Indo-Canadian Voice Main - Dec 11 2021

DEC - 11 - 2021 | VOLUME 29 | NUMBER 49

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Indo-Canadian Voice Main | Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021

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DEC - 11 - 2021 | VOLUME 29 | NUMBER 49

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Environmental leadership from Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum prompts Canada-wide change Walmart Canada pledges to eliminate single-use plastic shopping bags across the country based on City of Surrey’s lead AFTER October’s successful City Council vote introducing a new Plastic Bags and Single-Use Items Bylaw in the City of Surrey, the Mayor’s office has now received word that the initiative has inspired nationwide change in corporate Canada.

A December 7, 2021 letter received from Bryan MacLeod, Senior Manager of Public Affairs for Walmart Canada, confirms that “[f]ollowing the leadership in your municipality,” the chain “will be eliminating single-use plastic shopping bags at all 400+ of our Canadian locations by Earth Day 2022.”

The City of Surrey became the first municipality in Metro Vancouver to implement such a policy change, which is expected to eliminate use of over 25 million plastic checkout bags and seven million foam containers every year.

Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum pointed out that the news from Walmart Canada demonstrates that the actions of the Safe Surrey Coalition-led City Council are creating waves far beyond the realm of public policy

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (3rd from left) with Safe Surrey Coalition members (left to right) Councillor Mandeep Nagra, Councillor Allison Patton, Mayor Doug McCallum, Councillor Doug Elford and Councillor Laurie Guerra at Surrey City Hall last July at the announcement of federal funding toward the Surrey Langley SkyTrain extension project. Photo: City of Surrey makers.

“We are proud to be the first city in the region to implement this ban and always hoped that our lead could set an example for our neighbouring municipalities,” noted McCallum. “However, Walmart Canada’s outreach is a strong endorsement of how civic leadership can truly prompt tangible impact on a far larger

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The Walmart Canada decision is expected to be fully in place by Earth Day 2022 (April 22) and will remove almost 250,000,000 bags from circulation every year.

This is the equivalent of the number of plastic bags it would take to circle the Earth’s equator 20 times.

Since taking office, the Safe

Surrey Coalition has moved forward on a range of green initiatives, including doubling the number of EV fast charging stations within city limits, large scale land purchases to expand the number of public parks and increasing the number of cityowned buildings and assets powered with renewable natural gas created at the Surrey Biofuel facility. This has resulted in the City of Surrey being recognized as one of Canada’s greenest employers for two years straight as well as being designated as one of 59 cities worldwide to be included in the United Nations Tree Cities of the World program.

The Safe Surrey Coalition-led City Council has demonstrated that balance can be achieved between economic development and environmental sustainability, noted McCallum.

“From the first day we took office, the Safe Surrey Coalition has pursued responsible stewardship of our environment at the same time as accomplishing significant progress in attracting business opportunities to the city.”

South Asians euphoric as Indian government accepts farmers’ demands SOUTH Asians in Canada feel euphoric after the Indian government on Thursday accepted all of the farmers’ demands and the Samyukt Kisan Morcha announced the end of farmers’ agitation.

The agitation that started on November 26, 2020, is the longest in the history of independent India and its effects were felt worldwide including here in Metro Vancouver where numerous demonstrations were held and several municipalities expressed their support for the farmers with even Premier John Horgan writing to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to take up the issue with the Indian government.

The federal government has promised to take back all criminal cases registered against the farmers during the course of the agitation along with a purposeful discussion on ways to guarantee the Minimum Support Price (MSP) through representation in the committee that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced on Gurpurab Day. In the letter dated December 9 to Samyukt Kisan Morcha, Agriculture Secretary Sanjay Agarwal has promised the unions that the Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya

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Indo-Canadian Voice Main | Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021

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Farmers’ unions will meet again on January 15 in the capital to review situation CONTINUED FROM 3 Pradesh, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh governments had already committed to retracting all criminal cases against farmers, according to Indian news reports.

“All cases filed by the government and government agencies against farmers and their supporters in Delhi and other UTs [Union Territories] will be taken back with immediate effect,” the Centre said in the letter.

The SKM said it would mark December 11 as victory day and start vacating Delhi borders from that day. Thousands of protesting farmers camped out on the borders of Delhi for 380 days will be heading home.

The letter also stated that the Haryana and UP governments had principally consented to compensating families of deceased farmers and so had the Punjab government.

The government also assured stakeholders comprehensive discussions on the Electricity Amendment Bill, including with SKM representatives.

“Only after discussions will the bill be piloted in Parliament,” the agriculture secretary said.

At the December 5, 2020 protest through downtown Vancouver in support of Indian farmers. Protestors drove from Surrey to the Indian Consulate General in trucks, cars, vans and even tractors.

He said the liability of farmers regarding stubble burning had already been done away with.

On MSP guarantee, the Centre reiterated the Prime Minister’s promise of a committee saying the panel would discuss ways of ensuring MSP and would have SKM representatives among farmers apart

from representatives of the Centre, states and agricultural scientists and economists.

Agarwal said the government had already assured continued procurement on MSP. “The proposals address the five pending demands of farm unions.

There is now no justification to con-

tinue the farmers’ agitation. We, therefore, urge you to call off the agitation,” the agriculture secretary said in the letter.

The unions will meet again on January 15 in the capital to monitor and review whether the government has kept its promises to unconditionally withdraw cases filed against protestors, provide compensation for the kin of farmers who died at the protests and form a committee to ensure that all farmers can avail remunerative rates for their produce. A decision will also be taken at that time on whether to campaign against the BJP in the upcoming UP and Uttarakhand polls -- an issue which different farmer factions have diverse views about.

“Farmers have decided to suspend this agitation for now, but the movement will not end. The fight for farmers’ rights will continue,” said senior Punjab leader Balbir Singh Rajewal, who heads his own faction of the Bharatiya Kisan Union.

Gurnam Singh Chaduni, a Haryana leader who heads another BKU faction, warned, “We will resume our protests if the government does not keep its promises.”

Surrey RCMP investigating vandalism to public washrooms in parks

OVER the last few months, Surrey RCMP have received multiple calls of vandalism to public washroom facilities, particularly in the Cloverdale area. The damage has included smashed toilets, broken doors, partitions, vents, as well as stolen soap dispensers.

Police said they are aware that these incidents could be related to a social media trend where youth film themselves causing damage to washrooms and post to apps such as TikTok. “These acts of vandalism are unacceptable and have caused significant damage to our much-needed

public washroom facilities,” said Media Relations Officer Constable Sarbjit K. Sangha. “We encourage parents to speak to their children about the fact that committing an

illegal act, all for the sake of online popularity or likes, can have consequences now and into the future.”

Surrey RCMP said they will be out patrolling the parks and keeping a

close eye on these facilities.

If you have any information or you witness someone committing vandalism, you are requested to call Surrey RCMP at 604-599

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Indian Consul General Manish leads Dr. Ambedkar Maharprinirvan Day observations

Indian Consul General Manish at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s bronze bust at SFU Burnaby Campus.

Photos supplied

By Chetna Association of Canada HEARTFELT gratitude and tributes were paid on December 6 to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on his 65th death anniversary. The day is now popularly known as the Dr. Ambedkar Maharprinirvan Day. Ambedkar passed away on December 6, 1956, and left a positive impact on the lives of millions of Indians in India and across the Diaspora.

Dr. Gwen Bird

Councillor Sav Dhaliwal at Burnaby City Hall.

At the Guru Ravidass Community Center.

Activities included visiting Burnaby City Hall, Simon Fraser University, and Dr. Ambedkar Library at Guru Ravidass Community Center in Burnaby.

Visits were led by Consul General of India Manish and were facilitated by Chetna Association of Canada with the support of Guru Ravidass Sabha and AICS (Ambedkarite International Co-Ordination Society of Canada).

While Dr. Ambedkar’s portraits are installed at Burnaby City Hall, Surrey Center Library, Guru Ravidass Community Cen-

ter, and the Indian Consulate General office in Vancouver, the bronze bust of the great personality is proudly displayed at Simon Fraser University’s Burnaby Campus.

Garlands and flowers were offered at the paintings and the bust of Dr. Ambedkar.

Special thanks to Burnaby Councillor Sav Dhaliwal and Dr. Gwen Bird, Dean of Libraries at Simon Fraser University, for their immense support to these activities were expressed by the organizers.

On November 26, the Constitution Day of India was also celebrated in Surrey, where

scholars shed light on the effectiveness of the Constitution of India in providing framework for equality, liberty, and fraternity. Community activists and scholars were also recognized and awarded for their contributions to enhancing inclusion.

In addition to advancing economic, political, and social rights and conditions of women, minorities, and the marginalized communities, Dr. Ambedkar’s contributions towards reviving Buddhism in India and the Indian sub-continent are well noted and celebrated.

October is first month in which 200 lives were lost to illicit drugs in B.C. AN increasingly toxic and volatile illicit drug supply has claimed at least 201 lives in October and 1,782 lives in the first 10 months of 2021, according to the latest preliminary data released by the BC Coroners Service.

“Today is a heart-rending milestone for our province,” said Lisa Lapointe, B.C.’s Chief Coroner, on Thursday. “The deaths of more than 200 of our community members in one month due to toxic drugs is a devastating loss. In the sixth year of this public health emergency, we are experiencing a record loss of life and I know this news will resonate with tremendous sadness amongst the thousands of families who have lost a loved one to this crisis. My thoughts continue to be with every family and community that is

Lisa Lapointe grieving the loss of a loved one.”

October is the first month in which 200 lives were lost to illicit drugs in B.C. The 1,782 lives lost between January and Octo-

ber already represent the highest number of deaths due to drug toxicity ever recorded in the province in a calendar year. More than 8,300 people have died as a result of drug toxicity since the public health emergency into substance-related harms was declared in April 2016.

The impacts of the illicit drug crisis are being felt by communities throughout B.C. While the largest numbers of deaths continue to be recorded in urban centres such as Vancouver, Surrey and Victoria, the rates of death per 100,000 residents are at record levels in every health authority, including Vancouver Coastal (47.6), Interior (45.0), and Northern (44.8). The overall rate of death in the province stands at 41.2 per 100,000 residents, more than double the

rate recorded in 2016 (20.4).

“This is a health crisis,” Lapointe said. “I cannot stress enough how urgent this emergency has become. A comprehensive plan to ensure access to safe supply for the thousands of B.C. residents dependent on these substances is essential. Shifting from a punishment and stigmatizing regime to a decriminalized, health-focused model is also a critical step to reduce suffering and save lives.”

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icity deaths in October 2021 equate to about 6.5 deaths per day. * By health service delivery area (HSDA), in 2021, the highest rates of death were in Vancouver, Thompson Cariboo, Northwest, North Vancouver Island and Fraser East. * By local health area (LHA), in 2021, the highest rates of death were in Upper Skeena, Lillooet, Merritt, North Thompson, and Enderby. * Illicit drug toxicity deaths in B.C. rank second only to cancer in terms of years of life lost. The median age of those who died as a result of illicit drug toxicity in 2020 was 43. * Analysis shows no indication that prescribed safe supply is contributing to illicit drug deaths.

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Indo-Canadian Voice Main | Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021

Sikh women constitute majority of WSO’s Board of Directors and two-thirds of Executive

FOR the first time, the majority of the World Sikh Organization of Canada’s Board of Directors and two-thirds of the Executive will be constituted by Sikh women.

The WSO held a virtual biennial convention on Saturday, December 4. Given the current COVID pandemic, the event was held online for the first time. Representatives from across Canada attended the convention to reflect on the successes and opportunities over the past two years and to select the Board of Directors for the next two-year term.

At the conclusion of the convention, the 31-member board of directors of the organization was unanimously selected.

The WSO Executive team for the term 20222023 will be: President: Tejinder Singh Sidhu, Calgary, Alberta Senior Vice President: Sharanjeet Kaur, Brampton, Ontario Director of Finance: Danish Singh Brar, Surrey, B.C. Director of Administration: Kirpa Kaur Grewal, Brampton, Ontario B.C. Vice President: Guntaas Kaur Cheema, Richmond, B.C. Alberta Vice President: Harman Singh Kandola, Edmonton, Alberta COntinued On 10

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Indo-Canadian Voice Main | Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021

10

Vancouver’s 2022 operating and capital budgets approved by Council VANCOUVER City Council has approved an operating budget for 2022 totalling $1.747 billion, which reflects a property tax increase of 6.35 per cent.

Following a presentation from staff and hearing from speakers on December 1, Council on Tuesday approved a budget for 2022 with amendments, including additional funding for public safety—both Vancouver Police Department (VPD) and Vancouver Fire and Rescue Ser-

vices (VFRS)—and other initiatives including additional park rangers, street cleaning, and a budget for the new auditor general position previously approved by Council.

An additional amendment added

$9 million to support new climaterelated investments to advance the City’s Climate Emergency Action Plan.

The approved VPD budget for 2022 is $367 million including recently approved compensation increases for the term of January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2022. This amount is consistent with the budget approved and recommended by the Vancouver Police Board to Council.

The City said its staff continue to

work hard to maintain delivery of public services given the continued financial constraints and pressures caused by the pandemic. In the draft budget, staff had identified $45 million in cost reductions for 2022 including deferring projects, continuing to hold staff vacancies, and realizing new cost efficiencies.

Council also approved a capital expenditure budget of $683.4 million for 2022. The four-year capital plan plays a critical role in supporting

large-scale projects and infrastructure. Despite reduced spending in this area, the approved capital budget still allows staff to focus on delivering amenities for a growing city and maintaining and renewing assets and infrastructure, to mitigate higher costs in the future.

Early in 2022, the updated final budget documents will be made available at vancouver.ca/2022-budget.

In the meantime, the draft budget materials can be viewed online.

Vancouver Mayor says he puts climate action, public safety at centre of 2022 Budget VANCOUVER Mayor Kennedy Stewart says he has put climate action and public safety at the heart of Vancouver’s 2022 Budget, following another challenging year marked by the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 and the climate crisis.

“Budget 2022 is a direct response to the challenges of COVID-19 and charts a bold path forward with long-term, dedicated funding to respond to the climate emergency that has ravaged our region,” said Stewart.

After a summer of extreme heat and

Kennedy Stewart

a winter of extreme floods, finding equitable, long-term funding for Vancouver’s Climate Emergency Action Plan was a key focus for Stewart. He said: “Budget 2022 includes a new $9 million annual and ongoing Climate Fund to accelerate climate action with Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers, transit infrastructure, walking and cycling improvements, as well as building retrofits.”

As in previous years, public safety spending on police officers and firefighters is again the leading driver of budget growth, accounting for

nearly half of 2022’s property tax increase. To help manage these year over year increases, Stewart included in the budget a request for the City’s new Auditor General to examine the Vancouver Police Department’s (VPD) budget pressures and better inform future decisions.

“The VPD is under significant cost pressures, and as the single largest component of our budget at 20%, it’s important we have a third party look into this and provide residents with a better understanding of this spending,” he said.

Budget 2022 also includes more funding for homelessness prevention, enhanced street cleaning, libraries, mental health supports, and fighting the overdose crisis. To balance out these critical investments, the budget also holds vacancies and identifies efficiencies that save taxpayers $45 million. This hard work means tax increases are modest, $6 per month for the median condo, $14 per month for the median detached home, and $26 per month for the median business property, said Stewart.

