The Asian Star October 1 2022

Canada has seen its highest population growth rate since the height of the baby boom, mostly driven by immigration, according to Statistics Canada data released Wednesday.

As of July 1, the number of people living in Canada sat at an estimated 38.9 million, an increase of 0.7 per cent, or 284,982 people, from April 1, 2022.

The estimate, marking the highest pace of quarterly growth since 1957,

represents an increase of more than 3,100 people per day.

According to Statistics Canada, international migration accounted for 94.5 per cent of this growth, an increase of 269,305 people.

“This was the highest increase from

international migration since comparable records have existed,” noted Statistics Canada, adding that the majority of growth came from the largest increase in the number of non-permanent residents (+157,310) on record.

“This was due to high numbers of asylum claimants and permit holders (work, study, and other), including people affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine,” it added.

Significance of Navratri

Metro Vancouver gas prices to hit new high in North America

One analyst said he expects regular gasoline prices could reach $2.50 per litre this year .

The pain at the pump — and the grocery store, the restaurant, and seemingly everywhere else — is far from over, prompting British Columbians to change up their routines and scramble to find creative ways to shave costs. One analyst said he expects regular gasoline prices could reach $2.50 per litre this year. “It all depends on what happens south of the border,” said Dan McTeague, president of Canadians for Affordable

Continued on page 6

The federal NDP is calling for a parliamentary probe of the rising cost of food to determine whether major grocery store chains are raking in excess profits.

While Canada’s inflation problem seems to be easing off, the cost of groceries has risen 10.8 per cent in the past year, according to Statistics Canada.

Continued on page 6

BC Liberal may become BC United

The BC Liberals are pitching a new team name to its membership.

After a province-wide consultation, the party has chosen BC United as the name that will go forward to party members for a vote by the end of the year.

“BC United is a fresh alternative that expresses the Party’s longstanding commitment to unity across a broad coalition of party members, as well as highlighting British Columbia front and centre in the name choice,” a release from the party reads.

Continued on page 7

The Festival of Navratri is 9-night festival which honours three goddesses of the Hindu religion: Durga, the goddess of valor; Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth; and Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge. All are incarnations of the Goddess Shakti, the Goddess of power and strength. During these nine nights, devotees perform Garba dance in front of the deities to show their devotion and obtain blessings.

BC is in grip of drought conditions - province says

Drought and water scarcity is currently a widespread issue in the province, according to the B.C. government.

Much of the west coast, south coast and northeastern areas of B.C. have experienced very little to no rainfall over the past five weeks and to compound issues, more dry weather is forecast.

“Areas under Drought Level 4 include the Fort Nelson basin, the Sunshine Coast basin, Lower Mainland basin, and the east and west Vancouver Island basins,” said Ministry of Forests staff in a release.

Federal NDP calls for probe into grocery store profits amid high food inflation

Canada sees fastest population growth since 1957, driven mostly by immigration: StatCan

Flu shots available in BC after Thanksgiving as province prepares for ‘winter surge’

British Columbia health officials are preparing for a “winter surge” of COVID-19 and influenza to hit in November and December, while insisting sweeping public health measures will not be necessary.

The province’s influenza vaccination campaign will start, for the vast majority of British Columbians, around Oct. 11 after the Thanksgiving long weekend.

This campaign merge into the ongoing COVID-19 vaccination program. All adults in B.C. are now eligible to get a bivalent COVID booster and can book one through the Get Vaccinated website or by phone.

Click to play video: ‘Dr. Bonnie Henry recommends ‘toolkit’ for respiratory illness season’

1:39 Dr. Bonnie Henry recommends ‘toolkit’ for respiratory illness season

Dr. Bonnie Henry recommends

‘toolkit’ for respiratory illness season

Those who received a non-bivalent booster in the spring as a fourth shot will be offered the new vaccine as a fifth shot in October.

“The plan is to get both bivalent and the flu shot at the same time. That will be the best protection to get through the fall and the next few months,” provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said.

The province is preparing for additional potential hospitalizations due to COVID-19 surges in the community but said the volumes are difficult to predict.

Click to play video: ‘Dr. Bonnie Henry on possible COVID-19 waves British Columbians can expect this fall’

2:10 Dr. Bonnie Henry on possible COVID-19 waves British Columbians can expect this fall

Abbotsford police release sketch of man accused of assaulting youth

Abbotsford police have released a sketch of a man accused of assaulting a local youth last month.

Police allege the assault happened on the evening of Aug. 13 in the 34400 block of Pearl Avenue, after the suspect had accused a group of youths of damaging a newspaper box.

The victim was hospitalized overnight, police said.

Police are looking for a man between the ages of 30 and 40 years old, who is five-foot-nine to five-foot-10 with stubbled blond and grey facial hair and short, balding grey hair. He was wearing a blue shirt, brown cargo pants and sandals at the time of the alleged assault.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Abbotsford police at 604-859-5225

BC judge supports employers’ right to put employees on unpaid leave

B.C. Supreme Court says an employer was entitled to place an employee on an unpaid leave of absence for failing to comply with a COVID-19 mandatory vaccination policy (MVP).

In her Sept. 26 decision, Justice Heather MacNaughton stressed Deepk Parmar “is not an anti-vaxxer.”

“Instead, she says that she had been reviewing the literature and news about the efficacy and potential risks of the various available vaccines and she observed several family members experience severe health complications following their first and second vaccines,” MacNaughton said, noting the decision is a Canadian first as a civil claim rather than an arbitration decision.

“Ms. Parmar says that she is concerned that the vaccines were prepared and distributed hastily and that there is limited data about their long-term efficacy and potential negative health implications for certain individuals,” the judge said. “She was hesitant to get vaccinated for fear of negative side effects.”

However, MacNaughton said, an employee’s individual views have to give way to health and safety concerns underlying such a policy.

“In the extraordinary circumstances of the pandemic in the winter of 2021 and January 2022, implementing an MVP was a reasonable policy choice for employers,” MacNaughton said.

Pharmacists across the province will administer and renew a wider range of medicine increasing access to services for patients, health officials announced Thursday. It is just part of the province’s overarching human resource plan to address pressure across the health-care system.

Starting on Oct. 14 pharmacists will be given greater power with plans to expand pharmacists’ ability to issue prescriptions for less acute ailments like allergies, indigestion, urinary tract infections and acne, as well

as contraception beginning in the spring of 2023. Previously, for example, a person with a urinary tract infection would need to be assessed and treated by a primary care provider through a family doctor’s office, walk-in clinic or hospital emergency room.

The province is also increasing what first responders can do, including enhancing airway management skills and providing expanded life support and pain management procedures for paramedics.

Health Minister Adrian Dix says as many as 1,800 patients could be moved out of British Columbia hospitals should the province see a “worst case scenario” involving surges of both influenza and COVID-19 in the coming months.

Dix made the comments as the province laid out its immunization and contingency plans for the fall, noting that the southern hemisphere has been hit with a historically bad flu season.

The province has projected that COVID-19 hospitalizations could more than double in the coming months, and that B.C. could also see as many as 1,200 simultaneous influenza hospitalizations.

“We’re planning bed management to support bed availability based on moderate to high projections,” Dix said. “Of the currently admitted patients, approximately 1,300 of them could be cared for in the community and 500 are awaiting care home placements. Patients are being identified now for potential transfer to the community, reducing hospitalization in case the 500 to 800 beds are needed.” Dix pointed to the recently refurbished New Vista care home in Burnaby as one of several that had capacity around the province.

BC could move 1,800 patients out of hospital to free up beds for COVID, flu

B.C. expanding role of pharmacists and first responders to support ailing health-care system

OPINION

4 Saturday, October 1, 2022 By Franco Terrazzano

Trudeau government not serious about making life more affordable

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s approach to making life more affordable is like giving somebody a bike after totalling their car and then waiting for a big thank you.

Instead of reversing his recent tax hikes, Trudeau’s latest crack at making life more affordable includes GST rebates and borrowing another $2 billion

to cover some rent and dental bills.

The GST rebates are a nice gesture for the Canadians who get some money back after being overtaxed at the till. But twothirds of Canadians won’t receive a rebate.

And if the government acknowledges that Canadians are better off keeping more of their own money, then why not just cut taxes?

The announcement shows the Trudeau government isn’t serious about making life more affordable for Canadians. Hard-working Canadians need meaningful tax relief.

Most Canadians probably don’t know how much the taxman takes from them through income taxes, sales taxes, property taxes, liquor taxes, taxes on taxes and the myriad of other taxes and fees governments charge. The Fraser Institute added up every tax Canadians pay and estimated that the average family’s total tax bill rang in at $35,000 in 2020. That’s more than the average family spent “on basic necessities such as food, shelter and clothing combined,” according to the Fraser Institute. Bringing that bill down to 1961 levels, adjusted for inflation, would save an average family $20,000 per year, according to the Fraser Institute.

All aspects of life, including groceries, gas, dental bills and rent, would be more affordable if politicians left families with thousands of extra dollars to spend every year. Governments could make that a reality if politicians weren’t ignoring all the waste in their budgets like the hundreds of millions of dollars announced for companies like Bombardier, the pay raises for 300,000 bureaucrats during lockdowns or the thousands of dollars spent funding a sex toy show in Germany.

Trudeau is also ignoring the unaffordable elephant in the room: his tax hikes are driving up the cost of living.

