potentially exposed customers to “additional, unnecessary risks of harm,” according to the claim. LifeLabs has not filed a statement of defence in the case, and has not responded to a request for comment from CTV News. None of the claims in Tharani’s lawsuit have been proven. B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix previously said the company requested some time before making the breach public because it wanted to first ensure its systems were secure and not vulnerable to secondary attacks. “There was a delay to ensure that information that hadn’t been compromised wouldn’t be compromised and information that could be protected was protected,” Dix told reporters earlier this month.

Alberta unveils plan to fight federal government’s imposition of a carbon tax The United Conservative Party government says the cost of everything from gas, groceries and clothing will go up Wednesday as the federal government’s carbon tax comes into effect in Alberta. Doug Schweitzer, Alberta’s minister of justice and solicitor general, spoke Tuesday in Calgary to unveil the province’s strategy to push back against the federal levy. The UCP scrapped the province’s carbon tax, imposed by the previous NDP government, back in June. The Kenney government said it was doing so to relieve taxes on Alberta and reduce the cost of living for residents. “In 2019, Albertans overwhelmingly rejected carbon taxes

at the ballot box — twice. We kept our commitment to scrap Alberta’s carbon tax,” Schweitzer said. “While some pundits and politicians at home would prefer that we simply roll over and accept Ottawa’s unconstitutional imposition of carbon taxes on Albertans, we are steadfast in our commitment to stand up for our province.” As a result of Alberta dropping the provincial carbon tax, the federal government said it would be bringing in its own levy to replace it starting Jan. 1. Officials said it will begin at $20 per tonne and increase to $30 per tonne in April. By 2022, it’s expected to reach $50 per tonne. Schweitzer said the Alberta government is currently challenging the carbon tax through

20 32

LOCAL / NATIONAL

Saturday, January 4, 2020

BC to ‘embed’ Asia trade offices in Canadian embassies Opposition MLAs say the B.C. government’s decision to close its standalone trade offices in Asian countries is an effort to cut costs that will have long-term consequences for the province’s economy. The move was revealed late Thursday by Kelowna West MLA Ben Stewart, who served for three years as B.C.’s trade representative in China after vacating his seat following the 2013 provincial election. Stewart called the decision “a slap in the face

to important partners,” with “no plan to bridge relationships with our Chinese, Japanese, Indonesian, Filipino, Korean and Indian business partners.” The NDP government has been cutting costs across ministries as its billion-dollar surplus has dwindled during the two and a half years of its minority government. Letters to officials in charge of the B.C. trade offices hint at cost saving as one of the reasons. “The province wishes to ensure our international resources reflect our trade

diversification network, continue to meet the needs of B.C. businesses and provide B.C. with the best value for their investment,” states a letter obtained by Stewart giving three months’ notice to close the B.C. trade office in Jakarta, Indonesia. “That is why we are actively working with Global Affairs Canada to embed provincial employees in embassies and consulates across Asia. This will allow the province to leverage the considerable international investments

the federal government has made in Global Affairs Canada the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service and Invest in Canada.” The latest Asia trade office to open is in Singapore, announced in March 2018 by Bruce Ralston, jobs, trade and technology minister in the NDP government. An office in Malaysia was opened in May 2016 by then-minister Mike de Jong, B.C. Liberal MLA for Abbotsford West.

Are 2020’s tax changes ‘significant’ or ‘a wash’? When Finance Minister Bill Morneau introduced a motion earlier this month to keep the Liberals’ election pledge to cut income taxes for the middle class, he called the measure “significant” and said it would impact 20 million Canadians.

year’s tax changes at all (more on that later). But most Canadians would have to study their pay stubs very closely after Jan. 1 to detect that tax cut and other changes to deductions that arrive with the new year. And unless they live in Alberta, they may not notice this

“It’s going to be very subtle. And I’d be surprised, frankly, if anybody noticed, if nobody told them,” said Janet Gray, a personal financial planner from Orleans, Ont. Finance Minister Bill Morneau tabled a motion in early December to implement a Liberal campaign promise: a phased-in increase to the amount of income Canadians can earn tax-free. The basic personal amount — the amount of annual income Canadians can keep taxfree — is slowly increasing over the next four years, to $15,000 by 2023. In previous years, this amount has been adjusted to

the rate of inflation, but Morneau’s most recent enhancement goes beyond that. For the 2020 tax year, it’s rising by $931, to $13,229. For low-income Canadians who’d otherwise have to pay 15 per cent income tax on that amount, the annual tax savings could be about $140. Some of the poorest may no longer owe any tax at all. “There is still about one million Canadians that earn less than that basic personal exemption,” Gray said. “So of course, that’s going to be meaningful for them.” For Canadians in the middle-income brackets, the annual savings could be up to $240.

Canada’s building code being modernized to address climate change When storm winds howl and rivers flood, buildings take the brunt. And as climate change makes all kinds of extreme weather more frequent and more destructive, scientists at the National Research Council are trying to figure out how to ensure Canada’s built environment is ready. “We’re going to see change in the way we’re designing new buildings to help prevent the spread of wildfire, prevent the damage from flooding,” said Marianne Armstrong, who manages the council’s research effort. “We want to create a culture of thinking about resiliency.” The council is coming to the end of a five-year research program that has considered how changing weather and the new norms it brings will affect stresses on buildings, roads, wastewater, transit, bridges and other infrastructure. More than 100 researchers have been working on the project, which

has had a budget of $42.5 million. They include materials experts, ocean scientists and aerospace and transport engineers. Canada’s building codes are modernized every five years. The next update is due this year and is likely to see the first changes meant to address the country’s new climate reality. “Climate change, the fact that we now see a rapid change of that environment, is a new focus for us,” said Frank Lohmann, the research council’s manager of code development. The new code will upgrade building requirements for wind resistance and how buildings bear snow loads. There will be new rules for rainwater collection. Automatic backflow systems will be compulsory to reduce flooding risk. New standards related to climate change are also on the way for windows, exterior insulation, fire tests, air barriers and asphalt shingles.

No imminent ‘doomsday’ threat of AI, robots replacing Canadian workers but report cites concerns Top federal government officials believe there is no imminent threat that artificial intelligence and robots will displace large segments of the Canadian workforce, newly released documents show. In work done last year, federal experts found the likelihood of a “doomsday” scenario where automation eliminates half of Canadian jobs to be “overstated.” But officials warned there were early indications of challenges in parts of the economy that the government should do something about, such as the way online streaming services are reshaping music, television and movie production. In a separate briefing, officials were told ahead of summer that 11 per cent of jobs in Canada could be automated over the next 15 to 20 years, and a further 29 per cent are “likely to change significantly.” The Canadian Press obtained a copy of the briefing summary, as well

as May and June drafts of the report, through the Access to Information Act. The report was to be used as the foundation for advice to the victor of the fall federal election on how to help workers at the dawn of a new decade. Behind-the-scenes work on skills policy detailed in election-tinged documents Canada lacks gender diversity in AI industry, lags in wage equality: WEF study The work was part of a series of exercises officials have run to see how well “social safety net” programs respond to the most dire of potential outcomes caused by technological shifts in the workforce. It’s unclear how well federal programs fared. Those details, like many others in the documents, have been blacked out or not released because they are considered advice for government. Federal officials have forecast where the impacts of automation are likely to be felt most, such as rural towns reliant on

Saturday, January 4, 2020

Ethics watchdog says he was denied access to evidence in SNC-Lavalin affair Canada’s ethics watchdog says he was hampered in his investigation of the SNCLavalin affair by a decision of senior government officials to withhold information relevant to the case. In a scathing rebuke near the beginning of his 63-page report, released Wednesday morning, ethics commissioner Mario Dion detailed how he fought to access confidential information related to the affair, but was denied by the Privy Council Office — one of the offices involved in the scandal he was investigating. “Decisions that affect my jurisdiction under the Act, by setting parameters on my ability to receive evidence, should be made transparently and democratically by Parliament, not by the

very same public office holders who are subject to the regime I administer,” Dion wrote. “I am convinced that if our Office is to remain truly independent and fulfill its purpose, I must have unfettered access to all information that could be relevant to the exercise of my mandate.” Dion’s report concluded that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau violated the Conflict of Interest Act by using his authority over former attorney general Jody Wilson-Raybould to urge her to help Montreal engineering giant SNC-Lavalin avoid criminal prosecution. It supports allegations made by Wilson-Raybould that the prime minister and other senior officials improperly pressured her over a period of several months in 2018.

