Y MEDIA TEAM AT LIBERAL CONVENTION 2023

CONTD. FROM PAGE 1

Liberal insiders endorsed policies that advance their plan to phase out the jobs of energy workers in Western Canada and Newfoundland.

They voted for a plan that will pile massive new costs on Canadian farmers at a time when unprecedented numbers of Canadians are lining up at food banks because they can't afford groceries. Liberals embraced a woke proposal for big city gatekeepers to close major roadways that Canadians use to get to work and go about their lives. They committed to taking their censorship agenda from Bill C-11 and expanding it to regulate what journalists and politicians are allowed to say to Canadians. And you won't believe what they rejected. The Liberals blocked a proposal to provide greater protection for whistleblowers like those who have come forward to expose countless Liberal scandals. And outrageously, after eight years of inflationary deficits that have increased the cost of everything, the Liberals voted against a proposal that would have required them to present a plan to balance the federal budget. These reckless policies are what Liberal Minister Mona Fortier says will be "official policy for the next eight years" if the costly coalition of the Liberals and the NDP remain in charge.

Canada's Conservatives offer a different common sense vision, one where we bring home lower prices for Canadian families, bring homes that young people can afford and where Canada once again works for the people who do the work.

Y MEDIA TEAM COVERS THE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY ORGANIZED BY OM FINANCIAL

First Youth Hub In Brampton Opens

BRAMPTON, ON – The City of Brampton celebrated youth week with the grand opening of its first official Youth Hub on Monday. Located at the Susan Fennell Sportsplex, the Youth Hub opening welcomed local dignitaries, council colleagues, youth groups, youth, residents, and members of the media. The Youth Hub is the first of its kind in Brampton, and is one of two, with the second Youth Hub planned to open at Century Gardens in the fall of 2024. These youth hubs are designed to serve the unique needs of youth, offering continuous access to leadership and engagement opportunities in arts, recreation, and civic engagement.

“We have been working on increasing support for our youth since 2019, and it is incredible to see the first youth hub open today as part of our recognition of Youth Week this year,” says Santos, who emcee’d the grand opening ceremony and serves as Chair of Community Services. Santos added that “providing safe spaces like this, especially postpandemic, are vital for young people to reconnect and engage in-person, instead of online social media. With an increase in mental health issues amongst our youth, this Youth Hub will also enable peer-to-peer support and access to youth specific programs.”

The Youth Hub will provide inclusive services and activities for youth ages 14 to 29, offering access to recreation programs, social services support, mental health supports, health and wellness programs, employment and career services, youth leadership and professional development, and other programming. The Hub features leading-edge technology, including a green screen for multiple programming opportunities, such as recording music, vocals, music composition, DJ opportunities, and more. The space also consists of an eSports area that includes multiple monitors for individual or group play. “We are thankful to Sheridan College for sponsoring our eSports space, which is a free and low-cost program for our youth in Brampton to enjoy,” said Councillor Santos. “It is important that we are not only providing our youth with the most up-to-date amenities where they can connect with each other, but also with a space where they can access resources under one roof.” The Susan Fennell Sportsplex Youth Hub is part of the city’s efforts to provide Brampton’s youth with improved access to resources and programming. Santos has also launched a Youth Council and continues to advocate for youth mental health support . Among other initiatives, the City of Brampton is continuing its Explore Brampton Youth Pass again this year and work is already underway to develop a second youth hub, the Century Gardens Youth Hub, anticipated to open in Fall 2024. “There are many opportunities for our youth to stay active and participate in the city. We are increasing access and need to get the word out there. It takes a village to support the success and future of our youth. Brampton is one of the youngest cities in the country and we are committed to providing that support. The opening of this youth hub is just one example,” concluded Santos.

B.C: TEACHER BHUPINDER SINGH SONU, 40 CHARGED WITH SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING KIDS

A 40-year-old Sikh priest and teacher has been charged with six counts of sexual offences involving children in Canada's British Columbia province, a media report said citing prosecutors.

Bhupinder Singh Sonu, who made his first appearance at Surrey Provincial Court on Tuesday, has been charged with three counts each of sexual interference and sexual exploitation involving three different victims, the OMNI News channel reported.

Sonu, who worked as a tabla teacher and a priest at the Khalsa School of the Fraser Valley in Langley, had come to Canada on a work permit and acquired his permanent residency two weeks ago, according to defence lawyer Gagan Nahal.

Nahal added that Sonu is no longer employed by the school.

Court documents obtained by OMNI News said that the alleged offences took place between September 2022 and February 2023.

Sonu has been released under strict bail conditions, and his next appearance in court is on May 30.

MUSICIANS UNDER THE RADAR -36 NOTABLE CANADIAN JEWISH PERFORMERS

TORONTO- What do Maureen Forrester, Rick Moranis, Steven Page (Barenaked Ladies), Paul Shaffer, Nick St. Nicholas (Steppenwolf), and William Shatner have in common?

All are highlighted in David Eisenstadt's just released book, MUSICANS UNDER THE RADAR - 36 NOTABLE CANADIAN JEWISH PERFORMERS (ADHEMAR PRESS), now available in paperback and Kindle E-readers on Amazon.ca, Amazon.com and Amazon sites the world over.

This new book highlights Canadian Jewish musicians "who in my opinion and for various reasons, have somewhat disappeared from the public eye. On first blush, a few have achieved above the radar fame in other areas of the arts, yet what will surprise readers is that these performers also have credible musical chops and credentials," he said. Witness the careers of Moranis, Shaffer and Shatner, as examples. Written from a history, not critical music perspective, Eisenstadt's musician selection criteria includes perfor mers who are Canadian (although not necessarily Canadian born), Jewish, all genres and genders, individuals as performers or in groups, alive or having passed on.

