June 24, 2026 by Punjabi Patrika Media Ltd.

Minister Metlege Diab highlights Canada Child Benefit payments increasing in 2026–2027

Approximately 96,000 families in Nova Scotia benefiting from more generous payments starting this month

The Government of Canada is lowering costs for families by strengthening the Canada Child Benefit (CCB). The CCB is a monthly taxfree payment to help them with the costs of raising children.

Today in Nova Scotia, on behalf of the Honourable Anna Gainey, Secretary of State (Children and Youth), the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, is pleased to announce the increased tax-free support the program is delivering to families in 2026–27.

Starting this month, the CCB will provide families with up to $8,157 per child under the age of 6 and up to $6,883 per child aged 6 to 17. This represents an increase of up to $160 per child under age 6

and up to $135 per child aged 6 to 17 compared to the previous year, helping families manage everyday expenses such as groceries, clothing and child care. In Nova Scotia alone, the CCB provides over $761 million in benefits to approximately 96,000 families each year, helping reduce financial pressures and contributing to the financial stability of households across the province.

Today, the CCB supports about 3.6 million families across the country, helping them care for nearly 6 million children through roughly $30 billion in annual tax-free payments.

The CCB has helped to lift hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty and has put more money directly into the pockets of parents who need it most.

PUNJABI PATRIK A STAFF pMjfbI pwiqRkf stfP

Punjabi Editor

Gurdeep Singh Grewal

Gurmeen Banipal

hovogy dohry vwzy sohxy ikMg kMbl 5 iklo Bfr 2 for $ 99:00 With this kupn

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Sumas Way Abbotsford 604- 825-4342

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Chief Editor/Publisher : Dr. Andy Sidhu | General Manager : Dave Sidhu | Administration Executive : Ronnie Sidhu muwK aYzItr/ pbilsLr zf aYNzI iswDU jnrl mYnyjr dyv iswDU aYziminstRysLn mYnyjr rOnI iswDU pMjfbI aYzItr lyafAUt zIjLfeInr gRfiPk zIjLfeInr gurdIp isMG gryvfl gurmIn bYnIpfl isLKf

Shikha Suresh : : : : : : Administrative Assistant : Gurneet Sidhu aYziminstRyitv aisstYNt : gurnIq iswDU : : :

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The Patrika

2026 Honda Passport TrailSport: Impressive!

Review by Veeno Dewan.

ABBOTSFORD DENTAL CENTRE

The 2026 Honda Passport is a mid -size SUV first released in 2019. It slots in-between the compact CR-V and the midsize Honda Pilot. The Passport seats five and has two rows of seats. Highlights include a powerful V6 engine that is now becoming a rarity in this segment. It also comes with as standard AWD and a decent number of standard features, excellent technology, smartphone integration and plentiful interior storage.

The 2026 Passport trim models use a 3.5L V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Honda’s i-VTM4 torquevectoring AWD system automatically sends up to 70 per cent of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels and can split 100 per cent of that between the rear wheels based on driving conditions and traction needs.

We evaluated the TrailSport Touring trim which adds premium features such as a 12-speaker Bose audio system, a heated and ventilated steering wheel, perforated leather seats with contrast stitching, ventilated front seats, and rear climate control. It also adds upgraded ambient lighting and a 12.3-inch Google-based infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto. Other Touring level extras include: power-folding mirror with integrated turn signals, rear door sunshades and the upgraded rearview

The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Touring is an adventure orientated model with torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, off-road tuned suspension, and enhanced off-road capability with features like reinforced skid plates and a TrailWatch™ camera system which provides a better view of the terrain ahead. There is also increased ground clearance and specialized larger All-terrain tires for tackling tough terrain. The TrailSport is also differentiated with bright orange heavy-duty recovery hooks and special orange themed badges and interior detailing. The redesigned interior offers special TrailSport touches with orange contrast stitching on the seats and an embroidered TrailSport logo on the front seat headrests. A digital instrument cluster displaying vehicle pitch, roll, and elevation to aid in off-road navigation is also part of the package. The Passport is spacious and seats five in relative comfort. The cabin uses excellent materials, especially in the upper trim versions. The Touring edition has all the extras as mentioned earlier.

On the road, the Passport TrailSport exhibits good a good driving experience for its class. The Passport’s V6 engine delivers punchy acceleration, and the nine-speed transmission shifts smoothly. The V6 engine also has Cylinder deactivation to help save fuel at cruising speeds and also has the

camera with 360-degree viewing capability.

auto on- off fuel saver function at stop lights that can also be deactivated. The Passport’s maximum towing capacity ranges from 3,500 to 5,000 lbs depending on trailer equipment.

Off- Road ability in the TrailSport Editions is capable for light -duty conditions. There is a 23-degree approach angle, 23.1-degree departure angle, which is decent enough to tackle small hills and obstacles. The 8.3-inch ground clearance also helps, while the metal skid plates under the engine and fuel tank, offer added protection. The all-wheel drive system has been upgraded for 2026 with new Sport, Trail, and Tow modes added to the Normal, Econ, Snow, and Sand modes. The new hill descent control system allows a slower automated controlled speed while descending hills. Honda’s fuel consumption estimates for the Passport are 12.5/ L/100 km highway,

9.8 L/100km Combined, 11.3 L/100km (city/highway).

To sum up, the Honda Passport is more expensive than its rivals, but the powerful V6 engine, higher equipment spec, excellent cabin materials, and high attention to detail makes it worth it. Not much to complain about, the V6 is thirsty and not really needed unless you tow and carry a fill load of passengers and their cargo on a regular basis. The TrailSport Touring Edition is pricy; however, you do gain noticeably more features, comfort and convenience items to sweeten the package. Highly recommended for adventure ready couples and families.

2026 Honda Passport Trail Sport Touring Edition priced from $60,540 plus $2,000 freight and PDE.

More info at: www.honda.ca

DGB HOME RENOVATION

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Improving B.C.’s natural resource appeals process for permitting decisions

Public consultation launched on improvements to natural resource tribunals

People in British Columbia are invited to provide feedback on proposed improvements to the Province’s natural resource appeals process.

The Province has launched public engagement on potential legislative and procedural changes affecting appeals heard by the Environmental Appeal Board and the Forest Appeals Commission, two major natural resource tribunals in B.C. If approved, changes are expected to help deliver timelier decisions, strengthen compliance and enforcement, and support more efficient permitting, while maintaining environmental protections and the Province’s obligations to First Nations. These independent tribunals hear appeals related to environmental protection, natural resource management and land-use decisions.

Making appeals processes faster, more accessible

Appeal processes to the Environmental Appeal Board and the Forest Appeals Commission were designed to provide a fair, accessible and timely process for reviewing natural resource decisions. Over time, appeal processes have become lengthier and more complex, which has contributed to delays in the permitting and enforcement system.