Higher pump prices are the goal of Trudeau’s carbon tax which increases the price of gas by 11 cents per litre and will increase the price by nearly 40 cents by 2030. Even with rebates, Trudeau’s carbon tax costs the average family between $300 and $670 this year, depending on the province.

If you’re making more than $40,000 this year, your federal income tax bill is also going up, thanks to the fourth annual payroll tax hike in a row.

Trudeau claims his latest announcement is about helping low-income Canadians.

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Surrey & Vancouver might soon have a person of colour as mayor for the first time

Two of the most diverse cities in Metro Vancouver have never had a person of colour for mayor.

That could change this time around with candidates like Jinny Sims, Sukh Dhaliwal, and Ken Sim.

While it could be a historic moment for Surrey or Vancouver, two of the most diverse cities in Canada, the candidates say they’re not ready to be defined in that way.

If successful, Sims, an NDP MLA and former MP, would become the first female and South Asian mayor of Surrey, whose BIPOC population sits at around 58 per cent, with at least a third of the

total population being South Asian.

Sims says her focus is on bringing people together rather than dividing them along racial lines.

“I’m going to be a mayor for everyone in Surrey, no matter your nationality, your religion, your ethnicity.”

Ken Sim, who lost the Vancouver mayoral race by 957 votes in 2018, can make history by becoming its first Chinese Canadian mayor.

Councils across Metro Vancouver are predominantly white, including those in (clockwise from top left) the City of Langley, Pitt Meadows, Surrey, Coquitlam, the City of North

Canada dropping travel mask mandate and ending COVID-19 border and quarantine restrictions

The federal government has announced it is dropping all COVID-19 border restrictions for anyone entering Canada, including: proof of COVID-19 vaccination, quarantine and isolation requirements as well as all pre- or on-arrival COVID-19 testing.

Canada is also making the ArriveCan application optional, and is lifting the mask mandate and health check requirements for travellers on planes and trains.

Declaring the imminent end of these restrictions—effective Oct. 1— marks a major milestone in Canada’s pandemic response.

Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Safety Marco Mendicino, Transport Minister Omar Alghabra and other relevant ministers spoke about the lifting of pandemic precautions Monday morning in Ottawa.

“We’ve always maintained that the extraordinary measures we introduced at our borders and on airplanes, trains and boats were temporary and that we would adjust them as the situation changes.

Today we’re doing just that,” Alghabra said. “We’re taking another step to returning to the normal travel that connects families, workers, and our communities.”

Deciding to allow the special orders that for months have upheld Canada’s special pandemic authorizations under the Quarantine Act to expire means:

travellers to major airports won’t be subject to random mandatory COVID-19 tests;

have to isolate when they return and if someone is mid-isolation as of Oct. 1 they

Travellers will not have to monitor or report if they develop COVID-19 symptoms

information through the ArriveCan app prior to landing will become optional; and

face mask while travelling on planes or trains.

Border-crossing asylum seekers hit six-year high in Canada

The number of asylum-seekers entering Canada between formal border crossings has surged to the highest point since the government started tracking them in 2017, as dropped pandemic restrictions enable more travel and conflict and catastrophe displace people in many parts of the world. n the first eight months of 2022, Royal Canadian Mounted Police intercepted 23,358 asylum-seekers crossing into the country at unofficial entry points, 13% more than all of 2017, when an influx of border-crossers at Roxham Road, near the Quebec-New York border, made international headlines.

The surge in irregular entries comes as Canada prepares to defend at the Supreme Court the Safe Third Country Agreement with the United States under which it turns back asylum-seekers trying to cross at regular ports of entry.

Because of this agreement asylumseekers cross between ports of entry and turn themselves in to police to pursue refugee claims. Canada is trying to extend the agreement so it applies across the entire land border. The influx could be as simple as pent-up demand following pandemic border restrictions Canada lifted last fall, said University of Ottawa immigration

There’s a reason why the Hindu goddess Durga is often depicted riding a tiger or a lion. That’s because she is associated with protection, unlimited strength, and motherhood—a deity who represents good over evil and who isn’t shy about exercising that power when warranted.

Today, B.C. premier John Horgan paid his respects to Durga, an icon of feminism to some, in a statement marking the beginning of Navrati. “Over the next nine nights and 10 days, Hindu communities will come together to honour and give thanks to the deity Durga, the feminine energy and her nine forms,” Horgan said. “The festival

of Vijayadashami, or Dussehra, is celebrated on the final day—marking the triumph of good over evil and the start of Diwali preparations. “For the first time in a few years, more of this year’s Navratri celebrations will be shared in person again, as people safely come back together. Families and friends will gather to pray, fast and enjoy traditional dances like dandiya and garba, and share special meals.”

Even though Vancouver artist Sandeep Johal comes from a Sikh family, she has been drawn to tigers because of the Hindu goddess Durga. Durga’s appeal extends beyond Hindu communities.

Premier John Horgan acknowledges importance of the goddess Durga in advance of major Hindu celebration

From page 1

NDP calls for probe into grocery store profits amid high food inflation

NDP agriculture critic Alistair MacGregor said he plans to table a motion before Wednesday’s agriculture committee proposing that MPs investigate to find out whether grocery stores have been taking advantage of inflation. “I think Canadians deserve answers and … in this time where they see the prices of everything going up, unfortunately they have a Liberal government which has not paid much attention to the role that corporate greed plays in the increasing prices they’re seeing,” MacGregor told CBC.

Two of Canada’s three major grocery chains posted increased profits in their most recent financial reports. Loblaw reported a quarterly profit of $387 million

— an increase of $12 million, or 3.2 per cent, over the same quarter last year.

Metro posted a $275 million quarterly profit, up from $252.4 million in the same quarter the year before. While Empire reported an increased profit in June, its latest financial statement showed a slight decline in profits over the most recent quarter — $187.5 million compared to $188.5 million the year previous.

Loblaw brands include Shoppers Drug Mart, Superstore and No Frills. Metro owns Food Basics, Jean Coutu, Metro and other brands, while Empire owns Sobeys and FreshCo. While Loblaw and Metro have attributed their increased profits to a rise in pharmaceutical sales, MacGregor said it’s still worth looking into.

Metro Vancouver gas prices expected to hit new high

From page 1

Energy. He said refineries in the Pacific Northwest are “operating at 10-year lows.”

Fuel prices affect everything from delivery costs to food prices — far more than just raising the cost of what you pay at the pump.

Hoa Chung, who runs the Happy Thyme Cafe at the Musqueam Golf Course, said she has cut deliveries and started picking up food for the restaurant herself.

“I have a little bit of time to shop around,” Chung said, as she loaded groceries into her car outside the Superstore on Grandview Highway. “It saves a bit of money, but you have to spend the time.”

So far, she has managed to avoid passing on costs to customers, worrying

that she might lose business. But the jump in food prices has made it difficult.

Chung said what she pays for cooking oil has more than doubled, from about $25 for 16 litres before the pandemic to $52 now.

“It’s very hard for a small business like me,” Chung said.

At the gas bar outside the nearby Superstore, Gip Mar said he and his wife were exploring ways to reduce their fuel costs. He was trying to walk more, and his wife recently bought an e-bike.

“I like to think about how I can adjust my lifestyle in a way that’s actually healthy for you,” he said. “I’ve learned to drive less.”

He acknowledged that not everyone can change their lifestyle so easily.

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Canada sees fastest population growth since 1957, driven mostly by immigration: StatCan

From

Statistics Canada also said the number of immigrants in the second quarter of 2022 (118,114) was the highest in any second quartersincecomparablerecordshaveexisted.

“This follows recent increases in Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada targets and could be the result of catch-up in growth following lower levels of immigration early in the COVID-19 pandemic,” it said.

Usha George, a professor at Toronto Metropolitan University and the director of the Toronto Metropolitan Centre for Immigration and Settlement (TMCIS), argued Canada will be taking in more immigrants because of the declining birth rate across the country.

“Definitely immigration is going to be the only source of population growth in Canada,” said George in an interview.

She referred to projections made by Statistics Canada released on Sept. 8 stating that in 2041, half of the Canadian population will be made up of immigrants and their Canadian-born children.

According to Statistics Canada, “immigration is projected to remain the main driver of population growth over the coming decades, continuing a trend that began in the early 1990s.”

George said this is important for the economy, but Canada is not prepared for a growing population when it comes to jobs and housing.

“We have a crunch in terms of housing. We also have an issue around appropriate employment for immigrants as they come in,” she said.

BC Liberal may become BC United

BC Liberal leader Kevin Falcon promised to change the party’s name as part of his leadership campaign. More conservative members of the party have raised issues about the current name not reflecting the full, free-enterprise coalition.

In June, two-thirds of delegates at the BC Liberal convention voted to consider a new name.

Through an online portal, suggestion boxes, text messages, QR codes and discussions as part of Falcon’s summer tour, more than 2,000 suggestions were submitted during a three-month period.

Elections BC has very specific rules around names, and many of the most popular choices were not available because they had been used at some point during the last four elections.

George explained that Canada brings in highly qualified immigrants who are not able to get the jobs they want in their areas of specialization — especially those who are engineers, doctors or nurses.

“That’s going to be an ongoing challenge,” George said.

She said many of the regulation professions, such as medicine, are semiindependent organizations, which provinces do not have a lot of control over, but hopes that governments would put “soft pressure” on them.

