Indo-Canadian Voice Main - Dec 24 2022

THE Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has charged three men with the May 2022 murders of Arnold and Joanne De Jong in Abbotsford.

On May 9 at around 10:26 a.m., Abbotsford Police responded to a residence in the 33600-block of Arcadian Way and found two deceased adults. The patrol members confirmed the deaths as being suspicious and IHIT was called in to investigate.

The victims were identified as 77-yearold Arnold De Jong and his wife, 76-yearold Joanne De Jong, of Abbotsford. IHIT continue to work closely in partnership with Abbotsford Police to further the investigation.

On December 16, IHIT investigators,

THE Indian High Commission in Ottawa on Tuesday announced that e-Visa facility for Canadian passport holders has been restored, with effect from December 20.

According to the announcement, those Canadian passport-holders who wish to visit India for tourism, business, medical or conference purposes, may apply for a visa at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/ evisa/tvoa.html and follow instructions given there.

Canadian passport holders seeking to travel to India for any purpose, not qualifying for an eVisa, may apply for a paper visa at https://www.blsindia-

canada.com/. The same process is applicable to laissez-passer travel document holders.

Those who have applied for a visa through various BLS Centres in Canada are advised to wait for the issuance of the same. All such applications will be

Two charges of first-degree murder have been laid against each of the following individuals: 20-year-old Gurkaran Singh, 22-year-old Abhijeet Singh and 22-year-old Khushveer Toor. All three men reside in Surrey.

“Today we are a step closer to finding justice for Mr. and Mrs. De Jong. Their senseless murders shook our community to the core,” said Abbotsford Police Department Chief Mike Serr. “I am grateful for the tireless efforts of IHIT, our AbbyPD Major Crime, Patrol, Forensic Identification and plainclothes teams to secure these charges. I appreciate our community’s support and their trust that we would never rest until those responsible were held accountable.”

processed on priority. Those applicants who wish to withdraw their respective visa applications may do so by visiting the website https://www.bisindiacanada.com/ and choosing the option for ‘Application Withdrawal’.

Those who have booked appointments to apply for a tourist, business, medical or conference visa at BLS Centres in Canada and would now like to apply for a visa instead, are requested to vacate/cancel their appointment slots so that the same becomes available to others seeking visa/consular services, according to the announcement.

along with members of Abbotsford Police arrested three suspects for the murders of the De Jongs.

Joanne and Arnold De Jong. Photo: IHIT

Navinder Gill, 40, of Surrey charged in December 7 stabbing death of his wife, Harpreet Kaur Gill

GoFundMe set up to help pay for victim’s parents in India to attend funeral

THE Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) announced on Friday last week that 40-year-old Navinder Gill of Surrey has been charged in the stabbing death of his wife, Harpreet Kaur Gill, 40.

As had been reported by The VOICE earlier, on December 7 at 9:22 p.m., Surrey RCMP responded to a report of a stabbing in the 12700-block of 66 Avenue. Officers found a 40-year-old woman, later identified as Harpreet Kaur Gill, in medical distress, resulting from multiple stab wounds.

Despite the best efforts of first responders, she succumbed to her injuries after being transported to a local hospital. A 40-year-old man, known to the victim, was arrested at the scene and taken into police custody. IHIT took conduct of the investigation and worked closely with the Surrey RCMP.

The suspect was released from custody on December 8 as investigators continued to collect evidence and speak with witnesses.

On December 15, the suspect, now identified as Navinder Gill, the husband of the victim, was

once again arrested by IHIT investigators with the support of Surrey RCMP. On December 16, a charge

of second-degree murder was laid against Navinder Gill.

MEANWHILE, a GoFundMe has been set up to help pay for Harpreet Gill’s parents in India to attend her funeral in Canada.

The GoFundMe states:

Harpreet Kaur Gill at the tender age of 40 was brutally murdered at her residence in Surrey on December 7th 2022. Harpreet leaves behind three young children all under the age of ten.

A man known to her was arrested at the scene and released the next day. The investigation is still being conducted.

Harpreet’s parents and her brother reside in India. They are devastated and finding it incredibly difficult to bear the loss of their beautiful daughter and sister. They are worried about the future of Harpreet’s children and getting her justice.

They are a middle class family with little savings and are trying desperately to attend her funeral

and perform the last rites. No parent should have to see their child leave this world in such a brutal manner. But it would be even more devastating and traumatic if they could not attend.

The family needs the support of the community to be able to purchase airfare, accommodations and to pay for their beloved daughters funeral costs and or any legal advice they seek when they arrive.

Harpreet’s parents are also concerned about the future of their grandchildren and want to seek legal advice regarding their custody and future.

Any donation at this point, large or small, will help grant these helpless parents the chance to see their daughter one last time.

On a side note they also lost their youngest son a short while ago. One can only imagine what it’s like losing another child.

www.gofundme.com/f/funeralfor-slaughtered-victim-harpreetkaur-gill

(For the link, visit our website voiceonline.com)

Pakistani-Canadian Naveed Dada among victims of Vaughan highrise shooting

PAKISTANI-CANADIAN Naveed Dada, 59, was among the five deceased victims of the December 18 active shooter incident at a condominium building in the City of Vaughan in Ontario.

He was a real estate agent and, according to his Facebook Page, an avid cricket fan. Dada was a condo board member.

York Regional Police released the names of the deceased victims on Tuesday. The other deceased victims were Rita Camilleri, 57; her partner Vittorio Panza, 79; previ-

ous condo board member Russell Manock, 75, and his wife Helen, 71.

A sixth victim, a 66-year-old woman, remains in hospital with serious injuries. She has been identified as Doreen Di Nino, the wife of board member John Di Nino.

The incident occurred because of a dispute between the condo board and the gunman that had been reportedly going on for years.

On Sunday, December 18 at approximately 7:20 p.m., police were called to a residential build-

ing located on Jane Street, north of Rutherford Road, for a report of an active male shooter who had shot several victims.

When police arrived, an interaction occurred between the officers and a male subject and the subject was shot. Francesco Villi, 73, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Special Investigations Unit has invoked its mandate and is investigating this portion of the incident.

The investigation is active and ongoing.

Harpreet Kaur Gill Photo: GoFundMe

Naveed Dada

Photo: Facebook

Delegation from Indian state of Uttar Pradesh invites Canadian investors

participate in UP Global Investor Summit

A delegation from the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh (UP) led by Satish Mahana, Speaker of the UP Legislative Assembly, and Dharmpal Singh, Minister for Animal Husbandry, and accompanied by Chief Secretary Durga Shanker Mishra and other senior officials of the state visited Vancouver from December 13 to 15 to invite Canadian investors to participate in the Uttar Pradesh Global Investor Summit 2023 to be held from 1012 February 10 to 12, 2023, in Lucknow.

The Chief Secretary held a meeting with Gordon J Fyfe, CEO and CIO, British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI), on December 13 and invited him to explore opportunities to invest in UP and participate in the UP Global Investors Summit.

Also on December 13, the Indian Consulate General in association with Pankaj Agarwal, Founder and Managing Partner, Optimus Information Inc., organized a networking event to promote

investment opportunities in Uttar Pradesh in which more than 20 business leaders took part.

On December 14, a CEOs Roundtable / B2B Meetings and Session on Investment Opportunities in Uttar Pradesh were held at the KPMG Vancouver office. Six MoUs worth 12 billion rupees were signed by Canadian

companies.

Mahana held a meeting with Raj Chouhan, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, on December 14. Dharmpal Singh called on Bruce Ralston, Minister of Forests, Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, and Jagrup Brar, Minister of State for Trade.

The discussions between the two Speakers focussed on Legislative Assembly exchanges. Dharmpal Singh and the B.C. ministers discussed the possibilities of economic cooperation between British Columbia and Uttar Pradesh. The Indian side invited the B.C. side

Speaker of BC Legislative Assembly, Raj Chouhan, (2nd from left) and Indian Consul General Manish (4th from left) with Satish Mahana, Speaker of the UP Legislative Assembly, Dharmpal Singh, Minister for Animal Husbandry, and Chief Secretary Durga Shanker Mishra.

With Minister Bruce Ralston

Minister of State Jagrup Brar

Minister Selina Robinson (far left) and Indian Consul General Manish (far right)

CONTINUED FROM 3

to lead a delegation to the UP Global Investor Summit. Dharmpal Singh also visited Donia Farms Food Ltd in Surrey and apprised himself of best practices adopted in Canada for diary management.

The Consulate General of India in collaboration with British Columbia Council for International Education (BCCIE) arranged a roundtable and networking event on December 14 at Simon Fraser University for the visiting delegation. The Indian delegation was led by minister Dharmpal Singh and included UP Chief Secretary Mishra, Alok Kumar, Secretary of UP Planning Department, and other officials of the UP Government and the Confederation of Indian Industry.

The BC delegation was led by Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, Selina Robinson, and included Executive Director, BCCIE [B.C. Council for International Education], Dr. Randall Martin, and other functionaries of BCCIE. A number of representatives from various universities / colleges based in BC also participated in the event.

The discussions were mainly focused on collaboration in the education sector in Uttar Pradesh. Robison welcomed the Indian delegation and offered a continuing relationship to promote

30-year-old Indo-Canadian man dies in truck accident in Ontario

Toronto (IANS): A 30-year-old Indo-Canadian man, who came to Canada just last month from Punjab, died on the spot after being hit by a transport truck in Mississauga. Manpreet Singh was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, which happened at Courtneypark Drive and Edwards Boulevard just before 7 a.m. on December 13, Peel

Regional Police said.

Manpreet worked at a factory in Mississauga and had left early in the morning.

“At around 6.47 a.m. or 6.50 a.m. in the morning, he met with the accident. He got down the bus and was walking when a truck hit him,” Manpreet’s friend Balwinder Singh told Omni News.

Balwinder said that Manpreet, the only child of

his parents, had come from Punjab’s Faridkot district on a spousal visa. A GoFundMe page has been set up for taking Manpreet’s body to India for his funeral.

Last month, 20-year-old Indian student Kartik Saini was killed after he was hit and dragged by a pickup truck while crossing a road on a cycle in Toronto.

the flow of students, collaboration and exchange of ideas in the education sector.

Consul General Manish spoke about, among other things, India’s growth story, New Education Policy 2020, Indian students’ contribution to BC economy, and ICCR [Indian Council for Cultural Relations] Chairs at various universities. Kumar made a presentation on opportunities in the education sector in Uttar Pradesh. Minister Dharmpal Singh and Chief Secretary Mishra in their remarks mentioned the developments in UP and invited BC representatives to invest and collaborate in UP’s education sector. The event concluded with a question-and-answer and networking sessions with representatives of universities and colleges.

Delta celebrates soft opening of Guru Nanak North Delta Food Bank

THE Guru Nanak North Delta Food Bank held a soft opening on December 19, marking the first food bank to open in North Delta that will operate seven days a week.

Delta Mayor George V. Harvie, Delta Councillors Jessie Dosanjh and Dylan Kruger, along with Delta School Board Chair Val Windsor, and a host of dignitaries, including Labour Minister Harry Bains and Surrey Centre MP Randeep Sarai, were on hand to celebrate the soft opening.

Located on 84 Avenue in North Delta, the Guru Nanak Food Bank is a non-profit charitable organization operating since July 2020 from its Surrey and Abbotsford locations. Previously, many North Delta residents who needed assistance from the food bank had to travel to Surrey, creating unnecessary barriers for those in need.