WSO’s Board of Directors and Executive CONTINUED FROM 8 Central Vice President: Shaizinder Kaur Dhaliwal, Regina, Saskatchewan Ontario Vice President: Dr. Jaspreet Kaur Bal, Toronto, Ontario Quebec and Atlantic Vice President: Harginder Kaur, Montreal, Quebec Tejinder Singh Sidhu said: “I thank the Sangat and the WSO team for their support in my first term as President and for having entrusted me with a second term.

“The WSO is making a tangible impact in the lives of Sikhs in Canada and we are

honoured to serve as the voice of Sikhs in Canada.

“We are excited that for the first time ever, in our 37-year history, the majority of the WSO’s Board of Directors and Executive will be constituted by Sikh women from across Canada.

“I am proud of the strong team of professionals who have chosen to serve on the Board. With issues facing us such as Bill 21 in Quebec, the resettlement of Afghan Sikh and Hindu refugees to Canada and Indian interference in the Canadian Sikh community, the WSO is ready to address the chal-

lenges that lie ahead. With the support of the community, we will continue to fearlessly advocate on behalf of Sikhs in Canada.”

2022 – 2023 Board of Directors: Amrit Kaur, Quebec Arjin Singh Toor, BC Arshpreet Singh, Ontario Bhavjinder Kaur Dhillon, BC Bikremjeet Singh Dhindsa, BC Daman Kaur Grewal, Alberta Guntas Kaur, Ontario Gurpartap Singh Toor, Ontario

Gurpreet Kaur Rai, BC Harjeet Singh Grewal, Alberta Harjit Singh Bhander, BC Jaskaran Singh Sandhu, Ontario Jaspreet Singh, Ontario Jaspreet Singh Minhas, BC Kanwarpal Singh Josan, Quebec Khushwant Kaur Sidhu, BC Mahekleen Kaur Gill, Manitoba Mandeep Kaur Dablehar, Quebec Manpreet Multani, BC Mukhbir Singh, Ontario Siraz Kaur Chatha, Ontario Sonia Kaur Aujla-Bhullar, Alberta

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Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021 | Indo-Canadian Voice Main

11

New Empower Surrey Parent Workshop series to keep kids safe from gangs a success Over 230 parents registered for the six workshops, including one offered in Punjabi

THROUGHOUT November, the City piloted its Empower Surrey Parent Workshops that are designed to help parents, trusted adults and caregivers to keep kids safe from gangs. Empower Surrey workshops provide information in multiple languages about risk factors, warning signs, and local gang recruitment techniques, as well as strategies for building stronger connections with youth.

“The SAFE program has proven to be a success in supporting parents in keeping their children safe from gangs, and the Empower Surrey Parent Workshop program is another way that we are diverting kids away from this risky lifestyle,” said Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum. “This program has been so well received by parents and caregivers, that staff are already planning the next series of Empower Surrey workshops for Spring 2022.”

Over 230 parents registered for the six workshops, including one offered in Punjabi, which were all co-facilitated in Surrey secondary schools by the City’s Community Safety team, Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of BC (CFSEU-BC) and counsellors from Surrey Anti-Gang Family Empowerment (SAFE) Program partner Simon Fraser University.

Participants provided very positive feedback and indicated a need for the city to continue offering the workshops in the future. Community Safety’s

SFU gaining nine counselling clients as a direct result of these workshops, more are being planned for Spring 2022.

Learn more about risk factors and how to have conversations with youth early by visiting Empowersurrey.ca.

Doug McCallum Photo submitted target of 100 new unique visits to its Empower Surrey website by the end of November was easily surpassed as over 2000 were observed.

Based on participant feedback, increased website traffic, and unexpected outcomes such as

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BC NDP elects first-ever Indigenous President, Aaron Sumexheltza VOTING virtually at the BC NDP’s biennial convention, delegates from across the province overwhelmingly selected Aaron Sumexheltza (phonetically: Shoo-muh-hetsa) to serve as the party’s next president, the party announced on Wednesday.

Aaron Sumexheltza

Photo: Twitter

“Aaron is the first-ever Indigenous person to hold the role, and is, to our knowledge, the first Indigenous person to ever serve as the president of a political party in BC,” the party said.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Aaron Sumexheltza as the next President of our great party,” said Premier John Horgan, Leader of the BC NDP. “Aaron’s experience and his perspectives will make our party better, and I know how deeply committed he is to building a stronger and more fair province for all British Columbians. I look forward to working closely with him.”

Sumexheltza is a practising criminal defence lawyer and the former elected chief of the Lower Nicola Indian Band. A member of the BC NDP since 2013, he ran for the party as the candidate for Fraser-Nicola in the 2020 provincial election.

Aaron lives in Merritt with his wife and two young children.

“I love seeing all the progress our party has made, particularly in the last election when we elected our largest-ever caucus of BC NDP MLAs. Ensuring we protect the gains we made in the last election will be important going forward, but there’s much more for us to do,” said Sumexheltza. “I know we can keep building, growing and thriving when we all work together.”

The BC NDP virtual convention concludes this weekend with resolutions debates and speeches from Horgan and Jagmeet Singh, Leader of Canada’s NDP.

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BC Liberals: Nice words from the NDP not helping in addiction fight WITH the number of overdose deaths climbing to an all-time high, the Official Opposition is calling on the NDP to stop tinkering around the edges.

“Every month we get the same formulaic response from the NDP and it’s just not good enough for the families who continue to lose loved ones,” says Surrey-White Rock MLA Trevor Halford, Opposition Critic for Mental Health and Addictions. “The minister will say what a tragedy it is, express sadness and hope things get better. Nice words aren’t enough.

We need action, concerted and focused action, that attacks the problem — not empty words.”

The report from the coroner’s office shows an appalling trend:

Trevor Halford October had the highest number of deaths ever in one month. The 1,782 suspected illicit drug toxicity deaths between January and October 2021 are the highest ever

recorded in a calendar year, and the number of deaths in October equates to about 6.5 lives lost per day.

Halford notes the Ministry of Mental Health and Addiction has a budget smaller than the Premier’s Office, with most of it going to staffing and not programs, which explains the lack of substantive progress.

Furthermore, for months the BC Liberal Caucus has been calling for the Select Standing Committee on Health to be activated so that all parties can work together on immediate actions to prevent further tragedy, but the Premier has yet to respond directly to the request.

“This is a second-term government that so far, has only managed to write a strongly-worded letter

to Ottawa as it continues to apply bandages onto gaping wounds,” says Halford. “This government’s commitment to rhetoric is unsurpassed, but its commitment to any tangible steps is dreadful. This isn’t complicated or partisan. We’ve asked the NDP, along with the Greens, to work together to come up with a plan that works but the NDP has repeatedly said no, and the result is ever-rising deaths.”

Ahead of today’s numbers, this week the NDP announced that in 2020, 105 new beds were opened and only 47 of those were new spaces. In contrast, Alberta has funded 8,000 addiction treatment beds since 2019 and eliminated the cost barriers for treatment.

“This shows the difference be-

tween a minister whose job seems to be communicating the perception of action, and one that is there to provide results that make a big difference in the lives of people living with addiction and mental health challenges,” says Halford.

“It’s time for the NDP to say yes to more beds that reflect the scale of the problem, it’s time for the NDP to say yes to funding those programs, and it’s time for the NDP to say yes to ensuring people who need counselling get it, so they don’t turn to drugs to numb the pain.”

“We’re losing more than six people a day, and others are mired in addiction. It’s time for the NDP to stop the talk and start walking the walk.”

City of Surrey named one of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures THE City of Surrey is being named one of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures in 2021. The City is being recognized in the “Broader Public Sector” category and is the only municipality receiving this award.

“It is an honour for the City of Surrey and its staff to be recognized at a national level

for their commitment and dedication to our citizens,” said Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum.

“As one of the fastest growing cities in Canada, we work hard on building a welcoming and sustainable city for all our residents. This award is a testament to the collective efforts of everyone at the City working together to

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“This award is a tribute to the remarkable individuals at the City of Surrey who make it a great place to work. Culture is driven by the positive actions of our proud workers.

The tenacity, perseverance, and resilience they have shown, especially during challenging times has been truly impressive,” said Vincent Lalonde, City Manager of the City of Surrey. “I want to thank our employees for creating our award-winning culture. I’m incredibly proud of the way we’re able to work together to maintain such a positive work environment and strong corporate culture.”

The Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures program, now in its 18th year, recognizes best-in-class Canadian organizations for having cultures that have helped them enhance performance and sustain a competitive advantage. The award is presented by Waterstone Human Capital, one of Canada’s fastest-growing cultural talent management and retained executive search firms specializing in recruiting for fit and cultural assessment that marks excellence in culture and performance.

“At Waterstone we believe corporate culture

drives performance and that it’s your organization’s greatest asset,” says Marty Parker, President and Chief Executive Officer of Waterstone Human Capital and Chair of the Canada’s Most Admired program. “Each of the 2021 award recipients puts culture at the centre of everything they do, and demonstrates a commitment to culture as a competitive advantage. They set an excellent example of how crafting and sustaining a high performance culture can drive incredible growth and performance.”

The City of Surrey said that it aims to attract the best, retain and develop its people while fostering a safe, engaging and desirable workplace. Its high performing operations are rooted in the City’s shared values of community, innovation, integrity, service and teamwork – and its sense of purpose to serve Surrey’s citizens and build a thriving, green, inclusive city; a place where everyone can thrive.

The City of Surrey was previously recognized for this award in 2018. For more information about the Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures program, visit canadasmostadmired.com.

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Gap Inc. agrees to pay $200,000 for allegedly violating Canada’s anti-spam legislation The CRTC promotes and enforces compliance with sections of CASL, which prohibit companies from sending commercial electronic messages (spam) without consent, altering trans-

mission data in electronic messages without consent, and installing a computer program on another person’s computer system without consent, among other things.

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Since CASL came into force, the CRTC’s enforcement efforts have resulted in payments of more than $1.4 million, including penalties totalling approximately $805,000. In addition, $668,000 has been paid as part of negotiated undertakings.

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Gap is a US-based global apparel retailer which operates several clothing divisions, including Banana Republic and Old Navy.

CRTC staff issued a warning letter to Gap in December 2018 to inform the company that it had received complaints from Canadians regarding Gap’s electronic messaging practices. In June 2021, in light of continuing submissions from Canadians, the CRTC’s Chief Compliance and Enforcement Officer (CCEO) opened a formal investigation into compliance with CASL. The CCEO had reason to believe that, between January 2018 and August 2021, Gap sent commercial electronic messages to Canadians without the necessary consent. Gap’s messages also allegedly did not consistently include either an unsubscribe mechanism or an unsubscribe mechanism which could easily be performed – all of which are required under CASL. Upon being made aware of the CCEO’s concerns, Gap proactively made changes to its marketing practices and engaged with CRTC staff to reach a settlement.

Canadians are encouraged to report spam and suspicious practices to the Spam Reporting Centre.

Steven Harroun, Chief Compliance and Enforcement Officer, CRTC, said: “Canada’s anti-spam

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Among past CPC voters favourability towards the leader has plummeted faster – 22 points over two months, from 81 per cent at the beginning of October to 59 per cent at the end of November.

O’Toole’s favourability among all Canadians, which peaked at 38 per cent in the days before the election, has dropped to a new low of 24 per cent.

Facing internal strife and scrutiny over the vaccination status of his caucus, the embattled Conservative chief is today less popular than former leader Andrew Scheer was when he was forced out of the job two years ago.

On the opposite side of the Commons, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s governing Liberal party has enjoyed a modest bump in vote intention since September, rising five points to 35 per cent The Liberals currently hold a six-point advantage in vote intention over the rival Conservatives after a hotly contested campaign two-anda-half months ago.

More Key Findings: * One-in-three strongly disapprove of Trudeau, while six per cent strongly approve of him. * O’Toole favourability is lower among Conservatives now than Scheer was at same time postelection in 2019. * Liberal support is buoyed by women while the CPC suffer from the shift to the PPC among younger male voters.

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WorkSafeBC: Employers, contractors should be aware of hazards during post-flood recovery Hazards may include asbestos and a variety of chemical and biological contaminants

AS British Columbians begin to repair the damage caused by flooding and landslides, WorkSafeBC is reminding employers and contractors to identify hazards and control the risks that may be present during post-flood recovery.

“As we return to our communities and begin cleanup, recovery and rebuilding efforts, it’s important that employers and contractors understand there are potential hazards in homes and workplaces after flooding,” said Al Johnson, Head of Prevention Services at WorkSafeBC, on Tuesday.

“As an employer, you need to conduct a risk assessment to identify the hazards that exist in your workplace and how they may put your workers at risk.”

WorkSafeBC said that a systematic risk assessment is about understanding how your workers may be potentially harmed or potentially at risk and implementing reasonable measures to

control those risks in the workplace.

Johnson pointed out that the hazards may be different across the province, depending on the regional impacts from the flooding, and the type of work being done.

Potential hazards include: * Disturbed asbestos-containing materials. * Chemical or biological contamination. * Damaged equipment. * Structural or electrical damage. * Moisture and mould in buildings. * Animal carcasses.

For each hazard, WorkSafeBC states that employers need to understand which groups of people are at risk. This will help them to determine the best way of controlling the risk.

“Risk assessments need to be tailored for each worksite due to the variety of work that takes place, and the number and types of hazards that have been introduced as a result of the

flooding,” said Johnson.

In some cases, risks must also be assessed and mitigated by qualified professionals. For example, in assessing whether there is a danger from asbestos.

To properly identify asbestos in a building, a qualified testing company or asbestos surveyor must be consulted. Asbestos was widely used in B.C. as a building material until the early 1990s, and it can be present in many areas of older homes and buildings. It can be found in common building materials, such as drywall filling compound, flooring, stucco, and insulation. If home or business owners suspect that asbestos is present, it should not be disturbed or moved.

If asbestos is found, the law requires employers to hire a qualified abatement contractor for removal. A qualified person must also certify that the worksite air is safe, following the comple-

tion of the asbestos removal work.

WorkSafeBC also encourages homeowners to talk to their contractor about planning for asbestos testing and removal if they need to have repairs, renovations or demolition work done after the flooding.

Additional information is available at worksafebc.com. Workers and employers with questions can also call WorkSafeBC’s prevention information line at: 1-888-621-7233.

Resources * Asbestos awareness for homeowners: ThinkAsbestos.com * WorkSafeBC: Conducting a risk assessment * Emergency Management BC: Recovering after a flood * Technical Safety BC: Search for a licensed contractor (For the links in this story, visit our website voiceonline.com)

Improvements to workers’ compensation system coming in 2022: Labour Minister Bains LABOUR Minister Harry Bains announced on Wednesday that in 2022, the NDP government will explore a series of reforms to improve programs and services for workers injured in the workplace, as well as ensure workers are treated fairly while navigating the system.

Recommendations from several expert reports received by government since 2017, including the Helps, Petrie, Boygo and Patterson reports, will guide these changes.

Bains said: “It is crucial that this work includes consultations to ensure employers, workers and

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He added: “We must also better protect workers, the public and our environment from the deadly consequences of exposure to asbestos. Our government is reviewing options for safe asbestos abatement by ensuring employers and workers have appropriate knowledge and safety training.”

Bains said: “We are committed to a sustainable workers’ compensation system with affordable and stable premium rates paid by employers that places injured workers at the centre. Further, it

is critical that work to reduce the incidence of workplace injuries and death remains a primary focus of prevention efforts undertaken daily by WorkSafeBC. “We have been improving the workers’ compensation system since I became minister of labour in July 2017, including last year when our government amended the Workers Compensation Act to improve key areas that directly affect injured workers.”