- deciding certain appeals based on the existing record, instead of requiring a new hearing

no longer pausing monetary penalties when an appeal is filed, and instead requiring penalty fees to be paid up

front and refunded if the appeal is successful, which is intended to strengthen compliance and enforcement and deter people from violating natural resource laws

The intent is to improve efficiency and balance economic benefits with maintaining environmental standards, public accountability, and First Nations rights and interests. Environmental standards and outcomes are not changing.

Feedback received through the engagement will help inform government’s next steps as it considers options to make tribunal processes more efficient and effective, and support broader natural resource permitting improvements underway in B.C.

The public can provide feedback until Aug. 14, 2026.

Natural Resource Tribunals

Natural resource tribunals in B.C. are legal independent bodies, sometimes called a board or commission. They serve as an alternative to taking disputes directly to court. They are designed to provide a process for the public to appeal government decisions on environmental issues.

The Environmental Appeal Board resolves disputes about decisions made by government on environmental issues, such as water licences, pesticide and waste discharge permits or Wildlife Act permits and quotas. The board helps protect the environment by providing a process for the public and industry to appeal certain government decisions.

The Forest Appeals Commission was established under the Forest Practices Code of British Columbia and now operates under its replacement, the Forest and Range Practices Act.

Chilliwack Tours to Offer Free Guided Walking Tours for the 2026 Chilliwack Mural Festival

CHILLIWACK, BC — Chilliwack Tours is pleased to announce a series of free guided walking tours in partnership with the 2026 Chilliwack Mural Festival. From August 14–16, festival-goers can take part in eight unique, tip-supported tours that explore the stories, art, and history woven into the murals in the heart of downtown Chilliwack.

Led by experienced local guide Michael Berger, these curated walking tours will feature Chilliwack’s vibrant mural scene. Whether you’re drawn to street art or are interested in learning more about the popular Chilliwack Mural Festival, these engaging experiences offer something for everyone.

This year’s tours will feature the newest works of art being added for this year’s mural festival, along with focused tours on District 1881, the Central Village, Main Street, and everywhere in-between. Each tour is designed to deepen understanding of Chilliwack’s evolving identity through a mix of art and community voices.

“Guided walking tours allow people a chance to see some lesser-known corners of Chilliwack, and learn stories about not just the murals, but Chilliwack itself,” says Michael Berger, Community Connector with Chilliwack Tours. “The mural festival brings in international, national, and local artists every year and we love to connect guests to the artists and their stories.”

All tours are family-friendly, accessible, and free to attend, while tipping is appreciated. “All tips are being saved to sponsor a future mural,” added Berger. Tour spaces are limited, and advance registration is required through Chilliwack Tours’ website.

“We’re pleased to continue our partnership with Chilliwack Tours. Their tours are a great way to connect with Chilliwack and our vibrant arts scene,” says Lise Oakley, Executive Director of the Chilliwack Mural Festival.

For more information or to register for the tours, visit ChilliwackTours.com.

2ND LOCATION AT ABBOTSFORD

#1, 32056 SOUTH FRASERWAY

(ABOVE MEDICAL CLINIC) CALL DR. SHVETA SAINI MBBS, MD, DHMHS (ONTARIO) PRACTICE SINCE 15 YEARS 604-304-2236

Be water smart this summer

During National Drowning Prevention Week 2026, the BC Coroners Service, Lifesaving Society, BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) and BC AdventureSmart are encouraging everyone to take safety seriously and be water smart this summer.

Preliminary data for 2026 shows that there have been 40 accidental drowning deaths in British Columbia between May 1 and July 16, compared to the 26 deaths reported during the same period in 2025.

The Coroners Service’s recently updated report Accidental Drowning Deaths in BC (2015-2025) shows that July and August typically have the highest average of drowning deaths throughout the year (13.9 and 12.4 respectively). In 2025, there were 36 deaths reported between June and August, accounting for 39% of all accidental drowning deaths that year.

In 2025, the most common activities or context associated with drowning deaths were swimming (22 deaths), bathing (19 deaths) and unintentional falls into water (16 deaths). Between 2015 and 2024, alcohol and/or drugs were identified as a contributing factor in 40% of closed accidental drowning deaths.

While the data in the report is considered preliminary and subject to change, additional notable findings from the report include:

Eighty-six per cent of the decedents in 2025 were male.

Twenty-three per cent of the decedents were older than 70 and 20% were 19 to 29, accounting for the majority of drowning deaths.

Twenty-nine per cent of deaths occurred in lakes/ponds, followed by rivers/creeks (20%) and baths (20%).

iËMdgI prmfqmf vwloN mnuwK nUM imilaf sB qoN anmol qohÌf hY. iËMdgI qoN Bfv kyvl mnuwKI srIr aMdr cwldy sfhF qoN nhIN hY sgoN sMsfr ’c af ky imly hr pl nUM mihsUs krnf, iswKdy rihxf, awgy vDxf qy ÉuÈIaF vMzx df kudrq vwloN imilaf iek mOkf hY. ies dI qulnf iksy sUrq ’c iksy sMsfrk vsqU nfl nhIN kIqI jf skdI. ies jIvn nUM shI arQF ’c ikvyN ijAUxf hY qy hr pl df afnMd ikvyN mfxnf hY, ieh guwJI klf hY. ieh klf isKfAux nfl nhIN afAuNdI sgoN mnuwK nUM afpxI smJ, qjribaF qy svY-pVcol nfl Éud iswKxI pYNdI hY. aksr lok iËMdgI kwtx qy iËMdgI ijAUx ivcly aMqr nUM nhIN smJ pfAuNdy. ies nfsmJI kfrn Auh sfrI Aumr isrÌ iËMmyvfrIaF dy boJ hyT dwby rih ky pdfrQvfdI sMsfr dI aMnHI dOV ’c guËfr idMdy hn. asl ’c pirvfrk qy smfijk JmyilaF ’c AulJy mnuwK nUM ieh smJx nUM lMmf smF lwg jFdf hY ik mn dI aMdrUnI ÈFqI, sMqoK qy hr hflq nUM kudrq dI rËf mMn ky ÉuÈ rihxf hI asl jIvn hY. kdy hOslf nhIN hfrnf cfhIdf aksr mnuwK afpxI iËMdgI dI dOV, icMqfvF qy iewCfvF ’c ieMnf ruwJ jFdf hY ik Auh jIvn dy asl mnorQ qy ies dy suMdr rMgF nUM mfxnf hI Buwl jFdf hY. iËMdgI mfxn leI sfnUM sB qoN pihlF ieh svIkfr krnf pvygf ik mnuwKI jIvn hmyÈf iewko ijhf nhIN rihMdf sgoN ies ivc suwK-duwK, Auqrfa-cVHfa, sPlqfvF qy asPlqfvF df afAuxf-jfxf kudrqI inXm hY. ies leI jIvn dy hflfq cfhy ikMny vI muÈkl ikAuN nf hox, kdy vI hOslf nhIN hfrnf cfhIdf. aijhy hflfqF ’c vI hr cuxOqI nUM iek mOkf mMn ky Aus df dlyrI nfl sfhmxf krnf cfhIdf hY. jIvn ’c cMgy qy mfVy smyN df afAuxf suBfivk hY. jo mnuwK hr hflq nUM svIkfr krnf iswK lYNdf hY, Auh iËMdgI df asl afnMd mfx skdf hY. ieh smJxf qy mMn ky cwlxf pvygf ik muÈklF sfnUM kmËor krn leI nhIN sgoN mËbUq bxfAux leI afAuNdIaF hn. ieh muÈklF qy cxOqIaF hI mnuwK nUM nvF qjrbf idMdIaF hn qy jIvn dIaF asl kdrF-kImqF isKfAuNdIaF hn.