Some of the other notable artists covered include:

* Batsheva - Folksinger

* Boris Brott - Classical Music Conductor

* David Buchbinder - Jazz & Klezmer Trumpeter

* Paul Brodie - Saxophonist, Educator

* Socalled (Josh Dolgin) - Rapper, Pianist, Composer, Puppeteer

* Hyman Goodman - Violinist

* Brian Katz - Guitarist, Composer, Improvisor, Educator

* Jeanne Lamon - Leader of Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra

* Ruth Lowe - Songwriter (for Frank Sinatra)

* Corky Laing - Drummer (Mountain)

* Jens Lindemann - Classical & Jazz Trumpeter

* Lorne Lofsky - Jazz Guitarist, Educator

* Rosalie Moscoe - Children's Music Entertainer, Songwriter

* Cantor Charles Osborne - Tenor, Jewish Music Composer

* Bernie Senensky - Jazz Pianist/Organist (Moe Koffman's long-time colleague)

* Theresa Tova - Singer, Actor, Playwright, Industry Activist

* Nikki Yanofsky - Jazz & Pop Singer, Composer

Why 36? "Jewish tradition holds that the number 36 has had special significance since the beginning of time. Mathematically 36 is double 18, which means 'life' ... and what started for me as a hobby during COVID19 continues as a journey of learning and my experience writing historical articles and books has more than doubly enriched my life", Eisenstadt explained. "I expect the book to find its way and be available in bookstores, initially in the Greater Toronto area including Indigo, TYPE Books and Book City locations, he added.

His first book, also available in paperback and E-kindle readers on Amazon.ca and other Amazon sites, UNDER THE RADAR - 30 NOTABLE

CANADIAN JEWISH MUSICIANS (undertheradarbook.com) was published by BARONEL BOOKS and released in November 2021. Featured musicians in that book include Corey Hart, Marc Jordan, Moe Koffman, Danny Marks, The Diamonds/Stan Fisher-Phil Levitt, Sharon, Lois & Bram, Amy Sky, The Travellers/Jerry Gray and ZalYanovsky/Lovin' Spoonful, among others. Eisenstadt expects he'll be speaking about his latest work to Canadian and US community groups, synagogues /temples, university music departments, and news media as he continues to do so with his first book. For bookings, he can be reached - deisenstadt@tcgpr.com or by cell, 416-561-5751.

Feeding Wildlife Is Prohibited On Both Public And Private Property In Oakville

On April 24, Town Council approved an amendment to the Lot Maintenance By-law prohibiting feeding wildlife and leaving food out to attract animals. Feeding wildlife may seem harmless, however it can have serious impacts on both animals and the community. Problems that could arise include: conditioning animals to expect food from people or be dependent on people as a food source attracting unwanted species to a property animals losing their natural fear of humans increased public health concerns from the spread of disease and increased rodent activity and infestation negative interactions with pets and humans animals falling ill because the artificial food sources is not healthy for wildlife Feeding songbirds or hummingbirds will still be allowed provided the bird feeder is kept tidy and food spillage is removed so it doesn’t attract other wildlife. There are other exceptions, including allowing licensed trappers, authorized wildlife or pest control agencies or their employees, to leave food as bait as part of their work. For a full list, review the Lot Maintenance By-law Update Report and Appendix A.

Issuing fines to curb direct or indirect feeding

The Lot Maintenance By-law, together with the Parks By-law and Property Standards By-law, bans feeding wildlife, direct and indirect, and leaving

TORONTO POLICE ARREST STEWART MILLET, 18 IN ROOFING SCAM

MISSISSAUGA: The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, has reasonable grounds to believe that a Toronto Police Service officer committed criminal offences against a woman on May 19, 2022. Director Martino has caused charges to be laid against the officer. The police service notified the SIU of the incident on June 29, 2022, and the Unit launched an investigation.

As a result of the SIU investigation, Constable Ramdial Lokenath is charged with one count of sexual assault and one count of breach of trust, contrary to sections 271 and 122 of the Criminal Code, respectively. Cst Lokenath is required to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at 10 Armoury Street in Toronto on May 31, 2023. As the matter is before the courts, and in consideration of the fair trial interests of the accused, the SIU will not provide further comment on the investigation. The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of officials (police officers as well as special constables with the Niagara Parks Commission and peace officers with the Legislative Protective Service) that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault and/or the discharge of a firearm at a person. All investigations are conducted by SIU investigators who are civilians. Under the Special Investigations Unit Act, the Director of the SIU must consider whether the official has committed a criminal offence in connection with the incident under investigation depending on the evidence, cause a criminal charge to be laid against the official where grounds exist for doing so, or close the file without any charges being laid publicly report the results of its investigations.

Ali Ahmed From Toronto Arrested In Connection With Indecent Act Investigation

REGION OF PEEL – Investigators from the 12 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau have charged a 28-year-old man in an Indecent Act investigation in Mississauga.

On Thursday, May 4, 2023, at 12:33 p.m., police received a call that a man was exposing himself on the grounds of a school in the area of Cliff Road and Queensway East in Mississauga.

Ali Ahmed from Toronto is charged with one count of Indecent Act in a Public Place and was currently on charge for the same offence at the time of his arrest.

He was held for a bail hearing and appeared at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton.

To view a photo of Ali Ahmed, please visit our website.

Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the 12 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau at 905-453-2121 extension 1233. Information may also be left anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by visiting www.peelcrimestoppers.ca

For media inquiries, please contact the on-duty Public and Media Relations Officer at 905-453-2121, extension 4027.

Sachit Mehra Elected New Liberal Party President

CONTD. FROM PAGE 1 food out to attract animals across Oakville on both public and private property. If a person is found violating these rules, officers can issue a ticket, fining people between $300-$500. The town also has the ability to issue a court summons for more serious offenses and repeat offenders. The town recommends that residents and property owners keep their property tidy, removing all water and food sources from one’s yard, including birdseed and ripe/rotted fruit that has fallen to the ground and storing garbage, compost and pet food in a place where wildlife cannot access it. Remove long grass, dead brush and wood piles as well. To learn more about the ban, visit the Wildlife and You page on oakville.ca.