Earlier this year, Harvie made a motion for staff to work on establishing a food bank in North Delta to support residents and families in need. Additionally, at the December 5 Regular Meeting, Harvie and Delta Council voted unanimously to contribute $10,000 to the Guru Nanak North Delta Food Bank to assist in helping get the facility up and running. The Delta Firefighters IAFF Local 1763 Union also generously donated $10,000 towards the new food bank.

Harvie said: “Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the organizers of Guru Nanak and their many volunteers and donors, along with support from the City, the doors of the Guru Nanak North Delta Food Bank are now open. This new inclusive facility will provide much-needed

support for residents needing food assistance. I’m so grateful for the City’s close-knit relationships with community service partners, which helps us identify local gaps to serve our community better. As affordability challenges continue to impact many residents, Delta Council is committed to barrier-free food assistance for anyone in need in our community.”

The

Nanak

Food Bank is located at 11188 84 Avenue and is open Monday to Friday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. A dedicated day for seniors will also be established.

For more information on the Guru Nanak North Delta Food Bank or to make a donation, visit: https://gnfb.ca.

Guru

North Delta

Delta Mayor George V. Harvie and other dignitaries, including MP Randeep Sarai and Labour Minister Harry Bains, at the cake-cutting ceremony. On the far right is Narinder Singh, President of Surrey's Dukh Nivaran Sahib Gurdwara. Photos: City of Delta and Harry Bains' Twitter. The news deadline for this issue of The VOICE was Thursday afternoon because of Christmas. For more news and updates, please visit our website voiceonline.com

TWO reports have now been submitted to the Province of British Columbia to detail the ability of Surrey Police Service (SPS) to police Surrey safely and effectively, and to achieve the requirements to become the police of jurisdiction for Surrey in 2023.

Both reports were submitted to the Province’s Policing and Security Branch on December 22. They will be used to help inform the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General’s decision on the future of Surrey’s policing transition, which is anticipated in early 2023.

The first report, Surrey Police Service: The Future of Public Safety in Surrey, was submitted by SPS and the Surrey Police Board. It details why it is in the best interest of Surrey residents and of policing in British Columbia to continue with the transition to a locally accountable municipal police service.

The rationale provided in the report, which is publicly available on the SPS website, includes SPS’s proven ability to recruit and retain officers, the challenges in terminating the employment of 375 employees and dissolving two unions, the current operational capacity of SPS, and the overall benefit of SPS

Surrey Police Service reports submitted to Province

to policing across the province.

“This report clearly articulates the benefits that Surrey Police Service will provide both to Surrey and to policing across BC,” says SPS Chief Constable Norm Lipinski. “As the provincial government looks to modernize policing in this province, SPS’s governance, community policing model, and modern police culture are all in alignment with the recommendations made by the all-party Special Committee on Reforming the Police Act.”

The second report, Surrey Police Service Policing Transition Progress Report, was submitted by SPS at the request of the Director of Police Services. It provides a comprehensive update on the status of SPS’s work relating to the provincial requirements that must be achieved in order for SPS to assume police of jurisdiction in Surrey. This 155-page report contains detailed operational and personnel information and therefore cannot be released publicly at this time, without consultation with the Province.

“We’re not just replacing one police agency with another. We are building an innovative, forwardlooking police service that is vic-

tim-focused, trauma informed, accountable, transparent in our policies and complaint processes, and compassionate and caring for our employees and those in the community,” says Lipinski. “A provincial decision to continue with this policing transition will provide the certainty required for our modernized, community-based policing model to move forward for Surrey residents.”

The Executive Summary of “Surrey Police Service: The Future of Public Safety in Surrey”:

The establishment of Surrey Police Service (SPS) has been well examined. Numerous studies and reports have been conducted by experts and more are expected to be submitted to the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General by the end of 2022. This report summarizes the current landscape of the Surrey Police Board (SPB) and SPS in this ongoing work toward the induction of SPS as the Police of Jurisdiction (POJ) for the City of Surrey.

SPS has clearly demonstrated their ability to recruit and retain the numbers of police officers required to serve the City of Surrey. In two years SPS has hired 375 employees. We are confident that we can hire the required number of police officers to serve Surrey in a very short period of time and we are prepared to increase hiring in anticipation of the City’s expected growth. Work is well underway and nearing completion for SPS to become POJ.

The SPB and the SPS believe that it is not in the best interests of the residents of Surrey to reverse the transition, nor is it in the best interest of policing in British Columbia. In fact, the establishment of SPS provides a net benefit to the stabilization of policing in the province

We provide the following rationale:

1. The transition has been underway for four years with the last two years placing SPS officers on the frontline. Reversing the transition would be time consuming, complicated, and costly.

2. SPS has hired 375 employees. Reversing the transition would require terminating their employment. Many officers are from outside British Columbia. These officers moved their families to Surrey in good faith, incurred debt, and started a new chapter in their lives.

3. Two unions have been formed:

4. The SPB employs 23 exempt civilian employees who are not members of CUPE 402. Reversing the transition would require that the SPB be dissolved, resulting in these employees being terminated.

5. SPS is the only major police service in Canada that is not challenged in hiring experienced police officers or new recruits (2,500 applications). It is well reported that the RCMP experiences significant challenges in recruiting.

6. Due to the high number of applicants, SPS can sustain the re-

by freeing up hundreds of RCMP officers to fill vacancies within that organization.

Surrey Police Union (SPU) and Surrey Police Inspectors’ Association (SPIA). Reversing the transition would require dissolving both unions.

SPS Chief Constable Norm Lipinski

quired number of police officers now and into the future as the city grows. To date, intensive marketing has not been required.

7. Very few SPS officers would join the RCMP. As of December 22, 2022, 95% of SPS officers signed a Surrey Police Union attestation stating they would not join the RCMP.

8. Dissolving two unions and terminating 315 police officers requires that the severance clauses of the Collective Agreement be applied as well as the implementation of relevant sections of the Employment Standards Act (ESA) and the BC Labour Relations Code. This would be costly and may also involve grievances which would not be favourable in retaining public trust. Due to the unprecedented nature of this transition, all possible termination scenarios could not be forecasted in the Collective Agreement, meaning ambiguity exists in the severance provisions. Legal costs would be probable.

9. Keeping SPS is a net gain for policing in British Columbia. Reversing the transition is a net loss. There are hundreds of RCMP vacancies in British Columbia which Surrey RCMP officers could be deployed into. No RCMP officers would have their employment terminated.

10. Reversing the transition would be contrary to recommendations of the all-party Special Committee on Reforming the Police Act [SC-RPA-Report_42-3_2022-04-28.

pdf (leg.bc.ca)]. Recommendations in the report that directly support the retention of SPS include:

2) Transition to a new BC provincial police service that is governed by a new Community Safety and Policing Act. This includes: a. Establishing a governance model, such as municipal or regional police boards or committees, that is representative of the community and provides. opportunities for

Richmond RCMP seek public help in locating Mohamed Abdul Hameed

RICHMOND RCMP are seeking public assistance in locating Mohamed Abdul Hameed, who was reported missing on December 12. He was last seen at 11 a.m. in central Richmond.

local input on policing and public safety priorities.

5) a. Ensuring all policing is responsive to and informed by the community.

b. Implementing and enforcing provincial standards, policies, and expectations for service with respect to responding to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, conducting wellness checks, responding to sexual assault, and conducting traumainformed interviews.

7) Enhance and standardize initial and ongoing police education and training to reflect key values and competencies in order to shift police culture.

11. SPS is very close to being validated by the provincial government as the POJ. SPS would be capable of becoming the POJ in the summer of 2023. For the last two years SPS has built infrastructure, hired 375 employees, developed policies, built IT systems, and implemented training programs to be ready for provincial assessment.

12. SPS “sunk costs” by the end of 2022 are estimated at $107 million. This includes $17 million in IT systems that are primarily not compatible with RCMP infrastructure. Sev-

erance costs are estimated at $81.5 million, plus $13.6 million with ESA group termination requirements. The combined investment loss is estimated at $202.1 million. Reversing the transition raises questions about public accountability and financial responsibility.

13. Every major city in Canada has its own municipal police service. Surrey is on its way to being the largest city in British Columbia. It is broadly accepted that “local accountability” and “modernization” are two of the many reasons that large municipal policing agencies exist.

Description of Mohamed: * South Asian male * 34 years * 5 ft 7 in * Slim build * brown hair * brown eyes

He was last seen wearing: * dark pants

* dark leather jacket

* green backpack

Mohamed is a resident of Vancouver and is known to frequent the area around the 2300-block of Kingsway.

Police have followed-up on leads in regards to Mohamed’s whereabouts; however, they have been unable to locate him.

Police are concerned for his health and well-being.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Mohamed is urged to contact their local police, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-2228477 (TIPS).

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Surrey RCMP firearms trafficking investigation leads to large seizure of items, including 37 firearms

Suspect demonstrated no discretion when it came to whom the firearms were sold to

IN early 2022, the Surrey RCMP Drug Unit, the Surrey RCMP Gang Enforcement Team, and the Surrey RCMP Robbery Unit initiated a collaborative investigation into firearms trafficking involving a Provincial Tactical Enforcement Priority (PTEP) target, who at the time was residing in Surrey.

PTEP targets are people who are identified as individuals or groups that pose a risk to public safety, either through their behavior or links to organized crime. The suspect in this investigation does not have any known gang ties, however, he poses a risk to public safety though his proliferation of easily accessible prohibited firearms and ammunition, police said.

The investigation revealed that the suspect was selling firearms and demonstrated no discretion when it came to whom the firearms were sold to.

On December 1, the Surrey RCMP units with the assistance of the Lower Mainland Integrated Emergency Response Team and the National Weapons Enforcement

prohibited);

– 37 firearms including:

* 2 3D printed Glock “ghost guns”;

* 1 pistol;

* 26 Carbine/assault style rifles;

* 2 shotguns; and

* 6 hunting rifles.

A 42 year-old man was arrested and later released pending further investigation. The investigation is ongoing with many additional crucial steps required prior to submission to BC Prosecution Service for charge approval.

“Firearms trafficking places illegal firearms in the hands of criminals, who use them to commit brazen acts of violence, which we have recently seen across the region,” said Surrey RCMP proactive enforcement officer Inspector Ryan Element.

“Although these firearms were seized in Coquitlam, they had the potential to be sold and used to carry out acts of violence in any one of our communities. Seizures of this nature directly impact all of our safety.”

Support Team (NWEST) executed a search warrant on a business located in the 1300-block of Ketch Court in Coquitlam.

A search of the warehouse resulted in the seizure of multiple items related to firearms trafficking, including:

– 3D printed AR15 lower receiver accompanied by a manufactured .22 caliber upper receiver;

– Suppressor for a rifle;

– 4 air soft guns;

– .22 caliber upper conversion kit with ammunition;

– Body armour;

– Over 100,000 rounds of ammunition of various calibers;

– Several hundred magazines (many of which were loaded and

3D printed Glock “ghost guns.”

Photos: RCMP

Delta Police Patrol Services Section to use body worn cameras

IN May 2021, the Delta Police Department (DPD) became the first department in BC to deploy body worn cameras (BWCs) operationally, starting with the Interdiction Team and later expanding to the Traffic Section. At its December 14 meeting, the Delta Police Board approved a pilot for the DPD’s frontline Patrol Services Section (Patrol) to deploy BWCs.