iËMdgI kwtxI nhIN ijAUxI iswKo

mnpRIq isMG rUbI

iËMdgI mfxnf isKfAuNdI hY kudrq

afDuink Xuwg ’c mnuwK ny BfvyN qrwkI bhuq kr leI hY pr qrwkI dI ies dOV ’c Auh afpxy afp, pirvfrk qy afpxy duafly juVy smfijk irÈiqaF qoN dUr huMdf jf irhf hY. mobfeIl, ieMtrnYwt qy soÈl mIzIaf ny mnuwKI jIvn nUM sOKf qF bxfieaf hY pr ies sB kuJ ny sfnUM pirvfrk qy smfijk sFJF qoN dUr vI kr idwqf hY. aksr dyKx nUM imldf hY ik smyN dI rÌqfr nfl dOVdf mnuwK iËMdgI nUM mfxnf Bulf cuwikaf hY qy kyvl iËMgdI kwtx dy cwkr ’c Pisaf hoieaf hY. ies dy Ault kudrq sfnUM iËMdgI nUM mfxnf isKfAuNdI hY. svyr dI qfËI hvf, pMCIaF dI cihchft, iKVy hoey Puwl, qRyl dy qupky, vrKf dIaF bUMdF qy hry-Bry Kyq mnuwK dy mn nUM ÈFqI qy qfËgI

idMdy hn. jdoN asIN kudrq dy nyVy rihMdy hF qF sfnUM aihsfs huMdf hY ik ÉuÈI leI bhuq kuJ hfisl krnf ËrUrI nhIN sgoN jo kuJ sfzy kol hY, Aus dI kdr krnI qy mfxn df ZMg iswKxf hI kfÌI hY.

kdy vfps nhIN afAuNdf bIq cuwikaf smF

iËMdgI ijAUx df sB qoN Auwqm qy pihlf inXm ieh hY ik asIN vrqmfn smyN Bfv awj dy hr pl ’c ijAUxf iswKIey ikAuNik mnuwK

dI sB qoN vwzI qRfsdI ieh hY ik Auh jF qF

bIqy hoey kwlH dy pCqfivaF, duwKF qy ÊlqIaF

’c guaficaf rihMdf hY jF iPr afAux vfly

BivwK dIaF icMqfvF, XojnfvF qy asurwiKaf dI Bfvnf ivc zuwbf rihMdf hY. ies kfrn Aus dy hwQoN Auh ÉUbsUrq pl vI inkl jFdf hY, jo ies smyN Aus dy kol mOjUd hY. sfnUM ieh

gwl hr hflq ’c smJxI pvygI ik bIq cuwikaf smF kdy vfps nhIN af skdf qy afAux vflf smF iksy ny dyiKaf nhIN huMdf. ies leI jo kuJ vI sfzy kol hY, Auh isrÌ

ieh mOjUdf pl hI hn. ienHF plF nUM jy asIN pUrI iÈwdq, muskfn qy skfrfqimk soc nfl ijAUxf ÈurU kr dyeIey qF sfzI awDI qoN vwD mfnisk pRyÈfnI afpxy afp Éqm ho jfvygI.

sbr-sMqoK dI Bfvnf df hoxf ËrUrI

jIvn nUM sfriQk bxfAux leI sfzy aMdr sbr qy sMqoK dI Bfvnf df hoxf bhuq ËrUrI hY ikAuNik awj dy dOr ’c dUijaF nfl afpxI qulnf krnI qy jo sfzy kol nhIN hY, Aus leI qVPnf mnuwKI suBfa bx cuwikaf hY. jIvn ijAUx df shI ZMg ieh hY ik asIN afpxIaF awKF KolH ky AunHF axigxq inafmqF vwl dyKIey, jo kudrq ny sfnUM ibnF mMgy idwqIaF hn. ishqmMd srIr, sfh lYNdI iËMdgI, ipafr krn vflf pirvfr, rihx leI Gr dy rUp ’c isr ’qy imlI Cwq aqy hor bhuq sfrIaF shUlqF ienHF kdrq vwloN imlIaF inafmqF ivc Èfiml hn. ijs idn mnuwK lflsf qy eIrKf nUM Cwz ky Èukrfny dy Bfv ’c af jFdf hY, Ausy pl qoN Auh jIvn dI aslI amIrI qy aiDafqmk skUn pRfpq kr lYNdf hY.

dUijaF dI mdd krnf

iËMdgI nUM mfxn df iek hor suMdr qrIkf hY dUijaF dI mdd krnf. jdoN asIN iksy loVvMd dI shfieqf kr ky iksy duKI dy ichry ’qy muskfn ilafAux df kfrn jF iksy dI ihMmq bxdy hF qF sfnUM alOikk ÉuÈI pRfpq huMdI hY. ieh ÉuÈI iksy vI Dn-dOlq nfl nhIN iml skdI. mnuwKqf, ipafr qy sihXog dI Bfvnf hI jIvn nUM arQpUrn bxfAux ivc aihm Xogdfn pfAuNdy hn. dUijaF dI ÉuÈI ’c ÉuÈ hoxf qy dUijaF dI qrwkI dyK ky sVn dI QF ÉuÈ hoxf vI jIvn nUM afnMdmeI bxf ky skUn nfl BrpUr krdf hY.

jIvn dy suMdr plF nUM nhIN cfhIdf guafAuxf afpxy supinaF aqy tIicaF dI pRfpqI leI imhnq kridaF vI sfnUM jIvn dy suMdr plF nUM guafAuxf nhIN cfhIdf. aksr lok vwzIaF lflsfvF kfrn CotIaF pRfpqIaF qy ÉuÈIaF nUM axdyiKaf krdy hn. vwzy bx ky rihx qy afpxy afp nUM vwzf idKfAux dI lflsf vI mnuwK nUM icMqfvF dy smuMdr ’c zboeI rwKdI hY. aijhI lflsf qoN bc ky hI iËMdgI df asl afnMd mfixaf jf skdf hY. ies qoN ielfvf afpxy aMdr dy ividafrQI qy bcpny nUM kdy vI mrn nhIN dyxf cfhIdf ikAuNik ijs idn asIN ividafrQI qy bwcy bx ky nvIaF cIËF, nvyN ivcfrF qy nvyN qjribaF nUM iswKxf bMd kr idMdy hF, Ausy idn sfzI mfnisk qrwkI ruk jFdI hY.