Most Canadians Planning Summer Road Trips Despite Inflation and Gas Price Concerns

TORONTO- Despite the financial challenges posed by inflation and high gas prices, a significant majority of Canadians remain determined to embark on road trips this summer. Conducted among members of the Angus Reid Forum, the 2023 edition of the annual Toyota Canada Summer Road Trip Survey found 74% of those polled are still planning a road trip, but fuel efficiency and other ways to cut costs are very much top of mind this year.

Cost-cutting and affordability are top of mind

Of those who are planning a road trip this summer, 43% say rising gas prices have impacted their plans. And, while very few (8%) have outright cancelled their trips as a result, most (35%) will be taking action to cut their costs.

“It’s evident that road trips are still an important part of summer for many Canadians,” said Stephen Beatty, Vice President, Corporate at Toyota Canada. “But, with so many feeling the pressure of high inflation and increased gas prices right now, we’re seeing an increased focus on the affordability of those road trips.” According to the survey, 51% of travellers will be looking for less expensive accommodations, 47% will be planning fewer restaurant dining occasions, 31% will be travelling a shorter distance, 30% will be spending fewer days on the road than originally planned, and 26% will be visiting fewer attractions.

Looking for better fuel efficiency, but not yet ready for fully electric road trips

Among Canadians planning a road trip this summer, 38% rank fuel efficiency as the single-most important vehicle feature (vehicle safety features and cargo space – at 13% each - are also considerations). At the same time, however, 78% of Canadians admitted they’d be worried about going on a longer road trip in a fully electric / battery electric vehicle.

“Canadians clearly want choice when it comes to fuel efficient vehicles,” said Beatty. “While battery electric vehicles can be great options for those who can afford them and have somewhere to charge them, it’s clear that we also need to provide Canadian drivers with other, more affordable options that will not only help them reduce their carbon emissions, but also meet their budgets and needs.”

He noted that hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and other yet-to-come technologies will all play important roles in reducing Canada’s overall carbon emissions. Weekends trips most popular, with a focus on family and relaxation

Despite the challenges posed by inflation and high gas prices, many travellers hope to kick back and feel relaxed (71%), safe (54%) and adventurous (44%) on their road trips this summer. A weekend or long weekend getaway is, by far, the most common type of trip being planned (67%), with about half of the respondents intending to drive less than 10 hours in total. A small, but hearty, group (15%) plan to drive for three days or more on their journey. When it comes to who they plan to travel with this summer, family members

(80%) are the number one choice as road trip companions. Others will be taking friends (34%), pets (17%), and co-workers (3%) with them. Some regional points of interest include:

More journeys may begin in Saskatchewan with 86% of residents from that province saying they’ll be taking a road trip this summer. Albertans plan to rest easy - and economically - with 60% of travellers looking to spend less on accommodations to offset the effects of inflation. Family vacations are top priority to travellers in Atlantic Canada and Alberta, with 89% and 84%, respectively, planning to travel with family. Only about two-thirds (64%) of Manitobans are planning to take a road trip this summer, significantly less than the national average (74%) and far below neighbouring Saskatchewan (86%). For media inquiries, including interview opportunities and highresolution images, contact: Randi-Lynn Paul (rpaul@casacom.ca).

About the Study These are the findings of a survey commissioned by Toyota Canada among members of the Angus Reid Forum. It was conducted from April 5-10, 2023 among a nationally representative sample of n=1,512 Canadian adults (18+), balanced and weighted on age, gender, region and education. For comparison purposes only, a sample of this size would yield a margin of error of +/- 2.5 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. The survey was offered in both English and French.

About The Angus Reid Group

Angus Reid is Canada’s most well-known and respected name in opinion and market research data. Offering a variety of research solutions to businesses, brands, governments, not-for-profit organizations and more, the Angus Reid team connects technologies and people to derive powerful insights that inform your decisions.

Data is collected through a suite of tools utilizing the latest technologies. Prime among that is the Angus Reid Forum, an opinion community consisting of engaged residents across the country who answer surveys on topical issues that matter to all Canadians.

About Toyota Canada Inc.

Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) is the exclusive Canadian distributor of Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Toyota has sold over six million vehicles in Canada through a national network of 288 Toyota and Lexus dealerships. Toyota is dedicated to bringing safety, quality, dependability and reliability to the vehicles Canadians drive and the service they receive. TCI’s head office is in Toronto, with regional offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and Halifax, and parts distribution centres in Clarington and Vancouver.

He defeated party vice-president Mira Ahmad and will replace Suzanne Cowan. Following the announcement of the election result, Mehra tweeted, "This National Liberal Convention has been an amazing moment as a Party and as a team. I am honoured to serve as your President."

Mehra is from the city of Winnipeg in the province of Manitoba. He has roots in New Delhi, as his father moved from the Indian capital to study in Canada in the 1960s. Mehra is a businessman, as his family runs the East India Restaurants Company which has a presence in Winnipeg and Ottawa. Mehra announced his intent to contest for the party post in October last year, and touted his experience as having served as chair of the Federal Liberal Agency of Canada, president of the Liberal Party of Canada (Manitoba) and the President of the Young Liberals of Canada. Mehra described himself as "a community builder, business owner, manager, dad, husband and, a proud Liberal member, donor and volunteer from the prairies for over 32 years." Mehra was also part of a fundraising effort in the spring of 2021 to deliver oxygenators to India as the devastating Delta wave of the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country. Mehra lists the Indian languages of Hindi and Punjabi as those he is conversant with. Mehra will be heading the party organisation when the next Federal elections are held in 2025, ten years since Trudeau swept into power.

KING CHARLES III, QUEEN CAMILLA CROWNED AT WESTMINSTER ABEY IN LONDON

CONTD. FROM PAGE 1

Later, Camilla, the Queen Consort, was crowned with Queen Mary's Crown. About 2,200 people, including the Royal Family, celebrities, faith leaders and heads of state, were present inside the Abbey to witness the event. Currently, cornoation procession of King Charles III and Queen Camilla is heading back to Buckingham Palace. After returning to Buckingham Palace, the King, Queen and British royals will make a traditional appearance on the balcony. The coronation ceremony was attended by the Duke of Sussex without his wife Meghan Markle.