10 things in BC local politics in 2020 In 2018, a record number of new mayors were elected across British Columbia, many of them promising big changes in their communities. In 2019, many of them tried to implement their promises, with mixed success. There’s no crystal ball for predicting how politics will play out across 162 different municipalities — but here are some big stories likely to come up over the next 12 months. Mayoral Opposition : Opposition has begun to grow against the agendas of Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart and Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum, with divisive budgets passed by both earlier this month. In Surrey, the opposition is somewhat splintered, with three independent councillors and one from a different political party voting against McCallum. And in Vancouver, while most councillors support the mayor on some policy issues, the largest opposition group (the NPA) is wracked by a dispute between the board of directors and elected officials. Policing in Surrey: Speaking of Surrey, arguably the most substantive policy switch by any B.C. local government in 2019 was the city’s move toward an independent police force. The province tentatively approved Surrey’s plans to do away with the RCMP, but created a joint task force to oversee the timeline and details. It’s unclear if the task force — chaired by former attorney general Wally Oppal — will approve a full switch and if it will meet McCallum’s start goal of April 2021. SkyTrain to UBC In Vancouver, the big mayoral promise — an extension of the Millennium Line from its planned terminus at Arbutus Street all the way to UBC — remains more muddled. Vancouver’s council and the TransLink Mayors’ Council approved the project, but it will require more than a billion dollars in federal funding. Massey Tunnel and North Shore fixed links Other proposed transportation projects will also be in the headlines in 2020, though the municipalities involved might have less of a say in how they turn out. The province has promised next year will finally see a business case delivered for a new tunnel that would replace the aging Massey crossing between Richmond and Delta, while a provincially-funded study into options for a new link between the North Shore and Vancouver will also be completed. Official Community Plan consultations Next year, Vancouver fully embarks on city-wide plan consultations, while Port Moody, White Rock and

the District of North Vancouver are scheduled to consider changes to their Official Community Plans (OCP). Budgets under control? In both Vancouver and Metro Vancouver, budgets for 2020 were passed with significantly higher property tax increases than usual — seven per cent in Vancouver, and six per cent in Metro Vancouver. In both jurisdictions, elected officials have asked staff to provide more consultation for the 2021 budget, in hopes it might be easier to identify possible savings. Developer donations While the provincial government banned corporations from donating in local elections, the people who run companies are still allowed to donate to whomever they choose. That’s caused controversy in many municipalities, as company owners and managers gave money to mayoral and council candidates across the region — often in jurisdictions where they were planning new projects. ‘Compassion fatigue’ Several mid-sized municipalities passed new bylaws in 2019 cracking down on panhandling activity, and mayors in other communities warned that growing homeless populations, mixed with modular housing projects created by the provincial government, were spurring a backlash. “We need help in the worst way, and the meantime, the reservoir of public sympathy is fast evaporating because of the level of crime related to addiction,” Nanaimo Mayor and former NDP MLA Leonard Krog said in September to the government. Metro Vancouver moves to hike property taxes by $33 in 2020 Victoria byelection While B.C.’s local elections aren’t for another three years, there is a byelection in Victoria that will be watched closely. Laurel Collins resigned from council after being elected with the NDP in October’s federal election, and a number of candidates are expected to run to replace her. With Victoria city council often in the news.. North Van PigeonsAnd finally, a quickly escalating drama over the ban on owning pigeons in the District of North Vancouver will likely resolve itself next year. ‘Compassion fatigue’: mayors tell B.C. they need help managing homeless populations in their townsAfter CBC News revealed that the only person affected by the pigeon ban lived beside a councillor who explicitly asked for the ban and in the past said it affected her property’s value.

Conservative Party brand seen as ‘old, traditional’ survey finds As Conservatives prepare to choose their next leader, a new survey of how voters perceive the party and its main competitor should give party members something to think about. The survey found that while the values of the Conservative Party are easily differentiated from those of the Liberal Party, the Conservative brand is generally associated with a number of negative ideas and concepts. “The general image on top of peoples’ mind is that this is a party that is aged, is old, and this notion of tradition is strongly tied to the brand of the Conservatives,” David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data, told Power and Politics guest host Catherine Cullen. And while respondents pointed to a number of “negative associations” with the Liberal Party

— particularly it being seen as untrustworthy and inauthentic — the majority saw the party as open, diverse and ambitious.The findings may pose a challenge for the Conservative Party as it prepares for a leadership race to replace Andrew Scheer, who resigned on Dec. 12 following a disappointing election result. Coletto’s firm, in collaboration with conservative strategists Dennis Matthews and Kate Harrison, conducted the “brand assessment” of the two main political parties using market research techniques normally used to measure the reputation of corporate brands.Fifteen hundred Canadians of voting age, selected randomly from an online platform, were asked to associate words, phrases and images with Conservative Party of Canada

NATIONAL

INDIA

Saturday, January 4, 2020

Don’t oppose any step by govt to strengthen security: Congress The Congress today distanced itself from the questions party spokesperson Manish Tewari raised in respect of the appointment of Chief of Defence Staff on Tuesday and said the Congress never opposes anything done to boost national security. “I will not comment on the personal remarks made by any leader. All I want to say is that the appointment of CDS is a decision of the government and we hope the CDS will discharge his duty to the nation. The Congress does not oppose any government decision taken to strengthen national security,”

Congress spokesperson Sushmita Dev said today when asked whether the Congress agrees with what Manish Tewari said yesterday. Dev, however, said: “General Bipin Rawat is a newly appointed CDS. I think actions speak louder than words. Soon we, the country and all political parties will be able to see how the CDS works — in national interest or how. It would be improper to comment on the issue before that.”

BJP asks critics ‘‘ live in Pak’’ to find reality of persecution of Hindus Hitting out at Akhilesh Yadav for opposing the NPR and the NRC, Uttar Pradesh BJP president Swatantra Dev Singh today said the Samajwadi Party chief should stay in Pakistan for a month to understand the atrocities being faced by Hindus there.

Singh also asserted that the amended Citizenship Act was not against the poor and accused Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra of misguiding the people. His remarks come after Yadav on December 29 said the NPR and the NRC were against poor and minorities.

U.P. requests Central govt to ban PFI The Uttar Pradesh Government has requested the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to ban the Popular Front of India (PFI). Now, ban on the organisation looms as its activities, particularly after sporadic violent protests across the country, mainly UP, against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, are being closely watched by the MHA. Besides, intelligence inputs suggest that the organisation could be an offshoot of the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI). Sources in the MHA said the UP administration has in its report on the violent

protests, particularly in Muzaffarnagar and Rampur which led to death of 20 people, indicated PFI’s role. The SIMI was designated as a terrorist organisation and banned in 2001. Yesterday, UP Director General of Police OP Singh also reported to have commented on the PFI and its alleged involvement. Interacting with mediapersons here, Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said, “From several quarters, the role of the PFI in the recent violence is coming to the fore. The MHA will decide on further action based on evidence. There are allegations against them, including connection with SIMI.”