“Some have unreasonable demands,” George said, saying that in one of the cases she knows of, in order to qualify as a dentist, an immigrant from India was told she must spend $60,000 to take courses and all the exams necessary to become accredited in Canada.

A park in Brampton in Canada was renamed as Shri Bhagavad Gita Park on Wednesday, according to a Haryana government statement.

The park, spread over 3.75 acres, will have sculptures of Lord Krishna and Arjuna on a chariot and some other Hindu deities, it said.

Lauding the initiative, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said the park will help spread the Bhagavad Gita’s

eternal message of universal brotherhood, love and harmony.

In a tweet, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown said, “Today, the @CityBrampton unveiled the renaming of Brampton’s Troyers Park to Shri Bhagavad Gita Park. Brampton is a Mosaic, and this renaming commemorates the Hindu community and all they contribute to our City. We celebrate all cultures and all faiths in our City.” According to the Haryana government statement, the park is probably the only one outside of India to be named after the Bhagavad Gita.

For

Park in Canada’s Brampton renamed as Shri Bhagavad Gita Park

Pedestrian killed in Delta, driver who fled now co-operating: police

A pedestrian has died of his injuries after being struck by a vehicle in Delta on Tuesday morning.

The collision occurred around 80th Avenue and 112th Street around 6:30 a.m. The 60-year-old male victim was found on the scene in serious condition and taken to the hospital.

His next of kin have been notified, Delta police said in a Tuesday news release.

According to police, the driver of the

vehicle that struck the man initially fled the scene. The driver has since come forward and is cooperating with the investigation.

Delta police investigators roped off the centre of the intersection for about six hours, placing evidence markers around what appeared to be clothing.

Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to contact the Delta Police Department at 604-946-4411 and quote the file number 2022-21756.

Interior Health issues drug poisoning alert for entire region

Following a spike in the number of drug overdose deaths, Interior Health has issued a drug poisoning alert for the entire region.

The alert is “based on the cluster of drug toxicity deaths in the Central Okanagan as well as concerning drug checking findings such as consistent benzodiazepine presentations, higher than average concentration of Fentanyl, and multiple findings of Xylazine in Cranbrook,” Interior Health said in a statement.

“Many of the recent drug toxicity deaths/overdoses have involved inhalation or smoking of substances.”

Of those who died Saturday due to toxic drugs, all were inside a home, while one person died alone, and the others were found in pairs. Interior Health wants to remind everyone that plans on consuming substances to plan ahead.

“Interior Health can help,” said Interior Health

chief medical officer, Dr. Silvina Mema. “We have a machine that can help people understand what it is in their substance before they use it, and also it’s important that they are with somebody, to not use alone and have naloxone.”

Dr. Mema added that those who passed away Saturday as a result of overdoses were recreational users and did not have a substance use disorder.

“The current toxic drug supply is particularly risky or dangerous for individuals who don’t have tolerance to substances, who are trying for the first time or who have relapsed,” said Dr. Mema.

Drug users are reminded to take home fentanyl testing strips or access FTIR technicians in your area. It’s advised that drugs be crushed into fine powder because doing so reduces the chance of hot spots, which are spikes of concentrated fentanyl in the substance.

LOCAL

Anesthesiologist from B.C. pain clinic charged with sexual assault

An anesthesiologist at a pain clinic in Surrey has been charged with one count of sexual assault after an alleged incident during a physical exam.

Fifty-four-year-old Olumuyiwa Bamgbade was charged Sept. 13 after the BC Prosecution Services recommended charges.

On July 18, Mounties received a report that a woman had been allegedly sexually assaulted by a doctor during an exam at a clinic on 152A Street near 66A Avenue in South Newton.

Surrey RCMP Special Victims Unit took over the investigation, police say, and after charges were recommended, Bamgbade turned himself into the Surrey courthouse.

Bamgbade was released from custody with conditions, police say, which include not being alone in an examination room with

a woman, and he must display a notice in his examination rooms that informs patients that all interactions with women must be done with a chaperone.

Mounties say Bamgbade has been working at the pain clinic in Surrey since October 2021, and was practising in Delta prior to that.

“We are releasing a photograph of Doctor Olumuyiwa Bamgbade in an attempt to further the ongoing investigation,” Surrey RCMP Media Relations Officer Cpl. Vanessa Munn said. “We believe that there are likely people in our community who have additional information and we encourage them to reach out to investigators with our Special Victims Unit.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502

Charter bus hits and kills pedestrian in downtown Vancouver

A woman has died in a traffic incident in downtown Vancouver Tuesday afternoon.

Sgt. Steve Addison with the Vancouver Police Department confirmed the woman, a pedestrian, was hit and killed by a Charter Bus Lines coach at West Georgia and Cardero streets.

He said the driver was very distraught and was taken to the hospital. Tarps could be seen on the ground at the scene of the collision. Reached by phone Tuesday, the vice-president of Charter Bus Lines would only say the company is working with the local authorities and would provide more information soon.

BC Ambulance confirmed two

ground ambulances and a supervisor responded to the scene. They confirmed one person was taken to the hospital. This is the city’s eighth pedestrian fatality of the year, police said. Traffic is blocked westbound and partially blocked eastbound.

This is a very busy area and traffic is backing up heavily in both directions.

Drivers are being asked to avoid the area at this time.

Officers from VPD’s Collision Investigation Unit are gathering evidence from the scene and speaking to witnesses to determine how the collision occurred.

Anyone who saw the collision but left prior to police arrival is asked to call 604-717-3012.

Saskatchewan NDP cancels plan to invite Jagmeet Singh to convention

The Saskatchewan NDP has cancelled plans to invite federal leader Jagmeet Singh to its convention following what some sources described as a heated debate over whether the federal party is hurting the provincial party’s electoral success. In a narrow vote during the NDP’s provincial council meeting on Sept. 18, members voted to not invite Singh to their convention in October and instead will ask he supply a video message, according to multiple sources with direct knowledge of the meeting.

Sources told the Leader-Post there had been plans to invite Singh, as is customary with all federal leaders, though some speculated the invite had already been sent.

Party president Sheila Whelan declined to comment on the vote, saying such meetings are confidential.

The decision left some members

“annoyed,” arguing it would move the NDP more to the right on the political spectrum, even though they respect the new leadership under Carla Beck.

One source said people were taken aback. Another said it plays into the Saskatchewan Party’s hands by letting them control the narrative, noting it shouldn’t matter if Singh is invited. The Leader-Post agreed to not identify the sources because of possible repercussions.

The Sask. Party has long attempted to link the provincial NDP with the federal party. Singh is currently in a deal with the federal Liberal government, which will see the NDP support budget and confidence matters in exchange for NDP asks, like dental care.

Another source, however, said it matters how the relationship is perceived between the provincial and federal NDP.

Before members were asked to vote

Jeremy Mackenzie, ‘Diagolon’ founder and far-right figurehead, arrested

Jeremy Mackenzie, a far-right livestreamer and founder of the de-facto group “Diagolon,” has been arrested on a Canada-wide warrant, Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia RCMP have confirmed to Global News.

Mackenzie made headlines this week after he allegedly made a joke about sexually assaulting Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s wife, Anaida Poilievre, and his livestreams have faced close scrutiny by extremism researchers — some of whom have raised the alarm about the content.

However, his arrest is unrelated to either of those issues. Mackenzie was arrested on Wednesday after a Saskatchewan warrant was made Canada-wide, the province’s RCMP told Global News.

The warrant was related to charges laid against Mackenzie on July 18 for assault, pointing a firearm, using a restricted weapon in a careless manner and mischief.

The Nova Scotia RCMP said Mackenzie was arrested in the early afternoon on Wednesday in Cole Harbour, N.S., in

Locke vows to make McCallum repay his legal costs

Surrey Connect mayoral candidate says if she’s elected on Oct. 15 she will make Mayor Doug McCallum repay the legal fees he’s incurred to defend himself –on the taxpayers’ dime – against his public mischief charge.

“Doug, I’m warning you to be very careful with every minute you spend with your lawyer over the next 5 weeks, because we are coming for you to repay every dime,” Locke stated in a press release issued Tuesday. “If elected mayor, the leader of the Surrey Connect team will instruct staff to do everything possible to recuperate McCallum’s expenses related to defending his criminal charge. His legal fees are expected to total over $200,000.”

McCallum is set to go to trial on Oct. 31, two weeks after the election, charged with

one count of public mischief contrary to Section 140(2) of the Criminal Code. He is being defended by Richard Peck, QC. The charge stems from an encounter on Sept. 4, 2021 between himself and a group that was gathering petition signatures outside the South Point SaveOn-Foods store in South Surrey for a referendum on the policing transition. The mayor claimed a car ran over his foot.

McCallum appears to be sheltered under the Surrey’s Officer and Indemnification By-law. In January, Rob Costanzo, general manager of corporate services for the City of Surrey, said the city (meaning taxpayers) “must indemnify its municipal officials (which includes Council Members and the Mayor), for legal fees to defend a prosecution

80% of immigrants go to Montreal, don’t work, don’t speak French,’ CAQ immigration minister

80 per cent of immigrants go to Montreal, don’t work, don’t speak French,’ Jean Boulet, Quebec’s outgoing labour minister, said statement doesn’t reflect what he thinks.

A Coalition Avenir Québec candidate who servesasbothlabourandimmigrationminister has apologized for comments he made last week about immigrants during a local debate.

