Indo-Canadian Voice Main - Feb 11 2023

on deepening bilateral

Surrey Police Service officer dies reportedly due to self-inflicted injury

THE Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC announced on Wednesday that it is investigating the death of an off-duty member of the Surrey Police Service (SPS).

It said that information provided by the RCMP states that in the afternoon on February 8, police were attempting to locate a man reportedly in distress at a business in the 9900-block of 201 Street of Langley.

The business was a shooting range.

The man, who was identified as an off-duty member of the Surrey

Police Service, sustained a serious injury that appears to have been self-inflicted while police

were in the building. The man was subsequently pronounced deceased.

The SPS officer was facing a charge for an alleged breach of trust. He was hired by SPS in May 2022, with just over one year of previous policing experience in the RCMP. On August 17, SPS Chief Constable Norm Lipinski suspended the officer with pay, pending the outcome of the criminal investigation, which was being handled by Surrey RCMP.

INDIAN Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar said on Monday that he had good discussions with Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly in New Delhi.

Jaishankar said that the two ministers deliberated on deepening their bilateral partnership, focusing on trade, investment, mobility, education and security, and recognized the centrality of people to people ties to the expansion of their cooperation.

They exchanged views on the global situation, in particular the Indo-Pacific and the Ukraine conflict. India welcomed Canada’s Indo-Pacific

Strategy.

Jaishankar said that India appreciated Canadian support for India’s G20 Presidency that will address challenges of economic growth and development.

Joly said: “Dr. S. Jaishankar and I are committed to seek new opportunities through which to engage. We will build on our people-to-people ties, commitment to a rules-based order and our desire to expand our commercial relationship.”

She added: “We look forward to supporting India in their G20 presidency.”

Canada announced $10 million in aid for Turkey and Syria after Monday’s devastating earthquake that has claimed more than 20,000 lives and injured tens of thousands, destroying homes, roads, health facilities and other critical infrastructure.

shows rescuers searching for survivors on Wednesday among the rubble of buildings destroyed in Besni District of Adiyaman Province, Turkey.

Joly and Dr. S. Jaishankar.

Photos: Twitter

Photo

Photo: IANS/Xinhua

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The IIO has commenced an investigation, and initial investigative steps will seek to confirm what role, if any, police actions or inactions may have played in the death.

The IIO is asking any person with relevant information regarding the incident to please contact the Wit-

ness Line toll-free at 1-855-4468477 or via the contact form on the iiobc.ca website. Meanwhile, the Surrey Police Service said in a statement that it learned on Wednesday afternoon of an incident that took place in Langley. It added: “The incident regrettably resulted in the death of an off-duty SPS officer and appears to be self-inflicted. SPS must

defer the investigations and details involved to the RCMP and the Independent Investigations Office (IIO).

“SPS wants to acknowledge that the officer was part of our organization and chose a career in law enforcement to assist others. We are working to support the officer’s family and friends, including his SPS work

“Let’s Talk”: Guru Nanak Food Bank’s info orientation sessions for newcomers to Canada

GURU Nanak Food Bank (GNFB) is starting informational orientation sessions for all newcomers to Canada from February 12. These sessions will be organized every month at different locations for people living in various parts of the Lower Mainland. The sessions have been named “Let’s Talk.”

There are going to be a number speakers having a specialty in a particular area to cover all the aspects of information one needs to know while living in this country.

The sessions will focus on:

– Health

– Housing

– How to apply for required documents

– Rights and Duties

– Whom to approach for help

– Employment

The first orientation session will take place at Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib at15255 68

THE Sikh Parenting Course by international Sikh community figure Jagjit Singh Khalsa is coming to Surrey. It takes place on Monday, February 20, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Khalsa Secondary School, 10589 124 Street, Surrey.

Avenue in Surrey as well Zoom and Facebook Live (@gnfbsurrey) on February 12, starting at 12 p.m.

GNFB requests everyone to attend this seminar or refer someone who needs help. Any suggestions and information is welcome. Anyone can send their questions prior to the seminar by phone or email (help@gnfb. ca) or even during the question and answer round in the orientation which will start at 1:40 p.m. that day.

You can register for the session by calling 604580-1313 or on the website www.gnfb.ca. GNFB has also started a special helpline and email which anyone can access 24/7 when in need. The helpline email is help@gnfb. ca and the phone number is 604-580-1313, option number 5 (Voice Mail). For more information, call 604-537-1440 or visit Lets Talk – Guru Nanak Food Bank (gnfb.ca).

Sikh Parenting Course in Surrey

colleagues, during this difficult time.”

Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke said in a statement: “It is difficult and tragic to hear of the death of any first responder. On behalf of Surrey City Council, we extend our deepest sympathies to the officer’s family, friends and colleagues during this extremely difficult time.”

Department: newsdesk@voiceonline.com

The aim is to educate people to become better parents and grandparents, increasing generational understanding creating harmonious atmosphere for spiritual and balanced Sikh

children to grow within. The course is being run in

association with The World Sikh Parliament, Education Council, Khalsa Foundation, Share Charity, Khalsa Secondary School and many local Sikh organizations. The course is in both Punjabi and English and suitable for whole family.

Jagjit Singh will be sharing his wealth of knowledge on bringing Sikhi into the family life, creating strong family units, the effects of

technology on children, how to be inspirational parents and other topics to help parents and grandparents navigate the changing world with children.

All grandparents, parents and teenagers who have an influence in the life of a young child should attend. For the link to Eventbrite for the event, visit our website voiceonline.com.

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NATIONAL ETHNIC

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“It is difficult and tragic to hear of the death of any first responder”

Chandra Arya’s gifts bought from taxpayers’

CHANDRA Arya, a Liberal MP from the Ottawa-area riding of Nepean, sure knows how to spend taxpayers’ money as a Global News report shows.

Arya used House of Commons funds to buy “protocol” gifts worth $21,931 from a company that also looks after his constituency printing and communications work, according to a Global News analysis of data.

His total spending between July 2020 and September 30, 2022, on “gifts given as a matter of protocol” is far more than even cabinet ministers who meet with foreign officials and dignitaries.

MPS are permitted to present gifts not exceeding $150 before taxes “in recognition of the value and importance of a person, an event or an organization in the Member’s constituency that has contributed

positively to the community.”

Global News reported that according to Arya’s office, he purchased 1,025 plaques for a total of $20,426, with the items ranging from $15.65 to $28.59

MPs can buy protocol-related gifts using constituency funds under House of Commons rules. However, Global News’ analysis showed that most MPs spend a comparatively modest amount.

Even Global Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, who meets regularly with foreign officials and may present them with a token item, bought protocol gifts worth only $1,632 in protocol gifts over the same period as Arya, who is a backbench MP representing

When Global News asked Arya why his spending on gifts outstripped the other 337 MPs in the House of Commons, he said

that he used the money to purchase customized plaques for “many front-line workers and volunteers

who served our community during the COVID pandemic,” as well as “volunteers serving in many community (and) charity organizations.”

The MP gave three gift contracts – ranging in value from $1,685 to $10,955 – to a single company: SINIX Media Group. SINIX, which includes divisions dealing in printing, design and signage, received a total of 53 contracts for a total of $53,681.50 from Arya’s constituency office over the period analyzed by Global News. Most related to printing services, advertising and promotional items.

Interestingly, SINIX’s CEO Hamed Zadeh in 2020 credited Arya with helping with the company’s request to produce personal protective equipment during the pandemic.

But Arya did not respond to questions related to his relationship with Zadeh, Global News reported.

THE South Asian who became an embarrassment for the community by his strident opposition to COVID-19 restrictions and his embracing of the Flat Earth conspiracy did not die from the coronavirus, but from illegal drugs in his home in New Westminster in November 2021.

Mak Parhar, 48, died from a mix of ethanol and illicit drugs, including fentanyl and cocaine, according to a May 2022 report released this week by the B.C. Coroners Service.

People seemed to have taken it for granted that Parhar had died of COVID-19. CBC reported that a video he shot before his death showed him coughing and complaining about being sick but denying he had what he called "CONVID."

"I'm jacked up on extra strength

Advil and Tylenol for the last two days. That's the only way I can function," he said in the video.

The day before he died, he posted

another video saying he had recently taken ivermectin, an antiviral drug falsely promoted as a COVID-19 treatment, and felt "40 to 50 per cent better,” CBC reported.

A post-mortem COVID test confirmed that Parhar had the disease, but "there is no indication this illness played a role in Mr. Parhar's death," the coroner's report said.

Parhar didn't have a recent documented history of illicit substance use or hospitalization, according to the report.

In 2020, he travelled to Greenville, South Carolina, for an event called Flatoberfest 2020 — a gathering of conspiracy theorists who believe the Earth is flat, according to his Facebook.

He participated in a rally in

front of the Vancouver Art Gallery and bragged about breaking the mandatory 14-day self-isolation period upon his return to Canada.

The City of Delta cancelled his business licence for his hot yoga studio after he encouraged clients to continue attending classes, making the false claim that the novel coronavirus “cannot survive in the heat.”

New Westminster Police arrested Parhar for repeated violations under the Quarantine Act.

He even filed a lawsuit against the B.C. government alleging that he was a victim of kidnapping and terrorism when he was arrested for breaking quarantine, but the claim was tossed by a judge who called it "patently absurd and nonsensical," CBC reported.

Chandra Arya. Photo: Twitter

Mak Parhar. Photo: Facebook

$2.8 million from Vancouver to support hiring of mental health workers in partnership with VCH

RECOMMENDATIONS for a $2.8 million grant to Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) from the City of Vancouver will be presented to Council on February 14 to enhance urgent mental health services.

Funding for the investment was enabled by the Council motion entitled Enabling the Requisitioning and Hiring of 100 New Police Officers and 100 Mental Health Nurses (Member’s Motion B.5). Passed on November 22, 2022, as part of various recommendations, the motion directed City staff to allocate $8 million toward the hiring of new police officers and up to $8 million toward VCH mental health crisis response services.

The recommended grant funding will enable service partners to:

* Increase the capacity of the Car 87/88 police-partnership service

* Grow the capacity of the Assertive Outreach Team police-partnership service

* Establish moderate (non-police) de-escalation services for individuals who are not in high levels of crisis and do not need Car 87/88 supports

* Strengthen Indigenous approaches across all VCH Urgent Mental Health and Substance Use services

The initial funding for 2023 will support preliminary work to begin hiring 58 positions. In future years, the City’s annual grant to VCH will grow to $8 million and may be used for more proactive and preventative services over time.

This investment, along with the funding allocation to hire 100 new police officers, are important components of an integrated approach that will serve to bolster Vancouver’s frontline mental health and public safety

response. It is the latest step forward to enhance the collaborative partnerships on public safety and mental health between the City of Vancouver, the Provincial government, Vancouver Coastal Health and the Vancouver Police Department.