These changes, which are now fully implemented, include: * fast-tracking access to health treatments for injured workers to maximize their recovery; * improving how benefits are calculated to better support claimants financially; * allowing victim impact statements in court proceedings; and strengthening WorkSafeBC’s investigative tools; * partnering with WorkSafeBC to improve engagement with workers and provide more responsive communications and services.

Bains said: “My ministry and WorkSafeBC are committed to supporting all those who rely on the workers’ compensation system during extremely difficult times in their lives. We are encouraged by the progress we have made so far, and we know we have much more to do.”

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Delta announces THIS calendar winners A 13-year-old Delta resident, who wanted a community where everyone can feel like they belong, is the overall winner of The Harmony Initiative Society (THIS) 2022 Calendar contest. The contest was a partnership between THIS, the Delta Police Department, the Delta Police Foundation and Delta School District.

The contest was also supported by the City of Delta and Tsawwassen Mills Mall.

Randi Cunningham’s prize-winning drawing shows how Delta is a very diverse community with many different industries and people from all walks of life. She is the grand prize winner of a new Apple iPAD. “I think the artwork delivers a message to the community, one of kindness and caring and that we all belong,” said THIS co-founder Warren Flandez in his remarks to the winners at a small ceremony last

Overall winner Randi Cunningham flanked by Delta Police Chief Neil Dubord and Delta Mayor George V. Harvie.

Photo submitted week. “The calendar also offers an opportunity for budding artists to be

seen.”

The calendars are on sale his week

for $10. One hundred percent of proceeds will go to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Delta.

There were 91 submissions in total, and Tsawwassen Mills is displaying all the entries in its community neighbourhood near Entrance 3 by the restaurants. A full list of winners is below.

“I hope all the artists come to the mall to check out their artwork on display, and view all the fantastic art we received,” said Delta Police Chief Neil Dubord. “We’d love if you would post your picture on social and tag us.”

Calendars can be purchased at the Delta Police Headquarters building in Ladner and the Public Safety Building on 84 Avenue in North Delta. They are also available at the Sungod Rec Center, South Delta Rec Center, Ladner Leisure Center and the Tsawwassen Mills Mall Cus-

tomer Service Desk. There are only 400 printed in this first run, due to supply shortages with the floods.

A total of 1,000 calendars will be printed.

THIS is Where You Belong – 2022 Visual Arts Calendar Winners January – Randi Cunningham, Age 13, (Overall winner) February – Belle Haverstock, Age 12 March – Preston Hodgins, Age 9 April – Anaya Kang, Age 10 May – Cassandra Estepho, Age 5, (Aspiring Artist) June – Mitchell Kaltenbacher, Age 6 July – Hannah Kirby (Sara), Age 4 August – Linda Wong, Age 42 September – Olivia Boikman, Age 14, (Emerging Artist) October – Emily Hill, Age 14 November – Everett King, Age 8 December – Meg Neufeld, Age 41, (Inclusive Winner)

Political parties took more than $3.7 million through federal wage subsidy: CTF THE Canadian Taxpayers Federation released analysis on Tuesday showing political parties took more than $3.7 million through the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy.

The British Columbia Liberal Party reportedly took the highest amount among provincial political parties.

“This money was supposed to be for shopkeepers to keep their doors open and their employees paid, not for political parties to pay their staffers who can almost always work from home,” said Kris Sims, B.C. Director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. “Why should our

tax dollars being paying for someone to write their next political party attack ad?”

According to the Elections B.C. financial report data examined by the CTF, the B.C. Liberal Party took $329,603 in the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy.

While the federal NDP took about $325,000, the B.C. chapter of the party does not appear to have received money from the fund.

Federal parties took about $3.2 million through the wage subsidy, according to 2020 financial statements published by Elections Canada.

The Bloc Québécois was the only party in the

House of Commons that did not take the wage subsidy.

“Political parties should have never helped themselves to millions of dollars that were meant to help struggling businesses keep their workers employed during the pandemic,” said Franco Terrazzano, Federal Director with the CTF. “Political parties exploited these subsidies and they need to make sure every penny is paid back.”

B.C. political parties have already taken about $30 million from taxpayers through the per-vote subsidy and the reimbursement of half of their

election campaign costs.

Federal political parties also get special taxpayer treatment, such as the political contributions tax credit. A $100 donation to a political party provides a $75 tax credit, while a $100 donation to a charity provides a $15 federal tax credit.

As of May 2020, federal parties benefited from $145 million through the tax credit over the past five years.

In addition, parties and candidates received $191 million in expense reimbursements for the 2019, 2015 and 2011 federal elections, according to Elections Canada.

Seventy organizations receive grants for anti-racism data engagement COMMUNITY organizations throughout B.C. are receiving funding to help them engage their members on race-based data collection as the Province moves forward with anti-racism data legislation.

“We made a commitment to move forward on anti-racism data legislation in partnership with communities, and I’m thrilled

to see so many organizations stepping up to support this work,” said Rachna Singh, Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism Initiatives. “I look forward to joining some of the community engagement sessions to hear first-hand their thoughts on how best to build and implement the legislation to support our work to address systemic rac-

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from in-person events to webinars that will engage an estimated 1,500 people.

These organizations are drawn from throughout B.C., and include Bangladesh Canada Cultural Association in Victoria, Canada Committee 100 Society, Engaged Community Canada Society, and Mustang Justice at L.A. Matheson Secondary,.

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Surrey RCMP target thieves in local malls, arrest 19 SURREY RCMP’s Community Response Unit recently collaborated with Metro Vancouver Transit Police and loss prevention officers in Guildford Town Centre and Central City Shopping Centre in targeting shoplifters.

Over two days, police arrested 19 people

suspected of shoplifting, resulting in 10 criminal charges for theft under $5,000.

Six of those arrested also had outstanding arrest warrants for other criminal offences.

The suspects ranged in age from 14 to 57 years old and stole various items including

cosmetics, electronics, tools, and liquor, with values ranging between a few dollars to thousands of dollars.

“Police investigate each offence separately, taking into account the value of items stolen, the criminal history of the suspect, and all other circumstances for that of-

fence,” said Staff-Sgt. Nigel Pronger of the Community Response Unit. “Our goal is to hold the offenders to account, break the crime cycle, and prevent further criminal acts. We accomplish this by placing the suspects on conditions to not return to the store or shopping centre.”

Surrey RCMP issue warning after customers looking for good deals attacked SURREY RCMP are cautioning the public about purchasing items through online marketplace applications after two recent attempted robberies in the Guildford area.

‘Tis the season for last minute gift purchases and trying to locate certain hot ticket items can pose a challenge. Often people resort to online marketplace applications to buy and sell merchandise that is difficult to locate in stores. Unfortunately, there are criminals who capitalize on people’s desire to get that perfect gift.

Online buy/sell applications enable criminals to arrange face-to-face meetings with their victims, who they know will be in possession of cash or high valued items. Goods are often advertised at significantly lower

prices than their actual value, which is a tactic used to entice buyers and persuade them into making a deal.

Surrey RCMP Robbery Unit is currently investigating two separate attempted robberies stemming from online market place sales. In both instances, an arrangement was made to meet and purchase a PlayStation. The victims arrived at a pre-determined location with cash to purchase the item and were assaulted by the suspects who attempted to steal their cash, but did not succeed.

Last year, the Surrey RCMP Robbery Unit investigated 15 reports of personal robberies related to online marketplace apps. As a result, five suspects were charged in connection to a majority of the offenses. In almost

all of the robberies, the victims reported the deal seeming too good to turn down.

Surrey RCMP Robbery Unit recommends these tips if you plan to meet an unknown person to buy or sell an item: * Utilize stalls outside of your local police station for meetings and purchases; * Insist on a public meeting place during the day, such as local businesses with regular foot traffic; * Ensure there is camera coverage where you are meeting; * Gather as much information as possible so you know whom you are dealing with, such as their full name and cell phone number; * Do not meet in a secluded place or invite strangers into your home;

* Only meet during daylight hours or in a well-lit and heavily populated area; * Be especially careful when buying or selling high value items; * Tell a friend or family member where you are going and when you’re meeting the buyer/seller; * Take your cell phone and a friend along to accompany you; and * Always trust your instincts while arranging a meeting: If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Anyone with information about these occurrences is asked to call Surrey RCMP at 604599-0502 or, if you wish to make an anonymous report, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or www.solvecrime.ca.

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been charged with possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. His next court appearance is scheduled for December 9.

“Carrying or pointing imitation firearms within our community is unacceptable and, in some cases, criminal. These actions create fear for the victims of these incidents and put police in difficult situations. It is nearly impossible for responding officers to determine if the firearm is an imitation or is real until it is in the hands of the police,” said Abbotsford Police Patrol StaffSgt. Marcus Senft.

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ON Saturday, December 4 at 1:55 p.m., Abbotsford Police patrol officers responded to the 32700-block of South Fraser Way after a motorist called police advising that an unknown male in another vehicle had pointed a handgun at them while driving.

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17

67-year-old man stabbed on SkyTrain in dispute over seat METRO Vancouver Transit Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect that allegedly stabbed a 67-year-old man on board a SkyTrain following a dispute over a seat.

On Saturday, December 4 shortly after 1 p.m., a man boarded an eastbound SkyTrain at Scott Road Station. As he attempted to sit down, he accidentally bumped into another man who was about to sit in the same seat. The victim ignored the accidental bump and moved to a different part of the train.

Moments later, the suspect allegedly approached the victim, got close to his face and demanded an apology. The victim pushed the suspect away into a nearby seat and attempted to hold him down until help could arrive, when he felt a sharp pain in

The suspect.

his side. The victim looked down and allegedly saw that the suspect had a knife in his hand.

As the SkyTrain arrived at Gateway Station, the suspect ran off the train and out of the station. The victim remained on the train and was met by SkyTrain staff and Transit Police at Surrey Central Station. The victim was taken to the hospital with multiple stab wounds.

Transit Police and Surrey RCMP conducted extensive patrols around the area but were unable to locate the suspect. The victim remains in hospital with serious but non-lifethreatening injuries.

The suspect is described as a male, 5’7” tall, weighing approximately 130 pounds, with possibly a moustache or goatee. He was wearing a black jacket with a dark hoodie pulled up over his head and grey pants, and

was carrying a leather satchel.

“The details surrounding this attack are deeply concerning. The level of violence that this man used over something as mundane as being accidentally bumped into is shocking. Transit Police is committed to identifying the suspect as soon a possible before he has the opportunity to hurt someone else,” said Constable Mike Yake.

“We are asking the public to take a good look at the photographs of the suspect. We feel confident that anyone who can help us identify him will do the right thing and contact us immediately.”

Anyone with any information regarding the identity of this suspect or who may have witnessed this incident is asked to contact Metro Vancouver Transit Police at 604-5167419 or text at 87-77-77.

Vancouver Police recover $75,000 in merchandise in pre-Christmas shoplifting enforcement VANCOUVER Police arrested more than 200 offenders and recovered $75,000 in stolen property during a month-long antishoplifting campaign in the downtown core.

“Business owners and their staff continue to struggle with prolific, and often violent thieves, who seem to think they can steal with impunity,” said Sgt. Steve Addison on Monday. “Since November 4, a dedicated group of VPD officers has worked directly with retail staff in the downtown core to identify and apprehend shoplifters. The results are alarming.”

The numbers: * 323 incidents investigated * 195 arrests * 330 criminal charges * $75,052 merchandise recovered * 23 incidents in which a weapon was used * 35 weapons seized Incidents of note: – A 48-year-old man walked into a cosmetics retailer near Howe Street and Georgia Street on December 4 and tried to steal a bottle of perfume valued at $184. When a 22-year-old staff member

followed the man out of the store, the suspect turned and charged at the employee with a metal chain. The suspect fled, but was later arrested and has now been charged with theft and assault with a weapon.

– A man with 39 prior criminal convictions tried to steal two $30 pillows from a department store on Granville Street and was arrested by VPD officers on November 19. Officers found the man in possession of a knife, metal knuckles, and padded gloves. The 28-year-old suspect later failed to attend court and is now wanted B.C.-wide.

– A man who was already on probation for theft was caught stealing a $2,500 laptop from a computer store on West Georgia Street on November 7. VPD officers took him to jail, but he was later released from custody and told to come back to court on another day. The man, who has 69 prior criminal convictions, was re-arrested 11 days later after he tried to steal $60 in hair tongs from a downtown department store.

“It’s troubling for our officers to see the same offenders – many of whom are living with complex social needs like drug

addiction, poverty, and mental illness – repeatedly getting arrested for such low-level crimes,” said Addison. “Sadly, 60 per cent of the people arrested during the month-long campaign said they did not have a permanent place to sleep, and many told us they were planning to sell the stolen goods either online or in the Downtown Eastside to make a few

bucks.”

The Vancouver Police Department continues to work closely with store owners and staff throughout the city to address concerns about rising retail thefts. Anyone who observes a crime in progress is encouraged to call 9-1-1 so officers can be immediately dispatched. Non-urgent matters can be reported to 604-717-3321.

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Give this Christmas to our Homeless and those in Need We at RBC Royal bank of Canada King George Branch would like to request the community to support "The Homeless and those in Need " by donating the following items like blankets, tooth brushes, tooth paste, socks, gloves, soap, cereals and other items that can be used by those who do not have a shelter to live in.

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Indo-Canadian Voice Main | Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021

18

Coquitlam RCMP appeal for dash cam video, residential video or any other information in shooting The victim is not known to police and is cooperating with investigators

THE Coquitlam RCMP said on Monday that they are continuing to investigate the shooting that occurred on the weekend, leaving one man injured.

On December 4, at approximately 4:41 p.m., police responded to a shots-fired call in the 1600-block of Chickadee Place in Coquitlam. A victim was located with a gunshot wound. He was transported to hospital by Emergency Health Services where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and later released.

His nine-year-old son was in the back seat of the vehicle at the time of the shooting, but escaped with no physical injuries.

A silver sedan was seen leaving the area immediately following the shooting.

At approximately 4:57 p.m., a vehicle fire was reported to the Port Moody Police Department on Maude Court. The vehicle appeared to have been abandoned and

Early 2000’s Infiniti G35. intentionally set on fire. No injuries were reported in relation to the vehicle fire.

The burnt vehicle is described as an early 2000’s Infiniti G35 and silver in colour.

Coquitlam RCMP is now investigating the nexus between the burnt vehicle in Port Moody and the shooting in Coquitlam.

Police said that it was important to note that there is insufficient evidence to link this incident to the ongoing Lower Main-

land Gang Conflict or to rule that out, but they do not believe this was a completely random act. Police said they cannot draw inferences that the shooting was a case of mistaken identity and the community should not draw inferences about the victim. The victim is not known to police and is cooperating with investigators. This remains “an active and fluid” investigation.

“We know this is an unsettling event and casts a ripple effect on public safety in our communities. We are working diligently to gather facts and evidence so that we may find those responsible for this incident,” said Media Relations Officer Cpl. Paige Kuz. The Coquitlam RCMP Major Crime Section has conduct of both of these investigations.

Police officers are appealing to members of the public who may have been in the following areas for any dash camera vid-

eo, residential video or any other information that could assist in this investigation: – the Westwood Plateau and surrounding areas on December 4, between 4:20 p.m. and 5:20 p.m.