The pilot is expected to begin in February 2023 for six months.

Delta community members may see DPD Patrol officers wearing BWCs while responding to calls during this period. The cost for the Patrol pilot project, primarily related to the purchase of four additional BWCs and equipment (chargers), will be approximately $6,400.

BWCs will be used following existing policy and provincial standards with oversight from the Delta Police Management Team. Delta Police say it is important to note that under DPD BWC Policy OD19, members record their interactions with the public in an overt capacity as part of their law enforcement duties. The policy thoroughly outlines the circumstances under which DPD officers may use the BWCs. Indiscriminate and continuous recording is not permitted.

The benefits and expected outcomes for the deployment of BWCs are:

* Enhance transparency, public trust, and confidence in policing (citizen satisfaction)

* Enhance officer safety by discouraging use of force against police

* De-escalate high-conflict situations to avoid use of force by police

* Provide real-life training examples and insight into policing/public encounters to assist

with training initiatives

* Assist in complaint resolution about alleged officer misconduct

* Enhance evidence documentation In approving the pilot, the Board reviewed the findings of a five-step process utilized to evaluate the potential of expansion. The evaluation offered positive results in support of the BWC program. The report to the Police Board can be accessed here: https://issuu.com/deltapolice/docs/bwc_expansion_report_pb for further details.

DPD’s community-first policing approach guided the evaluation process. At the forefront of this process was a community consultation conducted earlier this year. Feedback from DPD’s community and partners is essential in planning and delivering community-first policing services and innovative projects, says Delta Police. Consequently, the DPD sought public input regarding expanding the BWC pilot program to additional sections of the department.

Delta Police Board Chair, Mayor George Harvie, says: “We have heard loud and clear that

Suspect identified in last week’s fatal pedestrian hit-and-run in Surrey

SURREY RCMP announced on Wednesday that a suspect had been identified in relation to a hit-and-run investigation that claimed the life of a pedestrian.

On December 16, police attended the 13300-block of Old Yale Road after a report that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle that failed to remain at the scene.

The pedestrian, a 60-year-old female, did not survive her injuries.

On December 19, a suspect was identified in regards to this investigation. The suspect vehicle has been seized by Surrey RCMP for further investigation.

Charges have not yet been laid, and the investigation remains ongoing.

our community strongly supports and expects DPD officers to wear BWCs. The community’s feedback was key in the Board’s decision to approve the Patrol pilot, making it the first time in BC that a frontline Patrol/General Duty Section will deploy BWCs. Our decision focuses on fostering community trust in police while allowing officers to do their job safely.”

Harvie adds: “The decision further supports the DPD’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan (CSWP), which is the product of diverse input, including the community, DPD team, City of Delta Council and various stakeholders/partners. We remain committed to the CSWP priority/goal to leverage technology to enhance and develop efficiencies for continuous improvement.”

The community consultation found that 93.3% of the community supports expanding the BWC program to the frontline, while 6.7% opposes the expansion. Moreover, consultation with Tsawwassen First Nation Chief Laura Cassidy and Executive Council noted their support for the DPD BWC program expansion.

Delta Police Chief Neil Dubord says: “Police legitimacy and public trust are emerging themes in the current policing landscape and must be at the forefront of a modern and progressive community policing approach, to which the DPD remains committed to. The

continued expansion of the BWC program is the fruition of that commitment, in alignment with our community’s expectations to whom we are ultimately responsible and provide services to. I am fortunate to have a front-row seat in witnessing our team’s commitment, and dedication for our community’s safety and well-being and this pilot will support the work of our team.”

BWC footage will be stored in a centralized Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS), which is mandatory for all municipal police departments. This mandatory participation significantly reduces the costs associated with the storage of data that is commonly a detriment to BWC programs.

The DPD has also established a strict policy around accessibility and release of BWC footage. The footage is only accessible to the investigating officer, their supervisor and others with an investigative or documented need to see the footage.

There may be additional costs related to processing requests that may come from the public, court-related disclosures, and other agencies, which can currently be managed with existing staffing/resources. However, should there be a need to hire for a related position, the expected annual cost will be $84,738. The DPD says it will make every effort to find internal efficiencies for this position.

Record-breaking year for processing immigration applications, says Immigration Minister Sean Fraser

SEAN Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, on Monday said that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has reduced its overall inventory by nearly half a million applications.

The department has also been setting the bar higher and higher for processing. At the end of November, IRCC had processed approximately 4.8 million applications—nearly twice the 2.5 million processed during the same period last year.

To help strengthen the immigration system, IRCC has digitized applications, hired and trained new employees, streamlined processes, and harnessed automation technologies to increase processing efficiency while protecting the safety and security of Canadians.

The department remains on track to meet its goal to process 80% of new applications within service standards for most programs and continues to make strides in improving processing, resulting in shorter wait times for its clients.

Fraser said: “Our government has reduced its pandemic backlogs by nearly half a million, while also processing a record-breaking number of immigration applications this year. Our actions are ensuring that we can continue to welcome and support newcomers who come to Canada to work, study, visit, or settle here. It is through the dedication and hard work of those who administer our immigration system, and our willingness to modernize and adapt, that we are able to uphold Canada’s reputation as a welcoming and inclusive country.”

Temporary residence

Fraser said that for study permit processing, Canada is on pace to set a new record this year. As of November 30 this year, IRCC had processed over 670,000 study permits, compared to more than 500,000 during the same time period last year. As a result of these efforts, most new study permits are now being processed within the 60-day service standard.

Work permit processing also saw vast improvements, with nearly 700,000 work permits processed by November 30, compared to about 223,000 during the same period in

2019, before the pandemic.

IRCC continues to reduce backlogs and process visitor visas more quickly to respond to the growing number of people who want to visit Canada. On a monthly basis, Canada is now processing more visitor visa applications than it did prior to the pandemic. In November alone, over 260,000 visitor visas were processed. By contrast, the monthly average in 2019 was about 180,000 applications.

Permanent residence

Fraser said that Canada welcomed a record-breaking 405,000 new permanent residents in 2021, surpassing the previous record from 1913. After another record year in 2022, Canada remains on track to reach its target of more than 431,000 new permanent residents.

IRCC has also been modernizing services and adding support for permanent residence programs to better serve our clients. Thanks to these efforts, all new spousal sponsorship applications are now processed within the pre-pandemic service standard of 12 months and new Express Entry applications within six months.

Permanent residents can also expect shorter wait times when renewing their permanent resident cards as IRCC has reduced its pandemic backlog of applications for card renewals by 99%.

Citizenship

Fraser said that Canada is proud to have one of the highest naturalization rates in the world and encourages all newcomers to complete their journey by becoming Canadian citizens. IRCC expects a record number of new Canadian citizens in 2022–2023, with approximately 251,000 new citizens welcomed from April to November—surpassing the total number of new Canadian citizens for the last fiscal year.

As a result, more than 70% of applications in the citizenship inventory are now within service standards.

Using immigration to address labour shortages

Canada embraces immigration as a strategy to help businesses find workers with the required skills in key sectors—including health care, skilled trades, manufacturing, transportation, and technology—to manage the social and economic challenges the country will face in the decades ahead.

The Government of Canada has been putting in place measures to help harness the full labour market potential of temporary and permanent newcomers to Canada, including: * Extending work permits to spouses and working-age dependants of temporary foreign workers, at all skill levels. Expanding the eligibility for work permits to family members accompanying the principal applicant to Canada will help address labour shortages by assisting employers in finding the workers they need.

* Temporarily lifting the 20-hour-per-week cap on the number of hours that eligible postsecondary students are allowed to work offcampus while class is in session. With more than 640,000 international students already in Canada available to potentially work additional hours, this temporary change reflects the important role international students can play in addressing our labour needs, while continuing to pursue their studies.

* Implementing measures to allow foreign nationals whose post-graduation work permit expired or will expire between September 20, 2021, and December 31, 2022, the opportunity to work in Canada for an additional

18 months, by either extending their work permit or applying for a new one.

* Pioneering the development of economic pathways, in addition to traditional resettlement, for refugees and their families to find a safe and permanent solution. IRCC provided more funding to expand Canada’s Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) to more skilled refugees, and it is rolling out a new and more flexible process with trusted partners to make it easier for qualified applicants to apply.

* Shortening the wait time for those seeking asylum in Canada to obtain a work permit, from 20 months to one month.

* Leveraging our economic immigration programs to help bring workers to regions of Canada that need them most, including through a new permanent Atlantic Immigration Program, an expanded Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, and a new work permit stream for Quebec-selected skilled workers.

* Exempting physicians who work in a feefor-service model with public health authorities from current requirements. This change makes it easier for foreign-born physicians to remain in Canada so they can continue to practise in Canada and bolster the health care system.

* Announcing additional funding in Budget 2022 of $115 million over five years, starting in 2022–2023, and $30 million in ongoing funding to expand the Foreign Credential Recognition Program, with a focus on supporting labour market integration of skilled newcomers into the health sector.

* Implementing the National Occupational Classification 2021 for immigration programs managed under the Express Entry system. As a result, 16 additional occupations are now eligible for the programs managed under Express Entry.

* Making changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act by selecting immigrants based on key attributes that support identified economic priorities, such as educational credentials, work experience or official language knowledge. Express Entry’s new category-based selection authorities are expected to be launched in the spring of 2023.

Fraser said the Government of Canada will continue to provide monthly updates on its

GIVEYOUR CHILDTHE BEST START TO THE REST OF HIS LIFEWITH AN RESP

Sean Fraser

Photo: Twitter

progress in reducing backlogs, as well as the steps being taken to improve client experience, reunite families and address labour shortages in Canada. “We know there is still more work to do, and we are focused on building an immigration system that works well for newcomers, visitors, our businesses, and all Canadians,” he added.

Quick Facts:

* On August 24, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship highlighted IRCC’s plan to strengthen Canada’s immigration system and reduce application backlogs, with a focus on addressing labour shortages, improving client experience, and reuniting

families.

* To keep Canadians up to date on progress toward reducing backlogs, IRCC publishes monthly data on its website.

* Through the EMPP, partner organizations help skilled refugees overseas connect with employers who need to fill critical labour shortages. Once candidates receive a job offer, they can apply to immigrate to Canada through existing economic programs, using EMPP measures that remove barriers refugees may experience due to their displacement.

* On December 13, new funding was announced for partner organizations to expand EMPP to more skilled refugees. Canada is also rolling out a new and more flexible pro-

cess with trusted partners to make it easier for qualified candidates to apply.

* The Atlantic Immigration Program—which became a permanent program in early 2022—is a pathway to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers and international graduates from a Canadian institution who want to work and live in 1 of Canada’s 4 Atlantic provinces. The program helps employers hire qualified candidates for jobs they have not been able to fill locally.

* The International Mobility Program Plus, launched in May, is a new work permit option for Quebec-selected permanent residence candidates. With a permit from this program, an applicant who has been selected for permanent residence by Quebec, but

who currently lives elsewhere, will be able to move to the province to begin working and getting settled earlier.