Jean Boulet and candidates from other parties were asked about the province’s labour shortage and the role immigration can play in addressing it.

“We have two challenges in Quebec. One is economic. There is the labour shortage. And the other is the vitality of the [French] language,” Boulet said during a debate hosted

by Radio-Canada in the Mauricie region.

“80 per cent of immigrants go to Montreal, don’t work, don’t speak French or don’t adhere to the values of Quebec society.”

Boulet then touted his party’s efforts to better welcome newcomers and get them to speak French. Shortly after Radio-Canada reached out to Boulet’s team on Thursday, he issued an apology on Twitter, saying the statement about immigrants not working and not speaking French “does not reflect what I think.”

“I am sorry for having poorly expressed my thoughts,” said Boulet, who is seeking re-election in the Trois-Rivières riding. “We must continue to focus on the reception

Canadian travel advisory warns nexploded bombs, landmines in Punjab, Gujarat and Rajasthan

In an updated travel advisory for India, Canada has advised its citizens to exercise a high degree of caution while visiting some states, including Punjab, Gujarat and Rajasthan.

The Canadian update comes days after the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) advised “due caution and remain vigilant in view of the sharp increase in incidents of hate crimes, sectarian violence and anti-India activities” in Canada.

The updated travel advisory also advised Canadians to avoid traveling to Assam, Manipur and the UTs of J&K and Ladakh due to insurgency and terrorism.

For the states of Gujarat, Punjab and Rajasthan which border Pakistan, the Canadian government cited the ‘presence of landmines’ along with ‘unexploded devices’.

“Avoid all travel to areas within 10 km of the border with Pakistan in the following states due to the unpredictable

security situation and presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance: Gujarat, Punjab Rajasthan,” says the advisory.

The MEA had issued an advisory on September 25 warning Indians of hate crimes, sectarian violence and anti-India activities in Canada.

Analysts said the Indian advisory, if repeated again and advertised, would impact student outflow to Canada. Since 2016, the number of Indians in Canada’s international student market has grown by 220 per cent. Indians received 1.25 lakh student visas in 2021. On the other hand, a large number of Canadians travelling to India head for Punjab and Gujarat. But most of them are people of Indian origin and are aware of the actual situation in these states.

A day before India issued the advisory MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi had expressed dissatisfaction over the manner in which the Canadian govt dealt with

1 in 3 Canadians believe Trudeau should stay in power as Tories edge ahead: poll

The proportion of Canadians who believe Prime Minister Justin Trudeau deserves to remain in power appears to be slightly lower than it was one year ago amid the federal election, a new poll suggests.

Polling done by Ipsos exclusively for Global News indicates 33 per cent of Canadians say Trudeau deserves to be re-elected, which is a drop of four per cent compared to polling done last fall.

Sixty-seven per cent say it is time for another party to take over.

“What we’re seeing in the numbers right now is not so much that there’s been a ‘new leader bump’ for the Conservatives, though they’re up just a little bit but within the margin of error,” said Darrell Bricker, CEO of Ipsos Public Affairs. “It’s really more that the Liberals have been losing.”

He said the data suggests people who have previously voted Liberal are bleeding out to not only the Conservatives, which are also seeing a consolidation of some voters from the People’s Party of Canada, but also to the NDP and the Bloc Quebecois.

Economy grew slightly in July, Statistics Canada says

The Canadian economy grew slightly in July with the latest reading on real gross domestic product coming in higher than expected.

Statistics Canada said Thursday that the economy grew by 0.1% in July, outperforming its preliminary estimate that pointed to a contraction of 0.1%.

The federal agency said growth in the goodsproducing industries was partially offset by a decline in the services-producing industries.

The retail sector along with food and

accommodation services shrunk. The contraction in these industries may mean high inflation and interest rates are affecting consumers more broadly, said CIBC senior economist Andrew Grantham in a note.

As the Bank of Canada continues to raise interest rates to tame inflation, an economic slowdown is widely anticipated.

Some banks are forecasting the economy grew at an annualized rate of around 1% in the third quarter.

Poilievre responds to threats made against his wife by far-right extremist

The following contains alleged threats of sexual assault. Please proceed with caution and care. If you require support, there are resources available.

Pierre Poilievre is calling on the RCMP to investigate after threats of sexual assault were made against his wife by members of the Diagolon movement.

Diagolon is a far-right accelerationist movement whose members have called for violent attacks against members of the medical profession and some of which were also involved in an alleged attempt to murder RCMP officers during the blockade in Coutts, AB, this past winter.

FRUITICANA DIWALI FREE GIVEAWAY 2022

The Ninth Annual Fruiticana Diwali Free Giveaway 2022 has started. It has been more than 28 years now that Fruiticana has served the community with its fresh and high-quality produce. Every year Fruiticana Diwali Free Giveaway contest gives us the privilege of increasing our contribution in the well-being of the community and this year too Fruiticana is gifting amazing small home appliances to the lucky winners everyday till Diwali (October 24th 2022). Fruiticana believes

in giving back to the community and Fruiticana Diwali Free Giveaway contest gives us the opportunity to do that! We invite everyone to visit any location of Fruiticana in BC or Alberta and enter their name through scanning QR code for a chance to win free Diwali prizes. Special thanks to our sponsors: Teja Foods, Brar Dairy and Sher Besan What makes this year even more special is the Fruiticana Diwali Dhamaka Tent Sale, which will take place this year too.

2022

Community news

South Asian Adults & SeniorsBingo on the House & In Person Yoga Classes at Shanti Niketan hall, Bingo on October 2nd 2022, In Person Yoga classes on 3rd & 6th October 2022 from 10.00 am to 11.15 am. Pure Vegetarian lunch will be served in the dining hall to all seniors who attend Yoga on Thursdays.

The Group Birthday Celebration of Senior members born between 1st January to 1st October at Shanti Niketan hall will be held on October 1st 2022 from 10.30 am to 2.30 pm. Dr. Sunil Bhatt, Mrs. Ruchika Bhatt & Mr. Abhishek have kindly accepted to entertain us Free of cost. Hon’ble Doug McCallum The Mayor, City of Surrey will be our Chief Guest. The members those who have registered and want their birthday to be celebrated, please give me your names and your date of birth. The members those have already registered and the invitees only will be welcomed, the capacity of Shanti Niketan hall does not allow us to accommodate more. With thanks Surendra Handa.

Vedic Seniors Parivar Centre of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society of BC invites South Asian Adults and Senior members to join and play Bingo on the House on 2nd October 2022 (Sunday) from 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm at Shant Niketan hall. Please bring only 2 dollars

with you for 2 games, don’t worry if you do not know how to play, members seating next to you will explain the game to you just for the sake of fun. Please use facemask and keep the social distance while seating for personal & other’s safety. Tea and light snacks will be served after the two games are over. In Person Yoga classes on 3rd Oct.( Monday) & 6th Oct. 2022 (Thursday) will continue by Mr. Ashwini Bansal expert Yoga Instructor from 10.00 am to 11.15 am. Mr. Mahendra Kumar Juneja Yoga Expert will help to observe & guide the seniors to do correct yoga. Pure Vegetarian lunch will be served in the dining hall at 11.30 am to all the seniors who attend yoga class on Thursdays. Members already vaccinated at least Two doses against COVID - 19 should join for Bingo & yoga classes, please use Facemask for safety. Project funded by Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program for Hindi speaking seniors. Please contact Surendra Handa Coordinator , Vedic Seniors Parivar Centre, & Coordinator - APNI South Asian Community Response Networks, Lakshmi Narayan Temple, 8321 - 140th street Surrey V3W5K9, BC Tel. 604 - 507 - 9945 or email: surendra_handa@hotmail.com, for registration & for further information

Manoj Kumar

Actor Manoj Kumar was born as Harikrishan Giri Goswami on July 24, 1937 in Abbotabad, Pakistan. He is known by his screen name Manoj Kumar, He is an actor, filmmaker, screenwriter, lyricist and editor who worked in Hindi cinema. He is known for acting and making films with patriotic themes, and has been given the nickname Bharat Kumar. He is the recipient of a National Film Award and seven Filmfare Awards, in varied categories.

Harikrishan Giri Goswami was born into a Hindu Brahmin family in Abbottabad, a North-Western Frontier town in Pakistan).

His original birth name was Harikrishan Giri Goswami. When he was 10, his family had to migrate from Pakistan to India, during that time his family was living in Jandiala Sher Khan, Punjab, Pakistan. His family lived as refugees in Vijay Nagar, Kingsway Camp and later moved to Old Rajendra Nagar area of New Delhi.

After graduating from Hindu College, University of Delhi, he decided to enter the film industry.

In the mid-1970s Manoj Kumar starred in three hit films; Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974) which was a social commentary, featuring an all-star cast including Zeenat Aman, Shashi

Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan. He won his second Filmfare Award for Best Director for the film Roti Kapda Makan. His another hit was Sanyasi, a religious-themed comedy, starring Kumar and Hema Malini, was hugely successful. Dus Numbri (1976) also gave Kumar, Pran, Prem Nath and Hema top slot.