– the area of Maude Court and Noons Creek Drive on December 4, between 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

“Anyone who may have been in the area between these two locations is a potential witness,” said Kuz. “Residents of areas surrounding these two locations are being urged to mine their memories and review their video surveillance for suspicious vehicles or persons that were new to the area or didn’t seem to belong there, on December 4 or on the days prior.”

If anyone has information, you are requested to call the Coquitlam RCMP Detachment at 604-945-1550 and ask to speak to the Major Crime Section.

IHIT says cause of death in Abbotsford vehicle fire is not suspicious THE Integrated Homicide Investigation Team announced on Wednesday that after a detailed investigation it has been decided that the cause of death in Sunday’s incident in Abbotsford is not suspicious.

On December 5 at about 2:42 a.m., the Abbotsford Police Department responded to a vehicle fire at the 5000-block of Riverside Street. When the fire was extinguished by Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service, human remains were located in the

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vehicle. After examining the scene, Abbotsford Police’s Major Crime detectives believed that the death was suspicious and IHIT was called in to investigate.

IHIT said that after completing a detailed investigation with assistance from Abbotsford Police Major Crime detectives, the

Abbotsford Police Forensic Identification Section, and the BC Coroners Service, the cause of death at this time is not considered suspicious.

As a result, Abbotsford Police now has conduct of the file. There will be no identification of the victim.

19-year-old arrested by Abbotsford Police after pointing imitation firearm at motorist ON Saturday, December 4 at 1:55 p.m., Abbotsford Police patrol officers responded to the 32700-block of South Fraser Way after a motorist called police advising that an unknown male in another vehicle had pointed a handgun at them while driving.

With the assistance of the caller, officers located the man and his vehicle. A highrisk arrest was conducted resulting in the man being safely taken into custody. During the man’s arrest, an imitation firearm was located within his waistband.

Nineteen-year-old Dane Aspin of Mission

has been charged with possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. His next court appearance is scheduled for December 9.

“Carrying or pointing imitation firearms within our community is unacceptable and, in some cases, criminal. These actions create fear for the victims of these incidents and put police in difficult situations. It is nearly impossible for responding officers to determine if the firearm is an imitation or is real until it is in the hands of the police,” said Abbotsford Police Patrol Staff-Sgt. Marcus Senft.

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Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021 | Indo-Canadian Voice Main

19

Burnaby RCMP release dash-cam video from drunk driver to illustrate dangers of impaired driving WITH the holiday season approaching, Burnaby RCMP have released dash-cam video of a recently convicted impaired driver to illustrate the dangers of drinking and driving.

The video was taken on January 8, 2021, and was captured by the impaired driver’s own dash cam as he travelled from Richmond to Vancouver and into Burnaby. The video was later seized by police after a search warrant was executed.

The video shows the driver crossing the centre line towards oncoming traffic multiple times, narrowly missing other vehicles.

The video also shows the driver blowing through a stop sign and driving through a red light.

In one portion of the video, pedestrians are walking through an intersection, not far from the vehicle.

Police were first alerted to the situation around 11:57 p.m. when several callers reported that a Cadillac Escalade had struck parked vehicles and a fire hydrant near Royal Oak Avenue and Marine Drive, sending water onto the street and into nearby homes.

Despite the impact of the crashes, the driver made the decision to keep driving. The dash cam video shows the driver continu-

Visit our website voiceonline.com to view the video. ing along the road in an oncoming lane before crashing into a stop sign.

The driver finally came to a stop near Gilley Avenue and Marine Drive around 12:03 a.m. as Burnaby RCMP officers arrived. By then, the SUV was badly damaged and was missing a tire.

The driver refused to provide a breath sample and did not cooperate with police.

In August, 2021, a 62-year-old Burnaby resident was convicted of impaired driving. He received a one-year driving prohibition and a $1,000 fine.

The actions of the driver caused an estimated $28,000 in flooding damage to nearby homes, and more than $6,600 in damage to City of Burnaby property.

“It is shocking that nobody was killed or in-

Man known to police shot in Cloverdale home in Surrey ON Thursday, December 9 at 1:15 a.m., Surrey RCMP responded to the report of shots fired in the of 17700-block of 60 Avenue. Attending officers located one man who had been shot inside a residence.

The 26-year-old man was taken to local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and has since been released.

Surrey RCMP General Investigation Unit has taken conduct of the investigation, which is still in early stages. Officers canvassed in the area and a residence was secured pending a search war-

rant.

“The victim is known to police and is not cooperating with the investigation,” said Media Relations Officer Constable Sarbjit Sangha. “Based on the information gathered so far no links have been identified to the Lower Mainland Gang Conflict.”

Anyone who may have witnessed the shooting is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-5990502.

If they wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or www.solvecrime. ca.

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jured, including the driver,” said Cpl. Mike Kalanj. “This driver made a decision to put himself and others at risk when he got behind the wheel that night and drove through three cities. Burnaby RCMP is sharing the video in hopes it may deter others from drinking and driving.”

“We urge everyone to watch this video. This is what impaired driving looks like,” Kalanj added. “There is no excuse for being impaired behind the wheel.”

The holiday season brings with it the annual December CounterAttack campaign. Police are urging drivers to make the responsible decision to plan a safe ride home.

When you decide to drive impaired, you are not only risking your life, but the lives of others on the road and those around the road, police point out.

On average, 16 people are killed and 830

injured in 1,500 impaired driving related crashed in the Lower Mainland alone every year.

Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs is a criminal offence and can severely alter your life and the lives of others. Some of the results of impaired driving may include: – Criminal charges – Injuries – Death of others – Your death Police have planned CounterAttack roadchecks all across this province over the coming weeks.

“If you plan on attending a gathering where alcohol is involved, please plan for a safe ride home,” said Kalanj. “If you choose to drive impaired, you are taking the risk of coming across a CounterAttack roadcheck and you will be taken off the road.”

EVENTS South Asian Adults and Seniors

Vancouver Christmas Market

Yoga: Yoga classes will be conducted

by Gunwant Kaur Chana, expert yoga instructor, on Monday, December 13 and Thursday, December 16 from 10 to 11 a.m. on both days. All the participants are requested to join those who have already been double vaccinated and they should bring a facemask and a yoga mat with them and follow social distancing for placing yoga mats. Contact Surendra Handa, Coordinator, Vedic Seniors Parivar Centre, Lakshmi Narayan Temple, 8321 140 Street, Surrey, at 604-507- 9945 for registration and further information.

The Vancouver Christmas Market returns home to Jack Poole Plaza (downtown Vancouver at the Olympic Cauldron), lighting up the holiday season with an expanded six-week schedule from November 13 to December 24. Now in its 11th year, the Germaninspired market is both the longest-running and largest Christmas Market – and the only European Christmas Market – in Vancouver. * Vancouver Christmas Market event dates include: From now – December 23: open 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

December 24: open 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. * Online ticket pricing for the 2021 market season (not including fees and taxes): $12.99 Adult (18-64 years) $10.99 Seniors (65+ years) $6.99 Youth (expanded age band for the 2021 market – 7-17 years) Free for children (six and under) Season Pass: $19.99 * Parking: Street parking and several public parkades are located nearby * Transit: The market is a short walk from Waterfront Station and several bus routes Website: vancouverchristmasmarket.com

Bingo on the House: 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 Sunday, December 12 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Shanti Niketan Hall. Bring only $2 with you for 2 games. Members will explain the game to you. Use a facemask and practice social distancing while seated for everyone’s safety. Tea and light snacks will be served.

Indo-Canadian Voice Main | Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021

20

B.C. Seniors Advocate calls for increased awareness and better co-ordination regarding seniors’ abuse and neglect SENIORS Advocate Isobel Mackenzie on Wednesday released the results of a systemic review of seniors’ abuse and neglect in British

Columbia in a report titled Hidden and Invisible.

The report examined current legislative protections, assessed reporting practices, reviewed

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The review highlights that reports of abuse and neglect of people 65 and over have increased significantly in the past five years with: * 49% increase in report of abuse, neglect and self-neglect to health authorities (designated agencies) * 69% increase in reports of victims of violent crime to the RCMP * 87% increase in reports of physical abuse to the Vancouver Police * 49% increase of financial abuse to the Vancouver Police * 30% increase in reports of abuse to bc211 “Reported cases of seniors’ abuse and neglect have risen significantly over the past five years.

This tells us that the problem is growing. As the population continues to age, we must ensure our systems for identifying, reporting and reducing seniors abuse and neglect are strong,” said Mackenzie.

The report indicates that 28% of British Columbians report witnessing seniors abuse and neglect, but less than half reported the abuse, mostly because they did not know who to call.

“We know that British Columbians care about seniors and want to do the right thing, but they are lacking the information and tools they need to ensure quick and effective reporting of the abuse, neglect and self-neglect of our vulnerable seniors,” said Mackenzie.

The report highlights a fragmented system, with many options for a person to report a concern of seniors’ abuse, neglect or self-neglect. The fragmented system includes seven designated agencies with legislated responsibility to respond to protection concerns for vulnerable adults, the police, the Public Guardian and Trustee, the Seniors Abuse and Information Line, and BC211.

“When we look at the current system, we find there are 10 or more numbers, that are not well known, that people might call to report an abuse concern. We need to move to a coordinated system similar to what we have for reporting child protection concerns. A system with one phone number that is well known province wide, that people can call if they are concerned a senior is being neglected, abused or is suffering from self-neglect,” said Mackenzie.

The report also highlighted the need for a centralized tracking and reporting system to better understand patterns and trends over time that will help identify successful intervention strategies.

“We need a much better understanding of the full extent of seniors abuse and neglect in B.C., and to achieve this we need better data. We cannot effectively fix a problem until it is properly analyzed,” said Mackenzie.

In addition to the immediate actions needed to improve awareness and reporting of seniors’ abuse, neglect and self-neglect, the report recommends a comprehensive review of the Adult Guardianship Act. “There was significant work done in the 1990s to protect vulnerable adults, but we know much more now than we did then. And it is time to apply our learning to update the Act to meet the needs of our growing seniors population,” said Mackenzie.

The report includes five recommendations: 1. Establish provincial standards of practice, policies, and front-line training to respond to seniors’ abuse and neglect 2. Create province-wide public awareness initiatives and training on seniors’ abuse and neglect 3. Develop a central, single point of contact to report calls of concern of seniors’ abuse and neglect 4. Ensure consistent data collection, methods, and definitions to record, track and monitor abuse and neglect cases 5. Undertake a full comprehensive review of the Adult Guardianship Act The complete report is available at www.seniorsadvocatebc.ca/osa-reports/hidden-and-invisible-report/

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Modi pays last respects to helicopter crash victims.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday evening paid last respects to Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 defence personnel who were killed in the Mi-17V5 helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu. He was joined by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and the three Service Chiefs at the Palam Air Base.

A tri-service inquiry has been ordered by the IAF headed by Air Marshal Manvendra Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Training Command, to investigate the Mi-17V5 helicopter crash that killed Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 other military personnel, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in a statement in Parliament.

The Flight Data Recorder (FDR) of the crashed helicopter has been recovered from the wreckage, an IAF official said. It will be sent for analysis to find out what happened in the last moments before it went down in the jungle.

Giving out the details of the incident, Singh said Gen. Rawat was on a scheduled visit to the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, to interact with the student officers.

The IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter took off from the Sulur Air Base at 11:48 a.m. on Wednesday and was expected to land at Wellington by 12:15 p.m. The Air Traffic Control at the Sulur Air Base lost contact with the helicopter at approximately 12:08 p.m.

Subsequently, a few locals noticed a fire in the forest near Coonoor and rushed to the spot where they saw the wreckage of

General Bipin Rawat and his wife. the military helicopter engulfed in flames, he said. “Rescue teams from the local administration in the vicinity reached the site and attempted to recover the survivors from the crash site.”

All those recovered from the wreckage were rushed to the Military Hospital, Wellington, and 13 of the 14 persons onboard the ill-fated helicopter have succumbed to their injuries. Group Captain Varun Singh is on life support in the Military Hospital at Wellington and all efforts are being made to save his life, Singh said, ending the statement by paying homage to the

deceased persons and expressing condolences to the bereaved families. A defence official said the severity of the crash had led to difficulty in positive identification of the mortal remains. “All possible measures are being taken for positive identification considering the sensitivities and emotional well-being of the loved ones,” the official said.

Appropriate military rites of all personnel would be ensured in consultation with close relatives once the process of positive identification was completed, the official added.

Scene of the crash.

Indo-Canadian Voice Main | Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021

SOUTH ASIA / PUNJAB

22

Modi, Putin discuss regional, global developments, including Afghanistan situation New Delhi (IANS): India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin met in New Delhi on Monday and discussed regional and global developments, including the post-pandemic global economic recovery, and the situation in Afghanistan.

Accompanied by a high-level delegation, Putin visited New Delhi for the 21st India-Russia annual summit. He extended an invitation to Modi to visit Russia for the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit in 2022.

The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the sustained progress in the ‘Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership’ between both countries despite the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic.

They welcomed the holding of the first meeting of the 2+2 Dialogue of Foreign and Defence Ministers and the meeting of the InterGovernmental Commission on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation in New Delhi.

The leaders underscored the need for greater economic cooperation and in this context, emphasised on new drivers of growth for long-term, predictable, and sustained eco-

nomic cooperation.

They appreciated the success story of mutual investments and looked forward to greater investments in each others’ countries.

The role of connectivity through the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the proposed Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor figured in the discussions.

The two leaders looked forward to greater inter-regional cooperation between various regions of Russia, in particular with the Russian Far East, with India’s states.

They appreciated the ongoing bilateral cooperation in the fight against the Covid pandemic, including humanitarian assistance extended by both countries to each other in critical times of need.

The leaders discussed regional and global developments, including the post-pandemic global economic recovery, and the situation in Afghanistan.

They agreed that both countries share common perspectives and concerns on Afghanistan and appreciated the bilateral roadmap charted out at the NSA level for consultation

Vladimir Putin and Narendra Modi and cooperation on Afghanistan.

They noted that both sides shared common

positions on many international issues and agreed to further strengthen cooperation at multilateral fora, including at the UN Security Council.

Putin congratulated Modi for India’s ongoing non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council and the successful Presidency of BRICS in 2021, while Prime Minister Modi congratulated Russia for its ongoing chairmanship of the Arctic Council.

In a joint statement, the two sides stressed that partnership for peace, progress and prosperity aptly covers the state and prospects of bilateral ties.

Coinciding with the visit, several government-to-government agreements and MoUs, as well as those between commercial and other organisations of both countries, were signed in different sectors such as trade, energy, science and technology, intellectual property, outer space, geological exploration, cultural exchange, education, and others.

This is a reflection of the multifaceted nature of our bilateral partnership, the statement said.

Full-scale production of AK-203 rifles in India in 2-3 years New Delhi: Russia confirms its readiness to ensure full-scale production of the AK-203

assault rifles in India within two-three years, said Alexander Mikheev, Director General of

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the Russian state agency, JSC Rosoboronexport (RoE). The manufacturing of the rifles at the plant in Uttar Pradesh is likely to begin within a few months, officials said.

“The first 70,000 AK-203 rifles will be produced in India with a phased increase in the extent of localisation from 5% to 70%. The rest of the rifles will be produced with 100% localisation,” Mikheev stated on the just-concluded deal to manufacture over 600,000 rifles.

Since 2019, Russian and Indian specialists have completed a huge amount of preparatory work to optimise the price and tech parameters of the contract, Kalashnikov spokesperson Maria Vorobyeva said. “Today, the long-awaited contract for the production of more than 600,000 assault rifles in India has been signed. We are ready to start producing the AK-203 assault rifles in India in the upcoming months,” she added.