* The Foreign Credential Recognition Program, led by Employment and Social Development Canada, invests approximately $27.1 million annually in contribution agreements with provinces and territories, regulatory bodies and other stakeholders to help support the labour market integration of skilled newcomers. On December 5, the Government of Canada launched a call for proposals under the program for $90 million to be invested in projects that will help remove barriers preventing qualified and skilled newcomers from gaining Canadian work experience in their own profession or field of study.

Jayant Bhatia, 33, of Brampton among 6 charged in U.S. in multimillion-dollar transnational tech support scam

The criminal fraud ring operated a technical support fraud scheme in the United States, India, and Canada NEWARK, N.J.: Five men were charged in an indictment and a New Jersey woman pleaded guilty in connection with a transnational technical support scam that targeted more than 20,000 victims, many of whom were elderly, in the United States and Canada, U.S. Attorney (District of New Jersey) Philip R. Sellinger announced on Friday.

Those charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit computer fraud, and substantive violations of wire fraud and computer fraud:

* Gagan Lamba, 41, of New Delhi, India

* Harshad Madaan, 34, of New Delhi, India

* Jayant Bhatia, 33, of Ontario, Canada

* Vikash Gupta, 33, of Faridabad, India

Lamba, Madaan, Bhatia, and a fifth defendant, Kulwinder Singh, 34, of Richmond Hill, New York, are also charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering, money laundering, and engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity. Bhatia has been charged with offenses related to his participation in a high-tech fraud scheme.

Authorities in India arrested Madaan on December 14 and Gupta on December 15 on local charges for their involvement in the tech support scheme. Lamba remains at large. Bhatia was arrested by Canadian authorities pursuant to a provisional arrest request from the United States. Singh was arrested at his

home in New York. Singh made his initial appearance on December 14 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer in Newark federal court and was released on $100,000 unsecured bond.

A sixth defendant, Meghna Kumar, 50, of Edison, New Jersey, pleaded guilty on December 14 by videoconference before Judge Hammer to an information charging her with engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity, based on her role in the scheme.

ACCORDING to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: From 2012 through November 2022, the defendants and others were members of a criminal fraud ring that operated a technical support fraud scheme in the United States, India, and Canada. The scheme targeted victims across the United States and Canada, including New Jersey, many of whom were elderly. The primary objective was to trick victims into believing that their personal computers were infected with a virus or malware and then convince the victims to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars to the fraud ring for phony computer repair services. Over the course of the conspiracy, the fraud ring generated more than $10 million in proceeds from at least 20,000 victims. The fraud ring caused fraudulent pop-up

windows to appear on victims’ personal computers. The pop-ups were designed, at times, to “freeze” the victims’ computers, which prevented the victims from using or accessing files on their computers. The pop-ups also claimed, falsely, that the victims’ computers were infected with a virus, or otherwise compromised, and directed the victims to call a telephone number to receive technical support. Sometimes the pop-ups warned victims to not shut down their computers. The pop-ups also included, without authorization, the names of wellknown, legitimate technology and antivirus companies. In reality, the pop-ups were a hoax, designed to trick the victims into believing that their computers were infected with viruses that did not actually exist.

Victims who called the technical support phone numbers appearing on the pop-ups were connected to one or more call centers in India associated with the fraud ring. Fraud ring members at the call centers falsely repeated that the victims’ computers were infected with viruses and offered to fix the purported issue for a fee. The fraud ring members would then request permission to remotely access the victims’ computers.

Once granted access, fraud ring members would, at times, download and run a freely available adblocker tool, advise the victim that the “issue” had been resolved, and then

leave a text file on the desktop of the computer with payment instructions.

Victims were instructed to pay the fraud ring in amounts ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars by: (a) electronically scanning checks made payable to one of several shell companies set up by the fraud ring and (b) sending, via FedEx, physical checks to addresses maintained by Singh and Kumar in New Jersey. The fraud ring often contacted certain victims again to offer additional services or lengthier service agreements that required victims to pay even more money to the fraud ring.

THE wire fraud and computer fraud charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross amount of gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest The money laundering charges carry a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved, whichever is greater. The transacting in criminal proceeds charges carry a maximum of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction, whichever is greater.

The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

correct fare.

New Year’s Eve service details:

* Buses will operate on a Saturday schedule with over 30 additional buses throughout the system and extra service on select routes.

* SkyTrain service will operate on a Saturday schedule with last trains running one hour later than regularly scheduled.

- Last train from Waterfront to King George at 2:16 a.m.

- Last train from Waterfront to Lougheed at 2:11 a.m.

- Last train from Waterfront to Production Way–University at 1:40 a.m.

- Last train from Waterfront to YVR–Airport Station at 2:05 a.m.

- Last train from Waterfront to Richmond–Brighouse at 2:15 a.m.

* SeaBus will be running on a Saturday schedule with extended service every 15 minutes until 1:22 a.m. and every 30 minutes until last sailing from Waterfront Station at 2:22 a.m.

* NightBus will continue operating after SkyTrain and SeaBus service ends.

- NightBus runs throughout the night on key routes in Vancouver, Richmond, North Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, New Westminster, and Surrey.

* As usual on a Saturday, West Coast Express will not be operating.

Additional SkyTrain staff, Transit Police, and Transit Security officers will be on the system to direct and assist customers.

The TransLink Customer Service Centre and Lost Property Office will be closed.

Plan your journey with Trip Planner, sign up for Transit Alerts, follow TransLink on Twitter @TransLink, or call Customer Service at 604-953-3333.

Serious pedestrianinvolved collision in Surrey

ON Sunday, December 18 at 9:23 p.m., Surrey RCMP responded to a report of a motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian in the 8200-block of 168 Street. The pedestrian suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to hospital.

The driver of the vehicle remained on scene and cooperated with police. Investigators will look into determining whether or not speed or alcohol were factors, police said.

The Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service was called to assist the Surrey RCMP Criminal Collision Investigation Team with the investigation.

Investigators collected statements and canvassed for video.

Anyone with information, including dash cam footage in the area on 168 Street, is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604599-0502 and quote file 2022-191976. If you wish to make an anonymous report, you are requested to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-22-TIPS or www.solvecrime.ca.

other payment methods. Customers who begin trips before 5 p.m. are advised to tap out as normal to ensure they’re charged the

TransLink night bus

Photo: TransLink

THE

Progress Report on B.C.’s Surgical Renewal Commitment to patients shows that surgery volumes are exceeding pre-pandemic levels, and almost all surgeries postponed by multiple waves of COVID-19 have now been completed.

“Our Surgical Renewal Commitment was to deliver surgeries that were postponed due to the pandemic, to book and deliver surgeries that were not scheduled due to the pandemic, and to change the way we deliver surgeries in B.C. to get more patients their surgery faster,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, on Monday.

“In fulfilling this commitment, we’re showing that when surgeries are postponed, patients quickly have them rescheduled, and we’re demonstrating the strength of our B.C. surgical system to overcome challenge to get patients the surgeries they need.”

Due to COVID-19, non-urgent scheduled surgeries were postponed on March 16, 2020, resuming on May 18, 2020. Since then, additional surgical postponements have been caused by subsequent waves of COVID-19, extreme weather and staff illness.

As of November 10:

* 99.9% of the 14,783 patients whose scheduled surgery was postponed during the first wave, and still wanted a surgical treatment, had had their surgery;

* 99.2% of the 3,166 patients whose scheduled surgery was postponed because of the second and third waves, and still wanted a surgical treatment, had had their surgery;

and

* 98% of the 6,620 patients whose scheduled surgery was postponed because of waves four and five, and still wanted a surgical treatment, had had their surgery.

Fiscal 2022-23 mid-year surgical renewal achievements include the following:

* delivery of 215,188 scheduled and unscheduled surgeries – 7,663 surgeries or 4% more compared to the same timeframe as 2019;

* delivery of 20,425 urgent scheduled surgeries completed within four weeks – 6% more compared to the same timeframe as 2019;

* delivery of 18,733 non-urgent surgeries for patients waiting longer than two times their target wait – 13% more compared to the same timeframe in 2019;

* expansion of operating room hours by 17,796 to 376,399 hours – 5% more compared to the same timeframe as 2019;

* reduction by 6% of the total waiting-list size compared to the same timeframe in 2019;

* addition of 19 new initiatives in health authorities to increase operating room time and capacity since April 1, 2022;

* completion of training by health authorities of an additional 180 surgical specialty nurses, bringing the total trained to 798 throughout B.C. since April 2020; and

* addition of net new health-care staff to surgical services throughout B.C., including 125 surgeons,106 anesthesiologists, 181 perioperative nurses, 80 general practitioner anesthetists and 76 medical device reprocessing technicians since April 2020.

Dix said: “What making our surgical renewal commitment taught us is this: With dedication, innovation and drive from all parts of the health-care system, patients got their postponed surgeries. And we know this, too: If respiratory season and COVID-19 require postponements in surgeries this fall and winter, we’ll quickly get those surgeries rescheduled. Patients will get their surgeries.”

He added: “But key to that is the work we can all do to keep the pressure off our hospitals. Getting our COVID-19 and influenza shots, and taking the other steps we know prevent the spread of respiratory illness supports all those who are waiting for their surgery – and the health-care workers who support them.”

Surrey secures federal grant to plant about 35,000 native trees

trees in our community. These trees will help provide shade, cleaner air and access to nature, as well as mitigating the effects of cli-

mate change.”

Learn more about tree care in Surrey at www. surrey.ca/trees.

Health Minister Adrian Dix

Photo: BC Government

THE City of Surrey has been awarded $207,555 in grant funding from the Government of Canada’s 2 Billion Trees program to plant about 35,000 native trees in the community.

“We are grateful for this funding support

from the 2 Billion Trees program,” said Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke. “A healthy and thriving urban forest is vital to our community. The funds will be used to replace grass and invasive plants with tens of thousands of new

South Surrey Athletic Park.

Photo: City of Surrey

BC Cancer researchers

RESEARCHERS at the BC Cancer Research Institute have made an advancement in genetic testing that allows for more accurate prediction of which parent’s genes led to an individual’s increased cancer risk.

This improves the efficiency of familial testing strategies and could eliminate concern for patients at high risk of cancer caused by genes inherited from a parent.

The approach was spearheaded by Vahid Akbari and Dr. Steven Jones at Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre (GSC) at BC Cancer, and by Vincent Hanlon and Dr. Peter Lansdorp at the BC Cancer Research Institute’s Terry Fox Laboratory.

The new test confirms whether a cancer predisposing gene variant is present in a patient, and can determine whether the variant was inherited from the mother or the father—an understanding that was not possible until now.

“Being able to assign the parent of origin to cancer variants allows us to rapidly identify other family members who may be at risk,” says Dr. Kasmintan Schrader, co-medical director of the Provincial Hereditary Cancer Program at BC

AT approximately 3:24 p.m. on December 17, Surrey RCMP responded to a report of shots fired in the 6400-block of 188

an improved hereditary cancer test

Cancer, assistant professor of medical genetics at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and a co-author of the study.

“Allowing us to focus on one side of the family will help save lives by concentrating on prevention efforts. This new approach will eliminate the unnecessary psychological burden of needing to test family members on the other side who are not at an increased risk, reduce the need for clinical counselling and focus resources on identifying and supporting those truly at risk.”

Dr. Steven Jones, co-director of the Genome Sciences Centre and professor of medical genetics at UBC, adds, “The approach has been enabled by new long-read sequencing technology which can sequence not only DNA but also determine subtle functional alterations to DNA.”