In 1981, Manoj Kumar reached at peak of his career when he got an opportunity to direct his idol, Dilip Kumar, as well as to star in superhit Kranti, a story about the struggle for Indian independence in the 19th century. Kranti was the last notable successful Hindi film in his career. He also starred in the hit Punjabi film Jat Punjabi. Like many other Bollywood stars, Kumar decided to enter politics following his retirement. Before the 2004 general election in India, he officially joined Bharatiya Janta Party. Manoj Kumar is married to Shashi Goswami (originally from Jodhkan, Sirsa district, Haryana). He has two sons, Vishal and Kunal. Vishal attempted a career as a singer and Kunal, an actor. His brother, Rajiv Goswami, also entered the film industry, but none were able to gain a footing in Bollywood.

Yami Gautam throws light on her upcoming releases

She started her year with a bang with A Thursday and Dasvi. Yami’s career graph is soaring high. Meanwhile, the actress has interesting films in her kitty including, Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury’s Lost, Amit Rai’s OMG 2, Aditya Dhar Dhoom Dhaam, and another one which will soon be announced. Yami mentioned that Lost will probably be her next release. “It’s an investigativedrama with an undertone of an emotionalthriller. It has a very realistic tone, a lot of human-drama, nothing pretentious - it is what it is in today’s time. I play a crime beat journalist in it, and in its own subtle way it touches about media integrity in today’s time. So

you can take it literally or metaphorically, there is something which is lost, there is someone who is lost. I’m so excited for a film like that.

I am very proud of it,” disclosed the actress.

Yami mentioned that she had a great time while shooting for Oh My God 2 with her co-stars. For Akshay she shared “He is a very good producer also, and someone who is very passionate about this film. When I was given the narration I could feel that he really wants to make it with the right team. Of course, whatever chance I got to work with Pankaj Tripathi also, such a fantastic actor. With the new writing, there is another perspective which is very relevant, talked about, yet not talked about. So that will be interesting to see,” Yami concluded.

Mika Singh buys private island

Punjabi music star Mika Singh, who has belted out hits such as ‘Mauja Hi Mauja’, ‘Dil Mein Baji Guitar’ and ‘Jugni, has bought a private island that comes with a lake, seven boats and ten horses. But he hasn’t disclosed the location.

The singer took to his social media handle to share a video in which he can be seen enjoying a motorboat ride by himself in the lake.

Sharing the video, he revealed other details in the caption, which read: “Pop singer @ mikasingh is having a great time at his little paradise. The first Indian singer to have his

own private island with a lake, 7 boats and 10 horses. That’s what you call a real King!”

In the video, the singer can be seen wearing a blue T-shirt and a cap. But little else is known about either the price of the property or its location.

Mika was in the news lately for his personal life. He participated in the TV

show ‘Swayamvar: Mika Di Vohti’, which was won by the actress Akanksha Puri. The two are getting to know each other better. They are yet to confirm their nuptial plans, though.

Priyanka sends b’day greetings to Kareena

Priyanka Chopra, currently in New York for work, managed to scoop some time out of her busy schedule to wish Kareena Kapoor on her 42nd birthday.

On Wednesday, Priyanka Chopra shared a throwback picture of herself and Kareena from the sets of Koffee With Karan 6, when they appeared together and she wrote: “Happy birthday Bebo. Everyone’s favourite. Lots of love Kareena Kapoor.” Reacting to Priyanka Chopra’s greeting, Kareena wrote: “Thank you empress.” Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra worked together in the 2004 film Aitraaz, co-starring Akshay Kumar. Priyanka Chopra made a cameo appearance in Kareena’s 2011 film Ra.One, while Kareena featured in a song in Priyanka’s 2006 film Don. The actresses made seemingly controversial comments about each other on Karan Johar’s show in the previous seasons.

In 2010, Kareena appeared on the show with Saif Ali Khan and while talking about Priyanka, she said, “Where does she get that accent from?” A few episodes later, Priyanka appeared on the show and when the show’s host Karan Johar told her about Kareena’s comment, she replied, “The same place where her boyfriend gets it from.” Many years later, they appeared together on Karan Johar’s chat show Koffee With Karan 6 in 2018. Both the actresses frequently comment on each other’s Instagram posts. Priyanka Chopra, who was last seen in Matrix 4, will next be seen in Russo Brothers’ Citadel, which will be the actress’ second project with Amazon Prime Video after announcing the Sangeet Project, a sangeet-themed dance reality

Gujarati film Chello Show is India’s official entry for Oscars

Gujarati film ‘Chhello Show’ (Last Film Show) has been nominated by the Film Federation of India (FFI) for the Oscars next year. The film is a coming-ofage drama about a young boy’s love affair with cinema in a village in Saurashtra.

A section of fans is, however, heartbroken as they were expecting SS Rajamouli’s popular film RRR to be named as India’s official entry for the 95th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature category.

The hashtag ‘#RRRforOscars’ has been trending since the announcement. Some fans took to social media to express their disappointment and anger after RRR was not named India’s entry for the Oscars saying a deserving film has been snubbed.

One fan said that RRR was the best chance for India to get a nomination in the Oscars after a long dry spell of two decades.

Fans argued that RRR was a cinematic masterpiece and one of the most popular Indian films currently in the West.

While others pointed out that the ‘Chhello Show’ was relatively unknown and has a slim chance to bag an Oscar.

Netizens also pointed out the history of the FFI of not choosing the right movies for nominations. Earlier the movie ‘The Lunchbox’ was also snubbed in a similar fashion, the fans argued.

Fans lashed out and called the move disrespectful to South Indian cinema.

Koffee With Karan

Shah Rukh Khan’s wife Gauri Khan remains protective of her personal life. Though their lives are quite glamorous, they continue to keep family life as private as possible. With Aryan Khan’s arrest last year in the cruise ship drugs bust case, Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan’s lives became the talk of the nation with Aryan spending almost a month in jail before he received bail. Though no evidence was found against him, it was a turbulent time in their lives, as Gauri Khan stated on the latest episode of Koffee With Karan 7. After 17 years, she returned to the Karan Johar-hosted show along with her good friends Maheep Kapoor and Bhavana Pandey. During the episode, she opened up about Aryan Khan’s arrest. “It has been such a tough ride for him (Shah Rukh Khan) not just professionally but everything that the family has been through personally,

and you all have emerged so strongly as a family. I know you as a mother and him as a father, we are members of the same family and I feel like I am your children’s godparent as well. It hasn’t been easy, and Gauri, you have emerged stronger than ever. What do you have to say about your own handling tough times when families go through something like this?” Karan Johar asked. “As a family, we have been through — nothing can be worse than what we have just been through, as a mother, as a parent. But today, where we all stand as a family, I can say that we are in a great space where we feel loved by everyone. All our friends, and so many people who we didn’t know, so many messages and so much love. We feel blessed. I am grateful to everyone who helped us through this,” Gauri replied.

With the cost of borrowing on the rise, cottage owners might wonder if now is the right time to switch from a fixed-rate mortgage to a variable-rate one—or continue to weather the storm until borrowing rates begin to cool.

After cutting interest rates to nearzero levels at the start of the pandemic to encourage spending, Canada’s central bank has hiked interest rates five times this year to tame soaring inflation, which has risen to its highest level in decades.

On September 7, the Bank of Canada raised its key interest rate to 3.25 per cent, triggering higher borrowing rates for homeowners who are up for renewal on their fixed-rate mortgages or ones with variable-rate mortgages. In an environment of rising rates, more of your payment goes towards interest, which means it will take you longer to pay down your mortgage. (For example, as of writing, borrowers with TD Bank can expect to pay 5.24 per cent on a five-year fixed mortgage or 5.15 per cent on a five-year variable mortgage.)

Andrew Thake, a mortgage broker based in Ottawa, cautions cottage owners against getting swept up in the panic of rising rates. First and foremost, Thake says anyone with a variable-rate mortgage on a cottage should call their mortgage broker, not their bank. “A broker can give them a

broader scope of the options available at their lender and dozens of other lenders.”

Thake says some lenders may fix the payment on the variable interest rate mortgage. “There are a select group of lenders where if rates go up and down, your payment stays the same,” he says. “And then within that payment, the mix of principle and interest changes.”

According to Thake, cottage owners can jump ship to a fixed rate for peace of mind, but it comes with risks. “If we look at charts of variable interest rates over the last 10, 20, 30 years, those who have gone with a variable rate tend to have done better than those who have gone with a fixed rate,” says Thake.

The data backs this up. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation found that homeowners with variable-rate mortgages had paid an average interest rate of 4.14 per cent in the past 25 years, which is lower than the average 5.30 per cent fixedrate holders paid over the same period.

There’s no penalty associated with switching from a variable to a fixed rate on your mortgage. “But if you ever want to switch from a fixed to a variable rate, you can’t do that without a penalty,” says Thake. “Plus, the penalties on fixed rates are typically quite large when we compare them to penalties on other types of mortgages.”

Market stabilizing even as activity is ‘well below normal’

B.C.’s housing market is showing signs of stabilizing, despite slowerthan-normal activity, a provincial real estate association says. B.C. Real Estate Association released its latest report Tuesday, showing home sales dropped by 40 per cent last month compared to August 2021.

“Housing activity across the province remains well below normal but is showing signs of stabilizing,” said BREA’s chief economist, Brendon Ogmundson, in a news release.

“While inventory is up over last year, active listings have somewhat stalled at relatively low levels in most major markets and as a result we are seeing a healthier balance compared to last year.”