NEW INSIGHTS FROM PEEL REGION’S 2022 WORKFORCE CENSUS

BRAMPTON, ON – Peel Region has completed its second workforce census. Questions focused on demographic data and employee sentiments (feelings) about diversity, equity, inclusion and health, safety, and wellness at Peel Region. 55 percent of employees participated in the survey, up 5 percent since the inaugural 2020 workforce census. This overall response rate is consistent with other public service organizations. Building on the 2020 workforce census, results show diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) scores have increased across the organization and reported incidents of discrimination and harassment are lower than 2020. While results show signs of progress, many employees experience the organization differently depending on their diversity.

India taking down Pakistan at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meet is indicative of changing diplomatic might of India. India will not stick to fake goody words any longer. It signals Pakistan about the need to do more to shed the tag of being a global headache on terrorism.

Coming soon after the recent Shanghai Cooperation Council's (SCO) Defence Ministers' Summit in New Delhi, India last week hosted the Foreign Ministers of the SCO at Goa.

The common thread between these two summits was the tough posturing by India against its two neighbours Pakistan and China.

At the Goa meeting, India's External Affairs Minister (EAM), S. Jaishankar, revealed that India had twice called out China and Pakistan at the summit for violating India's sovereignty through their connectivity projects. The statement was made in response to a question on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which runs through Indian territory currently under Pakistan's illegal occupation.

Earlier, India had sort of reprimanded the Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu at the New Delhi meeting, on the issue of the stalled talks over the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

India's critique of Pakistan

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was in Goa to represent Pakistan at the SCO-CFM. A visit, which happened after a 12-year gap. The last Pakistani Foreign Minister to visit India was Hina Rabbani Khar, when she met her Indian counterpart S.M. Krishna in Delhi in 2011. However, what soured the atmosphere this time in Goa, was references made by Zardari over Kashmir and Pakistan being a victim of terrorism itself. Though he also called for reviving the stalled talks.

India, in a strongly worded response to Pakistan's overtures for talks, said victims of terrorism do not sit together with perpetrators of terrorism to discuss terror.

Rebutting each of the points made by Zardari, EAM Jaishankar said he (Zardari) was "a promoter, justifier and spokesperson for a terrorism industry which is the mainstay of Pakistan. The tough Indian response came after the news of death of five Indian Army soldiers in a terrorist attack near the Line of Control (LoC) on Friday".

Jaishankar said Bilawal's suggestion to sit together and talk was "hypocritical" and said India was feeling "outraged" by the incident. India's stand on China

Jaishankar had a similar position on China whose readout on the bilateral between him and its Foreign Minister Qin Gang described the situation on the boundary as stable.

Jaishankar said that there is an abnormal position in the border areas. "We have to take the disengagement process forward. I have made it very clear. India-

China relations will not be normal if peace and tranquillity in the border areas is disturbed. This message was on the same lines as delivered by the Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to his Chinese counterpart Li Shangfu, a fortnight ago."

Responding to Zardari's diatribe, Jaishankar said Bilawal's opposition to a G-20 meeting to be held in Kashmir had no basis since Pakistan was not even a member of that grouping.

JAISHANKAR SAID THAT THERE IS AN ABNORMAL POSITION IN THE BORDER AREAS. "WE HAVE TO TAKE THE DISENGAGEMENT PROCESS FORWARD. I HAVE MADE IT VERY CLEAR. INDIACHINA RELATIONS WILL NOT BE NORMAL IF PEACE AND TRANQUILLITY IN THE BORDER AREAS IS DISTURBED. THIS MESSAGE WAS ON THE SAME LINES AS DELIVERED BY THE INDIAN DEFENCE MINISTER RAJNATH SINGH TO HIS CHINESE COUNTERPART LI SHANGFU, A FORTNIGHT AGO."

RESPONDING TO ZARDARI'S DIATRIBE, JAISHANKAR SAID BILAWAL'S OPPOSITION TO A G-20 MEETING TO BE HELD IN KASHMIR HAD NO BASIS SINCE PAKISTAN WAS NOT EVEN A MEMBER OF THAT GROUPING. ON BILAWAL'S OPENING ADDRESS AT THE SCO CONFERENCE WHERE HE SAID THE ISSUE OF TERRORISM SHOULD NOT BE USED TO SCORE DIPLOMATIC POINTS, THE MINISTER SAID: "WE ARE NOT SCORING DIPLOMATIC POINTS. WE ARE EXPOSING PAKISTAN. AS A VICTIM OF TERRORISM, WE ARE AUTHORISED TO DO SO. WE HAVE PUT UP WITH IT. IT SPEAKS SO MUCH ABOUT THE MINDSET OF THAT COUNTRY."

On Bilawal's opening address at the SCO conference where he said the issue of terrorism should not be used to score diplomatic points, the Minister said: "We are not scoring diplomatic points. We are exposing Pakistan. As a victim of terrorism, we are authorised to do so. We have put up with it. It speaks so much about the mindset of that country."

He asked Pakistan to "smell the coffee" regarding its grouse about the abrogation of Article 370 as a violation of international agreements.

"370 is history. Sooner the people realise it, the better," Jaishankar said.

Indian response to CPEC

EAM Jaishankar also took an exception at the mention of CPEC at the SCO meeting, both by Pakistan and China. And rightly so, as SCO is a multilateral forum, not a bilateral one and further India's adversarial stand on the CPEC has been very clear from the beginning, as it passed through the PoK. India has consistently opposed the Belt and Road Initiative and CPEC, as these projects violate India's territorial integrity and sovereignty. Jaishankar very clearly stated that connectivity is good for progress, but connectivity cannot violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations.

Bilawal's overture

On his part Bilawal Bhutto Zardari blamed India's Kashmir policy for the "frozen peace" between India and Pakistan. The India-Pakistan relationship soured significantly after India announced the withdrawal of special powers from Jammu and Kashmir and the division of the state into two union territories in August 2019.