Future phases of work with VCH may include proactive responses such as mental health outreach, integrated case management and services to support the integration of people recovering from crisis into community.

“Solving the problems that we see on our streets will require all of us working together,” said Premier David Eby. “I want to thank Mayor Ken Sim and the City of Vancouver for showing leadership on these complex, public safety challenges. An enhanced Car 87/88 program will make a real difference here in Vancouver, and it serves as a model we can

look at expanding to other communities.”

“Investing in mental health supports in our communities is needed now more than ever,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “Not only will those who are vulnerable benefit from receiving the care they deserve when they need it, the community-at-large will also benefit from having a stronger health-care system that works for everyone.”

“When people are in crisis because of mental health or substance use challenges, they need to be met with care and compassion,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “This partnership will help strengthen the work already underway by the Province to provide urgent supports for people. It is part of our continued commitment to ensure everyone gets the mental health and substance use supports they need,

when and where they need them.”

“It’s hard to emphasize the importance of this announcement and the positive impact that it will have on our community. We are building on the foundation of a made-in-Vancouver approach that has been successful since 1978,” said Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim. “With this announcement, we have the opportunity to set a new standard in North America for a modern and compassionate approach towards addressing the complex and often interlinked challenges regarding public safety and mental health.”

“Skilled outreach teams are critically important to support people in mental health crisis in our communities,” said Dr. Patricia Daly, Vice President, Public Health and Chief Medical Health Officer, Vancouver Coastal Health. “With the support of partners at the City of Vancouver and Vancouver Police Department, we will be able to provide an enhanced suite of urgent mental health services that deliver safe, integrated care to those who need it most.”

“This is a positive step that will enhance public safety by supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our community,” said VPD Chief Constable Adam Palmer. “It is also an example of the positive change that occurs when we all work together to tackle complex problems.”

VCH will provide reports to Council on results and use of funding prior to receiving further installments, in addition to external reviews. The full City of Vancouver report and the Urgent Mental Health and Substance Use Service Enhancements Framework will be available on the City of Vancouver website early next week.

Burnaby RCMP safely takes 5 suspects into custody after weapons call

BURNABY RCMP on Thursday responded to a weapons call in the 1600-block of Ingleton Avenue that resulted in the arrest of five individuals.

On February 9, just after 11:30 a.m., Burnaby RCMP frontline officers responded to a report of a weapons complaint in the 1600-block of Ingleton Avenue. Police located the complainant, who was not injured,

at scene. Information at the time indicated the suspect had fled to a residence in the 3900-block of Gravely Street.

With the assistance of Vancouver Emergency Response Team, three men were taken into custody outside of the residence while two suspects remained inside the residence.

To ensure public safety, the Integrated Low-

er Mainland Emergency Response Team (IERT), the Integrated Lower Mainland Police Dog Service (IPDS) and Burnaby RCMP officers secured the scene and restricted traffic in the area. Efforts were made to call the individuals out of the residence and one female was taken into custody upon exiting. Later, just before 5 p.m, the fifth suspect was taken into custody after IERT entered

the residence.

The area is no longer restricted. “This incident concluded with no injuries to the public or police and is currently still under investigation,” said Cpl. Laura Hirst. “We would like to thank the public for their patience as officers secured the area for some time. Police will remain on scene as the investigation is ongoing.”

Premier David Eby with Vancouver Police Chief Constable Adam Palmer, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim and Health Minister Adrian Dix. Photo by SUKHWANT DHILLON / AM 600 Sher-E-Punjab Radio

B.C.’S latest Labour Market Outlook forecasts more than one million job openings in the next decade, showing job and career opportunities that people of all ages can use to map out their education, skills training and career paths.

“Despite the global economic challenges we’re facing, there are significant job opportunities for people over the next decade as we keep building an economy that is inclusive, sustainable and doesn’t leave any British Columbians behind,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.

“Our government is taking action with our Future Ready plan to break down barriers to ensure people have the skills and supports they need for these good-paying careers and employers can access the talent they need to grow.”

The Labour Market Outlook is a 10-year forecast that helps governments, organizations, post-secondary institutions and businesses direct resources to support the future workforce. It gives British Columbians up-to-date information so they can make informed decisions about their future career paths.

“The StrongerBC Economic Plan is ensuring our province is well positioned to fill these openings so we can help businesses grow as we prepare British Columbians for the jobs of tomorrow,” said Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. “Our government will always be there to support people and businesses by making investments that develop a skilled

workforce that allows people to build a good life in the communities they want to live in.”

British Columbians can expect a wide choice of well-paying, family-supporting job opportunities and possible career paths over the next 10 years. Employment in B.C. is expected to reach 3.1 million by 2032, up from the 2.7 million jobs in 2022. Employment will grow an average of 1.3% per year for the forecast period. Key growth areas will be in the technology and health care sectors.

“We’ve been through a lot together, but this outlook shows us that B.C.’s future is full of opportunity,” said Andrew Mercier, Minister of State for Workforce Development. “There is no shortage of good-paying careers avail-

able, especially in the trades. With 83,000 job openings in the next decade, there has never been a better time to get into the skilled trades and we’re working to expand access to the training people need.”

More than one million job openings (1,017,000) are expected between 2022 and 2032. Of these, 37% are due to a growing economy while 63% of the openings will be the result of retiring workers.

Since 2017, the Province has steadily expanded access to post-secondary training in several high-opportunity occupations, including the addition of:

* 602 new nursing seats, building on approximately 2,000 seats in nursing programs at public post-secondary institutions;

* 1,577 new early childhood educator seats (ECE), adding to approximately 1,800 seats in ECE programs at public post-secondary institutions;

* 2,900 tech-related spaces, set to produce approximately 1,000 additional tech graduates each year by 2023; and

* 27,000 apprenticeship and foundation training seats this year at public and nonpublic institutions.

With a newly redesigned WorkBC.ca, British Columbians can more easily navigate the wealth of information available, providing career, labour market tools, resources and information about high-opportunity occupations. The improved site connects WorkBC’s training and education opportunities in an easy-to-navigate format.

The Province said it it is going to continue

to expand investments to support access to post-secondary education, skills training and career resources as part of StrongerBC’s Future Ready plan. Future Ready is making education and training more accessible, affordable and relevant to help businesses grow and prepare British Columbians for the jobs of tomorrow.

Quick Facts:

* Between 2022 and 2032, nearly 80% or 789,000 of all job openings will require some level of post-secondary education or training.

* 37% of the total job openings will be filled by people with a bachelor’s, graduate or first professional degree.

* Workers with diplomas and certificates excluding apprenticeships will fill 29% of openings, and those with an apprenticeship certificate will account for 12%.

* The other 22% of job openings will be available for those with high school education or less.

* People 29 or younger entering the labour force for the first time are expected to fill 47% of future job openings.

* People new to Canada are expected to fill 38% of the openings, and workers coming from other parts of Canada to fill 8% of the jobs.

For a broader look at employment, hiring and training opportunities, visit: https:// www.workbc.ca/

For more details, please visit our website voiceonline.com.

Work experience requirements for caregivers to be reduced; pathways to permanent residence

SEAN Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, on Friday announced that the amount of work experience in Canada required for a caregiver to qualify for permanent residence is being reduced from 24 months to 12 months.

In addition, some spaces under the existing caregiver pathways have been reserved for caregivers who already have work experience in Canada from a previous work permit so that they are able to apply for permanent residence. The change will be effective as of April 30, 2023, and will be retrospective for caregivers who have already applied.

As a result, caregivers and their families will benefit from a faster path to permanent residence and successful settlement in Canada. By reducing the amount of work experience required in Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) also intends to improve processing and applications. This update is expected to benefit around 90% of applications currently in processing, an advantage for both the caregivers who are just starting out and those who have been providing care in Canada already. Work is underway on the future of caregiver programming to plan for what comes next

after the pilots conclude in June 2024. Fraser said: “Caregivers are an important option for families in Canada and have played an instrumental role in the lives of many growing children, aging parents, and those who need additional specialized care. By reducing the work experience required in Canada to one year, more caregivers and their families will become eligible to transition to permanent residence sooner, meaning that they can settle down and start the next chapter of their lives here in Canada.” For more details on this story, please visit our website voiceonline.com.

Selina Robinson Photo: BC Government

Sean Fraser

CFSEU-BC: Significant disruption of entrenched organized crime group in North B.C.

Police arrest 23 people and seize drugs, cash, 34 firearms, and more

AN eight-month long investigation by the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia’s North District Team has resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of drugs, firearms and cash.

In June 2022, CFSEU-BC’s North District Team began a drug investigation, working collaboratively with policing partners in Fort St. John, Dawson Creek and Fort Nelson. The investigation led police to individuals believed to be involved in a large-scale drug trafficking operation based in northern British Columbia.

The investigation resulted in CFSEU-BC executing 13 search warrants between October 13, 2022, and January 23, 2023, in several Peace Region communities.

Police seized:

– Various illegal drugs in approximate amounts:

* 10 kg of cocaine

* 3 kg of methamphetamine

* 3 kg of psilocybin mushrooms

* 17 kg of marijuana

– Cocaine press

– Approximately 3,000 cartons of contraband cigarettes (10 packs per carton)

– $165,000 Canadian currency

– 34 firearms including:

* 8 handguns

* 16 long guns

* 8 shotguns

* 2 collapsible rifles

– Prohibited weapons including:

* Tasers and brass knuckles

– Ammunition – 2 sets of body armour

– Several vehicles including;

* 2016 Dodge Ram Crew Cab

* 2017 Jaguar F-Pace

* 2013 Chevy Cruze

* 2020 GMC AT4 pickup truck

* 2004 Chevrolet Corvette

– Various drug trafficking items and paraphernalia; score sheets, money counters and scales

The investigation continues as police prepare disclosure

documents for the Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC) for charge approval.

Twenty-three people were arrested and released pending charge approval and the judicial process.

“These arrests have resulted in the significant disruption of an entrenched organized crime group in Fort St. John, Dawson Creek and Fort Nelson,” said BC RCMP Cpl. Madonna Saunderson. “CFSEU BC brings the necessary resources and skill set to ensure detachments are supported in any efforts to tackle large-scale drug trafficking operations.”

“This collaborative effort led by CFSEU-BC unveiled an alleged drug trafficking network in the province’s North District, giving CFSEU-BC an opportunity to disrupt organized groups causing harm to the communities of the Peace Region,” said Inspector Joel Hussey, Operations Officer for CFESU-BC.

“We remain committed to working with our law enforcement partners across the province to target those who pose the greatest risk to public safety due to their involvement in gang-related activities. Police in British Columbia are unified in our resolve to suppress, disrupt, and prevent groups

who show such wanton disregard for the well-being of our citizens.”

Fatal police-involved shooting on Granville Street Bridge

VANCOUVER Police said on Thursday that they had notified BC’s Independent Investigations Office (IIO BC) following a fatal police-involved shooting on the Granville

Street Bridge.