$25M Vancouver mansion promises even the garage is a ‘cornucopia of delights’ Landlords ‘very disappointed’ by B.C.’s capped rent hike, tenant group wants full freeze

Press release

For months, Canada’s NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has been pushing the Liberal government to work for people dealing with the rising cost of living. While the price of groceries, gas and rent has soared and Canadians’ wages have stayed the same, the Liberal government has stayed silent on ways to help people make ends meet and the Conservatives think we should do nothing. Today, as the House of Commons resumes for the fall session, New Democrats are focused on putting money back in people’s pockets and helping kids get their teeth checked.

“Families are struggling to make ends meet while billionaires and corporations are making record profits. While we’re paying more on our grocery and gas bills, rich CEOs have never made more money. Corporate profits are rising twice as fast as inflation, while wages are only rising half as fast,” said Singh. “After seven years in power, Justin Trudeau is out of touch with the reality of working families trying to get by. And Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives don’t think your family deserves help. New Democrats are the only ones in Ottawa

fighting to put money back in your pocket.”

The NDP is delivering dental care to families with children under 12 with $650 a year, per child, to get their teeth fixed, delivering $500 to two million Canadians to help them pay their rent and giving twelve million Canadians back the increase they’ve paid for GST on their bills. But this isn’t enough. New Democrats will continue to fight to give workers and their families respect and better wages.

“Families are playing by the rules, doing everything right, but still can’t get ahead,” said Singh. “The Liberals move mountains to help rich CEOs making a fortune off Canadians, but they have let working people fend for themselves. Meanwhile, Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives aren’t interested in the fights that help your family. During this costof-living crisis, both the Conservatives and Liberals said no to making big oil companies and big box stores pay what they owe to help families cope with the high cost of living. New Democrats don’t work for the ultra-rich and powerful. I had to fight to get where I am. And it’s what drives me to fight for you – to help your kids with dental care, to help your family budget, and to help you get ahead.”

Metro Vancouver’s housing market sees quiet summer, real estate board says

The average price for homes in B.C. in August was a little over $918,000, BCREA’s data showed. That marked a 2.1 per cent increase from August 2021’s average of just over $899,000.

Unsurprisingly, home prices were highest in the Greater Vancouver region, averaging nearly $1.2 million. Victoria and the Fraser Valley had averages similar to each other, at about $980,000.

According to BCREA, the region with the lowest prices last month was South Peace River, where homes averaged just under $279,000.

The only region in B.C. that saw an increase in sales last month compared to the year before was Powell River.

BC Liberals announce top choice for party name vote

Following an extensive, province-wide consultation with its membership, the BC Liberal Party is pleased to announce that BC United has been selected as the name that will go forward to party members for a vote by the end of the year. BC United is a fresh alternative that expresses the Party’s longstanding commitment to unity across a broad coalition of party members, as well as highlighting British Columbia front and centre in the name choice.

Bringing the question of a name change to BC Liberals as part of a memberdriven process was a key commitment made by BC Liberal Leader Kevin Falcon. That process began at the party’s June convention, where two-thirds of delegates voted in favour of considering a new name. Through an online portal, suggestion boxes, text messages, QR codes and discussions as part of the Leader’s summer tour, over 2,000 suggestions were submitted over a three-month period.

“I want to thank all the members who have taken part in the process so far, and I urge them to participate in the vote when the time comes later this year,” said Falcon. “I’ll personally be voting in favour of changing the Party name, and I’m hopeful our members do too.”

“This has been a process driven by

members from day one, and among thousands of name-change suggestions, BC United emerged as the clear choice across the province,” continued Caroline Elliott, BC Liberal Vice-President. “We’ve long been a big-tent party, united together in our common vision for B.C., and it’s no wonder that so many members expressed this sentiment in their suggestions.”

“Of course, this is just one aspect of a comprehensive renewal process already well underway under Kevin Falcon’s leadership,” noted John Yap, BC Liberal President. “Whether it’s recruiting dynamic new candidates, developing innovative, outcome-focused policies, or genuinely connecting with British Columbians about the issues that matter to them, true renewal is something all of us are excited about.”

Should the name be approved by party members, it will be implemented strategically and responsibly, recognizing that the BC Liberals do not control the timing of the next election.

“We are going to be smart about this, and that’s been the commitment from the beginning,” said Elliott. “The NDP have broken the fixed election law before - calling a selfish snap election at the height of the Covid pandemicand they won’t hesitate to do it again.

Is it time to switch from a fixed-rate to variable-rate mortgage on your cottage?

New Democrats are the only ones in Ottawa fighting to put money back in families’ pockets

NDP leadership hopeful David Eby pitches ‘flipping’ tax, secondary suite legalization

NDP leadership candidate David Eby on Wednesday laid out a broad, aggressive plan to address housing affordability.

In his first major policy announcement of the NDP leadership race, Eby said if he becomes premier, he would impose a “flipping tax” on the sale of residential properties.

The tax would be highest for those who hold properties for the shortest period of time, and would phase out after two years and go down to zero the longer the property is held.

David Eby lays out his ‘comprehensive housing plan for British Columbia

David Eby lays out his ‘comprehensive housing plan for British Columbia

The tax would include exemptions for life circumstances due to, for example, death, employment loss, divorce or disability. Builders would also be exempted in a bid to encourage housing construction.

Story continues below advertisement

“The objective is to prevent flipping rather than generate revenue to a select few. Therefore, there will be significant notice in advance of implementation to allow people to sell their investment properties and increase housing supply in the market,” a policy document from the Eby campaign reads.

“Because this is designed to discourage real

estate speculation, any revenue will go back into building homes for British Columbians.”

Click to play video: ‘David Eby on the pressures of the B.C. housing market’

2:24 David Eby on the pressures of the B.C. housing market

David Eby on the pressures of the B.C. housing market – Jul 19, 2022

Eby served as housing minister from 2020 until John Horgan announced in June he was stepping down and Eby resigned to launch his leadership campaign.

The perceived frontrunner gained name recognition as an opposition MLA for his policies to address the province’s affordability

crisisleadinguptothe2017provincialelection.

Anjali Appadurai is the only other candidate. She has not yet officially been cleared to run in the race.

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Click to play video: ‘CMHC report: no quick fix to Canada’s affordability crisis’

4:09 CMHC report: no quick fix to Canada’s affordability crisis

CMHC report: no quick fix to Canada’s affordability crisis – Jun 24, 2022

An Eby government would also legalize secondary suites in all areas of the province, and would allow homebuilders

Re/Max report expects home prices to decrease this fall - BNN

A report by Re/Max Canada forecasts the national average home sale price in Canada will fall 2.2 per cent in the final months of the year.

The network of real estate brokers and agents said Wednesday the moderation in the market for the September-toDecember period comes amid rising interest rates, record inflation and broader global and economic uncertainties.

Mortgage rates have risen sharply this year, raising the cost of borrowing for potential buyers.

Re/Max Canada president Christopher Alexander said many markets are experiencing softer sales given the recent interest rate hikes.

“This provides some reprieve from the unprecedented demand and unsustainable price increases we’ve seen across Canada through 2021 and in early 2022,” Alexander

said in a statement.

“However, the current lull in the market is only temporary. Until housing supply increases, these ‘boom’ and ‘bust’ cycles will likely be a recurring event.”

Prices in Metro Vancouver are expected to decline 3.0 per cent, while the Greater Toronto Area is forecast to fall 6.3 per cent. Winnipeg is expected to drop 8.0 per cent.

However, the drop in prices in the final months of 2022 isn’t expected to be universal. The report said seven out of the 30 markets analyzed are likely to experience modest price

appreciation between 1.5 and seven per cent.

Calgary is expected to rise 3.0 per cent, while Edmonton is forecast to gain 1.5 per cent. St. John’s, N.L., is predicted to gain 7.0 per cent.

The report follows a move by the Canadian Real Estate Association earlier this month to cut its forecast for home sales this year and lower its expectations for price growth.

CREA is expecting 532,545 properties to trade hands via Canadian MLS systems this year, down 20 per cent from the 2021 annual record, while sales are expected to drop another 2.3 per cent in 2023.

The association also forecasts the national average home price is forecast to rise by 4.7 per cent on an annual basis to $720,255 by the end of the year and edge up another 0.2 per cent to $721,814 in 2023.

The outlook is down from CREA’s forecast in June that predicted a 14.7 per cent decline in sales this year and a 10.8 per cent increase in the national average home price.

China has splashed more than a trillion dollars on a wild campaign to expand its influence across the developing world through its Belt and Road program.

As Beijing begins to count the cost of the troubled initiative, more and more countries are struggling to repay their debts to China. Tens of billions of dollars of loans have been misused and countless projects are stalled, if they ever got started.

According to some economists, China’s “debt-trap diplomacy” has fuelled crises in places like Sri Lanka and Zambia. After nearly a decade of giving generous loans to eager foreigners, the mainland will now evaluate new projects more rigorously.

President Xi Jinping once called the initiative the “project of the century,” but by a November meeting with senior officials, Xi spoke of increasing complexity and risk control. Chinese banks have slashed lending to low-income countries. Nearly 60% of China’s overseas loans are held by countries in financial distress. To escape from the mess China has begun working with longstanding enemies like the Paris Club, perhaps forcing Chinese banks to accept

Is the dream over? China walks back Belt & Road ambitions

losses – something they hate, preferring to extend troubled loans indefinitely.

Weifeng Zhong of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University said… “That strategy risks prolonging countries’ debt woes rather than fixing them. China is [now] attempting a course correction.”