Cold wave leads to train delays & school closures in Patna Even as temperatures in parts of north India showed slight improvement, the low visibility conditions persisted delaying 21 trains in the Northern Railway region on Thursday, officials said. The weather department said the temperatures have increased by 3-4 degree Celsius over most parts of Uttar Pradesh and East Rajasthan and at isolated places in Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, west Madhya Pradesh during the past 24 hours. However, cold wave conditions continued in Bihar and authorities in Patna ordered closure pf schools till January 5. The national capital witnessed a sunny New Year’s Day on Wednesday and the maximum temperature rose to 20.5 degrees Celsius, giving people some respite from the bone-chilling

cold that persisted for over a fortnight. The weatherman has predicted light rain over Delhi on Thursday. On New Year’s Day, the minimum temperature was recorded at 2.4 degrees Celsius, five notches below normal, while the maximum settled at 20.5 degrees Celsius, a Meteorological Department official said. On Saturday too, the national capital had recorded a minimum temperature of 2.4 degrees Celsius. The city was wrapped in a cover of moderate fog with 29 trains being delayed by two to nine hours due to reduced visibility, officials said. December 2019 recorded 18 consecutive ‘cold days’ or an 18-day ‘cold spell’, the maximum after 17 cold days in December 1997. The maximum temperature in Delhi took a big tumble on Monday to settle at 9.4 degrees Celsius, making it the coldest December day since 1901.

New Army Chief says equal focus on China and Pakistan Army Chief General MM Naravane on Wednesday said the Army would lay equal focus on the country’s borders with China and Pakistan. We stay away, we stay far away from politics. We work on the directives of the government in power. — Gen Bipin Rawat, Chief of Defence Staff “We have been paying attention in the past to the western front, but the northern front requires equal attention. It is in that context we are doing capability development and enhancement on our northern borders, including the Northeast,” the Army chief said after

inspecting a guard of honour outside South Block. On settling the boundary issue with China, he said: “We have a Line of Actual Control. The border question is yet to be settled. Progress has been made in maintaining peace and tranquility.” On the border with Pakistan and threats from across the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir, General Naravane said, “Whatever threats we have, we keep analysing them. This is a continuous process. We analyse threats and act accordingly.”

2 soldiers die in Rajouri encounter Two soldiers were killed in an encounter with terrorists at Dabar-Potha border village in Rajouri on Tuesday night. They were identified as Naik Sawant Sandip Raghunath (29) and Rifleman Arjun Thapa (25). Sources said three infiltrators intercepted one Ghulam around 8 pm on Monday while he was on his way home in Dabar-Potha, 5 km from the Line of Control. They entered his house and questioned the members on deployment of Army units in the

area, the distance between the village and LoC and the route towards Kashmir via Mughal Road. They left without harming anyone. Terrified, Ghulam’s family approached village sarpanch Maqsood Hussain, who contacted senior officers of the Rashtriya Rifles unit operating in the area. The Army swung into action and laid a trap on all escape routes. Search and destroy operations on Tuesday continued till late in the night.

Revenue officer arrested in Punjab bribery case The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) today arrested Chander Shekhar, Additional Director General, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), currently posted in Ludhiana, and two more persons in connection with an alleged Rs 3-crore bribery case. In a statement, the CBI said in June 2019, following a complaint, the DRI conducted a search at a private clearing agency that provided services to exporters and seized documents pertaining to an exporter. “The complainant, a Delhi resident, alleged that Anup Joshi, Clearing House Agent, and Rajesh Dhanda, a friend of Chander Shekhar, demanded a sum of Rs 3 crore on behalf of the public servant for ensuring that he would not be implicated by the

DRI pertaining to recovery of his documents. “The CBI caught both private persons while demanding and accepting Rs 25 lakh from the complainant. During investigation, the public servant was also arrested,” the statement read. The CBI said that during questioning, the middlemen told the investigators that the bribe was allegedly taken on behalf of the officer following which searches were conducted at the residence/office of the accused at Delhi, Noida and Ludhiana. “The arrested accused will be produced in a court. Further investigation is on,” the agency said. A report from Ludhiana said the officer’s friend, Dhanda, who has a hosiery unit, would organise a grand ‘Rath Yatra’ in the city every year, on which crores of

Uttar Pradesh BJP MLA arrested for beating up policeman with shoes BJP MLA Kishan Lal Rajpoot from Uttar Pradesh’s Barkhera constituency, along with his 15 identified and more than 35 unidentified supporters, has been booked for allegedly beating up a police constable with shoes at a police post and robbing him of a gold chain and wallet. nThis comes after a court ordered that an FIR be registered. According to reports, the constable, Mohit Gurjar, had a dispute over the refund of a bike that he had bought

for Rs 50,000, but the seller, Rahul, allegedly did not have valid registration documents, so he failed to get the bike transferred in Gurjar’s name. Gurjar said that on September 12 when he sought his money back, Rahul allegedly called him to the Pilibhit Mandi Samiti gate, where MLA’s nephew Rishabh, and others were present with him. The constable said: “When I reached the spot, they abused and thrashed me. They opened fire at me and I had

PUNJAB

Saturday, January 4, 2020 CM Amarinder Singh wishes people well on New Year’s day Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Wednesday greeted the people on the New Year with the promise to give them a peaceful, harmonious, secure and progressive state. On the occasion, the Chief Minister called upon the people to welcome 2020 with the commitment to work collectively and zealously to preserve the ethos of secularism, sovereignty, communal harmony and national integration.

He also urged the people to take a pledge to make Punjab the country’s frontrunner state through inclusive growth, so that the fruits of development percolate to the grassroots. In a tweet, the Captain wrote: “Wishing you all a very Happy New Year 2020. Grateful for your love and support all along. I assure you all that I will put all my might in restoring the golden history of Punjab

Punjab earns just 43% of revenue receipts he dawn of New Year has not brought good news for the cash-strapped Punjab Government. With unpaid bills at the treasury, unpaid subsidy to the power utility and liability of dearness allowance of its employees, a depleting income of the state government has become a cause for concern. The latest financial indicators for this financial year show that the state has managed to earn just 43 per cent of its target revenue receipts for 2019-20. While the state’s income through Goods and Services Tax (GST) has increased, the Centre has once again failed to

release the state’s share of GST compensation for October-November (Rs2,000 crore), hitting the state’s precarious fiscal health further. Till November, the state’s total revenue receipts stood at Rs33,862.81 crore as against a target of Rs78,509.70 crore. By this time last year, Punjab had managed to rake in more than 47 per cent of the targeted revenue receipts. The state’s tax revenue has shown a decline of almost Rs3,000 crore, while non-tax revenue (road tax and tax on services offered by the state) has shown a 50 per cent decline over last year.

63 cops among 165 arrested in corruption cases: VB SGPC to reach out to Sikhs ‘evicted’ from MP villages The SGPC has taken cognisance of the alleged forcible eviction of Madhya Pradeshbased Sikhs from some villages in Karahal tehsil of Sheopur district and constituted a threemember committee to visit the affected families. As per reports received, SGPC president Gobind Singh Longowal said the local administration had been trying to encroach upon the houses and lands of the Sikhs. It was being done at the instance of Chief Minister Kamal Nath, who has been patronising the violence against Sikhs settled over there for the

Debt led to 91 suicides in three months: BKU Nearly 66 farmers, 10 labourers and 15 women allegedly committed suicide in the state during the last three months, taking the total figure to 1,407 since the formation of the Congress government, claimed the BKU Ugrahan. It said rising farm debt was the reason behind high number of suicides. The Punjab Government’s claim of having extended waiver to farmers and labourers had fallen flat, it alleged. Sangrur tops the list As per the list prepared by a special committee of the BKU Ugrahan, Sangrur was on the top with 250 suicides in three years, followed by Bathinda with 196 cases and Mansa 123. The committee said rising farm debt was the main reason behind suicides. Union leaders today released a list of victims here and accused the government of being selective in extending debt wavier. As per the list prepared by a special committee of the BKU Ugrahan under the supervision of its Sunam block press secretary Sukhpal Singh Manak, with 250 suicides in three years, Sangrur was on the top, followed by Bathinda with 196 cases and Mansa 123. Manak said they had been preparing the lists after procuring details from various newspapers. “Today, we have released a list of 91 farmers and labourers, who committed suicide due to debt between October 1 and December 30, 2019. As per our record, a total of 1,407 farm suicides have taken place in the last three years and the figure will shoot up if the government conducts a proper survey, as many victim families are not willing to disclose the reason of suicide,” said Manak. Other BKU Ugrahan leaders, including district president Amrik Singh and district general secretary Darbara Singh Chhajla, alleged that the state government had failed to help indebted farmers. “The debt waiver and other schemes are only on paper as farmers have not received any help and they are forced to commit suicide. We are ready to provide details, if the government is willing to help the farmers,” alleged Gobinder Mangwal, Sangrur block president, BKU Ugrahan.

past three decades. “The SGPC is committed to show its solidarity with the affected Sikh families and will approach the Union Home Minister Amit Shah to seek his intervention. Kamal Nath was also responsible for the anti-Sikh riots in 1984 and his approach towards Sikhs hasn’t changed since then. Our delegation will visit Madhya Pradesh and requisite assistance will be provided as per their observation,” he said.