VPD officers responded to the bridge at 6:45 p.m. after a 9-1-1 caller reported a person acting erratically. When officers arrived,

Special Sunday Service

there was an altercation that resulted in the man being shot and killed by police.

The Independent Investigations Office is now the lead agency investigating the inci-

dent.

This is an unfolding investigation and there is no further information at this time, police said.

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Photos: CFSEU-BC

APPROXIMATELY 100 new affordable rental homes in Surrey are now open for veterans, first responders, legion members, families and individuals.

“The Legion Veterans Village is a welcome addition to the downtown Surrey neighbourhood,” said Bruce Ralston, MLA for SurreyWhalley, on Wednesday. “Our government is proud to have contributed nearly $12 million through our Community Housing Fund so British Columbians who have served our country can live affordably, close to new, innovative health-care services and improve their quality of life.”

Located at 10626 City Parkway, the Legion Veterans Village tower is a 20-storey building with 91 provincially funded homes prioritized for Canadian veterans, first responders and legion members. The units, which include a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom suites, are located on floors two through seven.

“Now that the project’s doors are open, current and retired Canadian Forces members and first responders will not have to leave the community they know and love in search of affordable housing,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing. “Projects like this help ensure our veterans have the support they need to retire with dignity. Our government will continue to work with valuable partners, like the Legion, to increase housing supply in the province.”

VRS Communities (VRS) will own and operate the new homes. Ten units are designed specifically to meet VRS requirements for accessibility, including wheelchair-accessible kitchens and bathrooms. In addition, VRS will provide support services to residents to help them fully access and integrate into the community.

The new housing is one part of the Legion Veterans Village, a multi-purpose social infrastructure project led by the BC/Yukon Command of the Royal Canadian Legion, together with Whalley Legion Branch 229, the Province of B.C. and Lark Group.

In addition to the new homes, the development includes the new Centre of Clinical Excellence, which will provide health-care services to veterans and first responders. The clinic offers an integrated continuum of health and wellness programs focusing on clinical health care and rehabilitation services, innovative research and health technologies, as well as counselling for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mental health.

A new state-of-the-art Whalley Legion Branch 229, with a restaurant and bar, full-service industrial kitchen, cadet assembly hall, banquet room, lounge and underground parking, is also on site.

The Province invested approximately $12 million for the veterans’ housing through BC Housing’s Community Housing Fund. This project is part of B.C.’s 10-year, $7-billion housing plan. Since 2017, the Province has funded more than 36,000 affordable new homes that have been completed or are underway for people in B.C., including more than 1,800 homes in Surrey.

Quick Facts:

* The Legion Veterans Village includes 171

market rental units available to the general public, operated by Dava Developments.

* The Community Housing Fund is a 10-year, $1.9-billion investment to build more than 14,000 affordable rental homes for people with moderate or low incomes.

* Nearly 9,000 of these homes are open, under

construction or in development.

Learn

To learn more about the Legion Veterans Village, visit: https://legionveteransvillage.com/

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Suspect charged for catalytic converter theft in Coquitlam

THE Coquitlam RCMP Property Crime Team (PCT) was investigating a series of catalytic converter thefts when it observed a theft of a catalytic converter from a vehicle in progress on February 5.

Police attempted to stop the suspect near the Coquitlam and Port Moody border, but he tried to flee in a vehicle. The suspect struck the responding police vehicles with his vehicle.

The 26-year-old male driver from Burnaby was arrested and police located a stolen catalytic converter inside the vehicle.

Police submitted a report to Crown counsel recommending numerous charges.

On February 6, Christopher Gagne was charged with:

* Two counts of mischief to property over $5,000

* One count of theft under $5,000

* One count of dangerous operation of a vehicle

* One count of flight from police

* One count of deal with identity document without lawful excuse

* One count of breach of probation order

* One count of breach of undertaking Gagne was released from custody pending his next court appearance.

The file has been assumed by Coquitlam RCMP’s Property

Crime Team (PCT).

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550 and quote file number 2023-3296.

Witness assists police in arresting suspected catalytic converter thief

ON February 4, at approximately 11 a.m., New Westminster Police officers were dispatched to the 300-block of Front Street after a call from an individual who reported seeing a man underneath a parked vehicle stealing a catalytic converter. Officers located someone a short distance away matching the suspect description provided by the caller. The suspect was arrested and police found several metal cutting tools and a catalytic converter in his possession. He was transported to the New Westminster Police Department cells.

Human Rights Lawyer Needed

“We’re very appreciative of this resident who saw something, knew it wasn’t right, and reached out to us by calling 9-1-1,” said Sgt. Andrew Leaver. “Catalytic converter thefts are a problem right across the Lower Mainland and observant residents play a key role in arresting these suspects.”

Residents are asked to be aware of any suspicious activity or noises around vehicles. Call 9-1-1 if you see a theft in progress, and document as many suspect descriptors as possible.

Three teens from Abbotsford and Langley charged after man attacked downtown

A Vancouver Police investigation has led to criminal charges against three teens who allegedly assaulted a Vancouver Island man during an unprovoked attack last weekend.

The victim, 29, was visiting Vancouver for the weekend and was walking near Seymour and Dunsmuir streets around 4:30 a.m. on Saturday when he was assaulted by a group of strangers. He suffered serious injuries that required medical attention.

VPD officers, who had been patrolling the area after reports of a group of teens knocking over planters and kicking doors, located the injured victim, then arrested the suspects nearby.

A 15-year-old boy and a 17-year-old boy from Abbotsford, and an 18-year-old man from Langley, have each been charged with assault causing bodily harm.

Undercarriage of a vehicle with missing catalytic converter.

A cut-off catalytic converter.

New health care funding of $46.2 billion over

AT a working meeting between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the premiers on Tuesday, the federal government announced it will increase health funding to provinces and territories by $196.1 billion over 10 years, including $46.2 billion in new funding.

This funding includes the following elements:

* An immediate, unconditional $2 billion Canada Health Transfer (CHT) top-up to address immediate pressures on the health care system, especially in pediatric hospitals and emergency rooms, and long wait times for surgeries. This builds on previous CHT top-ups that total $6.5 billion provided throughout the pandemic.

* A 5 per cent CHT guarantee for the next five years, which will be provided through annual top-up payments as required. This is projected to provide an additional $17.3 billion over 10 years in new support. The last top-up payment will be rolled into the CHT base at the end of the five years to ensure a permanent funding increase, providing certainty and sustainability to provinces and territories. With this guarantee, the CHT is projected to grow by 33 per cent over the next five years, and 61 per cent over the next 10 years.

* $25 billion over 10 years to advance shared health priorities through tailored bilateral agreements that will support the needs of people in each province and territory in four areas of shared priority:

- family health services;

- health workers and backlogs;

- mental health and substance use; and

- a modernized health system.

These additional federal investments will be contingent on continued health care investments by provinces and territories. This funding builds on the $7.8 billion over five years that has yet to flow to provinces and territories for mental health and substance use, home and community care, and long-term care.

* $1.7 billion over five years to support hourly wage increases for personal support workers

and related professions, as federal, provincial, and territorial governments work together on how best to support recruitment and retention.

* $150 million over five years for the Territorial Health Investment Fund in recognition of medical travel and the cost of delivering health care in the territories.

In addition, the government will work with Indigenous partners to provide additional support for Indigenous health priorities:

* $2 billion over 10 years to address the unique challenges Indigenous Peoples face when it comes to fair and equitable access to quality and culturally safe health care services. The government will work with Indigenous partners to prioritize investments.

The federal government said that these investments will help build a health care system that includes:

* access to high-quality family health services when they need them, including in rural and remote areas, and for underserved communities;

* a resilient and supported health care workforce that provides high-quality, effective, and safe health care services;

* access to timely, equitable, and quality mental health, substance use, and addictions services to support Canadians’ well-being;

* access to a patient’s own electronic health information that is shared between the health professionals they consult; and

* access to home care and safe long-term care so Canadians can age safely and live in dignity.

The federal government said that while provinces and territories are already taking steps to advance work on these shared priorities, Canadians expect more concrete actions to

provinces, territories

improve health care services. The funding announced today can help accelerate progress.

It added that Canadians deserve to know what progress is being made. That is why to access their share of the federal funding, including the 5 per cent CHT guarantee, provincial and territorial governments are asked to commit to improving how health information is collected, shared, used, and reported to Canadians to promote greater transparency on results, and to help manage public health emergencies. Canadians should be able to access their own health information and benefit from it being shared between health workers, across health settings, and across jurisdictions. That is why provinces and territories are also asked to agree to adopt common standards and policies related to data. The federal government said that it recognizes that provinces and territories have their own unique circumstances. As such, bilateral agreements are intended to be flexible, and provinces and territories will have options to tailor these agreements to address the unique needs of their populations and geography. As part of these agreements, provincial and territorial governments are asked to develop action plans that will outline how funds will be spent and how progress will be measured. Investments are to be centered around the following four shared health priorities: family health care; health workforce and backlogs; mental health and substance use; and modernizing the health care system with standardized information and digital tools. Each province and territory will have flexibility in designing their action plans, including the addition of targeted results with indicators that are tailored to their realities.

Vancouver Police arrest suspect in random assault on senior in Chinatown

VANCOUVER Police on Wednesday arrested a 32-year-old man for an unprovoked assault of an elderly woman in Chinatown. The 74-year-old victim was standing at a bus stop near Main and Keefer streets at 5:30 a.m. when a stranger walked up behind her and pushed her to the ground. The woman was taken to hospital for non-life-threaten-

ing injuries.

“Thanks to an astute bystander who called 9-1-1 immediately after witnessing the assault, VPD officers were able to locate the suspect and make a quick arrest,” said Constable Tania Visintin.

Alan Kipson has been charged with one count of assault causing bodily harm.

Justin Trudeau

Photo: Twitter

Conservatives slam Trudeau on healthcare funding

CONSERVATIVE Critic for Health, Dr. Stephen Ellis, and the Conservative’s Quebec Political Lieutenant, Pierre Paul-Hus, said in a statement on Tuesday: “After waiting eight years and doubling the national debt, the Prime Minister told Canadians who are desperate for more healthcare funding, ‘Sorry, we can’t do more on healthcare because we are broke.’

“He spent the cupboards bare, adding more debt than all previous Prime Ministers combined and now doesn’t have enough left to help the senior waiting for a hip replacement or the child suffering from cancer.

Despite record breaking spending on everything but health, the situation at hospitals and clinics is worse than ever after eight years of this Prime Minister.

“After eight years, more than five million Canadians do not have access to primary care.

“After eight years, the wait times for specialist treatment are longer than they have been in three decades.