irÈiqaF dI aihmIaq nUM pCfxnf ies sMsfr ’c ivcridaF irÈiqaF dI aihmIaq nUM pCfxnf qy sfiraF nfl ipafr, inmrqf qy hmdrdI vflf ivhfr krnf jIvn df iek hor aihm pihlU hY ikAuNik mnuwK smfijk pRfxI hY, ies leI iekwlqf kdy vI Aus nUM swcI ÉuÈI nhIN dy skdI. dUijaF dy duwK-drd nUM smJxf mnuwKqf df sB qoN vwzf Drm hY. ieh soc qy rvweIaf sfzI afqmf nUM aijhI sMquÈtI idMdf hY, ijs dI koeI kImq nhIN. ies sMquÈtI vflI avsQf nUM dunIaf dI koeI vI dOlq nfl ÉrIidaf nhIN jf skdf. loV hY ik asIN afpxy pirvfr nfl smF ibqfeIey, afpxy imwqrF nfl ÉuÈIaF sFJIaF krIey qy afpxy vwizaF dy qjribaF qoN iswKIey. asl ÉuÈI mihMgIaF cIËF ’c nhIN sgoN afpxy lokF dy nfl ibqfey plF ivc huMdI hY. jy GoiKaf jfvy qF iËMdgI iek anmol qohÌf hY, ijs nUM iglHy-iÈkivaF, nÌrqF qy icMqfvF ivwc guËfrn dI bjfey ipafr, sdBfvnf, imhnq aqy ÉuÈI nfl ijAUxf cfhIdf hY.

hr idn nUM iek nvyN mOky vFg svIkfr krnf cfhIdf hY. afpxy afp ’qy Brosf rwKxf, afpxy awj nUM bIqy kwlH nfloN ibhqr bxfAux dy Xqn krny, kudrq dy inXmF df siqkfr krnf qy hr qrHF dy aOKy qy sOKy hflfqF ivc mfnisk sMquln bxf ky rwKxf hI asl ivwc iËMdgI nUM ÉUbsUrqI qy Èfn nfl mfxn df asl qy sfrQk ZMg hY. afE asIN sB iml ky iËMdgI dI kdr krIey, afpxy irÈiqaF nUM sMBflIey, kudrq nfl juVIey aqy hr pl nUM KuwlHy idl nfl mfxIey ikAuNik iek vfr imlI iËMdgI dubfrf imlxI sMBv nhIN.

mnuwKI jIvn afpxy afp ’c adBuwq hY. jnm

qoN lY ky mOq qwk hr mnuwK iksy nftk jF khfxI ivcly pfqrF vFg vwK-vwK rol adf krdf hY pr iËMdgI kdy iswDI ryKf vFg nhIN cwldI qy nf hI koeI mnuwK ies qrHF df dfavf kr skdf hY ik Aus nUM hmyÈf ÉuÈIaF hI imlIaF hox jF hmyÈf duwKF df sfhmxf krnf ipaf hovy.

mnuwKI jIvn afpxy afp ’c adBuwq hY. jnm qoN lY ky mOq qwk hr mnuwK iksy nftk jF khfxI ivcly pfqrF vFg vwK-vwK rol adf krdf hY pr iËMdgI kdy iswDI ryKf vFg nhIN cwldI qy nf hI koeI mnuwK ies qrHF df dfavf kr skdf hY ik Aus nUM hmyÈf ÉuÈIaF hI imlIaF hox jF hmyÈf duwKF df sfhmxf krnf ipaf hovy.

duwKF-suwKF df sumyl hY iËMdgI iËMdgI qF duwKF-suwKF, ijwqF-hfrF, pRfpqIaF qy guaf dyxf afid pwKF df sumyl hY. bcpn qoN lY ky buZfpy qwk ikMny lok sfzI iËMdgI df ihwsf bxdy hn. sky-sbMDIaF dy rUp, dosqF-imwqrF jF kfr ivhfr ivc ivcrdy hoey imldy hn. kuJ smyN dy pRvfh ’c guafc jFdy hn qy kuJ nvyN juV jFdy hn pr iËMdgI rukdI nhIN. ieh qF inrMqr afpxI cfl cwldI rihMdI hY. Èfied iesy nUM iËMdgI dy rMgF df nF idwqf jFdf hY. iËMdgI dy rMg jo bwcy dy jnm smyN pUry Gr nUM afpxIaF KuÈIaF dy rMg-ibrMgy rMgF nfl Br idMdy hn qy jdoN koeI mnuwK buwZfpf jIvn Bogx qy sMsfr qoN clfxf krdf hY qF sfry rMg iek icwty rMg ivc ismt ky rih jFdy hn.

hmyÈf iewko ijhf nhIN rihMdf mnuwKI suBfa iËMdgI lwgdI vI rMg-ibrMgI hI sohxI hY, ijs ivc afpsI myl imlfp, ipafr, sihXog, pRyrnf, ÉuÈI afid rMgF df sumyl hovy. jdoN iËMdgI ’c ieh sfry rMg Bry imldy hn,

lwgdf hY svrg ’c hI jIa rhy hF. jdoN bdlfKorI, eIrKf, sfVf, sfiËÈF nÌrq rUpI rMg iËMdgI ’c Gul jfx, iPr nrk qy iËMdgI ’c bhuqf Ìrk nËr nhIN afAuNdf. mnuwKI suBfa hmyÈf iewko ijhf nhIN rihMdf. iksy df ivhfr, gwlbfq sfnUM duwK jF ÉuÈI idMdI hY pr koiÈÈ svY-pVcol, lokF ’c ÉuÈIaF KyVy vMzx, mnF dy pfiVaF nUM pUr krn, eIgo rUpI dYNq nUM jVHoN Éqm krn dI hoxI cfhIdI hY. iËMdgI ’c bhuq smyN aijhy afAuNdy hn, jdoN qusIN Éud nUM iblkul iekwly pfAuNdy ho, lwgdf huMdf hY ik dunIaf iksy dI nhIN. vYsy dyiKaf jfvy qF ieh atwl swcfeI vI hY, ijs nUM ijMnf jldI svIkfr kr ilaf jfvy vDIaf vI hY.