The Vigilance Bureau (VB) attached properties worth Rs101.64 crore of accused in corruption cases during 2019. Disclosing this, VB Chief Director-cum-ADGP BK Uppal said the bureau had taken the bold initiative to attach the ill-gotten properties of the accused during the period. “To tighten the noose around bribe-seekers and to generate awareness among the public to curb this social menace, the bureau has

launched a multi-pronged approach,” he said. Crusade against corruption Rs101.64-cr properties seized 134 non-gazetted officers held 42 Vigilance inquires registered 42 officials convicted in 29 cases 27 criminal cases against 57 accused 13 gazetted officers nabbed 6 non-gazetted officers dismissed 3 cases of disproportionate assets

INDIA

Saturday, January 4, 2020

Ajit Pawar back as Maharashtra’s deputy CM in expanded Cabinet Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray expanded his month-old ministry by inducting 36 ministers, including his 29-year-old son Aaditya and NCP leader Ajit Pawar, who was sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister — the second time in two months. Pawar was part of the Devendra Fadnavis government which collapsed after three days. BJP leaders and Sena MP Sanjay Raut skipped the ceremony. Raut’s absence was attributed to his brother Sunil Raut, a Sena MLA, not finding a place in the Cabinet expansion. The Shiv Sena kept its senior leaders Ramdas Kadam and Diwakar Raote, ministers in the Devendra Fadnavis-led government, out of the new Council of Ministers.

Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari administered oath to 14 ministers from the NCP, 10 from the Congress and 12 from the Shiv Sena at the Vidhan Bhavan premises here. Aaditya, who won from the Worli constituency, is the first member of the Thackeray family to contest polls. In all, 25 Cabinet Ministers and 10 Ministers of State were sworn in. Among the veterans, drawn from the Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress, were former CM Ashok Chavan, Dilip Walse-Patil, Anil Deshmukh, Nawab Malik and Jitendra Awhad. Among the younger MLAs were Varsha Gaikwad, Satej Patil, Amit Deshmukh and Vishwajit Kadam.

From pgae 1

Unusual spell of cold wave grips North India

Department (IMD). The thick cover of smog on the Indo-Gangetic plains and the uneven warming of the Indian Ocean has a role to play in this robust spell of Western Disturbances, the extratropical storms originating in the Mediterranean region causing sudden winter rain to the northwestern parts of the Indian subcontinent, which have brought the day temperatures in some Indian cities below 12 degrees Celsius. Top scientists fear that due to climate change, such harsh and unexpected weather conditions will continue to trouble

people. “The climate change affecting the intensity and frequency of Western Disturbances can bring mercury down in northern region in years to come, while central and southern Indian regions could be more warmer,” says Dr Bhupinder B. Singh, senior scientist at the government’s premier Centre for Climate Change Research (CCCR) at Pune. Scientists are of the view that it is rare to have a spell of such cold weather for more than 16 to 17 days.

UP first to make ‘vandals’ pay price The attempt by the UP government to identify and make protesters pay for the damage caused to public property during recent protests against citizenship is unprecedented in a country where many states, at one time or another, have suffered destruction on the streets in the name of agitation The only other instance of strong punitive action ordered to vandalize public property is against the Dera Sacha Sauda in Punjab, although by court order. While the jury is deciding whether the government’s

measure will be subject to legal scrutiny, TOI takes stock of the number of occasions in the last five years that individuals and teams appear to have come out with the destruction of public goods worth Rs. Millions during the protests HARYANA The agitation of Jat’s quota in February 2016 was destructive, resulting in 30 deaths and widespread damage to public and private property. Assocham estimated that the loss in monetary terms was Rs 1,800-2,000 crore. Around 2,100 cases were filed and hundreds were arrested.

Gen Bipin Rawat appointed India’s first Chief of Defence Staff Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat was on Monday appointed the country’s first Chief of Defence Staff whose mandate will be to bring in convergence in functioning of the Army, the Navy and the Indian Air Force. According to a government order, Gen Rawat has been appointed CDS with effect from December 31. He has been given an extension in service till the period he is serving as CDS. Two days ago, the government amended service

rules of the forces to allow the CDS to serve till 65 years of age. Service chiefs serve till 62 or have a three-year tenure. General Rawat completes his three years tenure as Army chief tomorrow and he will turn 62 next year. For the general, picked up as the first CDS of the country, ‘integrating’ the forces will be the prime task. The general, whose father was senior officer, hails from Uttarakhand.

India approves third moon mission India has approved its third lunar mission months after its last one failed to successfully land on the moon, its space agency said on Wednesday, the latest effort in its ambitions to become a low-cost space power. The Chandrayaan-3 mission will have a lander and a rover, but not an orbiter, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman K. Sivan told reporters at its headquarters in Bengaluru, according to an official telecast. The Chandrayaan-2 mission in September

successfully deployed a lunar orbiter that relays scientific data back to earth but was unable to place a rover on the lunar surface after a “hard” landing. That mission had aimed to land on the south pole of the moon, where no other lunar mission had gone before. The region is believed to contain water as craters in the region are largely unaffected by the high temperatures of the sun. ISRO had hoped to confirm the presence of water in the form of ice.

House panel raps govt over shortage of funds to armed forces The armed forces have not been getting the funds they need for modernisation and also for running expenses, training and maintenance. Reports of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence, which have been made public now, have rapped the government. “This (shortfall) reflects the compromises made in the modernisation process of defence services, thereby negatively impacting their capabilities,” says a report of the committee on the general Defence budget. The Ministry of Defence assured the committee that “urgent

and critical capabilities would be acquired without any compromise to operational preparedness of the defence services”. For the present 2019-20 fiscal, the Army projected an allocation for Rs 44,690 crore under the capital requirements. However, it was allocated only Rs 29,511 crore, which is Rs 15,179.73 crore less than the projection or say 34 per cent less than the amount asked for. Similarly, the Navy projected for Rs 35,713 crore, but was allocated only Rs 22,227 crore. The IAF projected for Rs 74,894.56 crore.

Lt. Gen. Mukund Naravane takes over as Army Chief Lt Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane will take charge as the Chief of Army Staff on Tuesday succeeding Gen Bipin Rawat. Gen Rawat is retiring on Tuesday as Army Chief after a three-year stint. He has been appointed as the country’s first Chief of Defence Staff. Lt Gen Naravane is currently serving as Vice Chief of the Army. Before taking charge as vice chief of the Army Staff in September, Lt Gen Naravane was heading the Eastern Command of the Army which takes care of India’s nearly 4,000-km border with China. In his 37 years of service, Lt Gen Naravane has served in numerous

command and staff appointments in peace, field and highly active counter-insurgency environments in Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast. He has also commanded a Rashtriya Rifles Battalion in Jammu and Kashmir and an infantry brigade on the eastern front. He was also part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka and had served as India’s defence attache at the Indian Embassy in Myanmar for three years. Lt Gen Naravane is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy. He was commissioned into the 7th battalion, the Sikh Light Infantry Regiment in June 1980.