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On this, Mikheev said, to date, a modern production line has been established at Korwa, and a small arms range has been set up, where both the factory and acceptance tests of the assault rifles will be carried out. “Rosoboronexport and Kalashnikov specialists take an active part in all production setup stages,” he said.

In the IRRPL, the Russian side owns 49.5% share, with the Kalashnikov concern holding 42% and Rosoboronexport 7.5%. “An international technology cooperative chain has been set up. With up to 100% localisation, the joint venture will manufacture more than 600,000 Kalashnikov assault rifles and meet the needs of the country’s security agencies in the leastcost manner,” Mikheev added.

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In Army for 43 years, General Rawat was working to modernize Indian military

New Delhi (IANS): After 43 years in service, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat (63) was tasked with making the Indian military modern and capable of dealing with any emerging security challenges on the Northern or Western borders.

Unfortunately, his life was cut short after a tragic chopper crash on Wednesday in the Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu killed Rawat, his wife and 11 others onboard the ill-fated helicopter.

General Rawat took charge as India’s first Chief of Defence Staff on January 1, 2020. The position was created to integrate the three services -- Army, Navy and Air Force. The CDS is mandated to facilitate integration, ensure best economical use of resources allocated to the armed forces and bring uniformity in the procurement procedure.

As CDS, General Rawat was also the Principal Military Advisor to the Defence Minister on all tri-services matters.

Later, he was also appointed as the head of the newly-created Department of Military Affairs.

On December 17, 2016, the government had appointed him as the 27th Chief of the Army Staff. He took charge on December 31, 2016, after the retirement of General Dalbir Singh Suhag.

He had assured the government that the Army,

Navy and Air Force will work as a team and the CDS will ensure integration among the three forces.

He played a key role in ensuring optimum utilisation of allocated budget, ushering more synergy in procurement, training and operations of the services through joint planning and

integration.

He facilitated indigenisation of weapons and equipment to the maximum extent possible while formulating the overall defence acquisition plan for the three services.

When he took over as Chief of Defence Staff, General Rawat vowed to work to create more synergy among the three services.

“The CDS is mandated to facilitate integration, ensure best economical use of resources allocated to the armed forces and bring uniformity in the procurement procedure. I want to assure you that the Army, Navy and Air Force will work as a team and the CDS will ensure integration among these,” he had said.

Before being appointed as the CDS, he had served as Indian Army chief for three years.

He was an alumnus of National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, and National Defence College. He also attended the Command and General Staff Course at Fort Leavenworth in the US. During his distinguished career in the Army, General Rawat commanded an infantry battalion along the Line of Actual Control in the Eastern Sector, a Rashtriya Rifles Sector, an infantry division in the Kashmir Valley and a Corps in the Northeast.

General Rawat had also commanded a Multi-

national Brigade in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

As an Army Commander, he commanded a theatre of operations along the Western Front and was appointed the Vice Chief of the Army Staff before assuming office of Chief of Army Staff.

During the span of 43 years in the Army, General Rawat has been awarded several gallantry and distinguished service awards.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres is “deeply saddened” by the death of Generl Bipin Rawat, India’s Chief of Defence Services and a veteran of UN peacekeeping operations, according to his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.

“He served the United Nations with distinction, and we fully appreciated that work,” Dujarric said on Wednesday.

Guterres “expresses his heartfelt condolences to the families and the deceased to the people and government of India”, he said.

Rawat was the Kivu Brigade Commander in the peacekeeping operation, United Nations Organisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo known by its French initials as MONUSCO, during 2008-2009 when he had the rank of Lt General.

December 4 incident was misuse, abuse of AFSPA, says Nagaland Chief Minister Kohima (IANS): Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Thursday said that the December 4 firing by the security forces that left 14 civilians killed and 30 others injured, was a misuse and abuse of the Armed Forces (Special Power) Act, 1958 which “is violative of human rights” and opposed by the Naga people for decades.

The Nagaland government on Thursday also decided to hold a special session of the Assembly on December 20 to discuss and pass a resolution for repealing the AFSPA. Addressing a tribute programme in Kohima in memory of the slain civilians, Rio appealed to the people not to retaliate against anyone in connection with the tragic incident.

He said that it is the time to defeat violence in a non-violent manner and asked the people to shun violence and show the nation that the AFSPA is not needed.

“The society cannot allow any force to derail

the hard-won peace process,” he said and hoped that the country and the rest of the world would understand the Nagas’ story while Nagas also want lasting peace.

Former Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang, strongly demanding repeal of the AFSPA, said that the act brought only pain and suffering. He said that no amount of reason can justify the killing of innocent civilians and urged the government to leave no stones unturned to bring the perpetrators to justice.

EXPRESSING regret over the Nagaland firing incident, Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said that a probe by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) will be completed within a month and asserted that all agencies must ensure such happenings do not recur while taking action against insurgents.

In his statement in Lok Sabha, Shah offered

condolences to the families of those killed in the incident on December 4. Security forces opened fire on civilians killing 14 and injuring 11 more in Nagaland’s Mon district in three consecutive episodes, the first of which was a case of mistaken identity, police said on Sunday. One soldier also died in the rioting which followed.

Narrating the sequence of events, Shah said the Army received information on the movement of insurgents in Nagaland’s Mon and ‘21 Para Commando’ unit laid an ambush.

A vehicle was signalled to stop but it tried to speed away and suspecting the presence of extremists in the vehicle, the security personnel opened fire, he said. Six out of eight occupants of the vehicle died as a result of the firing by security forces, Shah said, adding that later, it was found to be a case of mistaken identity.

He said local people on getting news of firing

surrounded and attacked the troops and one soldier was killed in violence while several others were injured. Shah said that in self defence and to disperse the crowd, the troops had to open fire in which seven civilians were killed.

He said that on Sunday evening, an agitated crowd targeted Assam Rifles company operating base and forces had to open fire in which one civilian was killed. It has been decided all agencies must ensure such incidents do not happen in the future during action against insurgents, the minister said. Expressing dissatisfaction with the statement, opposition parties including the Congress, DMK, SP, BSP and the NCP walked out of the House.

Earlier in the day, Lok Sabha members condemned the Nagaland incident and demanded an impartial probe. Members also called for the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).

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Farmers’ memorial inaugurated in Punjab Chandigarh (IANS): Punjab PWD Minister Vijay Inder Singla on Wednesday inaugurated the farmers’ memorial ‘Yadgar-eShaheedaan’ in the state’s Sangrur town.

This memorial has the names of all the farmers and farm labourers, “who sacrificed their lives during year-long protest in national capital against three black agriculture laws”, engraved on stone.

The minister said the ninth Sikh Guru, Teg Bahadur, has sacrificed his life for the sake of humanity and following the preaching of Sikh Gurus, the farmers have also laid down their lives against the “antifarmer” policies.

“Every section of Punjab has contributed in this farmers’ protest irrespective of their caste, religion, or profession. We in Pun-

jab have a history of celebrating martyrdom. This memorial is our tribute to those brave souls who sacrificed their lives for the noble cause,” Singla said, while inaugurating the memorial.

He said he was proud of being a Punjabi, a community that played leading role in mobilising the farmers and farm labourers and forcing the Union

government to repeal three ‘black’ farm laws that otherwise would have had wrecked agriculture sector had they got implemented.

“More than 700 people sacrificed their lives in this historical protest that persisted peacefully for one year despite all the efforts by the Union government to discredit the noble cause and farm unions,” Singla added.

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Punjab Chief Minister inaugurates statue of Sikh revolutionary leader Chandigarh (IANS): Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Thursday inaugurated the statue of legendary Sikh revolutionary leader Baba Maharaj Singh at Rabbon Uchi village in Ludhiana district.

Later, he also paid obeisance at Gurdwara Damdama Sahib in the village.

Channi was accompanied by MP Amar Singh and MLA Payal Lakhbir Singh Lakha.

Speaking on the occasion, Channi said Baba Maharaj Singh led an anti-British movement in Punjab after the first Anglo-Sikh war and exhorted the people to strive for unity and integrity of the nation and follow the path shown by the first Sikh martyr of the Independence struggle.

The Chief Minister said Baba Maharaj Singh was a great patriot who sacrificed his life for the sake of freedom of the country.

He said attempts were made to portray the 1857 revolt as the beginning of the freedom movement of the country but the history proved fact that Baba Maharaj Singh had started the struggle for Independence at the time when he tried to free the last Sikh ruler Maharaja Dalip Singh from the clutches of the British regime.

Charanjit Singh Channi in front of Baba Maharaj Singh’s statue.

But the British got a tipoff of the plans made by Baba Maharaj Singh in league with his comrades and imprisoned and sent him to Singapore where he suffered innumerable hardships and was martyred on July 5, 1856, Channi added.

After paying obeisance at Gurdwara Damdama Sahib, the Chief Minister also honoured religious personalities with ap-

preciation certificates for work done by them during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On his way back to the helipad, Channi saw a group of villagers standing along the road. Signaling his cavalcade to stop for a while, the Chief Minister interacted with residents to listen their grievances and assured them of a quick resolution to their satisfaction.

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End of farmers’ stir to pave way for constructive environment: Amarinder Chandigarh (IANS): Congratulating the farmers over the triumphant culmination of their 15-month-long agitation against the (now scrapped) farm laws and other issues, Punjab Lok Congress (PLC) chief Amarinder Singh on Thursday hoped that it would pave the way for a more constructive political environment for the progress of the farming community, which constitute the backbone of India’s economic growth and sustainability.

Almost 15 months after the agitation began, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), an umbrella body of farmer unions that led the protest, said on Thursday that it has suspended the agaitation after receiving positive assurances from the government on their demands, adding that the borders of Delhi will be cleared

by Saturday. The SKM also said that it would hold a review meeting on January 15.

Amarinder Singh, the former Chief Minister of Punjab who recently left the Congress and floated his own political outfit, said he was happy that the farmers’ fight has reached its logical conclusion, and the Uttar Pradesh and Haryana governments have agreed in principle to follow his own erstwhile government’s decision in Punjab to compensate the families of farmers who had lost their lives during the agitation.

The Amarinder Singh-led Punjab government had announced Rs 5 lakh as financial aid and a job for one member each of the deceased farmers’ families in December 2020 and January 2021, re-

Amarinder Singh

spectively.

In a statement, the former Chief Minister expressed relief that the agitating farmers, farm labourers and their families will finally be back in the warm comfort of their homes after camping on Delhi’s borders since November last year.

Amarinder Singh hoped the lingering issue of minimum support price (MSP), for which the Centre has now constituted a committee, would also be resolved soon to the satisfaction of the farmers.

He further hoped that all future legislations and decisions concerning the farming community, which has been at the forefront of India’s progressive march since Independence, would be taken in the spirit of mutual agreement, after due consulta

Sand mafia in Punjab worth Rs 20,000 crore: Kejriwal Amritsar (IANS): Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday said the sand mafia in Punjab alone runs illegal business of over Rs 20,000 crore [1 crore = 10 million].

There are serious allegations of direct involvement of ruling Congress MLAs, their ministers and their close associates, including the Chief Minister himself.

Kejriwal was responding to the queries of the media persons on his arrival at Sri Guru

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He asked that when allegations of involvement of the Congress MLAs and ministers, including the Chief Minister, in sand mafia and many other illegal activities are being levelled, then who would protect the interests of the general public.

“Who will save the interest of Punjab? To whom will the common people go for justice? Can the welfare of Punjab and the people of Punjab be expected from such mafia and patrons of mafia state?”

Kejriwal said earlier the Badals and the BJP had looted the state by patronizing all sorts of mafia during their regime.

In 2017, people expressed their faith in the promises made by the Congress and the Captain (Amarinder Singh), but they too followed the footsteps of the Badals.

He said according to an estimate, illegal trade of Rs 20,000 crore per annum in sand and gravel mining alone was going on in Punjab. This money can be used for the welfare of the people, but it is going into the pockets of the leaders instead of the government coffers.

Kejriwal promised that with the formation of the AAP government in 2022, all sorts of mafia, including illegal sand mining, would be shut down.

The money that is going into the pockets of political leaders from the resources of the state due to mafia rule will go to the needy pockets of mothers, sisters and the elderly.

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Now in its fifth generation, the Toyota RAV4 remains the leader in its size class, and it has also been Canada’s best-selling non-pickup passenger vehicle for two years.

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The fifth-generation RAV4, introduced for 2019, offers the model’s widest selection ever, including first-ever RAV4 TRD Jeep® Graphic Studios opens its virtual door to meet increased customer demand to customize and personalize their Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator, offering more options than ever before Jeep 4x4 enthusiasts can go to JeepGraphicStudio.com for a variety of unique exterior and interior customizations Jeep brand will offer textured graphics, an industry first, to highlight elements such as topographic maps and woodgrain.

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AUTO BAZAR

Honda Civic Si: New Benchmark for Sport Compact Sedans first time, Civic Si features a rev-matching system from the Civic Type R. As a true enthusiast vehicle, the Si exclusively is offered with three pedals and a stick shift.

To maximize the Si’s handling, ride quality and overall driver enjoyment, its suspension has been completely retuned with stiffer springs, firmer dampers, strategically stiffer bushings and thicker anti-roll bars. Updates to the steering system greatly improve steering feel.

Sporty design cues unique to the Civic Si add a bit of attitude. Civic Si also features gloss black exterior trim on the mirrors and window surrounds. An Si-exclusive Blazing Orange Pearl paint colour is available, and large 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels finished in Sispecific matte black are standard.

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Chandra Vasser named as Vice President and Chief Diversity, Inclusion Officer, for its Americas region Nashville TeNNessee: Nissan has named Chandra Vasser to the new position of vice president and chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer, for its Americas region.

In this newly created role, Vasser will drive Nissan’s strategy to expand diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) across business functions in the Americas region, while developing partnerships and plans to share the company’s DEI commitment with employees, customers and the community.

“Taking actions to strengthen our focus on diversity, equity and inclusion is a critical part of the culture change that

aluminum shift knob. Sport pedals are standard.

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we’ve committed to with our Nissan NEXT transformation,” said Jérémie Papin, chairperson, Nissan Americas.

“Chandra brings great experience to the role and will drive how we value equity and inclusion with all of our stakeholders, including employees, customers, dealers and suppliers.”

Vasser most recently was a director of finance for several sales and marketing functions in Nissan’s U.S. business operations. She joined Nissan in 2004, and worked in positions of increasing responsibility in the finance and purchasing functions.

Among her roles, she currently is a member of Nissan’s Diversity Advisory Council, and she previously worked as director of purchasing for several functional areas, which included leadership of supplier diversity. Under her leadership, Nissan was recognized as the “2016 Corporation of the Year” by the TriState Minority Supplier Development Council (TSMSDC).

Vasser earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Tennessee State University, and an MBA from the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University.

She recently completed the McKinsey Academy’s Black Executive Leadership Program.

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Si’s standard 6-speed manual transmission has been reengineered with greater shift feel and 10 percent shorter throws and, for the

Indo-Canadian Voice Main | Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021 28

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Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021 | Indo-Canadian Voice Main

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JULIA (G)****

You are what you eat. Those are words to live by. Meet a one of a kind food maestro in the tantalizing Julia. Long before the likes of The Galloping Gourmet , Emeril or Gordan Ramsay there was a little old ( actually young) lady from Pasadena who took the world by storm. With apologies to The Beach Boys trust consummate filmmakers Ron Howard and Brian Grazer to deliver a five star rating with Julia, now on at the International Village in Vancouver and select Cineplex screens throughout British Columbia courtesy of Mongrel Media and Sony Pictures Classics. Dinner and a movie never sounded so good.