India has always maintained that it wants regular neighbourly ties with

Pakistan while emphasising that the onus is on Islamabad to create a safe environment for such an engagement.

The tough Indian response to both Pakistan and China, mainly stems from its exhaustion with its neighbours, who in spite of several Indian initiatives to better relations, prefer to stick with their age-old stands on the contentious issues, preferring not to respond positively to any Indian efforts in this regard.

The SCO meet also showed yet again that body language speaks volumes in geopolitics and diplomacy. The distance between the two foreign ministers while posing for photographs was noticeably gaping. However, the cold Indian demeanour, a departure from customary diplomatic niceties, and continuing with its old parroting by the Pakistani Minister were more targeted at their respective domestic audiences. The Indian leadership in view of the forthcoming elections in Karnataka wanted to be seen as acting tough, while the Pakistani Minister wanted to showcase his ability to rake-up old issues in the backdrop of the economic woes of Pakistan.

But overall this posturing does not augurs well for friendly relations between the neighbours in the foreseeable future.

OTTAWA PLEDGES $390M TO TACKLE GUN, GANG VIOLENCE

Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That's why the Government of Canada has a comprehensive plan that gets guns off our streets and resources into our neighbourhoods. A central part of this involves adding resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. The Minister of Public Safety, the Honourable Marco Mendicino, today announced that the Government of Canada will be investing $390 million in programs to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts. The Government will provide this funding over the next five years to provinces and territories to support a variety of initiatives, including support for law enforcement and prevention programs.

This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence (ITAAGGV), announced in 2017. ITAAAGGV funding has been used by provinces to for an array of important efforts to combat gun and gang violence. Quebec has used it for Operation Centaur, a provincewide initiative that reinforces police with specialized units, disrupts firearms trafficking and prevents crime. In British Columbia, funding supports the Organized Crime Agency of British Columbia, a dedicated police agency to fight gun smuggling, drug trafficking and other forms of organized crime. No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun crime on its own. ITAAGGV is one of many elements in the government's plan to keep Canadians safe. This begins with strong borders, where the government has invested nearly half a billion dollars in border security and deepened cooperation with the Untied States to fight gun smuggling. It also includes legislation, headlined by Bill C-21, the government's strongest legislation combatting gun violence, and upcoming bail reform. Finally, it involves strong prevention strategies, such as the major investments announced today.

Quotes

"The safety and security of Canadians is our government's top priority. The best way to keep people safe is to stop crime and violence before it starts. Today's announcement will give additional resources to law enforcement, support young people in making good choices and help our communities thrive. Strong prevention strategies like these are central pillar in our plan to ensure Canadians are safe in their communities."

- The Honourable Marco Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety

"I want to thank the Minister of Public Safety Canada and Ontario's Solicitor General for their commitment to combatting guns and gang, a priority for police services across Ontario. Today's announcement is a significant investment in a continuing, comprehensive and collaborative approach to addressing and reducing gun and gang violence by providing the resources required to investigate and hold accountable those that victimize our communities."

- Chief Nishan Duraiappah, Peel Regional Police, President, Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) "Gang violence is increasing, and we are working with our federal partners to put criminals behind bars. Our financial contribution of nearly $15 million this year to the Guns and Gangs Violence Reduction Strategy, on top of the federal government's continued support announced today, will have a direct impact on reducing gang activity. Our investment will support a guns-andgangs joint-forces operation across multiple jurisdictions, as well as a provincial guns-and-gangs support unit to assist with investigations and prosecutions."

- The Honourable Michael Kerzner, Solicitor General of Ontario

WATERMAIN AND SANITARY SEWER REPLACEMENT, ROAD REPAIRS AND RESURFACING ON MAIN ST. SOUTH, DOWNTOWN BRAMPTON

BRAMPTON- Peel Region has been working in downtown Brampton to replace the aging watermain and sanitary sewer along Queen St. to maintain and improve existing water and wastewater services.

At this stage in the project, we are replacing the watermain and sanitary sewer under Main St. South. This work is starting Wednesday May 10, 2023, and will last for approximately three months, depending on weather and soil conditions. Please expect delays and choose alternate routes if possible.

Traffic impacts:

* Northbound Main St. South closed to all through traffic from Wellington St. to Queen St. A detour route will be clearly marked with road signs.

Pedestrian access to businesses will be maintained. No through traffic will be allowed and there will be no on-street parking.

* Southbound Main St. South will remain open but reduced to one lane from just north of Queen St. to Wellington St.

* We will dig a temporary trench on Main St. South from Wellington St to Queen St. For this reason, it will not be possible to turn left (east) from Main St. South onto Wellington St. East.

* The current one-way traffic on John St. will be converted to two-way traffic that can be accessible from Chapel St. The loading zones on John St. will be removed and additional loading zones/short term parking will be added to Queen St. for businesses.

* Detour routes may be adjusted for upcoming special events in the summer. Emergency service vehicles will be permitted to cross through the closure with guidance from the onsite contractor.

INDO-CANADIAN SIKH POET RUPI KAUR’S BOOK AMONG MOST BANNED IN US SCHOOLS

A Canadian-Sikh poet, whose Twitter account was withheld in India last month over the Khalistan issue, now has her debut work among the 11 most banned books in the US classrooms for the first half of the 2022-23 school year. Rupi Kaur’s ‘Milk and Honey’, which released in 2014, was banned for exploring issues of sexual assault and violence, according to data provided by non-profit PEN America.

The book, banned in multiple districts in Missouri this year, tied in ninth place with Toni Morrison’s ‘The Bluest Eye’, according to the report. Both books were reportedly banned in 10 districts in the first half of this school year alone. “It deeply concerns me that there is a group of people hell bent on taking away literature that students find refuge in,” Punjab-born Kaur wrote in an Instagram post last week. Apart from violene, the rest of the titles in the list discussed race and racism, LGBTQ+ characters, grief or death, student health and well-being, and teen pregnancy, abortion or sexual assault.