“After eight years, Canadians are spending more time in emergency waiting rooms

Jagmeet Singh says health funding offer troubling news for staffing crisis

FEDERAL NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh in response to the federal government’s new Canada health transfer offer to provinces said on Tuesday: “After spending the last two and a half years stalling any progress to improve health care, [Prime Minister]

Justin Trudeau has come forward with the bare minimum — a deal that won’t do nearly enough to recruit, retain and respect frontline workers, does not address the conditions in long-term care, and throws open the door for premiers that are pursuing staff-poaching privatize-for-profit schemes.”

He added: “After almost eight years with

Mr. Trudeau as prime minister, the nursing shortage is worse, patients are waiting longer for care and our health care system is in deep crisis. Increasing the Canada Health Transfer is a start – but this is not enough to rebuild our public health care system.”

Singh noted: “Most concerning is that, according to premiers, Prime Minister Trudeau did not raise a single concern with provincial plans to build more for-profit, private health care. When he had the chance to stand up for Canada’s public health care system, he stood down.

“But by putting no real conditions on this funding, the Liberals will make the crisis

BC NDP leads in political contributions received in fourth quarter of 2022

THE BC NDP received $1,298,837.30 in contributions in the fourth quarter of 2022 as compared to $1,182,262.14 that the BC Liberal Party garnered.

The BC Green Party got $418,319.02, while the Conservative Party reported $15,732.16 in contributions, according to political party interim financial reports for October 1 to December 31, 2022, Elections BC announced on Tuesday.

For links to the political contribution data and scanned reports, please visit our website voiceonline.com.

Interim financial reports are required for parties that receive annual allowances (per

vote subsidies). Five parties were eligible to receive an annual allowance in 2022. The filing deadline for these reports was January 30, 2023.

The interim financial reports must contain the following information for the period from October 1 to December 31, 2022:

* political contributions accepted

* transfers of money or other property or services given or received

* prohibited political contributions received but returned to the contributor or paid to the Chief Electoral Officer

All reports for the fourth quarter of 2022 were received by the January 30, 2023 deadline.

much worse by allowing premiers to pursue for-profit schemes that will bleed staff from hospitals.”

He said: “Our parents and grandparents still living in poor conditions in some long-term care homes deserve better. The nurses and other frontline health care workers who are run off their feet and burnt out deserve better. Patients waiting for surgeries and everyone who has waited hours in an ER recently all deserve better.”

than ever before.

“After eight years, thousands of Canadians are dying waiting on lists for medical care. “After eight years, more than half of doctors and nurses are reporting being burnt out.

“This is a far cry from the Prime Minister’s broken promise to recruit 7,500 more doctors, nurses, and nurse practitioners to care for Canadians.”

They added: “Conservatives will closely examine the details of the proposal put forward by the Trudeau Liberals and will listen to the feedback of provinces, territories, and healthcare professionals.”

Jagmeet Singh Official photo

Dr. Stephen Ellis

Photo: Twitter

B.C. will formally recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

THE National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will be enshrined in B.C. law to honour the strength and resilience of residential school survivors and remember the children who never came home, the province announced on Tuesday.

This new provincial statutory day of commemoration responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action No. 80, which called on the federal government to establish a holiday to honour survivors, their families and communities.

If passed, British Columbia will join Canada, Prince Edward Island, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and the Yukon as jurisdictions that have designated September 30 as a statutory holiday.

“One day there will be no survivors left in Canada. What is forgotten is often repeated,” said Phyllis Webstad, Orange Shirt Day Society. “With the federal government passing legislation to make Orange Shirt Day, September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and now the B.C. provincial government announcing this legislation today, it will help to ensure that what happened to us will never happen again and will never be forgotten.”

If passed, more British Columbians will be able to get involved in advancing reconciliation by participating in local commemoration or education events, having important conversations with their families, their friends and their communities, and finding meaningful ways to learn more about shared history.

“Many British Columbians have been mark-

ing Orange Shirt Day with humility, respect and reflection in their own ways for years,” said Premier David Eby. “Today, we are taking the important step to enshrine this day in law to acknowledge the wrongdoings of the past, and to take meaningful action toward reconciliation.”

Harry Bains, Minister of Labour, said: “This is an important step in our commitment to lasting reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples in B.C. Having a provincial statutory holiday means more workers across the province will now be able to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, joining those in the public sector and in federally regulated jobs who already had

this opportunity.”

The Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation sought feedback from Indigenous Peoples on how best to observe this day in B.C. The Ministry of Labour also consulted with employers and workers.

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President, Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBIC), said: “UBCIC welcomes and heartily applauds this critically meaningful step by the Province of B.C. to join the federal government in observing September 30 as a provincial statutory holiday for Truth and Reconciliation. UBCIC stands with the survivors, intergenerational survivors, and B.C. First Nations who have advocated for the adoption of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action No. 80 in B.C. For this day to truly be meaningful, it requires healing and capacity for change; we still need to see broader acknowledgment of the harms of the residential school system along with significant investments into public and private education, former residential school site investigations, and into commemoration, remembrance events and memorials led by First Nations to bring healing to our people and change for our future generations.”

“For decades, Indigenous leaders have called upon governments to publicly recognize the harms caused by residential schools, Indian Day Schools and Indian hospitals, as well as the Sixties Scoop,” said Murray Rankin, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. “This day is about taking time to reflect on the experience of

residential school survivors and their families, while learning about and honouring the strength, resilience, and contributions of Indigenous communities in our province.”

Regional Chief Terry Teegee, B.C. Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN), said: “The B.C. Assembly of First Nations welcomes the news that the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will be made a statutory holiday in B.C. This is a day for all British Columbians, Indigenous people and our non-Indigenous neighbours to reflect and breathe life into what reconciliation means, and take steps to build a better future together. It recognizes the struggles that we First Nations peoples have had to face, and clarifies the role that settlers can play in reconciling our relationship. As BCAFN Knowledge Keeper, Dr. Robert Joseph has said: ‘Reconciliation is for all Canadians!’”

Robert Phillips, First Nations Summit Political Executive, said: “We commend B.C. for declaring September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR), a provincial statutory holiday. NDTR provides Canadians an important opportunity to learn about, and reflect on, the terrible legacy of residential schools in Canada and to recognize the devastating impacts that colonialism has had, and continues to have, on Indigenous communities. It provides an opportunity for Canadians to stand with us in partnership to break down the systemic colonialism and racism that still exists today. B.C.’s declaration is an important indicator of the government’s commitment to work in partnership towards reconciliation.”

Jason Himpfen charged in October 2021 incident involving dangerous driving and drug seizure

THE BC Prosecution Service on Tuesday approved charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking, flight from police, and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle against 47-year-old Jason Himpfen who failed to stop for police in Abbotsford in October 2021 and then drove recklessly for an hour and a half through Abbotsford and Chilliwack before being arrested in Chilliwack.

On October 12, 2021, Abbotsford Police pa-

trol officers received a report of an erratic driver eastbound on Highway 1 entering the Abbotsford area. Officers quickly located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop, resulting in the driver failing to stop for police. The Lower Mainland Police Helicopter Air 1 continued to follow the vehicle while ground units broke off. During the next 90 minutes, the vehicle was observed running numerous stop signs, passing cars unsafely and forcing oncoming vehicle traffic onto

the shoulder of the road while driving at excessive speeds.

Upon the vehicle stopping in the Chilliwack area, Abbotsford Police officers with the assistance of the Lower Mainland Police Dog Service and the Chilliwack RCMP, took Himpfen into custody. During the search, officers located approximately 370 grams of combined fentanyl and methamphetamine. This seizure equates to approximately 800 individual doses, according to police.

“This offender, who refused to stop for police, exhibited careless disregard for the citizens of Abbotsford and Chilliwack. We are fortunate to have had the assistance of Air 1, which captured the scope of the dangerous driving in question. The sizeable quantity of drugs seized by AbbyPD officers would have otherwise hit our streets and imperiled even more lives than the ones he imperiled through his reckless driving behaviour,” said Inspector Kevin Murray.

UBCIC Grand Chief Stewart Phillip UBCIC Photo submitted

B.C. Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin on Monday delivered a forward-looking speech from the throne, laying out actions the provincial government will take to tackle today’s biggest challenges and build a stronger, more secure future for everyone who calls B.C. home.

“Despite everything we’ve gone through over the past few years, British Columbians remain relentlessly optimistic about their province – and with good reason,” said Premier David Eby. “After all, it is the people of B.C. who got shots into arms, rebuilt highways after flooding, kept kids learning in schools and businesses thriving in difficult circumstances. Our government will build a stronger, more secure future with British Columbians, because there’s nothing we can’t accomplish or overcome when we work together.”

The speech focused on the issues that matter most to people with measures to help with rising costs, build more affordable homes, improve access to health care and mental-health care, and fight climate change, while training people for good-paying jobs in a cleaner economy. While British Columbians have built the strongest recovery in the country, leading economists are predicting a global slowdown. The speech emphasized the important choices ahead to ensure security for people and families in the face of the likely economic storm.

“Some say we should respond to a downturn by pulling back, reducing services, or by making people pay out of pocket for private health care,” Eby said. “But that would only make many of our most serious challenges worse and pass down costs at a time when people can least afford it. There’s too much at stake right now to pull the rug out from under British Columbians. We couldn’t afford short-

term thinking before – and we certainly can’t afford it now.” Instead, the throne speech outlined the provincial government’s plan to carefully put last year’s significant surplus back to work for people and make investments that will pay off for generations to come. It also highlighted new laws that will be introduced to protect people who work hard and play by the rules: from speculators, organized crime and those who take advantage of the most vulnerable. Highlights from the speech from the throne included:

* helping people with rising costs by introducing new measures targeted to support people hardest hit, including those with lower incomes and families with children;

* tackling the housing crisis by continuing to get tough on speculators, while launching a refreshed housing plan and increasing homes and services near transit hubs throughout the province;

* strengthening access to public health care after the pandemic by investing in new hospitals, a new medical school, better cancer care, substance treatment and recovery services, and getting internationally trained health professionals into B.C. clinics to provide care;

* making communities safer with actions to get violent offenders off the streets and new laws to crack down on gangs, money laundering and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images; and

* fighting climate change and building an economy for everyone by launching a new job skills plan, expanding lowcost clean-energy solutions, introducing a new pay-transparency law that moves B.C. closer to equal pay for equal work for women, and working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples.

33-year-old motorcyclist killed in Burnaby collision

BURNABY RCMP’s Criminal Collision Investigation Team is investigating a fatal collision that resulted in the death of a motorcyclist.

On Wednesday, just before 6:30 a.m., Burnaby RCMP frontline officers responded to a report of a two-vehicle collision involving a hatchback and a motorcycle at the intersection of Laurel Street and Douglas Road. The motorcycle was travelling southbound on Douglas Road at the time of the crash, which is believed to have occurred at approximately 6:10 a.m. The hatchback was travelling eastbound on Laurel Street. The driver of the hatchback remained on scene.

A 33-year-old motorcyclist was pronounced

dead on scene.

Burnaby RCMP’s Criminal Collision Investigation Team has taken conduct of the investigation, which is ongoing. Impairment does not appear to be a factor at this time.