Unlike other DNA sequencing approaches, this approach uses thousands of microscopically small pores to determine the sequence of DNA as it travels through them.

“All of our chromosomes have marks that are indicative of whether the chromosome came

Street in the Cloverdale area.

Officers located evidence that a shooting had occurred. Shortly thereafter, a

from our mother or our father,” says Dr. Louis Lefebvre, associate professor of medical genetics at UBC and co-author of the paper. “The challenge is that over the three billion base pairs that represent our genome, only approximately 190 tiny regions contain these parental marks.”

Technology developed by Dr. Lansdorp provided the final missing piece, allowing these tiny regions to be linked to entire chromosomes.

For certain patients the promise of this test might be more profound. Those bearing damaging variants of the SDHD or SDHAF2 genes are at very high risk of developing certain cancers over their lifetime, but only if the defective gene is inherited from their father. If it is inherited from the mother, the patient has no increased risk.

For those at risk, they face a lifetime of regular screening and testing to identify tumours early.

For some individuals with the variant, though, family members are not around to help identify from which parent the variant was inherited.

For half of the approximately three hundred patients in Canada in this position and many more

Male shot in Surrey’s Cloverdale

victim suffering from gunshot wounds was located in the 18900-block of Fraser Highway. He was transported to a

around the world, this new test could eliminate a lifetime of unnecessary hospital visits and the psychological burden of increased cancer risk. The research was published on Wednesday in Cell Genomics.

Quick Facts:

* The Hereditary Cancer Program provides genetic counselling and genetic testing for BC/ Yukon residents who may have inherited an increased risk for specific types of cancer.

* Hereditary cancer is not common. Less than 10 per cent of all cancer is hereditary.

* Self-referrals to the Hereditary Cancer Program are accepted if a relative has shared details about their hereditary cancer gene mutation or if you are concerned about cancer in your family and do not currently have a family doctor or nurse practitioner.

* As a research institute at UBC and PHSA, the BC Cancer Research Institute (BCCRI) is as a hub for cancer research activity across the province, advancing cancer research discoveries and transformational technologies and treatments.

local hospital with serious injuries. There are no individuals in custody.

Officers conducted neighbourhood canvassing and spoke with witnesses to ob-

tain further information. Police said they were working to determine the possible motive for the shooting.

Anyone with more information, including dash cam

footage around the area of 188 Street and 64 Avenue, between 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., is asked to contact Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 and quote file #2022-191275.

Photo: CrimeStoppers

Trudeau enjoys end of year approval bump; Poilievre remains deeply unpopular with women: Angus Reid Institute

AS Christmas nears, Canadians have more holiday jeers than holiday cheers for the official leader of the opposition.

A new study from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute finds Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre provoking more reaction from his predecessors, but perhaps not in the way he may want.

Asked how they view Poilievre, Canadians are much more likely to actually have an opinion of him at this point in his tenure compared to past CPC leaders. Early term uncertainty, however, has mostly been replaced with acrimony. Onein-three (33%) view Poilievre favourably, while more than half (54%) hold a negative view.

These levels of unfavourable sentiment are much higher than those of previous leaders Andrew Scheer, Erin O’Toole, and Stephen Harper at the beginning of their own leadership ventures. Of those who have occupied Stornoway in the 21st century, only Harper was met with majority positive sentiment after taking the job.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, meanwhile, enjoys a five-point boost in his approval compared to summer levels. He’s viewed positively by more than two-in-five (43%). Trudeau appeared at public hearings in November to defend his February decision to invoke the Emergencies Act in response to deeply unpopular “freedom convoy” protests.

An emerging gender divide is unmistakable: Poilievre’s favourability is nearly twice as high among men (44%) as women (23%), while the inverse, though not as pronounced, is true of Trudeau (35% among men, 50% among women).

Both men will have plenty of opportunity to tackle big issues in 2023 and earn more confidence among the population. Canadians head into a new year focused on crumbling health care infrastructure and overwhelming cost of living concerns. These two issues rank atop the list of priorities for every region of the country.

More Key Findings:

* Trudeau has seen his favourability improve over the year among 18- to 34-year-olds. Twoin-five (39%) men that age, and half (50%) of women, view him favourably.

* Almost half of constituents view NDP leader Jagmeet Singh (46%) and Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet (47%, Quebec only)

Arrest in Vancouver’s Davie Village assault

A man has been arrested and charged following a Vancouver Police investigation into an unprovoked assault of a senior in the West End’s Davie Village last month. The 67-year-old victim was waiting at a bus stop near Davie and Thurlow Street around 2 p.m. on November 8 when he was allegedly assaulted by a stranger. Several witnesses called 9-1-1, allowing VPD officers to respond immediately and locate a suspect.

BC Prosecution Service has approved one count of assault causing bodily harm against 35-year-old David Keyler, who was arrested Sunday morning by Vancouver Police. Keyler has since been released on bail.

favourably.

* More than half in Alberta (53%) and Saskatchewan (57%) view Poilievre favourably, the only

two provinces where that’s the case. Quebecers hold the most unfavourable views, with two-thirds (64%) saying they have negative impressions of Poilievre.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in B.C.

Photo by SUKHWANT DHILLON / AM 600 Sher-E-Punjab Radio

Pierre Poilievre (2nd from left) at a press conference in Vancouver. Photo supplied

Today’s younger investors more speculative in their investing, says new research

Young adults are less trusting of traditional investment professionals and are more likely to seek information on platforms like YouTube, Instagram and TikTok

YOUNG adults today are increasingly taking on more risk by investing in specific companies, according to new research commissioned by the B.C. Securities Commission (BCSC).

The national and British Columbia survey,

conducted by Innovative Research Group, reveals how 18- to 24-year-olds are different from older adults when it comes to investing, and even how different they are from 18- to 24-year-olds of just a few years ago. Over the past four years, the youngest adults

in B.C, as well those between 25 and 34 years old, have increasingly owned stocks of individual companies. While that upward trend is present among all age groups, the increase is most pronounced among those under 35 and barely perceptible among those over 55.

Owning individual stocks – as opposed to a basket of stocks through a mutual fund or exchange-traded fund – indicates a more speculative approach to investing, as well as greater confidence by today’s younger investors in their ability to spot profitable opportunities.

“It’s natural that younger investors, given the long timeline in front of them, would be more inclined to take on more risk,” said Pamela McDonald, the BCSC’s Director, Communications and Education. “But today’s younger investors are increasingly willing to take a chance on a particular company.” Young adults are more likely than other those 25 or older to:

* say they are aiming for a large return and a big profit

* think it’s generally possible to time the market

* trade at least once a week

* say that they often trade more to win back losses

* say that they often trade larger amounts to maintain excitement

* and say that they often are thinking of ways to get more money to trade.

Innovative Research Group used the data about behaviours and attitudes to sort inves-

tors into different types. One in five young adult investors could be described as “doit-yourself” investors who are taking a more speculative and risky approach to investing; that type accounted for only one in 10 investors overall. Another 18 per cent of young adult investors hold only crypto and nothing else; this group amounts to just 6 per cent among all investors.

Young adults are less trusting of traditional investment professionals and are more likely to seek information on platforms like YouTube, Instagram and TikTok. Only 23 per cent of young investors work solely with advisors, compared to 40 per cent of Canadians overall.

Young adults are more likely than any other age group to self-manage some or all of their investments, with about half self-managing over 50 per cent of their investments. Young adults invest in higher-risk financial products, such as options or mortgage investments, at a higher rate than investors generally.

The COVID-19 pandemic, media exposure, economic conditions and new technologies are likely contributing to changed approaches to investing for young adults.

“This research shows young investors are following a different path than generations before,” McDonald said. “By understanding the goals and behaviour of younger investors, we can have a clearer idea of the tools and support they need to work toward a positive financial future.”

The research is available on the BCSC website.

EVENTS

South Asian Adults and Seniors Programs

* Yoga classes in person at Shanti Niketan Hall conducted by yoga instructor Ashwini Bansal on every Monday and every Thursday from 10 to 11:15 a.m. on both days. Yoga expert Mahendra Kumar Juneja will also help participants. This is only for participants who have been double vaccinated for COVID-19. They should bring facemasks and a yoga mat and maintain social distancing. Pure vegetarian lunch is served in the dining hall of the Temple to all se-

niors every Thursday after the yoga class.

* Vedic Senior’s Parivar Centre of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society of BC: Christmas get-together and group birthday on Monday, December 26 at Ultimate Banquet Hall, #200 - 8072 – 120 Street, Surrey, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. by invitation or paid contribution only. Musicians will provide entertainment. Contact Surendra Handa, Coordinator, at 604-507-9945 or email at surendra_handa@hotmail.com for further details.

Ontario man arrested after seniors assaulted, carjacked in Vancouver

A man from Ontario has been arrested by Vancouver Police and faces numerous charges after one senior was randomly assaulted, and another was carjacked Wednesday afternoon in the Olympic Village.

The crime spree started around 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday when a 76-year-old man was punched in the face by a stranger and knocked to the ground while walking near Columbia and West 1st Avenue. The senior suffered injuries and was taken to

hospital.

Minutes later, a 79-year-old woman and her 82-year-old companion were getting out of a car on Athletes Way when a man allegedly grabbed the driver’s keys, got in her car, and drove off. As the suspect fled, he struck multiple vehicles near Main Street and East 2nd Avenue.

Several witnesses called 9-1-1 and flagged down VPD officers, and within minutes police located the stolen car travelling through East Vancouver. VPD officers

stopped the car and arrested the driver near Victoria and East 33rd Avenue.

A 41-year-old man, who was wanted for

crimes in Alberta and Ontario, was taken to jail for robbery, assault, theft, and driving offences.

A serene scene at 5 a.m. on Tuesday as snow blankets Vancouver’s historic Gastown. However, the major snowstorm on Monday night and Tuesday morning resulted in chaos across the Lower Mainland. DriveBC released a photo of snow blowing across Highway 1 in Abbotsford on Wednesday.

Jaipur (IANS): Rajasthan

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday said that the BJP and Modi government are scared of the "rising popularity" of Bharat Jodo Yatra, being led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

The Chief Minister said that 'scared' of the BJY's "popularity", Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has written a letter to Rahul Gandhi to follow COVID protocol during the yatra.

Gehlot posted on Twitter in Hindi, "The Bharat Jodo Yatra's Rajasthan leg completed on December 21 morning, but the BJP and Modi Government are so scared of the huge crowd that gathered here that the Union Health Minister wrote a letter to Rahul Gandhi on December 20 to follow the Covid protocol in Rajasthan."

"This clearly shows that BJP's aim is to disturb the Bharat Jodo Yatra, fearing the increasing public support," he said.

Further, he said, "Two days ago the Prime Minister held a rally in Tripura where no Covid protocol was followed. In the second wave of Covid, PM did big rallies in Bengal. If the Union Health Minister's intent is not political and his concern is justified, then he should have written the first letter to the Prime Minister."

Meanwhile, Congress General Secretary in-charge communication, Jairam Ramesh, said the Union Health Minister wrote to Rahul Gandhi on the basis of a letter sent to him by a BJP MP from Rajasthan who alleged that the Bharat Jodo Yatra has not been following Covid protocols. This MP's letter was sent following the enormous success of Bharat Jodo Yatra in his state.