inmr rih ky ijAUxf

mnuwK DrqI ’qy iekwlf afAuNdf hY, iekwly hI Aus ny jfxf hY. hF mnuwKI jIvn Bogdy hoey sfnUM afpsI sFJF nUM ËrUr iemfndfrI nfl inBfAux dI loV hY. qusIN irÈiqaF nUM ËbrdsqI bMnH nhIN skdy, hF sFJ mjbUq hovy iPr nf irÈqy nUM bMnHx dI loV hY, Auh sdf kfiem rhygf. ajokf mnuwK irÈiqaF ’c tuwt jfxf psMd krdf hY pr afpxI eIgo qoN hfrnf nhIN. eIgo hY vI kmfl dI cIË, jo sfrI Aumr bMdy nUM ieh aihsfs nhIN hox idMdI ik ikAuN nf afpxy aMdr vI Jfq mfr leI jfvy. jy quhfnUM hmyÈf lwgdf hY ik mYN qy mYN hI shI hF qF qusIN dunIaf ivc sB qoN vwzy mUrK ho ikAuNik eIgo qihq qusIN svIkfr kr ilaf hY ik cfhy Êlq hovy jF shI, mYN afpxy ivc suDfr dI guMjfieÈ rwKxI hI nhIN. ijwQy suDfr dI guMjfieÈ nf hovy, AuwQy qrwkI jF ivkfs sMBv hI nhIN. inmr rih ky jIvn ijAUxf ijwQy Éud nUM KuÈ rihx ’c shfeI huMdf hY, AuwQy dUijaF pRqI sfzI soc nUM vI AusfrU bxfAuNdf hY qy iËMdgI dy sfry rMgF nUM mfxnf isKfAuNdf hY ikAuNik iËMdgI qF ijgjYg cwlxI hY, Èfied iesy leI kihMdy hn, ‘ijMdgI dy rMg swjxf awj hor qy kwlH nUM hor.’

Partnership to Support Community Projects

A $10,000 donation to the Rotary Club of Abbotsford – Sumas from Abbotsford Chrysler and the Fraser Valley Auto Mall will allow Rotarians to provide nice-tohaves for local community organizations. The funds will cover hard costs of materials and supplies; Rotarians will coordinate the projects and provide the labour.

A 2025 donation supported improvements to the outdoor space at Cyrus Centre, and playground equipment and surfacing for a SARA for Women playground.

Kris Foulds, the Club’s 2025-26 president, is proud of the impact her small club has.

“There’s so much need in our community, and not-for-profit organizations are already struggling to raise funds for the important work the community depends on them for. Our fundraising and labour support needed projects and allows them to focus on other vital work.”

“One of the things I love most about Rotary is the camaraderie of working together. Not just within our own club but with the oth-

er two Rotary Clubs in Abbotsford, as well.”

The Abbotsford Chrysler donation will also support additional scholarships in the Club’s program for graduating high school students.

The Abbotsford-Sumas Club also raises funds through its strawberry sale in the spring.

If you’re interested in learning more about Rotary, each of the Clubs holds weekly meetings that you’re welcome to attend. Abbotsford-Sumas meets on Wednesday mornings at 7am at Crossroads Restaurant on Sumas Way.

ROSS SIEMENS ANNOUNCES CAMPAIGN FOR RE-ELECTION AS MAYOR OF ABBOTSFORD

ABBOTSFORD, B.C. – Mayor Ross Siemens announced today that he will seek re-election as Mayor of Abbotsford in the municipal election on October 17, 2026. Siemens said he is seeking a second term to continue providing experienced, practical and collaborative leadership while protecting Abbotsford’s quality of life and preparing the city for future growth.

“Abbotsford is more than the community I have the privilege of serving—it is my home,” said Siemens. “I was born and raised here, my family’s roots go back generations, and my wife Kelly and I raised our daughters here. I am running for re-election because there is more work ahead, and I believe our city needs steady leadership that brings people together and delivers results.”

Siemens was elected Mayor in 2022 with 16,037 votes, more than twice the total received by his closest competitor. He previously served on Abbotsford City Council from 2014 to 2022 and on the former District of Abbotsford Council from 1986 to 1990.

Since becoming Mayor, Siemens has worked with Council, City staff, First Nations, community organizations and provincial and federal leaders to secure unprecedented investment for Abbotsford.

In 2023, the City recognized a record $62 million in provincial grant revenue, the highest annual grant total in the City’s recent audited financial records. This is especially significant because Abbotsford’s elected representatives in both Ottawa and Victoria have served in opposition rather than with the governing parties.

“That level of investment does not happen by accident,” said Siemens. “It comes from doing the work, developing credible plans, building strong relationships and consistently making the case for Abbotsford.”

“My responsibility as Mayor is not to politicize every issue or create unnecessary division. It is to work constructively with leaders of every political background and deliver results for our community.”

Major investments secured during Siemens’s term include $76.6 million from the province in 2024 for resiliency improvements to the Barrowtown Pump

Station, up to $25.6 million through the federal Housing Accelerator Fund and additional funding for transportation, infrastructure, housing, homelessness services and flood recovery.

In February 2026, Siemens travelled to Ottawa with B.C. Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Minister Kelly Greene and Semá:th First Nation Chief Dalton Silver to advocate directly for long-term flood protection. Following those meetings, the federal government committed to joining the Sumas Prairie Watershed Table and working with the City and Province on flood mitigation and resilience.

“When our community needed to be heard, we took Abbotsford’s case directly to Ottawa,” said Siemens. “That progress showed what can be accomplished when governments and First Nations put political and jurisdictional differences aside and work together.”

Siemens said the Barrowtown investment is an important step, but broader flood protection remains essential.

“The pump station protects families, farms, businesses, critical infrastructure and some of the most productive agricultural land in Canada,” said Siemens. “I will continue advocating until the longterm protections Sumas Prairie needs are funded and constructed.”

Parks and recreation have also been a major priority. In July 2026, Council approved plans for a new two-sheet ice arena at Abbotsford Exhibition Park and a new 50-metre training pool next to MSA Arena. The City has also advanced plans for sports fields, courts, aquatic facilities and a future sports and recreation park.

“These are investments residents have been asking for,” said Siemens. “They will give children opportunities to grow, help seniors remain active and provide places where families and neighbours can come together. We must now move them forward responsibly and pursue outside funding to reduce the burden on local taxpayers.”

Public safety has remained a central priority. The first phase of the Abbotsford Police Department headquarters expansion was completed in 2025, providing modernized space and resources for the growing police service. Siemens and Council have also advocated for additional detox and treatment capacity, shorter emergency-room wait times and expanded hospital services for Abbotsford and the wider Fraser Valley.

“Families, seniors and businesses deserve to feel safe and have access to the health and treatment services they need,” said Siemens. “We will continue supporting our first responders and pressing senior governments to invest in our growing community.”

Major transportation investments are also moving forward, including the widening of Highway 1 and improvements to the Highway 11 and Mount Lehman Road interchanges.

Housing and responsible growth have remained another focus. The City secured up to $25.6 million through the Housing Accelerator Fund, adopted a new Official Community Plan and introduced measures to support additional affordable and multifamily housing.

The City has also modernized its development processes, introduced digital permit tracking and worked to reduce wait times. Partnerships with provincial and federal governments have added approximately 220 temporary shelter and supportivehousing spaces and more than doubled Abbotsford’s funding through the federal Reaching Home program.

“Growth must be managed, not simply accepted,” said Siemens. “New housing must be supported by roads, water, sewer, parks, police, fire protection and recreation facilities. We must also protect Abbotsford’s agricultural foundation and community character.”