“The collision is still under investigation,” said Cpl. Laura Hirst. “If you have dash cam footage in the area of Laurel Street and Douglas Road between 5:50 a.m. and 6:30 a.m., our investigators would like to speak with you.”

Anyone who witnessed the collision or may have dash cam video is asked to contact the Burnaby RCMP at 604-646-9999 and quote file number 2023-4497.

B.C. throne speech outlines plans to build a stronger, more secure future

Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin delivering the speech from the throne.

Photo: BC Government

Addressing the issues that matter

BY AMAN SINGH

NDP MLA for Richmond-Queensborough

THESE days, people in B.C. are facing some big challenges – from global inflation, to healthcare, and finding an affordable place to live. Many people feel like they’re working harder than ever, but just getting by, instead of getting ahead.

But I want British Columbians to know that their provincial government has their backs, and we’re committing ourselves to taking real action, with results that you can see and feel.

This week, the Throne Speech outlined our plan to tackle these challenges and build a stronger, more secure future for everyone.

In a time of economic uncertainty, instead of cutting services or making people pay out of pocket for private healthcare, like the BC Liberals suggest, we’re making sure that

your public services work for you. We’re investing in new hospitals, a new medical school and better cancer care.

We’re also getting internationally educated doctors and nurses into our clinics and hospitals sooner, so that people can get the care they need, when they need it.

Everyone should be able to buy or rent a home they can afford, no matter their income. This spring we’re going to continue cracking down on speculators who drive up costs, while we launch a refreshed middle-class housing strategy, which includes building more homes near transit and other important services in communities.

When it comes to our communities, people should always feel safe at home and going about their daily life. We’re continuing the work we started in the fall to change the way we respond to violent offenders, and in the coming weeks we’ll take new steps to crack down on gangs and money laundering. We’re also introducing a new law that will target the non-consensual sharing

B.C. introduces stronger protections against white-collar crime

PEOPLE in B.C. will be better protected from investment misconduct through improvements to the BC Securities Commission’s (BCSC) ability

to investigate and crack down on white-collar crime, the Province announced on Wednesday.

“People want to know that the investment mar-

ket is fair and honest – its money people count on for their retirement or their children’s future,” said Katrine Conroy, Minister of Finance. “By strengthening protections against fraudsters, we’re making sure the BC Securities Commission continues to have the tools it needs to ensure the rules are being followed and people’s financial well-being is protected.”

The legislative updates will help the BCSC protect people from investment market lawbreakers by:

* enhancing its power to gather evidence of investment misconduct;

* closing a loophole that prevented collection of BCSC-imposed penalties; and

* adding consequences for people convicted of investment-related criminal offences to help improve outcomes for the victims of these crimes.

“These amendments will give the BC Securities Commission better tools to go after the bad actors who harm investors and undermine confidence in the investment market,” said Brenda Leong, Chair and CEO, BC Securities Commission. “By augmenting the consequences for

of intimate images, which is also known as revenge porn.

Global inflation and the long-lasting impacts of the pandemic are causing prices to rise for everyday necessities. We’ll be introducing new measures to help everyone, with targeted help for those with lower incomes and families with children.

Last fall, parents of kids in kindergarten and younger saw major fee reductions for child care, and later this year, parents with school-aged kids will see those savings as well for before and after school care.

For the last five years, New Democrats have been working hard to help B.C. weather some storms – both literally and figuratively. We’ve made some good progress, but we can’t let our guards down. The stakes are too high and there is much more to do. We’re staying focused on the things that matter.

those who impede our investigations and enhancing our ability to collect penalties, British Columbians will be better protected.”

The BCSC’s enforcement and collection capabilities are among the strongest of any securities regulator in Canada. The changes to the Securities Act will build on this strength, ensuring that the BCSC has the tools it needs to continue to protect the investment market.

Katrine Conroy

Transportation upgrades to begin on Granville Bridge

THIS month, the City of Vancouver will begin work to upgrade the Granville Bridge to create a safer, more accessible crossing for walking, rolling and cycling.

The work is part of the Granville Connector project, which includes converting two west-side travel lanes on the bridge to separated walking, rolling, and cycling routes, similar to the protected lanes on the Burrard Bridge.

Additional improvements include the installation of new traffic signals, wayfinding signage and the creation of an all-ages-and-abilities pedestrian and bicycle connection to the Arbutus Greenway at the south end of the bridge.

“Making these much-needed safety and accessibility improvements to Granville Bridge will mean the bridge can truly serve as a vital connection

for all modes of travel between the growing commercial and job centres of the Broadway corridor and the downtown core,” said Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim. The City will also be removing the loops that connect to Pacific Street at the north end of the bridge and

replacing them with a new street network. The loops were originally designed for a high-volume freeway that was never built. The new street network will create opportunities for housing and local services on the City-owned land currently occupied by the loops.

The first phase of the work starts on the north end of the bridge with anticipated completion of the project by fall 2024.

Two lanes of traffic will be retained in both directions on Granville Bridge throughout construction.

As work progresses, some lane and street closures will be in effect to facilitate construction. For up to six months, the portion of Granville Street between the Howe and Seymour Street ramps and Drake Street will be temporarily closed. During this time, pedestrians, vehicles and transit will be detoured to the Howe Street and Seymour Street ramps.

* Winter 2023 – East loop closure

* Spring 2023 – West loop closure

* Summer 2023 to fall 2023 – temporary Granville Street closure with detour in effect

* Spring 2024 – opening of the new

downtown street network Sidewalks on both sides of the bridge and the Howe and Seymour ramps will remain open as much as possible throughout construction.

BUILT in 1954, Granville Bridge was originally designed for freeways that were never built, which tends to promote high vehicle speeds. Its current form is not accessible and presents a number of challenges for people who want to walk, bike or roll across the bridge.

In September 2020, Council endorsed the long-term design concept for the Granville Connector and directed staff to proceed with the interim Granville Connector construction. To stay ahead of road closures throughout the city, visit vancouver. ca/road-closure or download the Van311 app for information on the go.

Man who made offensive, homophobic comments in Vancouver arrested

VANCOUVER Police said on Saturday they have identified a man recorded making offensive and homophobic comments in a video that went viral on social media ear-

lier this week.

Police launched an investigation on Tuesday, after a 27-year-old man posted a TikTok video recorded outside the Burrard Station. In the

video, a man is heard making homophobic comments and other insults.

The 34-year-old suspect, a Chilliwack resident, turned himself in

to VPD Hate Crimes investigators

Thursday morning and was arrested for his role in the alleged crime, and for an unrelated firearms offence. He has since been released pend-

ing his next court appearance on March 29.

Because charges have not yet been formally laid, the man cannot be identified, police said.

EVENTS

South Asian Adults and Seniors Programs

* Yoga classes in person for members only at Shanti Niketan Hall at Lakshmi Narayan Temple, 8321 140 Street in Surrey, conducted by yoga instructor Ashwini Bansal on every Monday and every Thursday from 10 to 11:15 a.m. on both days. 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 seniors every Thursday after the yoga class.

* Vedic Seniors Parivar Centre of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society of BC invites South Asian adults and senior members for Bingo on the House on Sunday, February 12, 2-3:30 p.m., at Shanti Niketan Hall. Bring only $2 for two games. Members will explain the game to you. Some of the seniors can play cards. Tea and light snacks will be served. Please wear facemasks and maintain social distancing to protect one another. Contact Surendra Handa, Coordinator, at 604-507-9945 or email: surendra_handa@hotmail.com, for further information.

Granville Bridge

Photo: City of Vancouver

quit as Premier last Novem-

with British Columbians. Horgan was first elected in 2005 and became the NDP leader in 2014. He served as the 36th Premier of British Columbia from 2017 to 2022. In his farewell speech to the B.C. Legislature, he said: “I have tried over 18 years in this place as an MLA, 30 years working here, 63 years drawing breath to try and make it better every day for the people around me.” He visited The VOICE office twice – first, before he became Premier and then again after the NDP won the election, just as he said he would

while still

Indian Consul General Manish visited SFU’s Surrey campus last week and attended the SFU-India Advisory Council meeting co-chaired by SFU President Dr. Joy Johnson and Sirish Rao, Director, Public Engagement at VAG. The discussion focussed on the university’s academic, research and community engagement with India. Manish also visited Langara College and interacted with its President and CEO, Dr. Paula Burns, Vice President Yusuf Varachia, and Jas Sandhu of Langara College Foundation Board of Directors. He also interacted with Indian students. There are 3,369 Indian students in Langara.

Surrey RCMP locate dead woman and seriously injured man in Guildford apartment

ON Sunday, February 5, at 6:06 p.m., police received a report that a deceased woman and a seriously injured man had been located inside an apartment in the 14900-block of 102A Avenue in Guildford. Surrey Fire Service was on scene responding to a fire alarm and sprinkler activation in the building when they located the parties. The man was transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The building was evacuated and it was confirmed that there was no fire. Due to

the sprinkler activation, all residents of the building were displaced for some time, police said.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) was called in and has been working in partnership with Surrey RCMP. Police said they did not believe that there was any ongoing risk to public safety. Anyone with information regarding this investigation can call the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or email ihitinfo@ rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

Former B.C. premier John Horgan (seen in this photo flanked by Premier David Eby and Public Safety Minister and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth) on Wednesday announced he’s stepping down as MLA for Langford-Juan De Fuca sometime in March. Horgan

ber

highly popular

WORLD MONEY

Death toll soars to 20,000 people in earthquake in Turkey and Syria; Canada announces $10 million in aid

BY Thursday, more than 20,000 people were known to have died and tens of thousands injured after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Turkey and Syria on Monday, destroying homes, roads, health facilities and other critical infrastructure.

Teams are racing to rescue survivors as aid agencies warn that new snowfall, as well as a lack of water, communications and power, could cause a deadly "secondary disaster."

Six UN lorries carrying aid on Thursday crossed the border from Turkey into Syria - the first international help people there have had.

Without shelter, water, fuel or electricity the World Health Organization fears many survivors could yet lose their lives.

Rescuers in Turkey and Syria are continuing their painstaking work but hopes are fading for the many still trapped under the rubble.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck south central Turkey near the Turkey/Syria border on February

6 around 4:15 a.m. local time. Just 11 minutes later, it was followed by a magnitude 6.7 aftershock. USGS observations and analyses indicate all these events are occurring within the East Anatolian fault system.

Amid the steadily rising toll and growing dismay over the government's response, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday said that it was "not possible to be prepared for a disaster this big", but now the situation was under control.

Defending his government's response, he hit back at those claiming they had not seen any security or rescue personnel.

"This is a time for unity, solidarity. In a period like this, I cannot stomach people conducting negative campaigns for political interest," he added.

In Canada, Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, on Tuesday announced that Canada is providing $10 million in humanitarian assistance to Turkey and Syria.