“Parents want to ban books to protect their kids but teachers and librarians say that students are old enough to be aware of the topics discussed in these books. Many actually seek these books out because they’re going through those experiences themselves,” she wrote. Kaur’s work encompasses love, loss, trauma, healing, femininity, and migration. “I remember sitting in my school library in high school, turning to books about sexual assault because I didn’t have anyone else to turn to. This is the reality for many students,” she said in her post.

CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL TRADE DROPS IN MARCH

OTTAWA: Canada's merchandise imports and exports were down in March, Statistics Canada said on Thursday.

The country's total monthly imports of goods decreased 2.9 percent from February to 62.6 billion Canadian dollars (46.3 billion U.S. dollars), and total exports of goods were down 0.7 percent to 63.6 billion Canadian dollars (47.1 billion U.S. dollars), the national statistical agency said.

Imports of consumer goods decreased 11 percent in March, mainly because of lower imports of pharmaceutical products. In February, large quantities of drugs unrelated to COVID-19 were imported, and these shipments did not repeat in March, causing a sharp drop for the month. Most notable export declines were observed in energy products, mainly because of lower exports of crude oil. While this was mostly the result of lower prices, crude oil export volumes also decreased in March.

According to the agency, exports of services were up 0.2 percent to 14 billion Canadian dollars (10.4 billion U.S. dollars), as an increase in commercial services was moderated by a decline in travel services. Imports edged up 0.1 percent to 16 billion Canadian dollars (11.8 billion U.S. dollars), reflecting higher commercial services, which was partially offset by lower transportation services. Canada's total exports were down 0.3 percent in the first quarter of 2023, mainly because of lower prices. Meanwhile, quarterly imports edged down 0.2 percent. However, in real terms, quarterly exports increased 3.5 percent, while imports decreased 0.4 percent, Statistics Canada said.

Siu Charges Toronto Police Officer In Alleged Sexual Assault

MISSISSAUGA: The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, has reasonable grounds to believe that a Toronto Police Service officer committed criminal offences against a woman on May 19, 2022. Director Martino has caused charges to be laid against the officer. The police service notified the SIU of the incident on June 29, 2022, and the Unit launched an investigation.

As a result of the SIU investigation, Constable Ramdial Lokenath is charged with one count of sexual assault and one count of breach of trust, contrary to sections 271 and 122 of the Criminal Code, respectively. Cst Lokenath is required to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at 10 Armoury Street in Toronto on May 31, 2023. As the matter is before the courts, and in consideration of the fair trial interests of the accused, the SIU will not provide further comment on the investigation.

“We all find comfort in literature that reflects our experiences. now that books about sexual assault and other topics are being banned — I worry for students who rely on school libraries for access to literature.”

This isn’t the first time Kaur responded to her book being banned. She commented on Instagram about a ban that went into effect in two states last year, according to NBC News.

“Over the last few months parts of Texas and Oregon have banned or attempted to ban ‘Milk and Honey’ from schools and libraries. Why?

Because it explores sexual assault and violence experienced by a young woman,” she wrote.

The award-winning poet immigrated to Canada at age four with her Sikh parents and grew up in a suburb of Toronto.

The Sun and her Flowers (2017) and Home Body (2020) are among the other titles that Kaur has written.

These collections have sold over 11 million copies and have been translated into over 43 languages, with Milk and Honey surpassing Homer’s Odyssey as the best-selling poetry of all time, according to Kaur’s website.

She was also regarded as “writer of the decade” by the New Republic and recognised on the Forbes 30 under 30 list. In 2022, Kaur released her fourth book, ‘Healing Through Word’. However, there have been plagiarism allegations on Kaur, saying she stole her poetry style and content from Nayyirah Waheed and Pavana Reddy.

Council Approves 2023 Tax Levy Bylaw

BURLINGTON: Burlington City Council approved the 2023 Tax Levy Bylaw at its meeting on May 4, 2023.

The bylaw allows the city to bill 2023 property taxes and set payment due dates for final tax bills on June 21 and Sept. 21, 2023. Final tax bills will be mailed in late May. The City of Burlington collects taxes for the city, Halton Region, and the Halton district school boards. For each residential dollar collected, 48.9 per cent stays in the city, 33.3 per cent goes to Halton Region and 17.8 per cent goes to the Halton district school boards.

Property tax payments can be made:

* by cheque and debit at the Service Burlington counter, temporarily located at 390 Brant St. on the third floor

* at your financial institution in person, by telephone, or online

* by placing a cheque in the City's blue deposit box outside 390 Brant St. at the Elgin Street entrance, across from City Hall

The City offers pre-authorized payment plans. Residents can apply for this option. Pre-authorized payments can help distribute property tax payments over several additional months during the tax year. For more information please visit burlington.ca/propertytax.

The City also provides several property tax rebate programs, together with Halton Region. These include charity rebates, heritage rebates, the Older Adult Property Tax Deferral Program, and the Low-Income Seniors Rebate program. Please visit burlington.ca/propertytax to see if you qualify.

Burlington is a city where people, nature and businesses thrive. Sign up to learn more about Burlington at Burlington.ca/Enews and follow @CityBurlington on social media.

Quick Facts

* The City of Burlington collects property taxes for the city, Halton Region, and the Halton district school boards. The total combined tax levy for all three organizations is approximately $486.1 million. The city's levy is $219.2 million. The city collects $150.1 million on behalf of Halton Region and $116.8 million on behalf of the Halton district school boards. The taxes levied for Halton Region and the Halton district school boards are sent to them.

The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of officials (police officers as well as special constables with the Niagara Parks Commission and peace officers with the Legislative Protective Service) that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault and/or the discharge of a firearm at a person. All investigations are conducted by SIU investigators who are civilians. Under the Special Investigations Unit Act, the Director of the SIU must consider whether the official has committed a criminal offence in connection with the incident under investigation depending on the evidence, cause a c riminal charge to be laid against the official where grounds exist for doing so, or close the file without any charges being laid publicly report the results of its investigations

General Accounting & Bookkeeping

SURJAN SINGH CHATHA ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH SANDEEP NANGAL AMBIAN'S MURDER

CONTD. FROM PAGE 1

Despite several arrests in the case, Chatha had not been held. Ambiyan's wife Rupinder Kaur had been repeatedly seeking his arrest.