The Yatra on Wednesday entered Haryana and will take a break from December 24 after entering Delhi on the same day and will resume on January 3.

Ramesh said, "Parliament is meeting normally. Masks are no longer compulsory anywhere, including on flights. BJP has taken out yatras in Rajasthan and Karnataka."

"There has been no advisory from the Centre to states of late except the one issued yesterday on genome sequencing. It also bears recall that in March 2020, the Modi government delayed imposition of lockdown by at least a week to enable the toppling of the Congress government in MP," he added.

Referring to the letters written by Members of Parliament from Rajasthan where they expressed concern over the spread of Covid infection because of non-adherence to the guidelines, Mandaviya emphasized to follow the protocol of using masks, sanitizer and other precautions.

"Covid guidelines should be

strictly followed in the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' going on in Rajasthan. Masks and sanitizers should be used and it should be ensured that only people vaccinated against Covid take part in this yatra. Passengers should be isolated before and after joining the Yatra", said Mandaviya in the letters addressed to both Congress leaders and Rajasthan Chief Minister Gehlot.

Mandaviya further in the letter said, "If following the Covid 19 protocol is not possible, adjourn the Bharat Jodo Yatra seeing the Public Health Emergency and to save the nation from Covid pandemic".

Later, Mandaviya told the media, “"It is my duty to ensure that Covid doesn't spread in the country. If someone thinks how can a minister question them, then what can we do about their mindset? Questioning me on this is like obstructing me from doing my duty."

He said that several people who joined Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra have tested positive for

Covid, alleging that the Congress is unnecessarily making his letter a political issue.

While talking to the media in the Parliament House Complex, Mandaviya said, "Three Rajasthan MPs had written to me that a number of Congress' Bharat Jodo Yatra participants have been detected Covid positive. The Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister also tested positive after attending this yatra".

Mandaviya added that to ensure that Covid doesn't spread in Rajasthan, I took experts' views and wrote to Rahul Gandhi stating that Covid protocols should be followed during the Bharat Jodo Yatra.

Mandaviya said that as a health minister, it is his responsibility to see that Covid does not spread in the country and all the citizens remain healthy. However, to defend a particular family (Gandhi family) questions are being raised about him and obstruction is being placed in the discharge of his duties as health minister.

Rahul Gandhi with Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and other party members during Bharat Jodo Yatra in Alwar, Rajasthan.

New Delhi (IANS): The Union government is set to organise an event on “Veer Baal Diwas” at India Gate in the national capital on December 26 at which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also be present.

Earlier this year, the Prime Minister had declared that December 26 should henceforth be declared as “Veer Baal Diwas” to pay homage to the courage of the ‘Sahibzades’, the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh, the last Sikh guru.

While all four sons of Guru Gobind Singh were martyred, the date has been chosen as it was the day observed as the martyrdom day of the ‘Sahibzadas’ Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh, who were killed at the young age of six and nine in Sirhind (Punjab)

by Mughal forces.

The Union government is planning to celebrate the occasion at a grand level and make it informative with help of multiple mediums. A number of meetings are also being held to make the event grand and successful.

Many competitions like essay writing, painting, quiz etc are also being held in memory of this day.

The official website of ‘MyGov’ is opening a window for people to participate in such competitions.

Nearly 1.5 million schools across the country have held exhibitions on “Veer Bal Diwas” talking about the sacrifices and contributions of

the ‘Sahibzades’. All the major places of attraction, metros, airports, petrol pumps will conduct an exhibition or digital informative exhibition about the Sahibzades.

BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa told IANS, “This will be a historic first time event on ‘Veer Baal Diwas’. The day when we remember about the sons of Guru Gobind Singh ji, who sacrificed their lives in the fight against forceful conversion and other atrocities at a young age of six and nine.”

“It is an honour to remember them with great respect,” he added.

Bihar Director-General of Police asks force to produce results or face the consequences

through video conferencing.

The DGP also fixed the responsibility of every officer from sub-inspectors to ADGP rank officers. He especially told the SPs and SSPs that they are the supervisory authority and will be held responsible if crime takes place in their districts.

“There is a very simple and basic formula to force criminals to run. If criminals sit in one place and start making conspiracies to execute crime, they will force cops to run. It’s up to you to decide whether you want to chase the criminals or not,” Bhatti said

“In case of frequent crimes in one particular police station, I will visit. In case I will go there, you can understand what happened then. After every major crime, the SHO of the police station was held responsible for it. I want to ask why the DSP and the SP would be spared. They are the monitoring authority and they cannot skip from it. You will be equally held responsible for unable to prevent crime,” Bhatti said.

During his speech, he asked every policeman to do their duty honestly and give effective results. If they fail to do that, action will be taken against them. He has asked the police to destroy the nexus of liquor mafia or criminals related to organised crime. He also gave the message that no

one is more powerful than the police of the state.

“If you give the result, I am with you and I will listen to your grievances, but if you are unable to control crime, I will take action against you,” Bhatti reiterated.

After he took over the charge as the DGP, no major crime has happened in Bihar for the last three days. Bhatti also analysed the investigation of Saran hooch tragedy and is closely monitoring the developments.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has given complete authority to him to control the crime and break the nexus, assuring him that whether it would be of politicians and criminals, the CM’s Office and any other authority would not ask him for privileges or recommendations to release the criminals.

Punjab Chief Minister woos industrialists in Hyderabad

Chandigarh (IANS): Inviting the big business houses to invest, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday exhorted the captains of industry in Hyderabad to ‘grow with the best’ as his state is the land of opportunities.

The Chief Minister held talks with Hartex Rubber MD Varun Surekha, Cancer Centers of America (India) CEO Smitha Raju and Executive Director Rajesh Manthena, Narayan Group of Educational Institutions’ Executive

During the interaction, the Chief Minister showcased Punjab as a most preferred investment destination and asked the companies to invest in the state. He said the government is firmly committed for extending support and

cooperation to the industrial groups for setting up their operations in Punjab.

Describing Punjab as the most preferred destination for doing business, Mann said companies will be benefitted by investing in the state.

The Chief Minister asserted that the state has complete communal harmony, peace and amity which have resulted in its overall development and prosperity. He urged the industri-

alists to make optimum use of this congenial atmosphere backed by excellent infrastructure, power, skilled human resources and best industrial and work culture to spread their business.

He said the pragmatic policies of the state government coupled with industrial peace and state-of-the-art infrastructure provides a conducive atmosphere for the industrial development in Punjab.

Patna (IANS): Newly-appointed Bihar Director-General of Police R.S. Bhatti has given a clear message to every state police personnel to control crime in their respective jurisdictions or he will take action against them.

while addressing his first high-level meeting with officers from inspectors to ADGPs

Director Puneeth Kothappa, GMR Group’s Executive Director, South, S.G.K. Kishore, Annapurna Studios Executive Director Supriya Y., and Wonderla President M. Sivadas, among others.

New York (IANS): Indian-origin Attorney Vivek Malek has been appointed as the first nonwhite treasurer of the US state of Missouri, Governor Mike Parson announced.

Haryana-born Malek, 45, will replace Republican Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick, who is leaving the position to become state auditor in January.

“Vivek Malek will be our next State Treasurer of the State of Missouri. Vivek’s appointment will fill the vacancy created by the election of Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick to the Office of Missouri State Auditor,” Parson wrote in a Facebook post.

Wildwood resident Malek came to Missouri in 2002 to get his Master’s degree in business administration from Southeast Missouri State University.

He started with his law practice in 2006 and opened a law firm in 2011.

“When he arrived, he had just $300 in his pocket, but he didn’t make excuses,” Parson said in the post.

New Delhi (IANS): The Delhi High Court on Thursday dismissed a plea opposing the permission given to Sikhs to carry kirpans while travelling on civilian flights in India.

The plea, filed in a form of public interest litigation (PIL) by lawyer Harsh Vibhore Singhal, challenged the Centre’s notification issued on March 4 allowing Sikh passengers to carry kirpans having blade length of no more than six inches and total length of no more than nine inches while travelling anywhere in India.

On December 15, the HC reserved its order on the plea.

A division bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad had said: “How can we interfere with such a policy decision? We can’t interfere. It is a policy decision of the Government of India.”

The petitioner had claimed that a committee of stakeholders should be constituted to apply its mind to the issue.

At this, the court had said: “Your mind might

Recently, Malek was selected for the Southeast Missouri Board of Governors.

“Vivek is a family man, small business owner, conservative leader, talented attorney, and a true embodiment of the American dream. We know he will work hard every day to safeguard the people’s money and trust,” Missouri

Governor added.

Malek practices in all aspects of immigration law, including business, family, asylum and removal defence.

He has worked with numerous companies across various industries and has helped in bringing skilled workers to the US in all visa categories, according to his LinkedIn bio. He was recognised by the Missouri Senate (2015) and Missouri House (2007) for his service and contributions to Missouri communities.

“It is my honour of life to be able to serve as the next State Treasurer of the state of Missouri, and I promise to give the job and the people of Missouri all and best,” Malek, a father of three, was quoted as saying in the statement.

Malek has prepared and filed petitions, appeals and motions with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Department of State (DOS) and the United States Department of Labor (DOL). Parson said that Malek’s story is an “inspiring

proof that the American dream can and will live on for the next generation of Missourians”. “President Reagan once said immigrants are one of the greatest sources of American greatness, and both Vivek and I agree. Through our shared values, Vivek helps legal immigrants embrace our nation and achieve their American dream too,” Parson wrote in the Facebook post.

“As a Republican, strong capitalist, and conservative Missourian, we know Vivek will be a principled leader, who works hard every day to safeguard the people’s money and bring opportunity to Missouri families and their communities,” he added.

Malek was awarded the Minority Business Leader Award by the St. Loui Business Journal in 2010, earned the ‘Up and Coming lawyers Award’ by Missouri Lawyers Media in 2010, and was recognised as Top 30 under 30 by Business Today magazine in 2007, among other awards and recognition, the statement said.

not be the government’s mind. Therefore when the government has applied its mind and has come with a policy, we ought not to interfere unless it is so arbitrary.”

The court had also refused to entertain submissions by certain parties as their applications were not on record.

The plaintiff had said that he was not questioning the rights of Sikhs but only wanted the stakeholders to examine the issue.

He had said: “I admit that Article 25 allows the carriage of a kirpan. But when you are flying, the regulator must apply its mind. I want a constitution of a committee of stakeholders to examine the issue. If the committee feels that the notification is good, so be it. Not a problem.”

Defending his argument, he argued that the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has not formulated the policy but was only following what the government has said.

“Safety measures, including stationing of marshals, have been put in place by the authorities,” advocate Anjana Gosain had

said, representing the respondents.

On August 18, the court had refused to pass an interim order staying the operation of

the

decision allowing Sikhs to carry kirpans having a blade length of up to six inches on flights.

‘Virtual kidnapping’ scams targeting international students

BURNABY RCMP are issuing a public alert about virtual kidnapping scams, after a recent incident that targeted an international student living in Burnaby.

The student, who is a Chinese national, was contacted by phone in late August by two people who told him they were Chinese police officers and claimed he was a suspect in an investigation.

Over the course of several weeks, the suspects directed the victim to make a series of hostage videos, telling the victim it would help his court case. The victim was also pressured into paying the suspects tens of thousands of dollars using an online money transfer app, with the suspects telling him the money would be used for legal fees in his court case.