In addition, Canada has allocated approximately $50 million in humanitarian assistance to Syria for 2023. Many Canadianfunded partners have already initiated emergency response activities in Syria, including the distribution of food by the World Food Programme, fuel for emergency heating by NGOs and UN agencies and tents, tarps and other shelter-related items by the UN Refugee Agency. Canada continues to monitor the situation and remains in close contact with humanitarian partners to assess and respond to evolving needs. The Canadian Red Cross has launched the

Earthquake in Türkiye and Syria

Appeal to help people impacted by the devastating earthquakes.

The Red Cross Red Crescent is working to deliver emergency relief and to get help to those impacted by the earthquakes as quickly as possible.

Money raised will enable the Red Cross Red Crescent to provide immediate relief, ongoing recovery efforts, and resiliency and preparedness activities in impacted and surrounding areas.

Canadians wishing to make a donation to the Earthquake in Türkiye and Syria Appeal can do so online at www.redcross.ca or by calling 1-800-418-1111.

Former Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf passes away in Dubai

Islamabad (IANS): Former dictator, President and military ruler of Pakistan General (Retd) Pervez Musharraf, who passed away in Dubai on Sunday after being critically ill for about two years.

Pakistan’s former President, Gen Pervez Musharraf (retd), was laid to rest in an army graveyard in Karachi, with full military honours, media reports said.

Musharraf, 79, was in Dubai since 2006. He was suffering with amyloidosis, a rare disease caused by an abnormal development of protein called amyloid in organs and tissues of the whole body. The increasing development of amyloid tissues made it difficult for the organs and tissues to work properly, which became the reason for Musharraf’s extended illness and death.

Musharraf’s illness was revealed in 2018 when his political party All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) said that he was suffering from the rare disease.

Musharraf’s death is being condoled by political and military quarters as despite his departure from Pakistan and re-settlement in Dubai, he enjoyed close support form the military leadership of Pakistan.

“May Allah bless the departed soul and give strength to bereaved family,” said a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on behalf of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) and Services Chiefs in their heartfelt condolences.

Musharraf’s time in power as military chief, a military dictator and later a politician is filled with major incidents, which are criticised by many as the worst possible blunders, brunt of which is still being suffered by the country at large.

Musharraf’s time of dictatorship is criticised for not only attracting political embarrassment for Pakistan due to the Kargil operation; but also the Lal Mosque operation which became the trigger point for a reactionary offensive by terrorists on Pakistan after Musharraf made the country an ally to the US-led war on terror.

Musharraf had several cases against him being heard in the Pakistani courts including that of treason, after he imposed a martial law by ousting the then sitting premier Nawaz Sharif in 1999. This happened after Nawaz Sharif tried to dismiss Musharraf as the army chief, having appointed him above more senior officers just the year before.

Modi attacks Congress in Rajya Sabha, says his priority is common people

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday, hit out at the opposition in Rajya Sabha saying, “ ek akela kitno par bhari padh raha hai” (One person is proving to be more than equal to them all) striking a combative note that he is ready to take on any allegations made against him and his government. Without referring to the allegations against him that the BJP government is silent on the Hindenburg report against the Adani Group, Modi said the dirt will further help the lotus (BJP’s symbol) to grow.

Musharraf was declared as an absconder as he refused to appear before the Pakistani courts in various cases against him. Musharraf was also someone who used to showcase the Kargil operation as a feather in his cap whenever he would be addressing the India-Pakistan relations.

Musharraf was also among those who had given a four-point solution to the India-Pakistan dispute on Kashmir, which analysts say was on the verge of being finalised. But because Musharraf’s government ended, that major understanding did not materialise.

Musharraf had always remained on the target hit list of terrorists as he narrowly escaped at least three assassination attempts on his life by terrorists. His tenure from 2001 to 2008 was ruled under the backdrop of 9/11 terror attacks on the US, which led to the initiation of military operation by the US against terrorists in Afghanistan.

(On Wednesday, replying to the motion of thanks on President’s address in the Lok Sabha, Modi had said that at a time when a family is busy protecting its own interests (referring to Gandhi family), he has stood for the rights of the poor. He had also mentioned how peace was now prevailing in Jammu and Kashmir, which had even given the courage to some people to carry out their ‘Yatra’ (referring to Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra). Launching a vitriolic attack on the Opposition, the Prime Minister had said that even as India is emerging as a confident and progressive nation, some people could not stomach the achievements of its own countrymen. Despite several economic crises engulfing the world, it is a matter of pride that India is now the fifth largest economy, Modi had said.)

On Thursday, the Opposition members were crowding the well of Rajya Sabha sloganeering through his reply to the debate on the Motion of Thanks to President Droupadi Murmu’s address to the joint session of Parliament. He defended his government against the opposition allegation on BJP government undermining the federal values. He said as a former Chief Minister he understood the importance of federalism and his government always supported cooperative and competitive federalism. He said his effort is to combine national progress and regional aspirations. He added that the priority of his government is common people. “We are accused of troubling the states. I have been the chief minister for a long time. I understand the meaning of federalism. We have stressed on cooperative, competitive federalism. We have kept in mind national progress in our policies and also regional aspirations. Those who are sitting in Opposition today, they had tampered with the rights of states,” Modi said.

His speech was drowned by MPs from the Congress, TMC, AAP, BRS, DMK and Left parties who were raising slogans in the well of the house. Several Opposition MPs were standing at their seats in protest against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence on the Hindenburg revelations on the Adani group and its impact on SBI (State Bank of India) and LIC (Life Insurance Corporation).

Singling out the Left and DMK especially, the Prime Minister Modi sought to remind them how Congress governments in the past misused Article 356 to get rid of elected government. “Look at the history, which party and people in power misused Article 356 the most? Elected governments were toppled 90 times, who were those who did that? A Prime minister used Article 356 fifty times, and scored a half-century and that name is Indira Gandhi. In Kerala Communist government was elected which wasn’t liked by Pandit Nehru and was toppled,” he said.

Then he shifted his focus to the DMK members.

“In Tamil Nadu too, governments of veterans like MGR and Karunanidhi were dismissed by Congress people. In 1980, Sharad Pawar who was a young chief Minister then was booted out by the Congress ruled central government. We have seen what happened with NTR when he was in the US for treatment and attempts were made to topple his government. This was the level of Congress’ politics. They troubled every regional leader,” he added.

Particularly targeting the first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, he said none of the descendants of the Nehru family use the surname Nehru and the Congress accuses him of not mentioning Nehru in his speeches. During the Congress regimes, he said, Raj Bhawans were functioning as Congress offices. He said he is there to work for the country and the Opposition is playing politics.

Referring to the clamour for shifting to the Old Pension Scheme in Opposition-ruled States, the Prime Minister said for immediate political benefits, certain State governments are putting a burden on the future generation. He urged the States to follow financial discipline and not to tamper with the economic health of the country. “Don’t spoil the future of your children,” he said asking the States to learn from the economic distress in neighbouring countries.

Pervez Musharraf

New Delhi (IANS): In a direct attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday alleged that the Central government was favouring only one corporate, Adani Group, ‘who gets all the contracts, including the overseas ones’.

“Earlier he used to travel in Adani’s aircraft and now Adani travels with Modiji in his aircraft. First the matter was limited to Gujarat then the country and now he has become international,” Gandhi said on Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address.

He alleged, “The Prime Minister went to Australia and by magic, SBI [State Bank of India] gave a $1 billion loan to Adani. The PM goes to Bangladesh and then the power development board of the country signs a 25-year contract with Adani.”

“How much money Adani gave to

the BJP in the last 20 years,” Rahul Gandhi asked.

He alleged that the Chairman of Sri Lanka electricity board in 2022 informed the Sri Lankan parliamentary committee “that he was told by President Rajapaksa that ‘he was pressured by Prime Minister Modi’ to give the wind power project to Mr Adani.’

“This is not India’s foreign policy. It is the policy for Adani’s business.”

He alleged that during the Bharat Jodo Yatra people asked him how one person, Adani’s worth increased from USD 8 billion to USD 140 billion between 2014 and 2022 and what his relationship with the Prime Minister is.

“During ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’, we heard people’s voices while we

bonise the economy.

The process of making fabric from discarded bottles involves washing, drying, and crushing of collected PET bottles into small chips. In the Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala

also kept our voices. We talked to children, women, and the elderly during the yatra. We asked the youth about their jobs... Many said they are unemployed or drive Uber. Farmers talked about not getting money under PM-BIMA Yojana and their land being snatched away, while tribals talked about Tribal Bill.

“When we first started walking (referring to Bharat Jodo Yatra), we wanted to play the opposition and tell people about their problems. However, as we progressed, after 500-600 kms, there was a major change. Instead of us telling the people the source of their problems, the yatra started speaking to us,” Rahul Gandhi said in the Lok Sabha.

Sitharaman provided an outlay of Rs 35,000 crore [1 crore = 10 million] to achieve energy transition and net zero objectives and listed green growth among seven priorities of the government.

New Delhi (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday wore a blue sleeveless jacket made of material recycled from plastic bottles.

The Prime Minister was spotted wearing the jacket in the Parliament in the morning.

The jacket was presented to the Prime Minister by Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) during India Energy Week in Bengaluru on Monday.

The IOCL will recycle 100 million PET bottles annually to make fabric, in a push to decar-

Rahul Gandhi in Lok Sabha.

Narendra Modi

$520,000 in grants approved for Surrey arts, cultural and community groups

SURREY City Council has approved nearly $520,000 in grants to support Surrey’s arts, cultural and community organizations, pending final adoption of the 2023 budget. Established in 2012, the City of Surrey’s cultural grants program supports a wide range of arts and cultural activities, including dance, heritage, cultural celebrations and community outreach.

“Arts and culture play a pivotal role in creating vibrant communities,” said Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke on Wednesday. “That

is why Council is proud to support the City of Surrey’s cultural grants that help fund so many of our talented local artists and programs. I would like to encourage everyone to get out and take in the diverse range of programs supported by this grant funding. From music to theatre to art exhibitions, there are no shortage of great performances and celebrations to be enjoyed in Surrey.”

The 2023 cultural grants range from $1,000 to $25,000. In addition, 11 Surrey Civic

Theatres rental in-kind subsidies were approved, which offers a value of up to $2,000 of assistance to non-profit, professional arts and cultural organizations. Funding will be dispersed following the final adoption of the 2023 budget.

To view the full list of this year’s grant recipients, visit our website voiceonline.com. For more information on the cultural grants program, visit the City’s website.

Brenda Locke

Specialized cardiac procedure at Royal Columbian Hospital supports patients

FRASER Health notes that February is heart month—a good time to think about reducing our risk of cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle factors play a significant role in cardiovascular health, but for some people, biology and genetics predispose them to life-threatening heart conditions.

More than 6,000 people are admitted to Fraser Health hospitals for cardiac failure ever year and many of them need surgery. With an aging population and increased frailty, less invasive procedures that alleviate the need for open surgery are benefitting patients in the region.