Abbotsford International Airport has continued to grow as one of the city’s most important economic assets, serving more than one million passengers in each of the past three years. The city-owned airport supports more than 2,000 jobs and operates without relying on municipal property taxes.

“YXX supports affordable travel, tourism, aerospace, trade and local employment,” said Siemens. “We must protect its lowcost model while pursuing new routes, investment and economic opportunities.”

Siemens said the way a community is led matters as much as the projects it completes.

“Abbotsford’s diversity is one of our greatest strengths,” said Siemens. “I have tried to lead in a way that respects different perspectives, lowers the political temperature and focuses on the values we share.”

“Public safety, roads, parks, housing, flood protection and responsible spending are not partisan issues. They are community issues. Leadership means bringing people together, finding common ground and moving forward.”

Before becoming Mayor, Siemens operated Hub Motor Service, the downtown Abbotsford business founded by his grandfather in 1954. He said that experience continues to shape his approach to responsible financial management and economic development.

“Residents work hard for their money, and the City must treat every tax dollar carefully,” said Siemens. “That means focusing on essential services, planning for the long term and pursuing outside investment wherever possible.”

“Serving as Mayor has been one of the greatest honours of my life,” Siemens added. “I am asking residents for their support so we can build on our progress and continue working together for an Abbotsford that is safe, prosperous, welcoming and prepared for the future.”

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The Patrika

Dr. Grover and associates welcome Dr. Mandeep Grewal to our clinic from July 2026. Mandeep did his trianing in Fraser Valley. He will be helping Dr. Gagan Grover and ot her doctors in t he clinic to reduce appointment wait ing t imes and slowly take on Dr. Gagan Grover ’s pat ients. He will also offer walk in ser vice for our own pat ients. He will be working full t ime. He will not be taking new pat ients outside of our clinic. Please welcome Dr. Mandeep Grewal.

Huge Selection of Flowers

Strengthening emergency operations centres in B.C.

Funding will help local governments, First Nations co-ordinate emergency responses

With extreme weather and climate-related events becoming more common, the Province is funding 110 projects throughout B.C. to help local governments and First Nations better respond to emergencies and protect people.

“Emergency operations centres are the backbone of a co-ordinated response when an emergency happens,” said Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness.

“This funding will help local governments and First Nations with the equipment, training and exercises they need to run their emergency operations centres effectively, so communities throughout B.C. get the support they need as quickly as possible.”

Co-ordinating response when emergencies happen

Through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund, the Province is providing approximately $3.5 million to support local emergency operations centres in 138 communities.

An emergency operations centre (EOC) is where local government and First Nation staff and volunteers direct resources, co-ordinate with other partners and support first responders during an emergency. These centres help ensure that people have access to timely information, emergency support services and other assistance when they need it. This funding will help communities upgrade and strengthen the capacity of local EOCs, improving co-ordination and response during emergencies.

“Continued funding through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund is critical to helping local governments and First Nations maintain strong emergency preparedness and response capacity,” said Cori Ramsay, president, Union of British Columbia Municipalities. “These investments contribute

to safer, more resilient communities throughout B.C.”

Projects funded in 2026 include:

Kamloops:

running a full-scale EOC exercise and ongoing team training, and purchasing supplies and equipment upgrades to strengthen the EOC program

Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nations:

acquiring a portable EOC kit, including supplies and IT equipment, along with orientation and training for EOC staff

Northern Rockies Regional Municipality:

upgrading its mobile EOC trailer with furniture and equipment

Tsartlip First Nation and Tseycum First Nation:

Each acquiring and installing a tsunami alert siren on their respective lands to provide early warning of tsunamis and other emergencies for communities at heightened risk due to their coastal locations near the Juan de Fuca subduction zone

About the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund

The Community Emergency Preparedness Fund is a suite of funding programs that helps local governments and First Nations prepare for disasters and reduce risks from natural hazards in a changing climate.

In addition to emergency operations centres equipment and training, it also funds emergency support services equipment and training, public notification and evacuation route planning, and foundations of disaster risk reduction. This fund is administered through the Union of British Columbia Municipalities.

Oxford Learning Abbotsford Grand Opening

On behalf of my entire team at Oxford Learning Abbotsford Clearbrook & Hillcrest, I want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who attended and supported ourGrand Opening and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony on Friday, July 17th. A special note of thanks to our esteemed dignitaries: Deputy

Mayor Dave Loewen, Councillor Dave Sidhu, and Councillor Simon Gibson.

Your inspiring words and your presence officially welcoming us to the community meant the world to our team, our students, and our families. We are equally grateful to the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce, Community Futures North Fraser, and our local media and business partners for your incredible support in spreading the word and celebrating this milestone

with us. Our goal is to make a lasting, positive impact on Abbotsford’s students and families. As a local business owner and former City of Abbotsford staff member, I am deeply committed to giving back and strengthening our community. My team and I are here to support as much as we can—whether through partnering on local initiatives, supporting city events, or collaborat-

ing with community organizations. We are happy to work together to serve Abbotsford. Please feel free to visit us anytime at Suite 200, 32156 Hillcrest Avenue. If you know families looking for personalized educational support—from Kindergarten through High School and SAT prep—we would be honoured by your recommendation.

Improving B.C.’s natural resource appeals process for permitting decisions

People in British Columbia are invited to provide feedback on proposed improvements to the Province’s natural resource appeals process.

Making appeals processes faster, more accessible

The Province is proposing changes to laws and processes to make sure appeals work the way they were originally intended. The focus is on improving how appeals are conducted, not on eliminating appeal opportunities. This includes: deciding certain appeals based on the existing record, instead of requiring a new hearing no longer pausing monetary penalties when an appeal is filed, and instead requiring penalty fees to be paid up front and refunded if the appeal is successful, which

is intended to strengthen compliance and enforcement and deter people from violating natural resource laws

The public can provide feedback until Aug. 14, 2026.

Natural Resource Tribunals

Natural resource tribunals in B.C. are legal independent bodies, sometimes called a

board or commission. They serve as an alternative to taking disputes directly to court. They are designed to provide a process for the public to appeal government decisions on environmental issues.

The Forest Appeals Commission was established under the Forest Practices Code of British Columbia and now operates under its replacement, the Forest and Range Practices Act.

Shannon Rose Announces Candidacy for Abbotsford Board of Education Trustee

ÈYnn roË ny aYbtsPorz borz afÌ aYjUkyÈn

ABBOTSFORD, BC — Former Abbotsford District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC) chair, long-time parent advocate, Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and community volunteer Shannon Rose has announced her candidacy for School Trustee for the Abbotsford Board of Education.

“Public education is one of the most important investments we make in our community,” said Rose. “As a parent, volunteer and financial professional, I am committed to ensuring that every decision made at the board table keeps students at the centre while supporting staff, families and the long-term success of our schools.”