NRI

Saturday, January 4, 2020 Indian-Americans hold rallies in support of CAA across USA These rallies are aimed at “dispelling the misinformation and myths” surrounding the law as well as to counter the propaganda of hate, lies and downright absurdities, the organisers said. Austin, Raleigh, Houston and Seattle were some of the cities where the protests were held. Indian-Americans held a pro-CAA rally in Seattle at Victor Steinbrueck Park, in Austin on December 22 near Capitol Building and in Houston on December 20 in front of the Indian Consulate, the organisers said. Indian-American Democrat Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, who has criticised the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government over the CAA and has sponsored a Bill in the US House of Representatives calling for lifting of the state-imposed restrictions in Kashmir, is contesting from Seattle.

Several other demonstrations are being planned in the coming weeks in Dallas, Chicago, San Francisco, New York City, Washington DC, Atlanta, San Jose and other locations. Ashok K Karmakar, chairman of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCUC), USA welcomed the enactment of the CAA. “While this piece of legislation would help to uphold human rights of the people (Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, Jain, Sikhs and Parsis) who have been persecuted for their religious beliefs in countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan, and have been living an inhuman and uncertain life in India for many, many years, we also believe, the law and the Constitution of India will protect the rights of many Muslims from those countries and elsewhere who are being persecuted for their political opinions,” Karmakar said in a statement.

US completes implementation of H-1B electronic registration process for 2021 season A federal US agency announced Friday it has completed the process to implement the H-1B electronic registration process for the 2021 cap season. As a result of this, companies applying for H-1B visas for foreign workers for the fiscal year 2021 would have to register online and pay a processing fee of USD10.n The US Citizenship and Immigration Services would start accepting the H-1B petitions from April 1, 2020 for the next fiscal year. “The electronic registration process will dramatically streamline processing

by reducing paperwork and data exchange, and will provide an overall cost savings to petitioning e m p l o y e r s ,” the USCIS said Friday. Under this new process, employers seeking H-1B workers subject to the cap, or their authorized representatives, will complete a registration process that requires only basic information about their company and each requested worker.

PU’s IFSC gets its first NRI student The NRI seat at Panjab University’s Institute of Forensic Science and Criminology (IFSC) has been filled up for the first time ever, since the inception of the self-financing institute’s first session in 2009-2010. Following this development, the institute has called for the Syndicate’s decision on finalising the fee structure of the NRI seat. A six-member committee on September 11 had recommended that $2860, which is on a par with Department of Microbiology and Department of Biochemistry, be fixed as the annual tuition fee and development fund for the MSc. NRI student. “However, other charges will be

applicable as per the university rules,” the recommendation of the committee read. Institute of Forensic Science & Criminology (IFSC) delves into the application of science to the law and exploring the body of knowledge regarding delinquency and crime as social phenomena. Dr Shweta Sharma, Chairperson, IFSC, said, “We have the first NRI student in the MSc. course here and as per the procedure, we are looking forward to finalising the fee structure. We are a three-member strong faculty here and in the span of seven years, we are on the verge of submitting five PhDs.”

15 Indian-origin MPs register strong result in UK election A record 15 Indian-origin candidates entered the House of Commons on Friday, registering seven wins each for the ruling Conservative and Opposition Labour parties in the U.K. General Election.The new Parliament is the most diverse ever, with one in 10 MPs now from an ethnic minority background.All the nearly dozen Indianorigin MPs from the previous Parliament contesting this time were successful in clinching their seats, with Gagan Mohindra and Claire Coutinho for the Conservative Party, Navendru Mishra for Labour and Munira Wilson for the Liberal Democrats among the first-timers.“The better our Parliament reflects the diversity within the country, the more likely it is that all voices will be represented,” said Mr. Wilson, who won from the south-west London constituency of Twickenham. “Time to Get Brexit Done and get on with investing in our schools, hospitals and police to keep our streets safe,” said Goan-origin Coutinho, who clinched victory in the Surrey East seat. The other Tories to return to the Commons include

Priti Patel, the former U.K. Home Secretary who is likely to remain in Mr. Johnson’s top team in the new Cabinet as well. “This has been a hardfought election in a very cold time of the year because we needed a functioning Conservative majority, said Ms. Patel, who won the Witham seat in Essex.Her fellow Cabinet colleagues in the previous government Rishi Sunak — the sonin-law of Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy — won the Richmond seat, while Alok Sharma, the former International Development Minister, clinched victory in Reading West. Shailesh Vara won his North West Cambridgeshire seat and Goan-origin Suella Braverman clinched Fareham. From the Opposition Labour Party, Navendru Mishra clinched the Stockport seat, while Preet Kaur Gill, who made history in the last election as the first British Sikh woman MP, was re-elected from Birmingham Edgbaston. Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, the first turbaned Sikh MP, will also return to the Commons with an impressive win from Slough in south-east England.

929 Indians deported from USA in first seven months of 2019: Reports Satnam Singh Chahal, executive director of the North American Punjabi Association (NAPA), shared this information from the US Immigration and Custom Enforcement Department under the Freedom of information Act. Chahal said the number was highest in the last few years. In the financial year 2014 (October 1 to September 30), only 87 Indians were deported. Similarly, in FY 2015, 202 men and 22 women of Indian origin were sent back. Only 102 men and one woman were deported in FY 2016, nearly 343

men and 15 women in FY 2017 and 323 men and 18 women in FY 2018. As many as 2,382 Indians are lodged in 86 jails in the US, according to the NAPA. The Trump administration has introduced a number controversial policies in line with its hardline stance on immigration. Last month, around 150 Indians, most from Punjab, were deported from the US for allegedly flouting visa norms. According to data, over 7,000 Indians are facing deportation proceedings in courts in the US.

Over 200,000 Indians waiting for family-sponsored US Green Cards: Immigration data According to the latest official immigration data from the United States, over 227,000 Indians have been waiting for their familysponsored Green Card or legal permanent residency to come through. Of the estimated four million on the Green Card waiting list, Mexico with 1.5 million is followed by India with 227,000 and China with 180,000. According to the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) data, the majority of Indians waiting in line for family-based Green Cards are siblings of US citizens, numbering over 181,000. This is followed by 42,000 married children of US citizens and over 2,500 spouses and minor children of permanent residents. In addition, around 827,000 immigrants, with over 75 per cent from India, are also waiting in line for permanent legal residency, according to the USCIS. The waiting time for

an employment-based green card applicant from India is estimated at over a decade for IT professionals and around seven years for doctors, claimed Indian-origin groups in the US. Under the current law, US citizens can sponsor their family members and blood relatives for Green Cards or permanent legal residency with the US congress capping the total number of Green Cards available at 226,000 per annum. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly spoken about abolishing the provision, which he calls ‘chain immigration’ and is at loggerheads with the Democratic party who champion the family-sponsored immigration system. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Immigration USA Indian Diaspora

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

NEW YEAR'S CLEARANCE! See website for details

*See website for Price Match terms and conditions.

Prices in effect until February 7, 2020, while quantities last.

Visit us online for more great deals!

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

Saturday, January 4, 2020

SOUTH ASIA

Bangladesh closes breast milk bank after protests by Muslim clerics From page 1 the milk bank, but it was halted after critics said the plan could lead to breaches of Sharia law if two babies drank milk from the same mother and later married. Their entire marriage and lineage would become illegal,” said Gazi Ataur Rahman, a spokesman of the influential Islami Andolan Bangladesh political party. Another Islamist, Ahmed Abdul Kaiyum, said Sharia law did not allow for milk banks. “It would go against Islam,” he said, suggesting that the authorities should have discussed this “very sensitive issue” beforehand with clerics. Prominent Islamic cleric Fariduddin Masoud struck a conciliatory note, however, saying

authorities should find out if and how Muslim majority nations such as Pakistan, Iran, Iraq and Malaysia have set up human milk banks. “We should see how they have solved the issue. We should sit together to find a solution,” he said. The milk bank in Dhaka was slated to start this month, but project co-ordinator Mojibur Rahman said it had been delayed indefinitely because of the “widespread criticism”. He added that the hospital had set up strict safeguards for the scheme. “We collect and preserve milk separately and rigorously record (donor) identities,” he told AFP on Monday, a day after the milk bank’s suspension was announced.