In early November, the victim’s family in China received a ransom demand along with the hostage videos taken by the victim. However, the victim’s family was suspicious of the circumstances. Burnaby RCMP was contacted and officers were able to confirm the safety of the victim, who had been instructed by the suspects to go into hiding.

“This extortion scam escalated over more than two months, with these scammers going to great lengths to demand money from the victim and then his family,” said Sgt. Freda Fong with Burnaby RCMP’s Investigative Support Team, on Tuesday.

“While these types of frauds can be convincing, we urge everyone, including international students and Chinese nationals living in Canada, to be aware of warning signs

Excavator stolen from construction site in North Vancouver

NORTH Vancouver RCMP are asking for the public’s assistance in locating an excavator stolen from a construction site located in 600-block of East 6th Street.

On December 15, the owner of a 2018 John Deere 50G excavator called police to report his equipment (see photo) was stolen from the construction site. The night before at approximately 10:30 p.m., witnesses saw the excavator being loaded onto a flatbed that traveled eastbound.

The excavator is worth $50,000, and it is the third excavator that has been stolen from the property in four years.

North Vancouver RCMP are asking for the public’s assistance in providing any information relating to this theft, specifically any CCTV

footage or dash cam from the area, or witnesses that may have observed the incident.

Constable Mansoor Sahak said: “Someone may have observed this incident, not realizing that a theft was occurring.”

If you observed anything

that may assist the police, or know the whereabouts of the excavator, you are asked to call North Vancouver RCMP at 604-985-1311 and quote file # 22-30678.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

of virtual kidnapping scams.” The incident remains under investigation.

VIRTUAL kidnapping is a scam meant to extort money from victims and their families. These scams continue to target Chinese nationals in Canada, with the criminals often posing as Chinese police or government officials.

Virtual kidnapping scams aim to trick a victim’s family, who may be located overseas, into believing the victim has been kidnapped and may be harmed if a ransom is not paid.

To make this believable, the fraudsters may order the victim not to answer their phone or make contact with family or friends. In addition, the victim may be pressured to

take photos and video to provide to the fraudsters, which would then be used in the extortion attempt.

Victims will often be told that they are wanted for a crime in China and will be warned to avoid the police in Canada.

Canadian police, including the RCMP, do not operate in this manner and are here to assist all visitors to Canada.

What to do if you receive a call:

* Do not comply with the caller’s demands

* Hang up the phone and report the incident to your local police

* Never give out personal information over the telephone

* Warn your loved ones about this elaborate fraud

* Call 911 in an emergency.

Coquitlam RCMP seek suspect in totem pole theft from Kwikwetlem First Nations

COQUITLAM RCMP are investigating a theft of a totem pole from the Kwikwetlem Band office located at 10 –65 Colony Farm Road in Coquitlam from October 12.

Surveillance video depicts a suspect picking up the totem pole and loading it into the U-Haul truck before driving away.

The totem pole had been on display at the back of the band office. This totem pole had significant sentimental value to the community.

The totem pole can be described as:

– 3 feet tall

– Red cedar solid wood

– Carved owl on the top

The suspect can be described as:

– Male

– Medium athletic build

The suspect was seen wearing:

– Dark shoes

– Dark jeans or workpants

– Dark hoodie sweatshirt

– No gloves

“The theft of the totem pole from the Kwikwetlem First Nations land is a significant loss for the community,” said Media Relations Officer, Cpl. Alexa Hodgins. “A meticulous investigation is being executed as we understand the sentimental and cultural loss felt by the Kwikwetlem First Nations.”

Anyone who has any information or may have witnessed this incident, or may have video footage is asked to contact the Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550, and quote file number 202227539.

For more photos, please visit our website voiceonline. com

Surrey man charged in March 2021 daytime shooting in Coquitlam

CHARGES have been laid against a 26-year-old man in connection to a 2021 daytime shooting near North Road and Clarke Road in Coquitlam.

Coquitlam RCMP frontline officers responded to several reports of shots fired shortly after 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 31, 2021. Responding officers located one victim suffering from non-lifethreatening injuries following an altercation between two males.

Gunder Bringi of Surrey has been charged with the following offences:

- 1 count of reckless discharge of a firearm

- 1 count of discharge a firearm with intent to wound or disfigure

- 1 count of aggravated assault

- 1 count of possession of a firearm contrary to order Bringi remains in custody.

“This shooting occurred on a busy street during the day in the middle of the week, which shows a complete disregard for public safety,” said Cpl. Alexa Hodgins from Coquitlam RCMP. “Our investigators

Richmond joint operation targeting shoplifters results in 11 arrests

ON December 13, Richmond RCMP Property Crime Unit (PCU), Metro Vancouver Transit Police and a number of Richmond based businesses worked together to conduct focused enforcement on shoplifters.

Half of those arrested were from other jurisdictions and have allegedly committed similar offences in other jurisdictions.

“We know that many individuals committing crimes move between jurisdictions. That’s why these joint operations are so important, as it allows us to work in partnership to identify and arrest those committing these crimes,” said Sgt. Russel Yugai, Richmond Investigative Services.

“While some offenders steal for personal reasons, we know that others are part of a more organized group that have been given a list of specific items they are supposed to steal. Whatever their reason, shoplifting can have a significant impact on a business, including financial, which ultimately affects the consumer. By focusing on these offenders, we are protecting our community as a whole.”

While the majority of the 11 arrests were for alleged thefts, a man and woman were arrested for allegedly attempting to use a fraudulently obtained gift card to purchase items from a store.

A bait bike was also deployed as part of this operation, however, no attempts were made to steal it.

Richmond RCMP PCU will be conducting extra enforcement throughout the holiday season.

If you have witnessed or have information

Suspect arrested within minutes of attempted bank robbery in New Westminster

AT approximately 3:30 p.m. on December 20, the New Westminster Police Department received a 9-1-1 call from a bank employee who reported that someone inside the bank had claimed they had a gun and demanded money before fleeing the area. Officers rushed to the area of 6th Street and Sixth Avenue and arrested a suspect one block away.

“We thank staff at the bank who provided an excellent description of the suspect,” said Media Relations Officer Sgt. Justine Thom. “Key details about what this suspect was wearing and a physical description of the suspect helped officers identify and arrest this individual within minutes.”

The New Westminster Police Department would like to remind the public to call 9-1-1 if they witness a robbery in progress.

about a potential crime, Richmond RCMP encourage you to contact your police of jurisdiction. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit them online at www.solvecrime.ca.

Anyone with information regarding this incident are asked to contact the Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550, and quote file number 2021-8323.

Sgt. Justine Thom

TORONTO, ONTARIO: The new Lexus LC series – the flagship coupes and convertibles that make every moment exhilarating. New for 2023r, Lexus now offers Guests the Bespoke Build for the self-charging hybrid electric LC 500h.

The LC series features the dynamic styling and exquisite craftsmanship that a flagship automobile demands. These include a long wheelbase, compact front and rear overhangs, a notably low hood, an athletic profile set off by a sweeping roofline, sensual curves, muscular wheel arches, and a wind-shearing silhouette. Inside, the 2+2 cabin is designed for driving pleasure and luxurious comfort. Driver and passengers are surrounded by a relaxing environment that combines elegance and sophistication, reflecting Lexus Takumi

craftsmanship in every line, curve, and stitch.

The LC 500 and LC 500 Convertible feature a 471 peak-horsepower 5.0L naturally aspirated V8 paired with a 10-speed direct shift automatic.

The LC 500h(Hybrid) features a 354 net system horsepower Lexus selfcharging hybrid electric powertrain built around a 3.5L V6 and multistage continuously variable transmission.

All models feature Lexus Navi-

gation with Remote, a powerful yet intuitive bundle of connectivity technologies – fully compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and featuring Remote Connect, Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Destination Assist. Other technology features include a 10.3” display screen, Lexus App connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity, and Sirius XM Satellite Radio integration.

As a Lexus, every LC series model also features an impressive package of advanced safety technologies – including Lexus Safety System +, a backup camera, the Blind Spot Monitor system with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, eight airbags, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Lexus Canada offers its guests the LC 500 coupe in a range of model trims ranging from the 2023 Lexus

and efficiency, while driver assistance features make any drive a safe and relaxed experience.

Headlining the enhancements to the 2023 INFINITI QX50 is a newly available SPORT grade that draws the eye with a unique front fascia, 20-inch dark-painted wheels and gloss black exterior trim. QX50 SPORT also treats buyers to semi-aniline, leatherappointed seating, and a Bose® Premium Audio System with 12 speakers.

The 2023 QX50 also adds several key conveniences features as standard equipment on all grades: a frameless auto-dimming rear-view mirror and a wireless phone charging pad. A new 19-inch alloy wheel design is featured on QX50 PURE. For information on other new features for the 2023 INFINITI QX50, see the full press kit.

LC 500 (starting MSRP: $105,200$123,000) enhances the LC with more aggressive performance and styling.

The 2023 Lexus LC 500 Bespoke Package (starting MSRP: on request) allows Canadian guests to customize the LC to match their unique sense of style. The 2023 Lexus LC 500h Performance Package (starting MSRP: $125,500) and the 2023 Lexus LC 500h Bespoke Package (starting MSRP: on request) is a new offering for the 2023 model year. The 2023 Lexus LC 500 Convertible starting at MSRP: $126,200 ) while the 2023 Lexus LC 500 Convertible Bespoke Package (starting MSRP: on request) allows Canadian guests to customize their LC drop top to match their unique sense of style. The LC Series is on sale now at Lexus dealers across Canada.

Lane Departure Warning and Prevention and High Beam Assist.

The QX50 PURE starts at $49,495 MSRP and is generously equipped with INFINITI InTouch™ with 8-inch upper and 7-inch lower screens featuring Android Auto™ and wireless Apple CarPlay®, ProPILOT Assist and 19-inch silver painted aluminum alloy wheels.

The QX50 SPORT ($55,995) boasts unique visual enhancements including a sport front fascia, gloss black exterior trim and 20-inch dark-painted and machine-finished wheels. It also features the added convenience of Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection, Traffic Sign Recognition, Bose® Premium Audio System with 12 speakers, navigation, and interior ambient lighting.

starting MSRP1 of $49,495. The Infiniti QX50 isa upmarket luxury compact SUV that’s both luxurious and practical with its roomy interior, modern tech features, and quiet, comfortable ride. The refined engine delivers clever engineering that improves power

The 2023 INFINITI QX50 is available in three grades, each of which come standard with INFINITI Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. Additionally, every QX50 features a standard suite of active safety technology including Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Braking, Blind Spot Warning and Intervention,

With the QX50 SENSORY ($57,995), key enhancements include cube-design LED headlights; a Head-Up Display; Ultrasuede® upper door, instrument panel, seat and centre-console lid trim; natural maple wood interior accents; a Bose® Performance Series 16-speaker audio system and heated second-row seats. The 2023 INFINITI QX50 is on sale now at Canadian INFINITI dealers.

Building off the recently announced Mustang DARK Horse Street and Track legal performance coupe, Ford announces two dedicated, track-only Dark Horse Mustangs powered by 5.0-litre V8 engines will only be available for racers and non-street use.

Mustang Dark Horse S is designed for the weekend track day enthusiast while Mustang Dark Horse R has been developed for racing.