Rose says her campaign will focus on:

Student success and well-being within inclusive learning environments

Transparency and accountability

Responsible financial stewardship

Meaningful engagement with parents, staff and the community

A CPA with more than 20 years of accounting and financial management experience, Rose brings expertise in governance, accountability, strategic planning and fiscal stewardship. She believes strong financial oversight, coupled with a commitment to student success and community engagement, is essential to maintaining a strong public education system.

For more than a decade, Abbotsford has been home to Rose, her husband and their two daughters, who attend schools within the district.

Rose has played a significant role at the district level. She served on the executive of the DPAC for six years, including four years as Chair and two years as Treasurer. Through this work, she collaborated closely with the Board of Education, district leadership, including two superintendents, various school administrators and parents from across Abbotsford, gaining a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing the families and the school district.

Since 2016, Rose has been actively involved in parent leadership, serving in executive positions on Parent Advisory Councils (PACs) within Abbotsford schools for the past nine years. This has given her di-

AumIdvfrI df aYlfn kIqf

rect experience working with parents, students and staff in school settings further strengthening her understanding of the day-to-day realities within schools.

“Through my years of involvement with PAC and DPAC, I have developed strong relationships with parents, educators, support staff and district leadership,” said Rose. “These experiences have given me valuable insight into the needs of our schools and the importance of working collaboratively with the school community to achieve the best outcomes for students.”

Rose currently works in the accounting department at Wiebe Properties where she applies her expertise in financial management, budgeting and accountability within a growing community-based organization.

Rose’s commitment to community service extends well beyond education. She is involved with Abbotsford Children’s Theatre, serving as Treasurer while also supporting the organization’s governance, long-term planning, productions, fundraising efforts and volunteer programs. Through this work she creates opportunities for young people to build confidence, creativity and community connections through the performing arts. She also serves as Treasurer of Literacy Matters Abbotsford, an organization committed to addressing the literacy needs within the city.

“Abbotsford is our family’s home and our community,” said Rose. “I believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed, every parent deserves to be heard and every taxpayer deserves confidence that decisions are made responsibly. I look forward to earning the trust of Abbotsford voters.”

Rose encourages residents to learn more about her campaign by visiting shannonrose.ca.

aYbtsPorz, bI[sI[ — aYbtsPorz izsitRkt pyrYNt aYzvfieËrI kONsl (DPAC) dI sfbkf cyarprsn, lMby smyN qoN mfipaF dy hwkF dI vkflq krn

vflI, cfrtrz pRoPYÈnl akfAUNtYNt ( CPA) aqy srgrm kimAUintI vlMtIar ÈYnn roË ny aYbtsPorz borz afÌ aYjUkyÈn dy skUl trwstI vjoN cox lVn df aYlfn kIqf hY.

roË ny ikhf, “srkfrI iswiKaf sfzy BfeIcfry leI sB qoN mhwqvpUrn invyÈF ivwcoN iewk hY. iewk mfpy, vlMtIar aqy ivwqI Kyqr dI pyÈyvr hox dy nfqy mYN ieh XkInI bxfAux leI vcnbwD hF ik borz dI hr ÌYslf-pRikiraf ivwc ividafrQIaF nUM kyNdr ivwc rwiKaf jfvy, nfl hI stfÌ, pirvfrF aqy sfzy skUlF dI lMby smyN dI kfmXfbI nUM vI mËbUq kIqf jfvy.”

roË ny dwisaf ik AunHF dI cox muihMm dy muwK muwdy ieh hoxgy:

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ipCly ds sflF qoN vwD smyN qoN aYbtsPorz roË, AunHF dy pqI aqy AunHF dIaF do DIaF df Gr hY. AunHF dIaF dovyN DIaF izsitRkt dy skUlF ivwc pVHdIaF hn.

roË ny izsitRkt pwDr ‘qy vI mhwqvpUrn BUimkf inBfeI hY. Auh Cy sflF qwk DPAC dI kfrjkfrI kmytI df ihwsf rhI, ijs ivwc cfr sfl cyarprsn aqy do sfl KËfncI vjoN syvf inBfeI. ies dOrfn AunHF ny borz afÌ aYjUkyÈn,

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2016 qoN roË mfipaF dI lIzriÈp ivwc srgrm hn aqy ipCly nON sflF qoN aYbtsPorz dy vwK-vwK skUlF dIaF pyrYNt aYzvfieËrI kONslF (PACs) ivwc kfrjkfrI ahuidaF ‘qy syvf inBf rhIaF hn. ies qjrby ny AunHF nUM skUlI mfhOl ivwc mfipaF, ividafrQIaF aqy stfÌ nfl iswDy qOr ‘qy kMm krn df mOkf idwqf, ijs nfl AunHF dI skUlF dI roËfnf kfrguËfrI bfry smJ hor mËbUq hoeI.

roË ny ikhf, “PAC aqy DPAC nfl afpxy sflF dy qjrby dOrfn mYN mfipaF, aiDafpkF, shfiek stfÌ aqy izsitRkt lIzriÈp nfl mËbUq irÈqy bxfey hn. ienHF qjribaF ny mYnUM sfzy skUlF dIaF loVF aqy ividafrQIaF leI sB qoN vDIaf nqIjy pRfpq krn leI skUl BfeIcfry nfl iml ky kMm krn dI mhwqqf bfry kImqI smJ idwqI hY.”

mOjUdf smyN ivwc roË iWebe Properites dy akfAUNitMg ivBfg ivwc kMm kr rhI hY, ijwQy Auh vD rhI kimAUintI-aDfirq sMsQf ivwc ivwqI pRbMDn, bjt aqy jvfbdyhI sMbMDI afpxI mhfrq df Xogdfn pf rhI hY.

iswiKaf qoN ielfvf roË dI BfeIcfrk syvf vI kfÌI ivÈfl hY. Auh Abbotsford Children’s Theatre dI KËfncI vjoN syvf inBf rhI hY aqy sMsQf dI gvrnYNs, lMby smyN dI XojnfbMdI, nftk pRsquqIaF, PMzryiËMg aqy vlMtIar pRogrfmF ivwc vI Xogdfn pfAuNdI hY. ies kMm rfhIN Auh nOjvfnF leI prPfrimMg afrts dy ËrIey afqm-ivÈvfs, rcnfqmkqf aqy BfeIcfrk sFJ nUM mËbUq krn dy mOky pYdf krdI hY. ies dy nfl hI Auh Literacy Matters Abbotsford dI vI KËfncI hY, jo Èihr ivwc sfKrqf dIaF loVF nUM pUrf krn leI smripq iewk sMsQf hY. roË ny ikhf, “aYbtsPorz sfzy pirvfr df Gr aqy sfzf BfeIcfrf hY. myrf ivÈvfs hY ik hr ividafrQI nUM kfmXfb hox df mOkf imlxf cfhIdf hY, hr mfpy dI afvfË suxI jfxI cfhIdI hY aqy hr tYksdfqf nUM ieh Brosf hoxf cfhIdf hY ik ÌYsly iËMmyvfrI nfl ley jf rhy hn. mYN aYbtsPorz dy votrF df Brosf ijwqx dI AumId krdI hF.”

roË ny invfsIaF nUM afpxI cox muihMm bfry hor jfxkfrI leI shannonrose.ca ‘qy jfx dI apIl kIqI.