Bangladesh restores mobile networks along its borders with India Bangladesh has reversed its decision of shutting down mobile networks along the country’s over 4,000-km long borders with India, two days after asking telecom operators to block the services citing “security” reasons, according to media reports on Wednesday. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) on Sunday directed the shutdown of around 2,000 base transceiver stations, affecting around 1 crore users in 32 districts that share border with India and Myanmar. The government’s directive to the telecommunication operators came days after India’s Parliament passed the

controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), causing much concern in Dhaka that it could lead to an influx of migrants from India. The reports did not give any reason for reversing the government’s decision on Sunday. The BTRC, in its order to telecommunications service providers— Grameenphone, Teletalk, Robi and Banglalink—said network coverage within 1-km band along the border areas with India should be suspended until further notice “for the sake of the country’s security in the current circumstances.”

The Taliban today denied agreeing to any ceasefire in Afghanistan after rumours swirled of a potential deal that would see a reduction in fighting after more than

18 years of war. The statement from the insurgents comes as local and international forces brace for another bloody winter amid renewed US-Taliban talks, after President

India, Pakistan exchange list of N-installations and prisoners India and Pakistan maintained their tradition of exchanging lists of nuclear installations and civilian prisoners and fishermen in their custody despite the recent acrimony that has led to the withdrawal of their High Commissioners and stoppage of most trade and travel. India sought the early release of its prisoners from Pakistan’s custody. Pakistan was asked to expedite the repatriation of four Indian civilian prisoners and 126 fishermen India sought the early release and repatriation of its civilian prisoners, missing Indian defence personnel and fishermen along with their boats from Pakistan’s custody. In this context, Pakistan was asked to expedite the release and

repatriation of four Indian civilian prisoners and 126 Indian fishermen to India whose nationality has been confirmed and conveyed to Pakistan. In addition, Pakistan has been asked to provide immediate consular access to 14 believed-to-be Indian civilian prisoners and 100 Indian fishermen who are in Pakistan’s custody. The list exchanged on nuclear installations today by both countries continued a 29-year unbroken practice under a bilateral arrangement that prohibits them from attacking each other’s atomic facilities. The exchange of lists of arrested civilian prisoners and fishermen is in keeping with a 2008 Agreement under which the lists are exchanged bi-annually on January 1 and July

Chinese apps are losing their hold on India Apps from Chinese developers have been gaining popularity on Indian app stores for some time. Last year, as many as 44 of the top 100 Android apps in India were developed by Chinese firms. But things have changed this year as local developers put on a fight. According to app analytics and marketing firm AppsFlyer, Indian apps as a whole have recaptured their original standing. Indeed, 41% of the top 200 apps in Indian editions of Google’s Play Store and Apple’s App Store in Q2 and Q3 this year were developed by Indian developers and

local firms, up from 38% last year, the report said. Data from App Annie, another research firm, corroborates the claim. “This uptick happened chiefly at the expense of Chinese apps, which fell from their lead position to 38% from 43% in 2018. Altogether, Chinese and Indian apps make up almost four-fifths (79%) of the list,” the report said. The shift comes as scores of Indian firms have launched payments, gaming, news and entertainment apps in the last year and a half, said AppsFlyer, which analyzed 6.5 billion installs in the second and third quarters of this year.

No ceasefire plan: Taliban Donald Trump called off the negotiations earlier this year over insurgent attacks. “In the past few days, some media have been releasing untrue reports about a ceasefire...

The fact is that, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has no ceasefire plans,” the Taliban said.

CABINET REFINISHING PROVEN RESULTS FOR OVER 30 YEARS We have been in business for 30 years! Let us make a perfect improvement on your cabinets.

BEFORE GOT GREASE?

WE’LL FIX THAT!

AFTER BEFORE

AFTER

“Night and day! Wow, what a difference! We so needed this process to our cabinets!” - Ema Burns, Abbotsford, BC

Call or Text

604-218-7470

www.gleamguard.com

BEFORE

AFTER

GOT PEELING?

WE’LL FIX THAT!

Get $50 off a kitchen refinish

Saturday, January 4, 2020

FIJI

Saturday, January 4, 2020

Consumer Council got 54 complaints in last 12 months for landlords illegally trying to increase rent The Consumer Council of Fiji received 54 complaints from 1st January last year till date against some residential landlords who are trying to illegally increase rent. They say, unfortunately when tenants refuse to pay the increased rent or report the matter to the Council, the landlord hands them an eviction notice using the excuse for renovations. They add such tactics are used to suppress tenants from exercising their legal rights and to smartly increase the rent to unsuspecting new tenants.

The Council is reiterating to landlords that they must provide duly executed tenancy agreements and receipts for all rent payments to tenants. The Council is also reminding tenants to act responsibly and read and understand the tenancy agreement before signing and moving into the rental property. Meanwhile, the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission have announced the extension of the rent freeze policy which will now run till the 31st of December this year.

It is alleged that the two men broke into the house and allegedly stole US$35,000, FJ$30,000 and jewellery worth FJ$68,000. The two were arrested by CID Officers.

Wife’s killer remains in custody A 52-year-old man has been remanded in custody for allegedly murdering his wife in Kinoya. Peni Fatai appeared before Nasinu Magistrate Charles Ratakele this morning. Magistrate Ratakele has transferred

the matter to Suva High Court which will be called on the 24th of this month. Fatai who is charged with a count of murder told the court that he will be seeking legal aid assistance. Police say the alleged incident happened last Sunday after heated argument.

Warrant issued for women who failed to appear in court over possession of cocaine & marijuana A bench warrant has been issued for Zoe Maharaj Moore after she failed to appear in Suva Magistrates Court this morning. Moore and former Suva lawyer Shazraan Abdul Lateef are charged with one count each of being found in possession of 7.89 grams of methamphetamine, one count each of being found in possession of 12.49 grams of cocaine and one count each of being found in

possession of 2.5 grams of marijuana. Lateef was present in court. Moore’s lawyer Kevin O’Driscoll told the court that Moore is sick. O’Driscoll told the court that he was informed by Moore’s father that she was sick but was unable to produce a medical report. Magistrate, Joseph Daurewa then issued a bench warrant for Moore. The case has been adjourned till next hearing.

Fiji High Commission in India hosts thanksgiving dinner As part of the recent festive season, the Fiji High Commission in New Delhi, India organised a thanksgiving dinner for the mission staff and their families, together with the Fijians who are in India as visiting patients and their caregivers. The program held at the Fiji High Commission in India, was organised in recognition of the New Year’s and Christmas messages of unity, togetherness, and prosperity. A total of 35 Fijians who are currently in India for medical treatment from six different hospitals were accompanied by their families and caregivers as part of the

he Ministry of Employment and Industrial Relations is reminding the public that daylight savings will end next Sunday. Employment Minister Parveen Kumar says the public will need to move their clocks one hour backwards at 2am on the same day.

The switch comes a day before the 2020 school year starts on 13th January. Daylight Saving is officially gazetted and recognized to make more use of the longer daylight experienced during this time of the year. This has been the trend in previous years.

Three charged for gang rape

Two men in custody for allegedly stealing FJ$68,000 worth of jewellery and cash in Savusavu Two men are in custody for their alleged involvement in a robbery at a construction company in Savusavu on Sunday night. The two were arrested for allegedly stealing cash and thousands of dollars worth of jewellery.