Now the Julia we are talking about is Julia Child. Light years ahead of her time this woman truly revolutionized the food experience for millions of Americans and Canadians.

Through archival footage and interviews this documentary dives deep into the complicated history of a one of a kind woman who broke down sexual barriers and in the process became a megastar and household name.

Born into a privileged moneyed Republican family our Julia always stood out. With an independent streak the woman struck out on her own and found her way in France.

The Indo-Canadian

Running time: 1h 35min

Now In love with the diplomatic Paul the pair enjoyed life to the fullest in Gay Paree., In this fabled city of light our Julia became enamoured with French cooking and from there the rest is history Against all odds in a man’s world Julia proved she could cook up a storm and would be second to no one. Returning stateside she got her big break with a cook book and then lucked out with a television show on cooking at a fledgling Boston public television station. From there she took off and became an unstoppable force In Households all across the United States and Canada.

Full of vim and vigor this woman became a cultural icon.

This movie gives us an depth view of a woman who set the world on fire with her culinary abilities making cooking fun and exciting for all to embrace. And they did! And with that fame her determination to help others be they Planned Parenthood or Gay Rights never wavered.

Up close and personal interviews with friends and colleagues gives us a full look into a unique life that truly reflects the best in America .

For more reviews please visit my website moviereviewssite.com

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WANTED

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CRIME STOPPERS

"MUGSHOTS"

GREATER VANCOUVER Greater Vancouver CrimeStoppers would like your help in locating these persons with outstanding warrants. if you know the whereabouts or any information regarding any of the following persons, contact CrimeStoppers at 669-TIPS (669-8477)

HAVE YOU SEEN THESE PEOPLE? Name Age Height Weight Hair Eyes Wanted for

: : : : : : :

Name Age Height Hair Tattoos

: : : : :

Name Height Hair Tattoos

: : : :

KELLY, Robert 38 5'10” ft 221 lbs Brown Hazel Break & Enter and Commit Indictable Offence.

ATKINSON, Scott 53 5'9” ft Weight : 130 lbs Bald Eyes : Brown Left hand – “CJ”, Left Upper Arm – Cross and Abdomen – Appendix scar.

Wanted for : Second Degree Murder HOLT, Isaih Brian Age : 26 5'9” ft Weight : 161 lbs Shaved Eyes : Blue Left side of neck – “X111”, Left hand – “P”, Right upper arm – Skull and Headstones.

Wanted for : Assault, Assault CBH, Uttering Threats, Possession of Restricted Firearm & Fail to Comply with Undertaking.

Warrant in Effect: 1) Dec 7, 2) Dec 3, 3) Oct 18, 2021

CRIME OF THE WEEK CAN YOU HELP IDENTIFY THIS SUSPICIOUS MAN? Unsolved Crime: Suspicious Circumstances; Date: June – September 2021; Location: Langley, BC; Details: File # 2021-18739 Langley RCMP is seeking the assistance of the public to identify an individual who has allegedly been paying unwanted attention to a 17-year-old from Langley.

This male appears to be watching the young woman as she goes about her daily business – whether that be school, work or shopping. These events took place between June and September of this year. It is possible this male drives a white pickup truck.

This male is described as Caucasian, between the ages of 20 and 30-years-old, approximately 6'0” tall, and he has a slim build and blonde hair.

The young woman was able to work with a forensic artist and the below sketch of the male was created.

GROUP

DO NOT APPROACH. CALL

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All individuals listed must be presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Photos & Information provided by Crime Stoppers, Greater Vancouver.

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CLASSIFIEDS

Indo-Canadian Voice Main | Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021

Send Via:

CLASSIFIEDS Phone: 604-502-6100 Fax: 604-501-6111 Email: voiceclassified@gmail.com

Lettuce Eat Restaurants Inc o/a freshii 15940 Fraser hwy #406, Surrey BC Canada is urgently looking to hire 1 Full-time/Permanent Restaurant manager for 15940 Fraser hwy #406, Surrey BC location and 1 Full-time/Permanent Restaurant manager for 1767 152 St #5, Surrey BC location.

Duties Include: Plan, manage and supervise the store operation. Prepare reports detailing the sales, expenditures, revenues and wastage to plan budgets. Make good relations with customers and resolve their complaints if any. Plan and implement new marketing policies and procedures to increase the sales of the business. Hire and train staff in job duties, company policies and safety procedures. Manage staff and prepare work schedule. Place order for supplies. Completion of secondary school, minimum 2 years of related work experience is required and should be good in English language. Salary is $ 26.00 /hour (40hours per week).

We welcome Indigenous people, vulnerable youth, newcomers, and people with disabilities.

To apply, email your resume to: lettucefreshii@gmail.com JK AGRO INDUSTRIES INC. located at 88 Clearbrook Road, Abbotsford BC, is looking urgently for 3 Permanent, Full time Farm Supervisors Wage: $22/Hour, 40 hours per week. Year around work.

Knowledge of English Language, completion of secondary school required.

Duties: Co- ordinate and supervise the work of general farm workers and harvesting labourers. Supervise and oversee growing and other crop related operations and train farm workers. Supervise harvest operations. Develop work schedules and establish procedures. Ensure farm safety procedures are followed. Maintain quality control and production records. May perform general farm duties when required.

Ability to work long hours outdoors and heavy lifting required. Minimum 1 year of related experience is required. We welcome Indigenous persons, vulnerable youth, newcomers, and persons with disabilities to apply. Email your resume to jobsatjkagro@gmail.com .

Oakdale farm and nursery Ltd. located at 2466 216 Street, Langley is urgently looking for 12 fulltime permanent general farm workers to start as soon as possible. Wage rate is $15.20/hour 40 hours a week. No English or minimum education required. Duties: Soil Preparation, Plowing, Pruning, Planting, Weeding, Cultivating, Harvesting, Washing, Sorting, Packing of the field crops. Fertilizing, detecting disease and other problems in crops. Examining produce for quality and prepare for market. To monitor irrigation and the soil moisture as per crop requirements.

Removing weeds, sorting and grading all the farm produce. Loading produce into trucks etc. Informing farmers or farm managers of crop progress. Work is outdoors & can be physically demanding. We welcome Indigenous people, vulnerable youth, newcomers, and people with dis-

The Indo-Canadian Voice #102 - 9360 - 120th St., Surrey, BC V3V 4B9

IMPORTANT: Tear Sheets requested by advertisers will strictly be charged extra $10 per week. Tear Sheets are available FREE at www.voiceonline.com

ALL ADS MUST BE PREPAID abilities. Please email your resume to oakdalefarmnursery@gmail.com Satguru Foods ( NW ) Ltd. o/a Fruiticana located at 331 6th St. New Westminster British Columbia is looking to hire 1 Fulltime/Permanent Bookkeeper immediately. Duties Include: Manage all accounts receivables and payables, creation of all purchase orders and invoices. Calculate and prepare cheques for payroll. Distribute monthly owner statements Reconcile accounts. Prepare trial balance of books.

Calculate fixed assets and depreciation.

Prepare statistical, financial and accounting reports. Prepare tax returns. Keep financial records and establish, maintain and balance various accounts using manual and computerized bookkeeping systems. Filing and additional office support to property managers. Completion of secondary school, a college program in accounting or related field and minimum 1-2 years of work experience is required along with being good in English. Salary is $ 25.50 /hour (40hours per week).We welcome newcomers, aboriginals, people with disabilities, school leavers and new immigrants. To apply, email your resume to: satgurufoodsnw@gmail.com Lettuce Eat Restaurants Inc o/a freshii located at 1767 152 St #5, Surrey BC Canada V4A 4N3 is looking to hire 1 Fulltime/Permanent Bookkeeper immediately.

Duties Include: Manage all accounts receivables and payables, creation of all purchase orders and invoices. Calculate and prepare cheques for payroll. Distribute monthly owner statements Reconcile accounts. Prepare trial balance of books.

Calculate fixed assets and depreciation.

Prepare statistical, financial and accounting reports. Prepare tax returns. Keep financial records and establish, maintain and balance various accounts using manual and computerized bookkeeping systems. Filing and additional office support to property managers. Completion of secondary school, a college program in accounting or related field and minimum 1-2 years of work experience is required along with being good in English. Salary is $ 25.50/hour (40hours per week). We welcome newcomers, aboriginals, people with disabilities, school leavers and new immigrants. Email your resume to: lettucefreshii@gmail.com 670372 BC ltd DBA ESSO gas station is urgently looking for a fulltime/ permanent Retail Store Manager.Duties include: Plan, direct and check daily operations involved in wholesale and retail sales .Assign duties to the staff and ensure that they follow their duties well. Determine merchandise and services to be sold. Resolve customer issues and be responsive to their requests.

Hire and retain staff. Plan budgets and monitor revenues and expenses. Develop and implement marketing strategies.

Number of position(s): 1 (one)Education: Minimum high school is required. Experience: Minimum two years of experience is required. Language at work: English

AD DEADLINE: THURSDAY 5 P.M.

Hours: 40 hours per week (overtime after 40 hrs per week)Salary: $30 per hour + 4% vacation paid every two weeks. Work location: 160 Tapton Avenue, Princeton, BC V0X1W0 We welcome indigenous people, vulnerable youth, newcomers and persons with disabilities to apply. Please email your resume: essoprinceton@gmail.com Rise Sun Farm Ltd. is urgently looking to hire 32 fulltime/ permanent Farm workers to work at their farm located at 3105 Cedar Rd. Nanaimo, BC V9X 1W1. Job Description: Year around cleaning , maintenance of plants, planting new saplings, fertile plants, clean, irrigate, check water pipes. Farm labour all duties from planting to preparation of produce for market, field work, pruning, planting, harvesting, packing and many other general farm duties.

Physically demanding. Must be prepared to work in all types of weather, be able to perform repetitive motions. No experience or language requirements. Salary is $15.20/ hour (minimum 40 hours per week). Work start date: As soon as possible. We welcome newcomers, aboriginals, people with disabilities, school leavers and new immigrants. To apply, Email your resume to: risesunfarmjobsltd@gmail.com SATGURU FARMS LTD. located at 15836 56 Avenue Surrey BC Canada V3S 2J7 is looking to hire 12 Full-time/Permanent Farm workers immediately. Duties Include: Field work, Soil preparation, Ploughing, Plant, cultivate, irrigate crops and harvest crops. Prepare produce for market.

Loading produce to trucks. Detect disease band health problem in crops. Removing weeds, sorting, and grading all the farm produce. Operate farm machinery. No Language, education or experience required. Wage is $15.20/Hour (40hours per week). We welcome newcomers, aboriginals and youth. To apply, email your resume at: satgurufarmsnurseryltd@gmail. com Lettuce Eat Restaurants Inc o/a freshii is urgently looking to hire 2 Full-time/Permanent Food service supervisors for 15940 Fraser hwy #406, Surrey BC location and 2 Full-time/Permanent Food service supervisors for 1767 152 St #5, Surrey BC location. Duties Include: Supervise and co-ordinate activities of staff. Supervise and check assembly of trays. Ensure food service and quality control. Estimate and order ingredients and supplies. Prepare staff ’s work schedules. Maintain records of stock, repairs, sales and wastage. Prepare food order summaries for chef and submit reports. Make sure that equipment is handled safely. Supervise and check delivery of food trolleys. Completion of secondary school, college program in related field and minimum 1-2 years of work experience is required along with being good in speaking English. Salary is $ 16.00 /hour (40hours per week).

We welcome newcomers, aboriginals, people with disabilities, school leavers and new immigrants. To apply, email your resume to: lettucefreshii@gmail.com

Lettuce Eat Restaurants Inc o/a freshii is urgently looking to hire 2 Full-time/ Permanent Food counter attendants for 15940 Fraser hwy #406, Surrey BC location and 2 Full-time/Permanent Food counter attendants for 1767 152 St #5, Surrey BC location.

Duties Include: Take customer’s orders.

Serve customers at counters or buffet tables. Pack take-out food. Use deep fryer, grill, oven, dispensers and other equipment to prepare fast food items. Keep record of the quantities of food used.

Portion and wrap foods. Stock refrigerators and salad bars. Use manual and electrical appliances to clean, peel, slice and trim foodstuffs. May receive payment for food items purchased. Completion of secondary school would be an asset. No experience required. Wage is $ 15.20 /hour (40hours per week). We welcome newcomers, aboriginals, people with disabilities, school leavers and new immigrants. To apply, email your resume to: lettucefreshii@gmail.com Satguru Foods ( NW ) Ltd. o/a Fruiticana located at 331 6th St. New Westminster British Columbia is looking to hire 2 Full-time/ Permanent Retail store supervisors immediately. Duties Include: Supervise and co-ordinate the activities of the staff. Assign duties to staff members. Authorize payments by cheque. Sell and authorize return of merchandise. Prepare reports on sales volumes and merchandising sold. Solving issues regarding consumer complaints. Organize and maintaining inventory. Hire and train or arrange for training of new sales staff Completion of secondary school and 1-2 years of experience in related field and knowledge of English Language is required. Salary is $ 21.50/hour (40hours/week). We welcome newcomers, aboriginals, people with disabilities, school leavers. Email resume to: satgurufoodsnw@gmail.com 0736458 B.C. LTD. located at 235 6th Ave S, Cranbrook British Columbia 7 is looking to hire 2 Full-time/Permanent Bookkeepers immediately. Duties Include: Manage all accounts receivables and payables, creation of all purchase orders and invoices. Calculate and prepare cheques for payroll. Distribute monthly owner statements Reconcile accounts.

Prepare trial balance of books. Calculate fixed assets and depreciation. Prepare statistical, financial and accounting reports. Prepare tax returns. Keep financial records and establish, maintain and balance various accounts using manual and computerized bookkeeping systems. Filing and additional office support to property managers. Completion of secondary school, a college program in accounting or related field and minimum 1-2 years of work experience is required along with being good in English. Salary is $ 25.50 /hour (40hours per week). We welcome youth, aboriginals, people with disabilities and new immigrants.Email resume to: 0736458bcltd@ gmail.com

MATRIMONIAL

Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021 | Indo-Canadian Voice Main

31

Send Via:

MATRIMONIAL & PERSONALS Box Replies to The Indo-Canadian Voice #102 - 9360 - 120th St., Surrey, BC V3V 4B9

Phone: 604-502-6100 Fax: 604-501-6111 Email: voiceclassified@gmail.com

R ATES :

25-30 words .... $35.00/2wks Extra word ................ 25¢ each Box Rental ................ $10 Extra

AD DEADLINE: WEDNESDAY BY NOON

Indian male in 50s,well groomed. Respectful honest and compassionate, lovesmusic, traveling,yoga.looking for a female for friendship companion.

Call 778846 8530.

4 Dec ********* Canadian Citizen Bahia Jat Sikh boy, 6” ft, 90 born with good job, well settled family in Canada BC, seeks educated Canada BC based girl. Contact with photographs WhatsApp no: Harminder 778-892-1500 Thanks and regards Harminder k ********* Hindu Arora age 65 years widower from Moga Punjab (Former Principal) BSC, B.ED, Masters in English and Economics, Permanent resident of Canada looking for female widow or divorced above age of 55years.

Caste/Age-No bar, Multiple Sources of Income. Live in acceptable.