The program dates back a little over a decade when China saw an opportunity to earn better returns on cash holdings through investment overseas. On taking power in 2012, Xi expanded promoted the plan, to expand China’s influence and build markets for Chinese goods.

After a stock-market collapse in 2015, China used the initiative to export products in oversupply at home, like steel and textiles, often requiring borrowers to source from Chinese suppliers. While the US finances nearly all its overseas development projects with aid, China acts more like a banker. China handed out about US$1 trillion in loans and other funds to almost 150 countries like Ecuador and Angola, becoming the world’s largest official creditor.

By 2017, Chinese banking executives were asked to finance projects with little prospect of returns. Lenders insisted on designating certain projects as “policy-instructed,” so they would not be held accountable for defaults.

More prudent lending could make Chinese money less appealing to some countries, making it tougher to win over governments. Chinese officials are exploring other ways to make the Belt and Road more sustainable.

Asia’s richest man, Gautam Adani, feels China will be ‘increasingly isolated’ in current global turbulence

India’s Gautam Adani, the richest person in Asia, says China has an increasingly isolated outlook on the world stage. “I anticipate that China – that was seen as the foremost champion of globalization – will feel increasingly isolated,” Adani said in his keynote speech at the Forbes Global .

India’s Gautam Adani, the richest person in Asia, says China has an increasingly isolated outlook on the world stage.

“I anticipate that China – that was seen as the foremost champion of globalization – will feel increasingly isolated,” Adani said in his keynote speech at the Forbes Global CEO Conference in Singapore on Tuesday. “Increasing nationalism, supply chain risk mitigation, and technology

restrictions will have an impact.”

The founder of the Adani Group conglomerate has a net worth of $139.8 billion as of September 27, and is the world’s third-wealthiest person after Elon Musk and LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault, according to Forbes.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic and amid the war in Ukraine, companies and countries around the world are looking to protect their supply chains and reduce their dependence on others. As the factory for the world, China has benefited from globalization, but its tide may be turning — and its bounce back will be challenging, Adani said.

Mukesh Ambani’s security cover upgraded to Z plus

The government has upgraded the security cover of billionaire industrialist Mukesh Ambani to the top category of ‘Z+’ after a review of perceived threat perception to him by central intelligence and security agencies, official sources said on Thursday. The ‘Z’ category cover of CRPF commandos was originally given to Ambani, 65, chairman of Reliance Industries, on a payment basis in 2013.

His wife Nita Ambani also has an armed cover, although hers is in the lowest tier of “Y+,” which includes fewer commandos. According to the most recent Bloomberg ranking, Ambani is the 10th richest person in the world. According to the sources, Ambani’s security has been raised

to Z+, the highest level, and the relevant communications will be sent out shortly.

The recommendation was formalised by the Union Home Ministry after receiving inputs, on the perceived threat perception to the businessman, by central intelligence and security agencies, they said.

They stated that the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) could be ordered to expand the current cover to “Z+” and add additional commandos to its protection unit. The security team that works in shifts to offer cover may consist of up to 40–50 commandos. Currently, the team guards Ambani’s home and business buildings while also giving him an armed cover when he is on the move.

Ashok Gehlot opts out of race for Congress chief, apologises to Sonia Gandhi for Sunday events

In a dramatic turn of events on Thursday, Congress veteran Ashok Gehlot walked out of the party presidential race and chose to stay the Chief Minister of Rajasthan amid the organisation’s insistence on one person, one post rule.

Gehlot opted out of the race “taking moral responsibility for failing as CM to get a oneline MLAs’ resolution passed authorising Congress president Sonia Gandhi to take a decision on state leadership issue”, and said he had apologised to Sonia for the same.

Gehlot is learnt to have submitted a written apology for the turn of events in Jaipur on Sunday where 92 MLAs loyal to him boycotted an official legislature party meeting choosing to attend an informal meeting which ended with all pro-CM loyalists tendering resignations to Speaker CP Joshi.

After meeting Sonia Gandhi today,

Gehlot said Sonia would decide on the issue of state leadership.

Sources, however, indicated that Gehlot’s apology could be seen as a face saver for the party to let him keep his CM’s chair.

Asked if he would contest in the party chief’s elections, Gehlot said, “I earlier requested Rahukl Gandhi in Kochi that everyone wants him to be party president but he said he would not fight. I had then said I will contest elections because everyone wants me to contest. But after the Sunday episode in Jaipur, I have decided not to fight elections for the party president’s post in the current circumstances.”

On the CM-ship, Gehlot said, “Sonia Gandhi will decide.”

“I have spoken at length with Sonia. Over the past 50 years, I have worked as a faithful soldier of the party and I was always trusted

All women entitled to safe, legal abortion, says Supreme Court

Supreme Court has ruled that a woman’s lack of marital status cannot deny her the choice to abort a pregnancy at any time up to 24 weeks, a decision hailed by women’s rights activists.

The right to abortion has proved contentious globally after the United States Supreme Court overturned in June its landmark decision in Roe v Wade that had legalised the procedure in the US. “Even an unmarried woman can undergo abortion up to 24 weeks on par with married women,” Justice D Y Chandrachud of India’s Supreme Court said on Thursday, holding that a lack of marital status

could not deprive a woman of the right.

A law dating from 1971, the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, had limited the procedure to married women, divorcees, widows, minors, “disabled and mentally ill women” and survivors of sexual assault or rape.

The top court added that sexual assault by husbands can be classified as “marital rape” under the MTP law. Indian law does not consider marital rape an offence, though efforts are being made to change this. The court said forceful pregnancy of a married woman can be treated as marital rape for the purposes of abortion.

India’s defence exports grew by 334 % in 5 years; know what we export, to whom, and more details

In the previous five years, defence exports have increased by 334%, and as a result of cooperative efforts, India is currently exporting to more than 75 nations, the government reported on Sunday.

India is now exporting to more than 75 countries across the world, which proved to be a big push for the indigenous defence sector, in a bid to go “aatmanirbhar” (self-reliant).

The highest-ever projection for Indian defence exports was made at Rs 13,000 crore for 2021–22. Along with other countries in Southeast Asia, West Asia, and Africa, the U.S. was a significant buyer.

Earlier, the private sector used to account for 90 percent of India’s defence exports

but with time and the rise in contribution of the public sector units, the share has now reduced to 70 percent but still major.

Indian enterprises are progressively becoming a part of the supply chains of American defence companies, even though India’s defence imports from the US have increased dramatically in recent years. ndia’s single largest defence export order, for the sale of three batteries of the shorebased anti-ship BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, was signed in January 2022 with the Philippines for $374.96 million.

DPEPP 2020 or Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy, strategic partnerships with foreign original equipment manufacturers

Apple starts manufacturing iPhone 14 in India

Apple has started assembling the iPhone 14 models in India, it said Monday, locally producing the current lineup for the first time in the same calendar year in the world’s second largest smartphone market as analysts predict a greater shift in the American giant’s future manufacturing.

The company’s global partner Foxconn is manufacturing the device in the Sriperumbudur facility near Chennai.

The locally produced iPhone units will go on sale in the country later this year. “We’re excited to be manufacturing iPhone 14 in India,” an Apple spokesperson told TechCrunch in a statement.

Apple began locally assembling smartphones in India in 2017, but until this year, the iPhone-maker has used the manufacturing facilities in India to assemble older generation handsets. Apple launched the iPhone 14 models earlier this month.

Boeing plans to shift IT, Finance jobs to India

Boeing, an American aerospace giant, reportedly plans to shift around 150 IT and finance jobs from its home country to India. The report said that the company has 10,000 positions this year.

A Boeing spokesperson, during an interaction with TOI, was quoted as saying, “For the last several years, we have been simplifying our corporate structure to reduce complexity and focus more resources in engineering, manufacturing and product development. Several of our corporate functions, including IT and finance, have implemented changes to streamline their

operations, resulting in lower staffing levels within some corporate functions.”

According to reports, Boeing India has over 4000 direct employees, with 1000 jobs being added within the last one year. Over 7000 people work on supply chain jobs with its Indian suppliers across different sectors that include manufacturing, engineering and IT.

“Our finance team is planning for lower staffing levels as it simplifies processes, improves efficiency and shares select work with an outside partner. We expect fewer than 150 reductions this year within finance across our US sites.

India plans debut green bonds to raise $2 Billion by March

India plans to issue 160 billion rupees ($2 billion) of sovereign green bonds in the fiscal year ending March, as it seeks cheaper funding to meet renewable energy targets.

The government will provide details of the planned green debt issuance for the year later, according to a statement from the nation’s finance ministry on the second half borrowing plan released on Thursday.

India has lagged in a global rush for green debt in recent years, with others in Asia, including Singapore, Indonesia, and South Korea, already having made their debuts. Officials have said they will seek a significant “greenium”, the premium

investors often have to pay for such bonds, to lower the nation’s borrowing costs for funding environmental projects.

That may prove challenging to achieve given the absence of domestic green debt funds, while foreign investors will face significant exchange-rate risks. The rupee has fallen nearly 10% so far this year.

“The much-awaited Indian debut sovereign green bond is certainly a way to give the required fillip to the local green bond market creation and set a benchmark by adhering to international best practice,” said Neha Kumar, head of the India Program at Climate Bonds Initiative.

Global Innovation Index: India breaks into top-40 for first time

Showing a substantial improvement in the global innovation index ranking India has been placed in the top 40 countries for the first time in the annual report for 2022 released by the Switzerland-based World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) on Thursday.