Chairman of the North India Circle Style Kabaddi Association, Chatha had been named in the Ambiyan case months after the original FIR was lodged, along with two more kabaddi association heads.

Ambiyan was shot dead at a kabaddi tournament at Mallian Khurd village in Nakodar on March 14, 2022. Rivalry between kabaddi associations was said to be the r eason behind the murder.

KAMALJIT KANG PRESIDENT KABADDI FEDERATION CANADA SHOT & INJURED OUTSIDE HIS HOUSE IN SURREY, BC

CONTD. FROM PAGE 1

KARNATAKA POLLS: KEJRIWAL'S ABSENCE DISAPPOINTS AAP CADRES

The absence of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in Karnataka in the run-up to the May 10 Assembly elections has disappointed the party cadres. It was also disheartening for the party supporters as they were expecting his presence in the state on May 8 -- the last day of poll campaigning.

The AAP has been trying to make its mark in Karnataka after forming governments in Delhi and Punjab. The party was looking to bag seats in Bengaluru and urban centres in Karnataka.

Some people had even predicted that the AAP would prove to be a formidable opponent to the BJP.

Kejriwal, the man who propelled AAP to power in the Delhi Assembly, and managed to put the party in power in Punjab, was expected to carry out an aggressive election campaign in Karnataka, especially when BJP heavyweights such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah reached almost every corner of the state and carried out an intensified election campaigning.

AAP leaders claimed that "BJP's highhandedness and vindictive politics have restrained and forced Kejriwal from taking up extensive campaigning in Karnataka". Talking to IANS, Mohan Dasari, AAP Bengaluru City Working President, who is contesting from the C.V. Ramannagar seat in Bengaluru, said "the vendetta politics by the BJP against AAP has restrained Kejriwal from entering the Karnataka election campaign".

"Kejriwal had come in the month of April. The party's national leaders Raghav Chadha, Sanjay Singh, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and other ministers of the AAP also visited Karnataka. The elections are being taken seriously. Otherwise, no one would have come," he said.

"Our leader Manish Sisodia is in jail due to false cases. When no excise policy was implemented, where was the corruption?" he questioned. Dasari further said that Kejriwal showed how government hospitals and mohalla clinics can change the lives of middle class people and the poor class. "Since they were doing good work and the entire country was appreciative, they put these people behind bars with false cases," he said.

"This election is being contested over local issues. People want a change. They were looking at good governance, good hospitals and homes for all, and we are working towards that," Dasari said.

AMIT SHAH'S VISIT TO ASSAM POSTPONED DUE TO MANIPUR VIOLENCE

In the wake of Manipur violence, Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to Assam scheduled on May 11 has been postponed, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Monday.

Shah was supposed to attend a grand celebration of two years of completion of the Sarma-led government in Assam on Thursday.

However, the visit has been rescheduled to May 26, said Sarma. Addressing media persons here, he said, "Union Home Minister called me up in the morning and informed about the change in his schedule due to ongoing violence in Manipur."

In the run-up to the 2021 Assam Assembly election, Sarma promised that if BJP returns to power in the state, 1 lakh jobs would be given to unemployed youths of the state within a year.

Though the state government has already provided around 50,000 jobs in the last two years, the target of 1 lakh jobs is yet to be completed. Sarma said that recruitment procedures for another 45,000 posts are completed and the appointment letters will be distributed by Amit Shah on May 26.

CONGRESS LEADER AND STAR BOXER VIJENDER SINGH CONDEMNS POLICE ACTION AGAINST WRESTLERS, DEMANDS COURT-MONITORED PROBE

A day after the Delhi Police allegedly manhandled the protesting wrestlers here, the Congress on Thursday slammed the BJP government saying it was doing injustice to the players who brought laurels to the country and demanded a court monitored probe.

"The kind of injustice meted out to the wrestlers last night, I as a player stand in solidarity with them and I hope that justice is delivered," Congress leader and star boxer Vijender Singh said addressing a press conference at the party headquarters.

"If wrestlers like Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik have to face such a situation then we can imagine what kind of situation common people have to face," he said.

"My question to the government is that on whose instructions such behaviour was resorted to with the star wrestlers. We demand justice for the wrestlers and what action has been taken for such behaviour," Singh, who contested unsuccessfully in the 2019 Lok Sabha election from south Delhi, said. His remarks came hours after the protesting wrestlers alleged manhandling by the Delhi Police at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday night, where they have been staging a protest against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who is also a BJP Lok Sabha MP from Uttar Pradesh, alleging molestation and sexual harassment. The alleged manhandling by the Delhi Police led to injuries to some wrestlers who have been sitting on protest for the last 13 days at Jantar Mantar. Meanwhile, Congress leader Amrita Dhawan also slammed the government and said what the Delhi Police did last night has crossed all limits and the country needs to decide if it wants medal winners or those who harass the players. "These women wrestlers have won medals and brought laurels to the country and they have been sitting on protest at Jantar Mantar for almost the last two weeks. But sadly the BJP has a record of sheltering people with criminal records and question the women who made complaints against them. These wrestlers are not ordinary complainants but are world champions who have won medals for the country. When they win medals the Prime Minister calls them for a photoshoot, And the same wrestlers were made to cry at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday night," Dhawan said. What happened last night was shocking and one could not have imagined such an incident in the national capital, she added.

SUKHBIR BADAL SEEKS FORGIVENESS FOR 'MISTAKES' AT REMEMBRANCE OF FATHER

In an emotional but befitting homage to the late Parkash Singh Badal at the massively-attended Antim Ardas for the patriarch's departed soul, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Badal on Thursday sought to reach out to the people, especially the devout Sikhs, seeking forgiveness for "whatever mistakes may have been committed, inadvertently or otherwise in the past". "I and my family owe an irrepayable debt of gratitude to the Panth and Punjabis across the world for the overflowing love and support we have received during these tough days filling me with boundless humility.