Please call 236-887-9695 ********* Looking for a bride for an educated, 40 years old, canadian citrizen, working as an architect with govt. of Canada, 5’10” tall, vegitarian, non-smoker, divorced in 2014.

Contact: 780-217-9567 ********* Jatt sikh parents seeking a girl for their Canadian born, 30 yr old, 6’ tall, clean shaven, non-drinking and nonsmoking son. Well educated and working as assistant manager and living in Surrey. Girl should be Canadian citizenship or PR. Email kangfamily9096@gmail.com ********* Jatt sikh boy 32 years old, 5’11”, tall, Canadian born University educated. Working as a Manager in reputed organisation. Girl should be well qualified & family oriented. Cast no bar. For more details please contact 778-241-0308 *********

Canadian citizen man 45 years old 5’6” Hindu Brahmin Vegetarian innocently divorced looking for a 35 years to 40 years old lady. Cast no bar.

For more info please call 604-446-2817 ********* Well settled Sharma family seeking suitable match for their (India born) Canadian citizen 28 yearsold son doing B.C. Govt. Job, handsome salary, living in Vancouver with parents own house. Girl should be Canadian Citizen/PR with family values. Preference to Sharma family but caste no bar.

Interested please call or text 778-892-4656 or email at sudesh2558@yahoo.com ********* Well settled Jat Sikh family looking for suitable match for their handsome, 29 year old, 6’ Canadian born son working with Provincial Gov’t. Girl should be Canadian born, no less than 5’5”, beautiful & family oriented. For more info call 778 895-6866 ********* 27 yrs old Jat Sikh, 5’11” tall Boy, working with a plumbing company in Surrey.

Please mail your biodata on hnagra@telus.net ********* Hindu Parents are seeking suitable match for for their 26 years old, 6’1’, living in India, very handsome son.

His brother is engineer here in Canada. Girl should be Canadian Immigrant or Canadian Citizen. For more info call 778-322-6256 ********* Hindu well settled family looking match for their 32 years old son, height 5’11”, very fair complexion Manglik, presently in India, Automobile engineer. Parents are in Canada as Permanent Resident, Brother well settled in Surrey. Girl should be Canadian Citizen or PR. Call 236-332-7446, 778-549-7000 ********* Dhillon Jatt Sikh 27 years old, 6’ tall handsome boy vis-

Good looking male in 40s, works out, loves music, looking for a female for friends/ companion discretion assured and respected.

Call 604-644-7297 14 JAN

Well settled Khatri family seeking suitable match for their 38 year old Canadian born beautiful daughter. Highly educated and working as a Lawyer for Canadian government. Family oriented, well educated and well travelled. Only serious enquiry please, contact: 778 -927 - 4669

Preferably PR Canada, Australia, USA Doctor Match for Sikh Khatri 1989, 5’6” girl, MDS Endodontics. Please send biodata with pictures at Email: nirmolsingh@hotmail.com Contact:+91 9463457087

iting from India is looking for homely, nice girl. Boy is second officer in merchant navy, worldwide foreign shipping, has done BSc degree (Nautical science). He is non-smoker and non-drinker. Brother is well settled in America. Girl should be immigrant or Canadian born. Proposals from Amritsar District will be give preference. If interested, please contact : at 778 868 2428 Or E-mail: Rajbir.Singh.7858@yahoo.com GROOM WANTED

Canadian citizen 34 , Hindu Arora beautiful girl 5”2 working in Bank Vancouver, Divorced (was a Short term marriage) seeking for a suitable match and boy should be in Canada.For more information please contact 7788953832. ********* Suitable match for a Saraswat Brahmin girl, 31 years old, 5’3”, Birthtime: 5:30 PM, diploma in computer Engg., BSCIT, MCA, MA in English. Contact: +91--9780616051 (India), +1-604-999-7125. We consider Divorce too. We need Canadian PR or Citizen boy. ********* Respectable well established Sidhu Family looking for a suitable match for their daughter born in 1981 in Vancouver, never married, university graduate, working as marketing manager with reputed international company. For further information contact: 604-319-0662 18 Sept. ********* Seeking SQM for Indian Born Ravidasia/Girl 31 years old, 5’6”, BPT from India with PR status. Boy should be educated with PR/Citizen status, same caste is preferable. Please send complete biodata and pictures at: doctordass@yahoo.com or doctor_daljit@yahoo.com ********* Seeking suitable match for a 31 years old, highly educated, working as a COO, Sikh girl. Caste no bar, currently residing in Delhi, India. Contact: 01191-9811129363 (India) or Family in Canada: 778-713-8399 (Baljit) ********* Wanted a decent man for a 42 years young Punjabi beautiful, looks like 34, well educated, 5”8, with a cute 12 year old child. Contact @604-862-0726 ********* Looking for well settled match around Vancouver for Punjabi Khatri Hindu professional qualified beautiful 5’4”, 45 yrs. old issueless divorcee Indian born Canadian Citizen girl. Only serious enquiry contact: 778714-4615

Indo-Canadian Voice Main | Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021

32

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Dec. 11, 2021

Volume 29 Number 50 Ph.: 604-502-6100

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Fax: 604-501-6111 Email: voicerealtyads@gmail.com

Deal With Strata Properties? Learn More About the Expiring Speculation and Vacancy Tax Exemption for Strata Owners If you’re a REALTOR® who has clients involved in strata property transactions, you may get asked questions about owners renting out their units and the implications on the Speculation and Vacancy Tax (SVT). Until now, strata owners who were not permitted to rent out units may have qualified for an SVT exemption. That changes in 2022.

Strata owners should be aware that they may be required to pay the SVT in 2022 if their property is unoccupied.

Prior to the 2022 tax year, if a strata owner had a covenant or a bylaw preventing property from being rented out, then they would qualify for an SVT exemption. This only applied if the rental restriction was in place on or before October 16, 2018 and the owner also purchased the property before that date. For example, if a BC resident purchased a strata property prior to 2018 but under their strata bylaw they are not allowed to rent it out, they will have qualified for the SVT exemption between 2018 and

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2021, but they will have to pay the tax for 2022 if the unit remains unoccupied.

The SVT is an annual tax based on how owners use residential properties in major urban areas of BC. The annual tax rate is two per cent of the assessed property value for properties owned by foreign owners and satellite families, and 0.5 per cent for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

The minimum residency requirements to avoid the SVT are that the unit be occupied for six months (180 days) out of every year.

Last month, the BC Government released data on the SVT. BC residents who are captured by the tax rose by 51 per cent in the last year, while the number of non-BC residents captured by the tax fell by 24 per cent.

The objective for the SVT was to discourage housing speculation and encourage people with vacant homes in BC to convert them to long term rentals. To learn more about the economic impacts of the Speculation and Vacancy Tax, read BCREA’s Market Intelligence report.

Posted by: Matt Mayers

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Manufacturers Of Quality Cabinetry “Celebrating 30 years in Business” Sohan Singh Bhogal

CALL AKSHAY SINGLA : 604-724-6000

S i n g l e Fa m i l y H o m e s M u l t i Fa m i l y P r o j e c t s Hi-rise Apartments

Ph: (604) 597-0364 • Fax: (604) 597-2638

13375 comber way, Surrey, BC V3W 5V8 Canada, www.sunrisekitchens.com info@sunrisekitchens.com

BA, MA, MCNE, CIPS

From Condos to Castles...

ING IST L NEW

ING IST L NEW

#405 - 15164 PROSPECT AVE, WHITE ROCK

#214 - 15185 22 AVE, SURREY

$859,000 Penthouse in Concrete Building

$675,000 Corner Condo at Villa Pacific

MLS# R2630626

MLS # R2637374

Luxurious penthouse in respected CONCRETE and steel Waterford building. Boutique 4 storey building in the Five Corners neighbourhood in the heart of White Rock. Bright and gorgeous top floor condo with oversize windows, skylight and gleaming hardwood floors throughout. Huge house-sized kitchen with extensive granite counters, pantry and new upscale appliances. 2 bed, 2 spa-like bathrooms with granite counters and heated floors.

Heat pump provides economical heat and central Air Conditioning.

Built in vac. Relax on the generously sized balcony with angled ocean view. Shopping, coffee, restaurants, transit are on your doorstep. 10 minutes walk to the beach. A beautiful move-in ready home.

Beautiful corner condo at sought-after Villa Pacific. Spacious 2 bedroom & den, over 1,300 sq ft. Huge wrap-around covered deck overlooking quiet courtyard and trees. Each bedroom is large with ensuite bathroom & walk in closet. Den for convenient work from home. Snuggle by the cozy gas fireplace with gas incl in strata fees. Great layout with separated bedrooms, large dining area, laundry room with extra storage.

Bring your house-sized furniture. 2 parking spaces and locker.

Respected Villa Pacific has proactive strata, large contingency fund, lots of building updates. All ages welcome, pet friendly, no rentals, no smoking. Move in ready

PH2002 - 2959 GLEN DR, COQUITLAM

#311 - 15185 22 AVE, SOUTH SURREY

Corner PH - The Parc!

Villa Pacific - Penthouse

Call for Details!

Call for Details!

Gorgeous penthouse. Windows on 3 sides & unobstructed panoramic views from every room. Soaring 10’ ceilings & floor-to-ceiling windows provide abundant natural light. 2 huge balconies open to north, east & west to enjoy from sunrise to sunset. Flexible open floor plan w spacious den for work at home. Deluxe kitchen w Bosch SS appliances, granite counter-tops & pantry. 2 full baths. 2 side-by-side underground parking spaces located close to the elevator. Storage locker & private wine locker. Walking distance to Evergreen Line, Coquitlam Centre, shopping and restaurants. www.cotala.com/59139

Updated top floor condo at soughtaf ter Villa Pacific.Beautifully renovated 2 bedroom, 2 full bath unit over 1,100 sq ft. Brand new vinyl floors, quartz counters in kitchen and both bathrooms, wainscotting and mouldings and more. Great layout with separated bedrooms and huge dining area. Enormous private southfacing balcony, overlooking trees.

Cozy gas fireplace. 2 parking spaces and locker. All ages welcome. Pet friendly. A beautiful place to callE home.

BOV

D L SO

D L S8ODAYSGAPRICE IN SKIN A

Working with careful COVID-19 protocols to protect sellers and buyers while providing essential real estate services.

kristinaeng77@gmail.com

www.KristinaEng.ca

Indo-Canadian Voice Main | Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021

34

WHAT IS YOUR HOME REALLY WORTH?

REAL ESTATE MORTGAGES

BUYING OR SELLING

KULWANT ATWAL BHAJAN ATWAL

In this fast moving market - don’t get left behind.

PREC

604 716 2135 604-773-8426

KULDIP S. KLER 778-836-KLER (5537)

AMEX REALTY FRASERIDGE

*SOME CONDITIONS APPLY

kskler43@gmail.com

78 6450 199 ST, LANGLEY

We Know What You Need Get FREE accurate analysis of your home value in today’s market! Call Us Now !!

*Save Commission & Get Sold Guaranteed *We Help First Time Buyers (Receive $5K)

#201 14225 57 AVE, SURREY 778-564-3008

We build your dream home!

1074 164 ST, SURREY W NE TING LIS

W NE TING LIS

Corner Unit 2 bed & 2 bath + large back yard + double Tandem Garage in Langley.

Very Cozy neat and clean unit offers 3 extra windows for bright light. Modern and open concept with extra large backyard with hot water Tub. Oversized kitchen with new cabinets, SS appliances, stone countertops, new lighting, and gas fireplace. Walking distance to malls, transit parks and schools.

Experience Builder. Quality Construction within your budget.

2-5-10 years Warranty.

For more information Call :

ASKING

Bright & Spacious 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,562 SF rancher on private 7,211 SF lot with bonus side lane. Split level home in south Surrey.

Excellent layout with living and dining and separate kitchen and family room. Brand new roof, skylights, and a year old furnace.

Family room with newer gas fire place.

Sunny fenced backyard patio and garden.

Double Garage, close to border.

$699,000

ASKING

Kuldip Kler 778-836-5537

$1,399,000

1074 164 ST, SURREY One Bedroom Strata unit in a New Building in Surrey. Ready in 2022. Walking distance to Skytrain, Bus and Shopping. Call for more info.

Need Listings !!

8 LOTS FOR SALE IN LANGLEY

6 HOUSES at Keats Street in Abbotsford.

Call for more info.

8 Lots Sub-division for Sale in Langley.

10,000 Sq.Ft. lot ready for application.

ASKING $3.85 mil.

LISTING WANTED !!

PRIVATE MORTGAGES *

QUICK APPROVAL & NO BANK RULES !!

PREREGISTER YOUR HOUSE TO SAVE MONEY UPTO 15K & GUARANTEED SOLD PLEASE CALL 604.773.8426

Trusted name in the Community

Raj Janda

PREC*

Email: rjanda1@hotmail.com 32831 BEVAN AVENUE, ABBOTSFORD

14355 72 AVENUE, SURREY

NEW LISTING

604-649-6500

79 - 14433 60 AVE, SURREY

33 12778 66 AVENUE, SURREY

NEW LISTING

6 Bed • 4 Bath • 6,561 SF lot

3 Bed • 2 Bath • 6,911 SF Lot

3 Bed • 2.5 Bath • 1,277 SF Lot

2 Bed • 2 Bath • 1,318 SF

Central Abbotsford 2 Storey 11 yrs young on 6561 sf lot, 2847 Sqft home with 6 bedrooms and 4 Full bathrooms.

Main floor: living room, Kitchen, dining room, Family room, 3 bedrooms + 2 full bathrooms. Basement Suite: 3 bedrooms and 2 Full Bathrooms. Close to all amenities. All measurements are approximate, buyer to verify.

3 Storey West Newton HATHAWAY VILLAGE Townhouse with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms . Main floor have Living room, dining room, Kitchen.

Above 2 Bedrooms, 2 full Bathroom and Laundry. walking distance School and Close to all Amenities. All measurements are approximate, buyer to verify.

3 Storey Sullivan Station Townhouse with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms .

Main floor have Living room, dining room, Kitchen and 2 Piece Bathroom.

Above 3 Bedrooms, 2 full Bathroom and Laundry. walking distance School and Close to all Amenities. All measurements are approximate, buyer to verify.

3 Storey West Newton Hathaway VillageTownhouse with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms . Main floor have Living room, dining room, Kitchen.

Above 2 Bedrooms, 2 full Bathroom and Laundry. walking distance School and Close to all Amenities.

All measurements are approximate, buyer to verify.

ASKING ONLY

ASKING ONLY

ASKING ONLY

ASKING ONLY

$1,499,000

1,269,000

$779,000

$699,900

** SOME CONDITIONS APPLY

COMING SOON !!

$438,000

WANT TO SELL YOUR HOME? LISTINGS ARE SELLING FAST. CALL FOR THE TOP $$$ OF YOUR PROPERTY. *SOME CONDITIONS APPL

Want to sell your home fast and for top $$$?

Call for a No Obligation Free Evaluation of your property.

ASKING

Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021 | Indo-Canadian Voice Main

35

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PRESENTATION CENTRE

īƳǺȅ ĚǺ ĎǏƂŜȩǤ Ïǟƍlj ĄŜȅȐǵƂŜȩ ȅǏ ĵƍƂljƍǺƂŜȩ ÀǏǏlj ȅǏ ƣǟDŽ ǥ Ïǵ ŭȩ ȵǟǟǏƳljȅDŽƍljȅ ǘƲǘƣȎƣƣ ĄƳȅƼŜ 7ǵƳȦƍƀ ĄȐǵǵƍȩ ǥ ȁȱƦ ȀȀȱ ȱƔƔȉ

woodandwaterbyanthem.com

This is not an offering for sale, as an offering can only be made after the filing of a disclosure statement, and only in jurisdictions where qualified in accordance with applicable local laws. E.&O.E.