Day light saving ends next Sunday

Christmas celebrations. The patients were from Batra Hospital, Max Hospitals, Apollo Hospital, PSRI, Forties, BLK and Artemis Hospital. Fiji’s High Commissioner to India, Yogesh Punja says Christmas was an opportune time for the Fijians in India to get together as one family. The event brought back fond memories of Fiji for the Fijian families in India and the celebrations concluded with a ‘Taralala’ (Fijian Dance).

A 26-year-old man and two 28-year-old men charged for involvement in gang rape last month. This was confirmed by the DPP’s Office after releasing the Rape and Sexual Offence Statistics for last month. The case was filed where the three men were charged with the rape of a 14-year-old girl. 11 people were charged with a total of 21 counts of separate incidents in December. Of the 11 accused persons, one was a juvenile and one was a police officer. The juvenile was charged with the rape, indecent assault and sexual assault of his 10-year-old cousin. There were nine victims of whom seven victims were under the age of 18 years. There were four matters where the accused persons and the victims were related to one another.

In another case, a 48-year-old man was charged with multiple counts of rape of his 14-year-old daughter. There were two separate incidents where a 45-year-old and a 35-year-old man were charged with the rape and sexual assault of their 13-year-old and 18-year-old nieces. A 27-yearold police officer was charged with abduction with intent to have carnal knowledge of a 17-year-old girl. A 52-year-old man was charged with the rape of a 16-year-old girl. The accused was a friend of the victim’s father. A 23-year-old man was charged with the rape of a 25-year-old woman whom he met outside a nightclub.

Fire destroys home No injuries were reported as investigation continues, but it was not a good start for Nadawa businessman, this year as his fourbedroom house and a flat were destroyed in a fire yesterday afternoon. Young says he was in the house with his wife and his grandchildren when the fire started. He says he was only able to save one of his vehicles. We got shocked to see the smoke coming from the house. When I looked back,

I could see the flames from inside the house. When I run inside the house, it was too late. First thing I told my wife and my son to move out, we came out, and this is all I have. Only one car I manage to take out. All the rest, burnt down.” According to the police the fire started from one of the bedrooms before spreading to the tenant’s house.

Body found in Suva Police are requesting assistance in identifying a body found in Suva yesterday. An early morning commuter using a shortcut track next to Ellery Street discovered the deceased and alerted security

officers of Energy Fiji Limited who then called police. The deceased is believed to be between 20 to 35 years and was only wearing ¾ trousers. Initial information gathered indicates he is a former patient of St Giles Hospital.

PAKISTAN

Saturday, January 4, 2020

Pakistan manufactures dual-seat fighter jets with China’s collaboration Pakistan introduces first batch of its indigenous dual-seat fighter jets, manufactured in collaboration with China. To mark the occasion, a ceremony was held at Aircraft m anufacturing facility in Kamra near capital Islamabad, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan said in a statement, Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing and Aviation Industries of China Executive

Vice President Hao Zhaoping were present on the occasion. The first batch of eight dualseat JF-17 aircraft was manufactured by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) in collaboration with the China National

UN experts urge Pakistan to clear scholar of blasphemy United Nations human rights experts called on Pakistan’s high court on Friday to clear liberal academic Junaid Hafeez of blasphemy charges and overturn his death sentence. In a joint statement, they described Hafeez’s condemnation by a lower court last week as a “travesty of justice” and said senior judges should acquit the former university lecturer on appeal. “We urge Pakistan’s superior courts to promptly hear his appeal, overturn the death sentence and acquit him,” said the independent experts who include U.N. investigators on freedom of religion, unlawful killings and

arbitrary detention. In 2013 students at the university where Hafeez taught accused him of making blasphemous Facebook posts. Insulting Islam’s Prophet Mohammad carries a mandatory death penalty in Pakistan, which is about 95% Muslim. His lawyers say he was framed by students from a militant Islamist party because of his liberal and secular views. This month a U.S. religious freedom commission placed Hafeez on its list of global victims. Hafeez’s family and lawyers released a statement saying the trial had been marked by a “wave of fear”

Gov’t issues health insurace card for transgenders Prime Minister Khan launched the health insurance card for transgender community in the country. Prime Minister lauded the govt’s efforts for coming up with idea to provide health insurance to transgenders. Khan also said that “sadly, there is not a realisation in our country what kind of hardship transgenders face,” he said, adding that the government has decided to take responsibility of transgenders by providing them with health cards. “The objective behind is that our government is owning you,” he said. Prime Minister assured the community that govt will ensure their “complete protection” and work

to eliminate the negative attitudes in society prevalent against them. Supreme Court issued orders to list transgender as a gender on ID cards, national agency responsible for issuing ID cards will also issue new health cards.The ministry will immediately issue health cards to transgenders who are registered.‘‘Aanyone who wants to change the listing on their ID to transgender will have a ‘one-time option’ to do so’’ advisor to the Prime Minister on health services Dr. Zafar Mirza said. Pakistan a conservative, nation officially recognized transgender as a community in 2012.

Court returns Pervez Musharraf’s application against his conviction The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday returned the application filed by former president and military dictator Pervez Musharraf against his conviction in the high treason case by a special court, citing unavailability of the full bench during winter vacations. A legal panel comprising of Khawaja Ahmad Tariq Rahim and Azhar Siddique had filed the application under Section 151 of the Civil Procedure Code (CPC) in a pending main writ petition of Musharraf under Article 199 of the

Constitution challenging all actions of the special trial court, Dawn reported. A threejudge bench of the LHC Chief is scheduled to take up the main petition on January 9. The special court had announced its verdict on December 17 and handed down death penalty to Musharraf with a 2-1 majority. In his application, the former military dictator asked the High Court to set aside the special court’s verdict for being illegal, without jurisdiction, unconstitutional and in violation of Articles 10-A, 4, 5, 10 and 10-A of the Constitution.

Pakistan tight-lipped about its ISIS operatives in Afghanistan Even though a majority of 700 foreign Islamic state fighters apprehended by the National Directorate of Security (NDS) are from Pakistan, but Imran Khan’s government is tight-lipped and has not made any request for the return of Pakistani citizens, Indo-Asian News Service (IANS) has reported on Sunday. Foreign Islamic State fighters were arrested, most of them surrendered, from eastern Afghanistan during the last six months along with their family members – including 75 women and

159 children – who have been transported to the National Directorate of Security (NDS) compound in Kabul. The Intelligence service sources said that the alleged IS fighters are from Pakistan, Jordan, Iran, Russia and Central Asian countries. NDS officials said that they were defeated by the US-Afghan coalition security forces in a massive counter-terror operation in Nangarhar province, which was considered as the center of the militants of the Islamic state.

Ae r o - Te c h n o l o g y Import & Export Corporation (CATIC). Air Chief Khan congratulated the PAC and the CATIC on completing the fighter jets in a record time of five months. He said the serial production

of the dual-seat variant was a landmark development for the JF-17 programme and a true manifestation of the everlasting Sino-Pak friendship. Khan said the JF17 Thunder was the backbone of the PAF. Chinese Ambassador Yao said the JF-17 was a testimony of the friendship and mutual cooperation between China and Pakistan.

Five years jail for journalist who was ‘spreading religious hatred’ Five years jail for journlist who was spreading religious hatred in the coutry. Anti-terrorism court sentenced the journalist for possessing “material against the state of Pakistan” and “spreading religious hatred”. Judge Muneer Bhutto of the anti-terrorism court no VI heard the case. Nasarullah, who was working for Nai Baat, has been convicted of possessing literature about Jihad and books which were critical of the “Pakistan army and the government”. He was arrested near Karachi’s Holy Family Hospital on November 11, 2018. The police claimed that they seized

a “black bag” from him which contained 11 books. These included four magazines of the Nawa-e-Afghan Jihad, and two books, Rahe-Jihad and Punjabi Taliban. He has been sentenced to jail under Section 11 W(a) of the ATA. The law pertains to printing, publishing and disseminating any material to incite hatred. Nasarullah has been sentenced to five years in prison and ordered to pay a fine of Rs10,000. In case, he fails to pay up his sentence will be increased by a month. The court has also sentenced to six months in jail and fined him Rs5,000 for spreading “religious hatred”. The sentences will run concurrently.