"This sacred bond with the Sangat tells me to seek forgiveness for whatever mistakes may ever have been committed at any time in the past by me, my party or anyone in our family," he said.

"The Sangat has always been and shall always remain supreme for us, and we always trust and submit to the highest grace of the great Guru Sahiban and Shri Guru Granth Sahib," Badal added, stressing the need to uphold the values his father worked day and night to uphold. The Akali Dal President choked several times, overcome by grief. "I know I am hardly worthy of the unmatched and historic elegance of the legacy of Badal Sahib but I give you this solemn and sacred 'vachan' (commitment) that every minute and every breath of my life, I will dedicate myself to earning and deserving this legacy."

In what appeared to be a symphony of ideological and religious touch to politics, the Akali President's speech was marked by repeated reference to "Khalsa Panth, Panthic values, Punjab, Punjabiat and nationalism". Meanwhile, a sea of humanity streamed into Badal village in Muktsar district in lakhs to pay their last respects to five times Chief Minister. Thousands walked several kilometers to pay homage to the son of the soil.

Hailing from the Uggi village in Jalandhar, Kang has been living in Canada for the past over 20 years.

Sources revealed that Kang's Kabaddi related affairs were primarily based in Canada. His shooting comes just a day after another key Kabaddi promoter Surjan Singh Chatha's arrest for the murder of Kabaddi player Sandeep Singh Nangal Ambiyan.

KHALISTANI LEADER PARAMJIT PANJWAR SHOT DEAD IN LAHORE, PAKISTAN

CONTD. FROM PAGE 1

Hailing from Punjab's Tarn Taran district, Panjwar, 63, was heading the banned Khalistan Commando Force-Panjwar group and was involved in drug and weapons smuggling and other terror activities when he was designated as a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in July 2020. Panjwar was accused of being the "mastermind" behind the 1999 bomb blast in Chandigarh's Sector 34. He was wanted in several cases in India's Punjab. According to police, he was actively involved in the smuggling of drugs in the state. Though he was inactive for the last couple of years, Singh had been operating from Lahore and was involved in arranging arms training for youths in Pakistan. He was engaged in supplying arms and ammunition and subsequent infiltration into India for targeting VIPs and economic installations. He was also involved in broadcasting highly seditious and separatist programs on Radio Pakistan, intended to incite minorities against the Indian government. He was active in the smuggling of drugs and was a major conduit between smugglers and terrorists, the Ministry of Home Affairs had said in a notification that designated him a terrorist under UAPA

India Slams Pakistan On Terrorism

CONTD. FROM PAGE 1

Jaishankar said, "As a Foreign Minister of an SCO member state, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was treated accordingly. As a promoter, justifier... But I am sorry to say that as a spokesperson of a terror industry which is the mainstay of Pakistan, his positions were called out and countered, including at the SCO meeting."

When asked whether India and Pakistan should sit together on the issue of terrorism, Jaishankar said, "Victims of terrorism do not sit together with the perpetrators of terrorism to discuss terrorism. Victims of terrorism defend themselves, counter the acts of terror, they call them out, and that is exactly what is happening. To come here and preach these hypocritical words as though we are on the same boat... They are committing acts of terrorism." The External Affairs Minister also said that on the matter of terrorism, Pakistan's credibility is depleting faster than its forex.

"Terrorism can't be destiny. A country which indulges in terrorism can't talk about peace in the same breath," he said.

Established in June 15, 2001 in Shanghai, the SCO originally comprised Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became its members subsequently.

Delhi Police Arrests 15 Associates Of Gangster Deepak Boxer In One Month

NEW DELHI: The Delhi Police's Special Cell has arrested 15 associates of gangster Deepak "Boxer", in the last one month, said officials on Sunday (May 7). "Boxer" was nabbed in Mexico and brought to Delhi on April 5. He was arrested by Delhi Police after deportation from Mexico.

Boxer has been interrogated by the special cell. He has been arrested in MCOCA case and brought on 14 days of police custody remand by NDR Special Cell. During the course of his lengthy interrogation, the gangster has revealed his involvement in more than two dozen cases of murder, attempt to murder and extortion.

15 associates arrested

“Accused Deepak Boxer has been interrogated at length and he disclosed his involvement in more than two dozen cases of murder, attempt to murder and extortion. During the investigation of the case, his 15 associates have been arrested,” Special Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) H G S Dhaliwal said. The associates who have been arrested are Deepak Pahal (26), Ravinder Pahal (21), Vikram Dahiya (27), Sachin Mann (30), Sandeep Narwal (32), Gavin Grang (30), Amit Gulati (31), Dinesh Mathur alias Karala (35), Kapil alias Gaurav (32), Rohit alias Moi (28), Vijay Mann alias Kapil ( 26), Yogesh alias Tunda (30), Ankesh Lakra (35), Mehfooz Khan alias Bhura (47) and Mohd. Junaid (25).

During the course of the investigation, it was revealed that Mehfooz Khan alias Bhura Dalal (47) and his associate Mohd. Junaid (25), both residents of Uttar Pradesh's Moradabad, had helped gangster Deepak get a fake passport and other forged documents to flee aboard, said police.

According to the police, the duo facilitated Deepak to get fake passport and other documents in the name of Ravi Antil, a resident of Moradabad. On their instance, 15 passports, seven Aadhaar cards, seven PAN cards and six voter cards have been recovered. Role played in escape of Jitender Gogi from custody

According to the police, during his interrogation, Deepak revealed that in 2015, Deepak Bajana introduced him to gangster Jitender Maan alias Gogi, who was then evading arrest. Deepak Boxer wanted to make big name and joined the Gogi gang. After Gogi was arrested in 2016, his associates planned to get him escaped from the police custody, the official said.