“We’re taking this all-new Mustang to competition racing and the very definition of a Dark Horse is the perfect fit to introduce this vehicle to the Mustang brand,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director, Ford Performance Motorsports. “With our race program development underway, we’re confident we have the right car for success.”

Mustang Dark Horse S is built

uniquely for motorsports as a stripped-down version of the street-legal Mustang Dark Horse production vehicle. All nonessential parts and trim pieces

Since the Telluride launched in 2019, it has become Kia’s most revered vehicle, an aspirational SUV praised for its unmatched design, comfort, space, and utility. Today, Kia Canada announces key enhancements to its overall design, safety, and convenience features to further bolster the Telluride’s position in the large SUV category, along with two brand new trims to the lineup. The 2023 Telluride has been redesigned to elevate its already striking appearance. The exterior of the vehicle receives brighter accents and the use of satin chrome to enhance the vehicle’s identity, as well as modifications to the front and rear, modernizing the aesthetic.

“Since its launch, the Kia Telluride has come in to set the benchmark, as the nocompromise choice for families in the large SUV segment, said Elias El-Achhab, COO, Kia Canada. “And now with the additions of X-Line and X-Pro trims, Canadians have even more reason to get excited about this vehicle, which continues to be the best-inclass option for families who expect more in advanced safety features, premium tech advancements and comfort.”

Exterior updates to the 2023 Telluride in-

have been removed for Mustang Dark Horse S. Inside is a full FIAcertified safety cage, safety nets, a race seat with safety belts and a race steering wheel with quick

clude: new LED highlight and fog lamp design that will continue to be unmistakable on the road, more prominence has been applied to the redesigned grille, front bumper and wheels that maintain Telluride’s commanding presence. Around the rear, the signature taillight design remains, and the LED layout has been revised, the bumper is also more integrated in its styling. All emblems are now in Hyper Silver

The cabin of the 2023 Telluride is updated to combine the latest of Kia’s cuttingedge technology into a slim but lengthened design that spread across the driver’s view, creating an open and inviting space. The pattern and garnishes featured on the C/ PAD and dashboard were carefully selected to provide a premium feel and eye-catching design. Key feature enhancements include: a larger 4.2-inch colour TFT Instrument Panel Cluster (EX), Upgraded 12.3” TFT LCD (SX and higher), 12.3” multimedia interface, Available 10-inch head up display, A sleek redesign steering wheel and Kia First - Available full display digital rear-view mirror plus other improvements.

Brand-new for the 2023 model year is the introduction of the X-Line and X-Pro trims.

disconnect. Other safety items include electrical disconnects and a fire suppression system.

Driver controls are contained within a central panel, which houses switches and knobs for the headlamps, side indicators, windshield wipers, mirror adjusters and rain light. Also included for Dark Horse S is a pit speed limiter and a data and acquisition display system. A single passenger seat is optional, allowing drivers to share their experience with others and to receive feedback from ride-along instructors.

The exterior of Mustang Dark Horse S features hood pins, front and rear tow hooks, an adjustable rear wing for added downforce and a full exhaust system to help round out the foundation for a unique and fun-to-drive track

car. Mustang Dark Horse S will be painted from the factory and ready for individual vehicle liveries.

While Mustang Dark Horse S has the same wheels as the streetlegal Mustang Dark Horse, the upgraded brake system provides even further robustness to meet track demands. Multimatic DSSV dampers support driver tunability in addition to the adjustable ride height and camber settings.

Mustang Dark Horse R raises the track-focused intensity, featuring all Mustang Dark Horse S content, as well as special serialization that approves it for racing. It will come standard with strategic seam welding, a fuel cell for increased range, and Ford Performance Parts wheels. Pricing to be announced.

These two models offer a more rugged look in their design and increased functionality including higher ground clearance, Dark accents for a more rugged and athletic appearance including high gloss black bridge

roof rails, front grille, and dark metallic accents throughout, 5,500 lb towing capacity (X-Pro Only)and 110V inverter in the cargo area (X-Pro only), plus more., Pricing for the 2023 Kia Telluride starts at $49,995 MSRP:

Running time: 70 min

No, the rather catchy (?) title of my latest movie review has really nothing to do with the famous song sung by Canadian born singing superstar Paul Anka. Actually they both relate to dogs and love. In the case of Free Puppies we see the lengths a determined group of animal lovers will go to save mistreated animals. Spread the love by watching this insightful movie that runs 70 minutes and is now available through video on demand. To access this film contact your local cable company or internet provider or order via iTunes/Apple.

Thanks to two crusading women joint directors Samantha Wishman and Christina Thomas take us deep inside a dog rescue movement. Candid interviews with the leaders of this noble group show us just how bad some dogs are treated with an explosion in canine population being the spark that has led to this tragedy. As always there are some unscrupulous people out to capitalize on the sorry plight of

many thousands of abandoned animals through no fault of their own. Here is a film that pulls no punches and gets at the sorry plight of those who will take advantage of our four legged friends for their own selfish greed.

With Free Puppies we see the role geography plays in this national tragedy along with the valiant effort mounted by a group of people who care and

will go all out In hope of remedying a sad situation. Politics and those who are willing to turn a blind eye to this sorry state of affairs also rear their ugly heads in this well thought out engaging documentary that lays bare the exploiters and the courageous angels sent to rescue their defenseless four legged friends.

For more reviews please isitmy website moviereviewssite.com.

Sikh Family looking a suitable match for their handsom, 29 old years old son, 5;10”, well settled in a government job. Girl should be a Canadian PR or citizenship. Work permit will also be considered. Caste no bar. Please contact 604-562-4473. *********

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Suitable match wanted for an Australian Khatri Sikh boy, 35 years, 6’2”, clean shaven, very handsome,

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Well settled Punjabi Aggarwal boy, 5’-10” 74 born, issueless divorcee, USA Citizen, Own logistics business in California looking for a Hindu girl. Please Contact at 925-200-6838 (whatsapp) Email: manish_22us@yahoo.com

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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

educated, permanent resident, lives in Surrey. Boy should be well educated and a Canadian Permanent Resident. For more information: please contact 778388-5008 *********

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: 604-3190662 18 Sept. *********

Hindu Punjabi Parents are looking a suitable match for their daughter, 29 years old, 5’6”, beautiful, well

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.

Prohibition on Rental and Age Restrictions in Strata Buildings #556

On November 24, 2022, Bill 44, the Building and Strata Statutes Amendment Act, 2022 (the “Act”), was enacted and removed most rental and age restrictions in strata buildings. The amendments became effective immediately on November 24, 2022.

REALTORS® need to be aware of the impact of these changes for existing owners, buyers, and sellers.

The Act removed two rights of strata corporations to pass bylaws that could control occupancy, rental and use of strata lots:

1) Prohibition of rental restrictions; and

2) Removing the right to have age restrictions within a strata building, other than 55+ Rental Restrictions

The Act prohibits rental restrictions in several ways. Firstly, by repealing the requirement for developers who intend to rent strata lots to prepare a rental disclosure statement.

Since January 1, 2010 developers have been required to file rental disclosure statements if they intend to rent or preserve the right to rent, all strata lots (or a portion thereof) either as the developer or by successive owners of the strata lots. Since 2010 most developers have filed rental disclosure statements, except for certain developments located in areas where “owner-occupied” buildings would be more desirable to prospective purchasers.

So how did rental disclosure statements work? If a rental disclosure statement was filed with the superintendent that reserved

the right to rent the units for the next 100 years (for example), then any bylaws the strata corporation approved regarding rental restrictions were unenforceable until the end of the 100-year period. Without a rental disclosure statement being filed with the superintendent of real estate, strata corporations could only impose rental restrictions through passing resolutions by a ¾ vote at an annual general meeting or special general meeting to enact bylaws related to rentals.

The second way the Act prohibits rental restrictions is by repealing any provision of the Strata Property Act, [SBC 1998] CHAPTER 43 (the “Strata Act”) which allowed for strata corporations to create bylaws related to restricting or prohibiting rental. Before the enactment of the Act, a strata corporation could: “…restrict the rental of a strata lot by a bylaw that:

(a) prohibits the rental of residential strata lots, or (b) limits one or more of the following:

(i) the number or percentage of residen tial strata lots that may be rented; (ii) the period for which residential strata lots may be rented.”[1]

With the Act’s enactment, strata corporations no longer have any rights to create bylaws that restrict the rental of strata lots (except for restrictions on short-term rentals (or stays) of 30 days or less).

For more on this story, please visit bcrea.bc.ca

AS 2022 comes to a close, grave existential questions loom. Is the doomsday clock ticking louder? Have we harmed our planetary home beyond repair? Is the global economy headed for collapse, or will a reckless war end all things?

These are some of the debates that friends and families will have when they gather in groups around the dinner table. This year, those holiday meals themselves may be the source of despair. The higher costs for food make entertaining large groups an expensive proposition.

It may not be practical to suggest fasting as an alternative. But it’s good food for thought. And research findings suggest ample benefits. As a new year’s resolution, fasting could have personal health and economic benefits. A global trend towards more mindful eating would be a welcome development for the planet too. Narrowly defined, fasting means not eating. But there are different approaches with varying levels of austerity. Longer fasts, 24 hours or more, are hard to do and not generally recommended. Intermittent fasting is far easier and can result in a wide array of health benefits, including weight loss, improved brain health, reduced insulin resistance, reduced inflammation in the body, and improved blood pressure.

What is intermittent fasting? It can take different forms. Time-restricted fasting limits food intake to specific hours of the day. Alternate day fasting involves eating normally one day and eating very little the next. The common theme is a longerthan-usual gap between eating.

What happens when food intake is absent? For a typical person, after about 12-16 hours without eating, the body starts to react as if there is a threat, turning to stored energy and activating biological alerts. People who are fasting will experience hunger, but they also have increased performance, for example, on memory tests.

Another element of fasting shouldn’t be ignored, and that is the reduced consumption of food that would have been eaten in the absence of a fast. Fasting during the holidays isn’t the social thing to do. But if the food on the table is loaded with fats, sugars and salt, then a fast is a good friend. Put another way, fasting well should also mean eating well. There must be a reasonable balance between calorie restriction and healthy caloric intake. There is no good that comes from fasting one day if the next day involves a binge.

For people who are underweight, emotionally unwell, or managing complex medical conditions, and for breastfeeding mothers, fasting is not a good idea.

But for the majority of people who are carrying extra pounds, the greatest benefit of fasting is healthy weight loss. If fasting helps reduce weight and maintain weight loss, then this means a decrease in risk of diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

The connection between fasting and cognitive function is an area of recent research. Scientists are studying how cells react to the deprivation of energy and how they then respond afresh when food finally arrives. There’s some indication that fasting helps neurons and brain cells build resilience against deterioration of neural connections brought on with aging.

Unfortunately, most people eat three meals a day, plus multiple snacks. At this time of

All stuffed up for the holidays

year, the meals tend to be big and decidedly not healthy. The snacks are often worse. Also, at this time of year, we tend to get more mail. It’s encouraging to hear from long-time readers indicating how this column has helped them in one way or another. We wish all of you a happy and healthy new year.

Sign-up at www.docgiff.com to receive our weekly e-newsletter. For comments, contact-us@docgiff.com. Follow us on Instagram @docgiff and @diana_gifford_jones

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 Gif-

ford-Jones. Diana is Special Advisor with The Aga Khan University. She worked for ten years in the Human Development sec-

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