Royal Columbian Hospital is the second hospital in B.C. to perform Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair

(TEER), a lifesaving procedure for patients with congestive heart failure and those with valve problems or underlying conditions for whom open-heart surgery is not an op-

tion. TEER involves inserting a wire inside a plastic tube through the femoral vein in the thigh, and clipping the edges of the mitral valve

together with a device that looks like a high-tech paperclip. The device repairs the valve and prevents blood from flowing back into the heart. The procedure takes about three hours and is performed in the cardiac catheterization lab.

“TEER is another tool to treat patients who may not have other options,” says Dr. Razi Khan, interventional cardiologist and leader of the TEER program at Royal Columbian Hospital. “Less invasive procedures like TEER help patients recover faster and with fewer complications than traditional open heart surgery.”

TEER also helps preserve a patient’s natural valves and reduces the need for lifelong anticoagulant medicine and repeat valve surgery.

To date, 24 patients have benefited from TEER at Royal Columbian Hospital.

“The TEER program at Royal Columbian Hospital is an example of how more patients are seeing the benefits of enhanced specialized cardiac diagnostic and treatment procedures in this province,” says Dr. Jamil Bashir, medical director of Cardiac Services BC, a program of the Provincial Health Services Authority that oversees and funds coordination of specialized cardiac care in BC.

“We are excited about the addition of another site capable of performing TEER in the province as this helps bring care closer to home and will improve access for patients in Fraser Health.”

New infection-control tool now in place at hospitals across Fraser Health region

FRASER Health staff and medical staff are seeing blue—and that’s a good thing. The standard bleach wipes used to wipe down surfaces are now sporting a bright blue hue, courtesy of a disinfection system known as Highlight. Highlight colors the disinfectant wipes so staff can see where they’ve cleaned. The blue fades to clear if the cleaning is thorough. If the color remains, additional cleaning is required.

It’s a win-win for patients and staff as cleaning and disinfecting reduce the risk of infections such as Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile), carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPO),

Candida auris (C. auris) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

“This is one of the first products we’ve brought into Fraser Health that can be used systemwide by both housekeepers and clinical staff,” says Jody Miller Elliot, Director of Housekeeping Strategies and Initiatives, Fraser Health.

“We can see where the chemistry is applied on the surface to disinfect.”

The new system has its roots in the 2014 Ebola epidemic that originated in West Africa and spread to other regions including North America. Ebola virus is transmitted by direct

contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected individual and/or indirectly through contact with environmental surfaces where the virus lingers. Therefore, Ebola treatment workers wear protective equipment that must be removed only after it is sprayed completely with bleach.

Columbia University students developed an additive powder for bleach that didn’t alter the efficacy of the bleach but turned it blue. Medical teams could then visualize the complete coverage and disinfection of their protective gear, thus reducing the risk of accidentally transmit-

ting Ebola.

Out of this innovation, the company Kinnos was born. Two of the original founders still lead the company today and helped train Fraser Health managers and staff on how to use the Highlight system.

“Highlight is simple and effective, and the time was right to bring it in because the repatriation of housekeeping services allowed us to streamline our products and protocols,” says Miller Elliot. “We are the first health authority in Canada to use this system-wide, and it’s the first time it has been implemented on such a wide scale.”

Mitra clip.

Photo: Fraser Health

Kevin Falcon welcomed federal cuts to healthcare funding: NDP

THE NDP pointed out on Tuesday that when, in 2011, Stephen Harper’s Conservative government announced plans to reduce annual increases to the Canada Health Transfer, finance ministers from nearly every province opposed the cut, but Falcon was the cut’s only supporter: “From B.C.’s perspective, we think certainty is good thing.”

The NDP noted that this cut has cost British Columbia billions in healthcare funding. Premier David Eby has been leading the fight to ensure the federal government makes its share of healthcare investments. The NDP accused Falcon of diminishing the federal role in healthcare funding: “Frankly they only fund about 10% of the health care budget. They’re a minor player in this whole thing.” (CHNL, May 2)

In fact, the federal government funds 22% of healthcare costs. The provinces are pushing the federal government to increase that to 35%.

The NDP pointed out that at the same time Falcon was welcoming federal healthcare cuts, he was increasing MSP premiums on British Columbians.

It added that Falcon has a track record of cuts to healthcare, including:

As Health Minister in 2009, he forced health authorities to absorb $360 million in cuts.

As Finance Minister in 2012, he squeezed healthcare funding even further.

And recently, Falcon said he would open the door to private healthcare, removing more resources from our public system Here’s how other provinces reacted to the

federal funding cut:

- Ontario Finance Minister Dwight Duncan: “a frontal attack on public health care.” (Globe and Mail)

- Quebec Finance Minister Raymond Bachand: “totally unacceptable.” (CBC)

- Manitoba Finance Minister Stan Struthers: “It’s a lump of coal.” (Globe and Mail)

- Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall: “Frustrating.” (CBC)

- PEI Finance Minister Wes Sheridan: “I couldn’t quite believe what we were seeing.” (Globe and Mail)

- Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter: “profoundly disappointing.” (CBC)

- BC Finance Minister Kevin Falcon: “I appreciate that certainty. Obviously some of my colleagues feel differently.” (Globe and Mail)

BC Liberals: North Vancouver MLAs silent as residents face longest clinic wait times in B.C.

A new report from Medimap has highlighted the continued crisis in B.C.’s primary care system, revealing that residents of North Vancouver waited an average of two hours and forty minutes to see a doctor at walk-in clinics in 2022, the longest wait in the country. Meanwhile, the NDP’s North Shore MLAs have failed to advocate for residents on this critical issue, said the BC Liberals on Tuesday.

“It’s unacceptable that North Vancouver MLAs Bowinn Ma and Susie Chant were nowhere to be found on the issue of wait times, standing by silently as our community became the worst city in the province to visit a walk-in clinic,” said West Vancouver-Capilano MLA Karin Kirkpatrick. “People on the North Shore are desperate for better access to primary care — more than 7,600 people in our community are on wait lists for a family doctor and every month that list gets longer. Continued inaction from government is simply not good enough. MLA Ma’s office is in the same building as one of these walkin clinics — she has a front row seat to this crisis and should be demonstrating to the people of North Vancouver that she is working every day to address these significant problems.”

According to the 2022 Medimap Walk-in Clinic Wait Time Index, North Vancouver has the longest wait times in all of Canada, with an average wait of 160 minutes per visit, closely followed by Victoria at 137 minutes. Average wait times in B.C. increased from 58 to 79 minutes in 2022, triple the average wait time in Ontario. “The crisis in primary care is getting worse, not better, and it is deeply frustrating to watch as this NDP government fails to deliver desperately needed results,” said BC Liberal Leader Kevin Falcon. “People are suffering. They are exhausted by the process of looking for a family doctor, anxious about having to wait months for medical imaging and specialists, and rightly worried about whether care will be available to them and their loved ones in the case of an emergency. We need fewer

announcements and better results.”

The BC Liberals noted that they first put forward a 30-day action plan to address the crisis in primary care last July, an-

crisis

Kevin Falcon Photo: BC Liberals

nouncing further solutions to the health care

a few weeks later.

Karin Kirkpatrick

2023 Genesis G90 named Best Large Premium Car in Canada

MArkHAM, ON: the Genesis G90 luxury sedan was named the Best Large Premium Car for 2023 by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Announced at the Montreal International Auto Show, the G90 was applauded for both its interior and exterior aesthetics.

“Vehicles within each voting category are chosen not just on the basis of performance and value, but also their attention to comfort, luxury, safety, and quality,” says Michel Crépault, president of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada.

“Winning this award confirms that Genesis did their homework and have exceeded the expectations of what a luxury vehicle can be.”

This is the second year in a row that Genesis has won an AJAC Premium Car of the Year award. In 2022, the Genesis GV80 fullsized SUV was presented with the award for Large Premium Utility Vehicle in Canada for 2022. The GV70 luxury crossover was chosen as the Best Mid-Sized Premi-

um Utility Vehicle in Canada for 2022 and the G70 sedan was awarded the Best Small Premium Car in Canada for 2022.

“The luxury brand’s flagship, the 2023 Genesis G90 represents a bold step forward in its segment, offering distinctive, elegant design, and innovative features that enhance the driving experience with luxury, comfort

Hyundai Win Canadian Car of The Year Categories for 2023

and performance,” says Eric Marshall, director of Genesis Motors Canada. “We are very grateful to AJAC’s voting jurors for recognizing these advancements and presenting us with such a significant award.”

The Canadian Car of the Year (CCOTY) jury is comprised of the most esteemed professional automotive media in Canada

the competition in two competitive segments to earn this accolade from AJAC and its 49 voting members.

For a second year in-a-row, Hyundai has won AJAC Canadian Car of the Year category awards for two nameplates. The double-win for 2023 follows the Tucson’s win last year as 2022 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year, and Santa Cruz earning the distinction of “Best Small Pick-Up Truck in Canada for 2022” from AJAC.

“The Elantra N winning Best Sports Performance Car in Canada for 2023 is a valuable recognition because of AJAC’s rigorous testing and voting process,” says Steve Flamand, executive director of product, corporate, IT & digital strategy of Hyundai Canada. “The Elantra N is proof that a high-performance vehicle is within reach for everyday customers while certainly delivering an incredibly engaging driving experience with great steering and handling, plenty of power, a roomy cabin and a fierce exhaust note.”

who must meet the criteria of the organization and regularly review vehicles to a high standard.

For this category, vehicles are comprehensively evaluated on interior and exterior styling, build quality, safety, passenger comfort, cargo space and versatility, convenience and entertainment features, noise vibration and harshness, engine, transmission, overall consumer appeal, and market significance.

Audacious, progressive, and distinctly korean, the second generation G90 represents the most elegant interpretation of the brand’s design identity to date. Ushering in a bold new styling direction, the all-new luxury sedan embodies the Genesis philosophy of “Athletic Elegance.” Wider and lower in stance, it conveys the appearance of movement even while static. A suite of advanced assistance features and a variety of new technologies provide a new level of opulence for every occupant, regardless of whether you’re driving or being driven.

pault, president of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada. “To win two categories shows how impressed the esteemed judges were with the IONIQ 5 and Elantra N in their respective categories.”

“The IONIQ 5’s unique design, incredible efficiency and class-above user experience have lifted it to the top of the EV marketplace,” says Flamand. “Being recognized with such a prestigious award from AJAC reinforces the great work by and commitment from our product, design, engineering and manufacturing teams in Canada and around the globe.”