India

Saturday, January 4, 2020

Won’t budge an inch on CAA: Amit Shah Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the government “will not budge an inch” on its decision to implement the Citizenship Amendment Act despite the opposition criticism of the law. “Main Danke Ki Chot par kahata hoon ki, vipakash ki rajniti ke bavjood, BJP ek inch bhi vapis nahin lotegi Nagarikta Sanshodhan act lagoon karne mein (Despite Opposition parties’ vote bank politics, the BJP would not budge an inch on implementation of the new act for refugees),” Shah said as he launched his party’s awareness campaign at Jodhpur’s Adarsh Vidhya Mandir Ground.He said the amended law does not take away Indian citizenship from anyone but grants

citizenship, and accused the opposition of “misleading” people. “I promise all you refugees that you belong to India now, and that it is your right,” he said Shah accused the Congress of playing vote-bank politics by spreading “misinformation”. “Opposition parties are dividing the nation along religious lines but BJP does not. Every Hindus, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian refugee from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan who faced religious atrocities and migrated to India would get Indian citizenship. They should feel proud that Modiji has taken a bold step that the Congress could not even in 70 years,” he said. Opposition parties have criticised the amendment which allows nonMuslims an easier path to citizenship if they have come to India from three neighbouring countries before 2015 after facing religious persecution.

Chargesheet filed in connection with Unnao rape case Uttar Pradesh Police have filed a chargesheet in the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) in connection with a case in which a 23-year-old rape survivor from Unnao was set ablaze on the morning of December 5 by those accused of her rape. The chargesheet is based on the woman’s dying declaration and the statements of witnesses. The incident took place under the Bihar police circle on the morning of December 5 when the victim was on her way to Rae Bareli for a court hearing. The victim suffered 90 per cent burns and was taken to Lucknow from where she was airlifted to Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital. She died on December 6.

The five accused--Shubham, Shivam Trivedi, Hari Shankar, Umesh and Ram Kishore--had allegedly poured petrol on the rape survivor to prevent her from going to Baiswara railway station from where she was supposed to board a train for Rae Bareli. Unnao SP Vikrant Vir said the police had prepared the case on the basis of electronic evidence and the statements of the villagers who took the survivor to the hospital. The mobile phone location of the accused had traced them to the crime spot. Forensic evidence also established their role in the crime. He stated that the petrol used to set the woman ablaze had been siphoned off from Shubham’s bike. Earlier, the woman had alleged that she had been gang-raped by Shubham and Shivam in December 2018. The FIR was lodged in March 2019 on the orders of the court. In its chargesheet against the two accused in the rape case, filed on December 10, the Rae Bareli police charged them with gang-rape, destruction of evidence and repeated rape. Additional SP Vinod Kumar Pandey, who investigated the case, said the police would move an application in the court of the district judge for transferring the case to the fast track court.

Saturday, January 4, 2020

OVER 250 NEW MAZDAS IN STOCK FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY % PURCHASE +

WOLFE’S LANGLEY MAZDA YEAR UP TO

END

$4,000

2019

CASH PRICE from LEASE from

Mazda cx-5

39 MPG

IN CASH DISCOUNTS

$27,870 $176

BI-WEEKLY BI-WEEKL PAYMENT P

Gurtej Dhillon

2019

CASH PRICE from LEASE from

$1,500

YEAR END EVENT BONUS ON SELECT NEW MODELS

EVENT

35 M

Mazda cx-9

FINANCING

UP TO

$34,720 $199

2019

Mazda3 SPORT

BI-WEEKLY BI-WEEKL PA AYMENT

CASH PRICE from LEASE from

49 M

$22,120 $139

BI-WEEKLY BI-WEEKL PA AYMENT

2019

Mazda3

CASH PRICE from LEASE from

$19,820 $119

BI-WEEKLY BI-WEEKL PA AYMENT

Monie Tutt

https://www.langleymazda.com/

SHOP 24 HOURS AT

604-534-0181 19265 LANGLEY BYPASS, SURREY/LANGLEY UNLIMITED

▼Year End Bonus offer is available to qualifying retail customers who cash purchase/finance/lease a select new and previously unregistered, in-stock 2019 Mazda model before January 2, 2020. Amounts vary by model – Some exceptions apply. Bonus applied before taxes and cannot be combined with Winter Tire Credit offer - See dealer for complete details. †Offer available on retail leases of new 2019 Mazda3 GX/2019 Mazda 3 Sport with a lease APR of 2.7% and 130 bi-weekly payments of $119/$139 for 60 months, the total lease obligation is $16,220/$19,020, including down payment (or equivalent trade-in) of $750/$900. New 2019 Mazda CX-5/CX-9 with a lease APR of 3.3/1.95% and 130 bi-weekly payments of $176/$199 for 60 months, the total lease obligation is $22,800/$26,260, including down payment (or equivalent trade-in) of $0/$0. All rebates, lease bonuses and current incentive applied. First monthly payment is due at lease inception. 20,000 km per year mileage allowance applies; All prices include environmental taxes, freight & PDI. They do not include licence, insurance or taxes. Lease and Finance on approved credit for qualified customers only. Prices and rates subject to change without notice. Visit mazda.ca or see your dealer for complete details.

DL#8451

Does your SUV drive 2,000 kms on 43 litres of gas? Many Wolfe Mitsubishi PHEV owners report they regularly exceed this on just one tank!

CASH $ PRICE from

No need to sacriﬁce driving range or performance PLUS until Jan 2 get 10 years peace of mind with a NO-CHARGE Extended Warranty valued at up to $2,600

$1,50

42,023 023

PROV 0 .E REBAT V E

$2,500

FED. EV REBATE

www.wolfemitsubishi.ca *Prices include freight and PDI, taxes, insurance and dealer fees are extra – $3,500 manufacturer rebate has been applied. 2019 Outlander PHEV SE-AWC lease is based on 84 month term finance (182 payments) of $268.05 plus tax @ 1.99%. Total paid $48,785 O ccost of borrowing $3,262. – Offer subject to credit approval, $0 due on delivery. **10 Year/160 km warranty, whichever comes first. R Regular maintenance not included. See dealer or mitsubishi-motors.ca for warranty terms, restrictions and details - Some conditions www.mitsubishi-motors.ca apply. Offers apply to vehicles delivered between Dec 2, 2019 to Jan 2, 2020 and are subject to change or cancellation without notice.

2019 FORESTER

E NOS K A M ENT PAYMSPRING!

D MO

E SAV TO

5,000E

R E B AT CA$H

2019 CROSSTREK $

‘TIL

BLOWOUT FROM

WOLFE

29,240

FINANCE & LEASE From

0.5%

O.A.C.

2019 IMPREZA (SEDAN AND HATCHBACK)

BLOWOUT FROM

2019 LEGACY

BLOWOUT FROM

24,995

19,640

25,420

www.LangleySubaru.com

SHOP 24 HOURS AT

604-534-2660 19372 LANGLEY BYPASS, SURREY/LANGLEY Prices do not include taxes, license, insurance or doc fee of $395. Vehicles may not be exactly as illustrated - Offers valid while supplies last. Finance and Lease offered on approved credit status – Offer acceptance conditions apply (OAC). $5,000 rebate applies to 2019 Outback. 0.5% Lease & finance available for 24 months on certain models. www.Subaru.ca See Subaru.ca for details of ALG and IIHS awards. Offers end January 2, 2020

2019 OUTBACK

BLOWOUT FROM

27,540

2019 ASCENT

2019 WRX

BLOWOUT FROM

29,995

37,795

OFFER BONUSEIVE REC LIDAY

500

HO CASH

Saturday, January 4, 2020