The WIPO in its report, a copy of which is with The Tribune, said, “India is the innovation leader in the lower middleincome group. It continues to lead the

world in ICT services exports and holds top rankings in other indicators, including venture capital receipt value, finance for startups and scale-ups, graduates in science and engineering, labour productivity growth and domestic industry diversification.”

Switzerland, the United States, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands are the world’s most-innovative economies, according to the report.

Anti-Gang Task Force nabs Davinder Bambiha gang member Neeraj Chaska from Jammu

The Punjab Anti-Gang Task Force on Thursday nabbed Davinder Bambiha gang member Neeraj Chaska from Jammu. He was wanted for the murders of Gurlal Brar and Chandigarh’s Surjit Bouncer.

Gurlal was the cousin of gangster Goldy Brar. Goldy Brar, while taking responsibility for singer Sidhu Moosewala’s murder, had said that

police had let off the killers of his cousin.

Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav said here on Thursday that the police also recovered two foreign-made pistols, including .30 caliber and .32 caliber, along with 17 live cartridges, from Chaska’s possession.

Yadav said that apart from Gurlal’s murder, Chaska had been directly involved in at least four more murders, including the murder of kabbadi player Money, who was killed in Jaito town of

42 FIRs pending investigation against sitting and former lawmakers

No less than 42 FIRs are pending investigation against sitting and erstwhile MPs and MLAs in the State of Punjab as on September 14. Besides, 99 cases were pending trial in Courts across the State against MPs and MLA.

Information to this effect was furnished before Punjab and Haryana

High Court by the State of Punjab today.

The information came more than a year after the High Court made clear its intent to fast-lane cases involving sitting and erstwhile parliamentarians and legislators of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh.

As the matter came up for resumed hearing, Punjab Additional Advocate-

Man dies by suicide in Moga after mother’s demise

A 30-year-old man allegedly died by suicide at Baghapurana town in this district, the police officials said here on Thursday.

Harpreet Singh, who worked as a rickshaw puller, was disturbed over the recent passing away of his mother and allegedly hanged himself from the ceiling of his room.

He was depressed after his mother died due to prolonged illness, said his brother Ranjit Singh.

The local police sent the body to the district hospital for post-mortem. Later, it was handed over to the family for cremation.

ASI Gurcharan Singh said the police had initiated inquest proceedings under Section 174 of the CrPC

Pakistan

Ishaaq Dar is cash-strapped Pakistan’s finance minister

Cash-strapped Pakistan on Wednesday turned to Ishaq Dar, a three-time former finance minister, to steer the country’s economy out of the woods and the impact of the unprecedented floods after he ended five years of self-exile in the UK.

The 72-year-old senior leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), who had been in self-exile since 2017 after

being accused in a corruption case, was appointed as the finance minister a day after he was sworn in as a Senator amid loud protests by former premier Imran Khan’s party members who shouted slogans, calling him a “thief” and an “absconder.”

President Arif Alvi administered the oath to Dar, who has held the post three times in the past

Non-profit foundation urges India and Pakistan to honour Bhagat Singh with highest civil award

A non-profit foundation in Pakistan has urged India and Pakistan to honour freedom fighter Bhagat Singh with the highest civil award in recognition of his bravery and sacrifice for the people of the sub-continent, as it observed the 115th birth anniversary of the pre-partition era revolutionary leader.

The Bhagat Singh Memorial Foundation observed Singh’s birth anniversary on Wednesday on the premises of Lahore High Court (LHC).

The lawyers’ community cut a cake amid slogans in favour of Singh and his fellow comrades Shivaram Hari Rajguru and Sukhdev.

Speaking on the occasion, the foundation’s chairman Imtiaz Rasheed Qureshi paid rich tributes to Singh.

He urged the Indian and Pakistani prime ministers (Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif) to give Singh the highest civil award.

Former PM’s daughter Maryam & husband acquitted in corruption cases

In a big legal victory for the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party, its vice president Maryam Nawaz was on Thursday acquitted by a high court in a corruption case which will allow her to contest elections.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) accepted the appeal of Maryam, daughter of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, and that of her husband Muhammad Safdar who had challenged their convictions by an anti-corruption court in the Avenfield property case in July 2018.

The Avenfield case refers to the purchase of four posh flats in Avenfield House, Park Lane in London.

A two-judge bench comprising Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani hearing their appeals said the opinion of the investigating officer could not be considered as evidence.“The joint investigation team did not present any facts, it just collected information,” Justice Kayani observed.

At the conclusion of the case, the bench held that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), the prosecutor in the case, failed to establish the charges of corruption.

The NAB had accused the Sharifs of purchasing the flats with money over and above their known sources of income.

Allegations of abduction attempts in parts of Nadi and Suva under investigation

Serious concerns are now being raised by some women who have been allegedly targeted by some people at night.

There have been posts on social media with videos of some drivers following women in Nadi and Suva

at night, offering them free rides and drinks if they get into the vehicle.

The women say they are concerned, and they are highlighting these incidents for everyone to know as they are worried about cases of rape and sex trafficking.

Sayed-Khaiyum has difficulty recognising Fiji’s fear –Rabuka

People’s Alliance Party Leader, Sitiveni Rabuka says Attorney General Aiyaz SayedKhaiyum has difficulty recognising Fiji’s fear and this sort of denial often comes from those who lead authoritarian governments and both Sayed-Khaiyum and Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama have difficulty expressing genuine empathy for the people.

While responding to Sayed-Khaiyum’s statements, Rabuka says it is a striking

example of self deception that SayedKhaiyum and the Prime Minister have convinced themselves that they are doing marvellous for people and it is impossible for them to admit that fear is around.

Rabuka says there is fear around them or why would they be having bodyguards.

The former Prime Minister further says the origins of fear go back to numerous publicised incidents and some utterances.

Teen eco-warrior Izzy Cook rips flights to Fiji then admits to recent trip

A teen eco-warrior is going viral for a live radio interview in which she ripped people flying to vacation hotspots like Fiji — before admitting she’d just got back from that exact trip with her family.

Izzy Cook, 16, left NewstalkZB host Heather du Plessis-Allan laughing hysterically with her admission Friday while discussing the Greta Thunberginspired School Strike 4 Climate she

is leading in Wellington, New Zealand.

During the chat, the teen environmentalists pushed a plan for people to have to apply to take gas-guzzling flights and only for approved events.

When her interviewer asked if people would be “allowed to go to Fiji” and if such a trip would be deemed “necessary,” the teen replied firmly: “In the current climate crisis I don’t think that that’s necessary.”

BC teachers believe the Foundation Skills Assessment should be cancelled.

Why?

It is not helpful to students, teachers, or parents.

It is making existing inequities worse.

It is not a required part of the BC curriculum.

You have the right to withdraw your Grade 4 or 7 child from the test. Teachers around the province encourage you to do so. For more information please visit bctf.ca/fsa.

Seeds and Bulbs

Art Knapp Garden Centre prides itself on supplying the best for those who want to guarantee they are growing something natural and chemical free. If you are looking for non-GMO seeds, racks of organic seeds, salad mixes, seed tapes, wild flower containers sprinkle for covering large areas, Art Knapps is your one-stop shop.

India plans debut green bonds to raise $2 Billion by March

India plans to issue 160 billion rupees ($2 billion) of sovereign green bonds in the fiscal year ending March, as it seeks cheaper funding to meet renewable energy targets.

The government will provide details of the planned green debt issuance for the year later, according to a statement from the nation’s finance ministry on the second half borrowing plan released on Thursday.

India has lagged in a global rush for green debt in recent years, with others in Asia, including Singapore, Indonesia, and South Korea, already having made their debuts. Officials have said they will seek a significant “greenium”, the

premium investors often have to pay for such bonds, to lower the nation’s borrowing costs for funding environmental projects.

That may prove challenging to achieve given the absence of domestic green debt funds, while foreign investors will face significant exchange-rate risks. The rupee has fallen nearly 10% so far this year.

“The much-awaited Indian debut sovereign green bond is certainly a way to give the required fillip to the local green bond market creation and set a benchmark by adhering to international best practice,” said Neha Kumar, head of the India Program at Climate Bonds Initiative.

India’s defence exports grew by 334 % in 5 years;know what we export, to whom, and more

In the previous five years, defence exports have increased by 334%, and as a result of cooperative efforts, India is currently exporting to more than 75 nations, the government reported on Sunday.

India is now exporting to more than 75 countries across the world, which proved to be a big push for the indigenous defence sector, in a bid to go “aatmanirbhar” (self-reliant).

The highest-ever projection for Indian defence exports was made at Rs 13,000 crore for 2021–22. Along with other countries in Southeast Asia, West Asia, and Africa, the U.S. was a significant buyer.

Earlier, the private sector used to account for 90 percent of India’s defence exports but with time and the rise in contribution of the public sector units, the share has

now reduced to 70 percent but still major.

Indian enterprises are progressively becoming a part of the supply chains of American defence companies, even though India’s defence imports from the US have increased dramatically in recent years. India’s single largest defence export order, for the sale of three batteries of the shore-based anti-ship BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, was signed in January 2022 with the Philippines for $374.96 million.

DPEPP 2020 or Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy, strategic partnerships with foreign original equipment manufacturers (for transfer of technology), and positive indigenisation have been the most important contributors to the skyrocketting Indian exports.

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