Indo-Canadian Voice Main | Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021

36

LIST TO SELL - VANCOUVER UPTO SURREY !!

darshanbains@royalpacific.com

RICHMOND

Celebratin 31s Anniversar

14784 67A AVENUE, SURREY

9780 Seacote Rd, Richmond

Thanks to all valued Clients and Customers for their continuous support.

SELLERS

✓

NEW LISTING

✓

BUYERS

TRADE DEALS

✓ STARTER/INVESTORS ✓ ✓ CONDO PRE-SALES ✓

LAND ASSEMBLY

✓ BANKRUPTCY DEALS ✓

HARDSHIP SALES

Why you should choose Raj? FASTEST SELL... QUICKEST PURCHASE !!

Count on my years of experience. I will get you the Best Value of your property. Your con dence in my professionalism will get your property sold out faster. Lets work together.

Call for a FREE, NO OBLIGATION Consultation

Buyers & Sellers Referrals Welcomed.

NEW LISTING Great Investment Property with Good Revenue!

Excellent LOCATION !! Desirable Ironwood Area.

Large, bright 2 Levels renovated 6 bedrooms house; Family room, 3 up, 3 down & 3 baths, 2 laundries, laminated flooring and carpet. Huge level lot 60x120' and back lane. 2 fireplaces. Lots of parking.EasyaccesstoHWY99,closetoKingswood School, Mcnair School, rec centre, Ironwood Shopping Centre. Bus goes to Canada Line & very easytoWatermania.

PANORAMA RIDGE Unique, well kept, 3 level home with big lot, 2 fully finished basement, 8large bedroom, 7 bathroomand 2 master bedroom, Jacuzzi. On the main floor one extra bedroom with full bath, one extra powder room, large covered sundeck. Very nice family neighbourhood, near to 3 level school. easy access to Vancouver and RichmondHwy. ASKING ONLY

Very well kept large 3 level house, 7 bedroom and Den or office on the main floor. Large living room, family room, dinning room, wok kitchen. 4 bedroom upstairs, 2 fully finished basements (2+1). Upstairs master bedroom have 5 piece bathroom, 2 walking closets. Every bedroom has full attached bathroom. 4806 sq. lot. Large entrance, high ceiling, maple kitchen, crown moldings, sprinkle system. Beautiful covered sundeck, new fence, double garage and 5 parking. Near to all level schools, rec centers.

Easyaccesstovan+Highway.

SOLD

ASKING ONLY

$1,499,000

5 16589 25 AVE, WHITE ROCK

A perfect blend of modern design with family-focused details. 1,650-1,736 Sq.Ft. 3 bedroom & flex room with Navien tankless water heater & double side-by-side garages in every home. Flex room off the lower floor offers a great home office. 10 ft. ceilings on the main w/ceiling speakers, linear f/p in living & an amazing kitchen equipped with Quartzite counters & backsplash. Unique den off the kitchen . 3 large beds (2 w/vaulted ceilings) & frameless glass shower & heated floor in ensuite. Ideal location within walkingdistanceofshops,parks&schools.

$1,850,000

SOLD

ASKING ONLY

$965,000

New Listing in Greater Vancouver Call for More Details...

23 12778 66 AVENUE, SURREY Welcome to your new home built by Polygon Homes! This spacious end-unit includes an open layout on the main floor including a large living-room and a bright open-concept kitchen. Top floor has large size master bedroom with a full bathroom and tons of closet space and another bedroom. Situated in a quiet, family oriented community, you are only steps away from Tamanawis Secondary, MJ Norris Elementary School, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Costco, and Superstore. This home is perfect for first time home buyer or a young family.

ASKING ONLY

$708,000

2 BEDROOMS • 2 BATHROOMS • 1131 SQ FT

Fully serviced lot : 40x132 = 5280 sqft.

Will accommodate 3 level home.

Can build 4200 sq ft home.

LAND ASSEMBLY FOR SALE

SUBDIVISION LOT IN SURREY

58000 Sq ft buildable Land assembly in Surrey Central.

3 lot subdivision in Surrey PLA done RF13 zoning

ASKING ONLY $1.25 mil + GST

ASKING ONLY $7.5 mil

ASKING ONLY $2.8 mil

15683 THRIFT AVE, WHITE ROCK

FREE HOME EVALUATION UNDER NO OBLIGATION

INDER ARORA 9453 120 St #202, Delta, BC V4C 6S2 Ph.: 778-564-3008

PREC*

604.418.9798 Email: inderc2c@gmail.com

Build Your Dream Home

By Listing Here And Save Money!!

Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021 | Indo-Canadian Voice Main

37

CHANDRA SHARMA

FOR BUYING OR SELLING any kind of Property, Count on my many years of Expert Experience

Email: tbansal@msn.com

COMMERCIAL LAND ON BUSY HIGHWAY IN MISSION

INDUSTRIAL WAREHOUSE FOR SALE IN RICHMOND

5 Acres Commercial land (! at) on the Busy Highway in Mission. CVD zoned. You can Build anything like shopping mall, banquet hall or shop cum ! ats. No information released without Con dentiality Agreement.

Need space for your small business? Check this out!!

Industrial warehouse 1500 SF for sale. Central location, Near No. 6 Road and River Road, Richmond. Potential to add 2nd ! oor.

ASKING ONLY

$20 mil PUB FOR SALE Interested to run your own Pub!! Good monthly return, now available for Sale with or without Pub-licence. Call for more details.

EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY Two upcoming 3 bedrooms unit in Hightower on 14th and 15th oor, ready by early 2025 you can Buy this with 20% deposit over 2 years period

ASKING ONLY

$778,000 6340 BUSWELL ST, RICHMOND 0

80 69,

$2

Top oor, Corner unit, 2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom, Prime Location, Short walk to Richmond Sky Train, Rental OK

DUPLEX LOT RT2 ZONE FOR SALE IN VANCOUVER

3387 FIELDSTONE AVE, VANCOUVER

Best Rates Best Advice

604-720-6965

New Immigrants and Self-employed Accommodated Average monthly payment on $100000 mortgage = $400

CALL ME FOR GREAT DEALS ON FORCLOSURE HOMES.

REALTOR

Multiple Realty Ltd. 768 Kingsway, Vancouver TEL: 604-434-1431 www.multiplerealty.com

MORTGAGE

PREC, AMP

Tejinder S. Bansal 604.671.5783

CALL ME FIRST FOR

GET FUNDING IN LESS THAN 48 HOURS !!*

* Some Conditions apply. *Rates Subject To Change without Notice .

WESTCOAST REALTY

I HAVE A LOT OF CLIENTS LOOKING FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES. IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO SELL, PLEASE CALL ME FIRST. I CAN GET YOU TOP $$$

#303, 4113 FRASER ST, VANCOUVER

106-7565 132 St, Surrey

Ph: 604-572-3005

10245 & 10267 176 ST (FRASER ST) SURREY

12 LOTS COMING IN FRASER HEIGHTS (5700-7000 SQ.FT.) W ell-maintained " M arine W oods" complexes in Vancouver. This spacious south-facing townhome is updated with a new main oor, new carpeting, new updated countertops and kitchen cabinets, freshly painted, 3 bed, 3 bath.

Easy access to the airport and all cities.

Short walk to river district and cowley park, banks, shops, restaurants and river. Champlain heights elementary & Killarney secondary. Fully fenced patio.

The main oor has a bedroom with an updated full washroom, good for teens or elderly person, open concept kitchen with new S/S appliances and new crown mouldings. Lots of storage space with built-in cabinets. Two car parking, oneingarageandoneoutside.

Please text/call me at 604-671-5783 for 3D virtual viewing of this Unit.

ASKING ONLY

$918,800

6422 Beatrice St, Vancouver Available for assignment Duplex Lot RT2 zone ASKING $1.6 million

Ready to build in 2022. Will accommodate 3 storey homes from 5500 sqft to 7000 sqft living space. Buy now as it is or buy ready to build with completion in 2022.

Please do not go onto the property without an appointment. Call or text now for more info! to Chandra Sharma at (604) 720-6965

OPEN HOUSE SAT & SUN : 2-4 PM 2 bedrooms and 2 baths. Very clean and close to all amenities. Bus stop in the front.

M i n u t e s t o d o w n t o w n Va n c o u v e r.

Gorgeous view of North Shore mountains and lights of downtown Vancouver.

ESTIMATE ASKING: As it is $999,000 per lot (average) Ready to build $1,299,000 per lot (avg)

Asking $499,000

10988 139A ST, SURREY

5,000 6 9 , 1 :$ SOLD 1 year old beauty! 2 storey with 2 bed side suite on 8400 SF corner lot.

MORTGAGE RATES:

3423 E 5TH AVE, VANCOUVER

00 ,650,0 1 $ : SOLD

5 YEAR VARIABLE

12 6280, KING GEORGE BLVD 2 bedroom Mobile home. Like brand new.

Asking $99,000 LD

SO 000 , $100

Asking $1,799,000

1.6%

*

5 YEAR FIXED

1.8%

*

PRIVATE MORTGAGE

AVOID FORECLOSURE !! NEED MONEY?

GOODIT HAVE BAD CREDIT OR NO CREDIT OR NO JOB? OWN A HOME? CRED

I CAN GET YOU MONEY WITHIN 48 HOURS! CALL ME NOW!

8%

*

BA CREDD IT

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Malkeet S. Saran

Pushpinder Kaur Saran

604.762.8400

#104,13049-76 Ave. Surrey BC 604.596.1800

E: Deepsaran62@gmail.com

604-825-1400 E: Malkeetsinghsaran@gmail.com www.malkeetsinghsaran.com

1415 164 STREET, SURREY

W G NETIN LIS

#204 13316 71B AVE., SURREY

ASSIGNMENT OF CONTRACT W G NETIN LIS

D L O

EXCLUSIVE LISTING

S

(ADDRESS UPON REQUEST) 7 Bedroom House, 7 Years young 2 story, house for sale near 140th St. and 100 ave. Surrey BC. 63 x 130 (8194 SqFt Lot), radiant heat with central air conditioning, comes with 7 bedrooms, office, home theatre, 7 bathrooms, 2 bedrooms suite, 1 bachelor suite and potential for another one, separate laundry for suites, main kitchen with spice kitchen, open to below in living room and family room, laundry on top level, vaulted ceiling in living room with cedar, beautifully landscaped with water fall and fully fenced yard with remote control gates, lime stone on front of the house, Italian stone on the deck and much more. Please call for private viewing before it is gone!!

ASKING

$2.4 Million

INVESTOR ALERT !!

Big lot for sale with a well maintained rancher in South Surrey close to US Border.

Lot size: 7970 SqFt Future potential for Townhouse Zoning please check with the city.

ASKING

$1.55 Million

100 Y E A R S S I N C E

1 9 1 3

Leasehold prepaid nonstrata property.

Lease expires in the year 2092.

Maintenance fee includes property taxes.

Hidden Gem with the affordibility, in the heart of newton at Suncreek Estate. Fully renovated. Come and see yourself. You will love this place. Centrally located near all amenities. A bonus storage room at the rooftop patio. Two parking Spots #214 & 222.

$345,000

116 CONDO UNITS + 20 TOWN HOMES SITE FOR SALE 90 UNITS CONDO SITE FOR SALE (PLA APPROVED)

Indo-Canadian Voice Main | Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021

38

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COMMON SENSE HEALTH – W. GIFFORD-JONES, MD AND DIANA GIFFORD-JONES

Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021 | Indo-Canadian Voice Main

39

The changing nature of birth malian reproduction, we humans included.

Parents wondering about the future employment prospects of their children might want to direct them to the study of ethics. We still have time to think this through and put in place a set of rules. But it is a lot easier today to find pioneering scientists than thoughtful ethicists.

WE said goodbye to a beloved 17-year-old dog this week. She had rapidly lost quality of life. As sad as it was, few would have any qualms whatsoever with the vet’s provision of humane, painless, and sensible euthanasia. But what’s going on with medical interventions at the great miracle of birth?

It’s no secret that humans commonly push the boundaries of scientific possibility – for better or for worse. Traditionally, interruptions in the natural birthing process have been overwhelmingly in the “for better” category.

Caesarean sections may not have been a desirable option for women prior to the advent of modern surgical techniques – uterine suturing, for example – not to mention anesthesia. But in the modern era, there can be no doubt that for countless millions of mothers and babies, the C section has saved their lives.

What’s questionable now are the projections. And concerns about C sections are just the start.

A report in the British Medical Journal Global Health states, “by 2030, 28.5% of women worldwide will give birth by CS (38 million caesareans annually).” That figure ranges wildly from place to place, with rates as low as 7.1% in sub-Saharan Africa and as high as 63.4% in Eastern Asia.

In some parts of Africa rates are skyrocketing.

For instance, between 2017 and 2020, data on payouts made to Kenyan hospitals as compensation for birth-related services showed an almost 10,000% increase for C sections.

The safety of mother and child is the right rationale for decision making. A Caesarean might be planned to mitigate problem pregnancies, or become an urgent procedure if labour is not progressing and mother or baby is in distress.

A natural birth is the better option for healthy pregnancies. The risks of heavier bleeding, infection, blood clots, surgical errors, and higher complication rates for future pregnancies are part of the story. Slower recovery times after C sections combine with delays in establishing breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact.

The benefits of “kangaroo care” to the newborn include greater respiratory, temperature, and glucose stability, as well as decreased stress. Mothers and fathers who hold their newborns skin to skin after birth have increased parental attachment, more confidence in caring for their babies and longer breastfeeding duration.

Yet, with one in four births now being Caesarian sections, there is mounting evidence that the medical rational is being overtaken by a convenience factor. Some doctors report being pressured by patients for C sections for unjustified reasons – for example, to plan the day of the birth to coincide with a relative’s birthday or to avoid a holiday. Some patients give in to the convenience of doctors’ schedules.

But these issues are child’s play compared to those at the forefront of scientific advances involving birth. Artificial wombs are in development. A study published in Nature Communications in 2017 demonstrated the use of a liquid-filled, plastic apparatus allowing premature lambs an additional four weeks of growth in a simulated womb.

It is only a matter of time. The definition of ectogenesis, the development of an embryo in an artificial environment, used to include the caveat “chiefly in science fiction”. But artificial wombs are a rapidly advancing technology that will change the nature of mam-

The Aga Khan University. She worked for ten years in the Human Development sectors at

ce & Experien y t i v i t a e r C d Winning with Awar aphy Photogr

Visit www.docgiff.com. For comments, contact-us@docgiff.com. Follow us on Instagram @docgiff and @diana_gifford_jones

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Kulbir Mahi

•Wedding Photography & Videography •Portraits •Graduations •Business Portraits on CD •Instant Passport Photo •Photo Restoration •Digital Albums

Dr. Ken Walker (Gifford-Jones) is a graduate of the University of Toronto and The Harvard Medical School. He trained in general surgery at the Strong Memorial Hospital, University of Rochester, Montreal General Hospital, McGill University and in Gynecology at Harvard.

Diana MacKay writes in collaboration with her father under the pen name, Diana Gifford-Jones. Diana is Special Advisor with

the World Bank, including health policy and economics, nutrition, and population health.

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Indo-Canadian Voice Main | Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021

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