MARKHAM, ON: Hyundai Auto Canada is excited to announce that the Elantra N has won “Best Sports Performance Car in Canada” and the IONIQ 5 has won “Best EV in Canada”

“The road to the AJAC 2023 Canadian Car and Utility Vehicle of the Year is not an easy one, the candidates for the top honours are numerous and deserving,” says Michel Cré-

AJAC’s judges are comprised of professional journalists who strive to report factual and ethical information about the automobile and automotive issues to Canadian consumers. This is achieved through vehicle testing and in-depth evaluations conducted under various road and weather conditions across Canada. The vehicles are evaluated according to the 20 voting parameters, some of which include: exterior styling; cargo versatility; convenience and entertainment features; noise vibration and harshness; engine; transmission; overall consumer appeal, and market significance.

by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) for 2023 as part of its Canadian Car of the Year awards program. The Hyundai Elantra N and IONIQ 5 rose above

WINDSOR, ONTARIO: Ram 1500 has been named “Best Large Pick-up Truck in Canada for 2023,” by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), taking home top honours for the third time in four years (2023, 2021, 2020) and further solidifying it as the most awarded light-duty truck in North America.

“We’re thrilled that Ram 1500 has once again been named the Best Large Pickup Truck in the country as voted on by the expert members of AJAC, reinforcing it as the top choice for Canadian consumers, said Dave Buckingham, President and CEO – Canada, Stellantis North America. “This award validates how Ram continues to redefine what pickup trucks can be as the leader in durability, technology, efficiency, performance and convenience and continues to push past the competition by delivering the best pickups on the market.”

“The full-size pick-up category is immensely popular among Canadians and,

DETROIT: The Next-generation Acura Integra has been recognized for its sporty design, engaging driving experience, versatile package and premium features. And for 2023 Acura Integra fulfilled its high expectations by earning the prestigious 2023 North American Car of the YearTM award, recognized for its sporty design, engaging driving experience, versatile package and premium features.

The new performance gateway of the Acura brand, the next-gen Integra completes Acura’s return to Precision Crafted Performance with 200 horsepower1 and the only available manual transmission in its class. This is the second time Acura has been honored with a North American Car or Truck of the Year award. The 2001 Acura MDX also took North American Truck of the Year honors.

“The Integra is one of Acura’s most legendary and iconic nameplates, we are humbled and proud that the all-new Integra was bestowed with this prestigious award,” says James Marchand, Assistant Vice President Acura Canada. “It’s truly a

Ram 1500 named 2023 Best Large Pick-up Truck in Canada by AJAC

therefore, very competitive between manufacturers who built them,” said Michel Crépault, AJAC President. “The fact

that members of AJAC chose the RAM 1500 as Best Large Pick-up truck in Canada for 2023 says a lot.”

AJAC is a long-running and respected national association of automotive journalists who test drive and report on new vehicles in various media outlets across the country. The annual Car and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards program is an integral part of the association, providing consumers with expert advice and data to inform their vehicle buying decision. The 2023 Ram 1500 is the no-compromise benchmark for durability, technology, efficiency, performance and convenience with features never before offered in a pickup. The Ram 1500 features up to 5,783 kilograms (12,750 pounds) of towing capability and 1,043 kilograms (2,300 pounds) of payload. The eTorque 48-volt mild hybrid system delivers improved fuel efficiency in both V-6 (standard) and V-8 configurations. The Ram 1500 is North America’s most powerful half-ton diesel pickup with 480 lb.-ft. of torque delivering up to 8.0L/100km highway and over 1,500 kilometres of range on a single tank of fuel.

Honored as North American Car of the Year

testament to our talented engineers and manufacturing associates from around the world that developed and build it.”

The North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year awards honor excellence in innovation, design, safety features, performance, technology, driver satisfaction and value. Initiated in 1994, they are judged by 50 professional automotive journalists from Canada and the United States who work for independent magazines, television, radio, newspapers and industry websites.

Engineered for a new generation of driving enthusiasts, the 2023 Acura Integra features an award-winning high-output turbocharged engine, an ultra-rigid body structure and a sport-tuned chassis for an exhilarating driving experience. Perfect for young, active lifestyles, Integra also features the only 5-door liftback in its class, for a large and flexible cargo area and superior rear seat legroom, with a sleek coupe-like profile and sporty stance. A host of new standard safety, driver-assistive and connected-car technologies are

standard. Integra also has earned the highest safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2023 Integra is the first Integra built in North America, with production in Marysville, Ohio2, on the same line as the Acura TLX. Integra’s turbocharged 1.5-litre engine is made exclusively at the Anna Engine Plant in Ohio.

Arriving this summer, the Integra lineup will be bolstered by the arrival of a highperformance Integra Type S. The 2024 Integra Type S will be powered by a highrevving 2.0-litre VTEC turbocharged engine producing over 300 horsepower and paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission and limited slip differential. More details to be shared closer to launch.

One Fine Morning (PG) ** Lost in Love!

Die hard romantics May find some solace with One Fine Morning. Somewhat dark and rather flattish, if there is such a word, our story transcends the generations. Told from the heart this new film from Sony Pictures Classics and Mongrel Media is now holding court at the VanCity Theatre. Who doesn’t love a love affair if sincere. One Fine Morning tracks the upheaval in a single mom’s life as her aging dad slowly becomes more burdensome by the hour. Once glamourous two time Bond Babe Lea Seydoux convincingly plays a caring mother who tends to her aging dad while embarking on a romance with - you guessed it - a married man. French morality is on the more liberal side as is the nudity Ms. Seydoux displays.

No real new ground is covered In this slow paced movie which actually fits

the main subject matter of aging too a tee. Shot In French ( In Paris, no less) with English Subtitles if you enjoy family portraits you may find One Fine Morning to your liking. Unfortunately we have seen films like this where a family member

heads to the hospital and/or old age home done many times before so there’s no real new ground covered here. Ditto for an affair.

For more reviews please visit my website moviereviewssite.com

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Canadian citizen 34 , Hindu Arora beautiful girl 5”2 working in Bank Vancouver, Divorced (was a Short term marriage) seeking for a suitable match and boy should be in Canada.For more information please contact 7788953832. *********

Suitable match for a Saraswat Brahmin girl, 31 years old, 5’3”, Birthtime: 5:30 PM, diploma in computer Engg., BSCIT, MCA, MA in English. Contact: +91--9780616051 (India), +1-604-999-7125. We consider Divorce too. We need Canadian PR or Citizen boy. *********

Respectable well established Sidhu Family looking for a suitable match for their daughter born in 1981 in Vancouver, never married, university graduate, working as marketing manager with reputed international company. For further information contact: 604-319-0662 *********

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

2023 Throne Speech Outlines BC Government’s Housing Priorities

ON February 6, 2023, Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin opened the fourth session of the 42nd parliament with a Throne Speech outlining Premier Eby’s governmental priorities. While vague in specific policy deliverables, the Throne Speech outlined several broad initiatives directly impacting BC’s real estate sector.

Increasing Housing Supply

Budget 2023, which is set to be tabled on February 28, 2023, is promised to make recordlevel investments in housing for middle-class families. Pointing to investment and speculation as primary causes of rising housing costs, the government plans to invest in increased housing supply and services near transit hubs province-wide.

The provincial government also intends to launch a refreshed housing strategy and work with local governments and stakeholders to ensure this strategy results in more affordable homes for middle-class families, seniors, and those with the greatest need. The fall session will introduce laws to turn this strategy into new affordable housing.

Throughout the above-noted consultation process, BCREA is committed to advocating on behalf of BC REALTORS® and ensuring the

voice of REALTORS® is heard loud and clear.

Anti-money Laundering

The Throne Speech reiterated the BC government’s commitment to supporting “people who work hard and play by the rules.” It announced that legislation will be introduced to crack down on money laundering. This legislation will likely be inspired by the Commission of Inquiry into Money Laundering in BC’s Final Report.

The government promises that this year’s multi-billion-dollar surplus will be used to support British Columbians “now and for the long term,” so we can expect many new initiatives from the BC government in the coming year.

We understand the importance of staying informed and educated on policy matters that directly impact BC REALTORS®, and we are committed to keeping you informed on the latest policy developments.

As the new provincial government rolls out these new initiatives, we are dedicated to staying at the forefront of these changes and providing REALTORS® with policy updates.

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IN healthcare, it’s the elusive breakthrough to a cure for diseases like cancer that has us all hoping. But sometimes it’s the bit-bybit advancements, rarely getting headings, that make for greater impact. An example is the field of 3D printing, not even a medical technology by inception, but now a major disruptive force in the healthcare industry. Also known as additive manufacturing, 3D printing allows the construction of physical objects based on three-dimensional digital models. A futuristic notion until recently, such printers are now commonly found in high schools, university libraries and labs, and also in a fabulous array of high-tech companies producing medical devices, and yes, body parts of all kinds.

Hearing aid manufacturers were early adopters of 3D printing technology. From a silicone mold of the ear canal, a 3D scanner creates a digital model, a 3D printer produces it, then hearing aid components are inserted. The entire process takes less than a day.

Sounds impressive? That’s just the start. Here are a few of the truly amazing stories of 3D printing in medicine.

In 2012, a 20-month-old baby received the surgical implant of a 3D-printed biodegradable windpipe to resolve a rare condition of weak and collapsing airway walls.

Use of the technology to repair damage to the skull is remarkable enough. But in 2014, a 22-year-old woman in the Netherlands suffering from a bone disorder had the entire top part of her skull replaced with a 3D-printed implant. Three months after the 23-hour surgery, she was symptom free and back to work!

Not just for the young, an 83-year-old woman with a chronic jaw infection was the recipient of the first titanium 3D-printed jaw. Using reconstructive surgery would have taken 20 hours and entailed too many risks at her age. But her doctors needed only four hours to conduct the implant and reported that she was able to speak and swallow normally the day after surgery and to go home after four days.

Treatments for heart defects and heart disease are on the horizon. Using precise bioprinting technology, customized heart valves are a medical marvel.

Printing entire organs is not a wild dream. Nearly ten years ago, they became a reality when the first livers and kidneys were produced. To date, these devices are only used for testing purposes. But an important step towards fully functional organs is the production of 3D-printed viable blood vessels, and these have now been produced and successfully implanted in animals. Given the long lists of people waiting for organ transplants and the ethical issues of animal testing, advancements cannot come fast enough.

In other areas of medicine, amazing innovations are in the works. For example, 3Dprinted skin tissue infused with stem cells is a possible new treatment for severe burns. Among the tiniest of printed innovations, researchers have created microscopic objects that can be tracked as they travel in blood vessels, the gut biome, or reproductive systems, helping advance the field of drug delivery, for instance.

It won’t be long before we see 3D printers spitting out exact replicas of teeth, leaving drills and fillings to the history books.

3D printing is even getting stylish. Building prosthetic limbs used to be about delivering functionality to someone who has lost

an arm or leg. Now a digital model can replicate the exact shape of the lost limb. How long until the mechanics can be embedded in a natural-looking casing with the touch and sensory characteristics of skin?

3D printing is not a cure for cancer, but the technology is a reminder that solutions sometimes come from unexpected places.

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.