Clarke Theatre in Mission announces its upcoming season

Mission’s daring new performing arts series has launched an invigorating series of shows that will have you embracing quirkiness like never before.

The Clarke Theatre Presents series features unique artistically driven acts – puppetry, film, theatre, and musicthat are intended to provoke thought, encourage whimsy, and bring unique performing arts experiences to Mission and the Fraser Valley. Now in its second year, the 2026-2027 series line-up of delightfully unexpected performances offers a little something for everyone.

The series starts with Henson company puppeteer, Ingrid Hansen, offering a spicy puppet cabaret with Epidermis Circus for more mature audiences, followed by her mind-blowing, allages Baby Tyler Show. In both shows, Ingrid displays breathtaking illusions, using only her hands, everyday objects and a camera. The season then goes right into another family-friendly show with the spooktacular blacklight musical, The Boo Revue. The series also introduces a new Canadian musical of remembrance with Newman and Wright Productions' Meadows

of Stone. The music continues with a Holly Jolly Christmas concert by Canada’s sweetheart, Jill Barber, with the new year bringing in a performance from Vancouver's favourite Ska band, SkaBoom!

With the Clarke Theatre venue’s 30th Anniversary taking place on October 24th, the series also includes a free Community Celebration of the venue's history and Mission’s creative community. As a final celebration of the Clarke Theatre’s past 30 years, the series concludes with the return of one of the first productions to ever hit the

New Cooper Hill Park Opening

Clarke Theatre stage 30 years ago - the sci-fi smash-hit musical, Little Shop of Horrors.

Tickets for the series are on sale now, and new this year, season packages are available to all who want to book multiple shows in advance and save on ticket pricing. Learn more about the series and ticketing at mission.ca/ Clarke-theatre-presents or by emailing culture@mission.ca

The City of Abbotsford is excited to announce the official opening of the new Cooper Hill Park on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in collaboration with Polygon Homes.

Located on McKee Road just west of McMillan Road (attached), Cooper Hill Park showcases its natural topography with a scenic ridge offering impressive viewpoints along an elevated gravel trail. Four benches along the trail provide inviting places to rest while enjoying panoramic mountain and city views.

The 3.3 hectare Cooper Hill Park, a short drive north of the Abbotsford Recreation Centre, was created by Polygon as part of the development of the neighbouring Cooper Meadows community. Both Cooper Hill Park and Cooper Meadows are named after the Cooper family, who owned and operated a farm there from 1926 to 2020.

“Creating new parks, adding new park amenities and expanding outdoor

recreational opportunities for Abbotsford families is a key priority for City Council, and we’re very excited about this new community park,” said Abbotsford Mayor Ross Siemens.

“Cooper Hill Park provides access to scenic views and nature and we’re very grateful to Polygon for creating such a special community space for residents to enjoy.”

family’s longstanding connection to this land.”

The public opening celebration and ribbon cutting for Cooper Hill Park takes place on Wednesday, July 29 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Everyone is welcome to participate in the activities, which are scheduled to include The Brownie Bakers food truck, a StoryWalk® along the trail, a scavenger hunt throughout the park, complimentary giveaways, mini golf, Go Play Outside lawn games and more.

“Cooper Hill Park is a meaningful addition to Cooper Meadows and to the surrounding neighbourhood,” said Neil Chrystal, President and CEO of

Polygon Homes. “From the beginning, Polygon’s vision for this community has been to honour the natural beauty of the site while creating places where families can connect, explore and feel at home. We’re proud to work with the City of Abbotsford to help bring this park to life and to recognize the Cooper

Cooper Hill Park is the latest addition to a series of new parks and park enhancements across the city, including the new Gilmour Park, Engineer Park, and the Crossley Park splash pad. These projects reflect the City’s ongoing commitment to expanding outdoor recreation and family-friendly spaces and advancing park amenities while supporting Council’s 2022–2026 Strategic Plan priority of fostering a healthy and active community.

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‘blU lfeIt’ aYnkF swc ‘c quhfzIaF awKF nUM skRInF qoN bcfAuNdy hn?

awj dI izjItl iËMdgI ivwc, mobfeIl Pon, lYptfp aqy tYblyt dI vrqoN sfzI roËfnf dI rutIn df iewk ainwKVvF aMg bx geI hY.

awjkwlH, asIN afpxf iËafdfqr smF mobfeIl, lYptfp jF tYblyt skRInF dy sfhmxy ibqfAuNdy hF. nqIjy vjoN, awKF dI Qkfvt aqy jlx afm ho geI hY. ies smwisaf df mukfblf krn leI, ‘nIlI roÈnI’ nUM rokx vfly aYnkF dI vrqoN qyËI nfl pRiswD ho geI hY. hflFik, kI ieh aYnkF swcmuwc sfzIaF awKF dI rwiKaf krdIaF hn, jF ieh isrÌ iewk ruJfn df ihwsf hn? afE gvflIar dy rqn jXoqI nyqrfilaf dy sMsQfpk, inrdyÈk aqy srjn zf[ puryNdr BsIn qoN smJIey. kI hY nIlI roÈnI aqy ieh awKF dIaF smwisafvF df kfrn ikAuN bxdI hY? nIlI roÈnI iewk iksm dI Auwc-AUrjf vflI roÈnI hY. ieh isrÌ izjItl skRInF qoN hI nhIN sgoN sUrj dI rOÈnI qoN vI inkldI hY. jdoN asIN GMitaF bwDI skRInF nUM dyKdy rihMdy hF, qF asIN KuÈkI, jlx, Qkfvt aqy isr drd vrgIaF awKF dIaF smwisafvF df anuBv kr skdy hF. ies pUrI smwisaf nUM izjItl afeI stRyn ikhf jFdf hY. iËafdfqr lok mMndy hn ik ienHF sfrIaF smwisafvF df muwK kfrn skRInF qoN inklx vflI nIlI roÈnI hY.

zfktr ny dwsI hkIkq

kMpnI dy dfavy bnfm ivigafnk swc

bfËfr ivwc AuplbD nIlI roÈnI vfly aYnkF df dfavf hY ik AunHF dy ivÈyÈ lYNs nIlI roÈnI

nUM awKF qwk phuMcx qoN rokdy hn. kMpnIaF

dfavf krdIaF hn ik ieh awKF dy dbfa

nUM GtfAuNdf hY aqy nINd nUM ibhqr bxfAuNdf hY, ikAuNik nIlI roÈnI sfzy nINd dy hfrmons nUM pRBfvq krdI hY. hflFik, ivigafn aqy

Koj pUrI qrHF asihmq hn. keI aiDaYn

drsfAuNdy hn ik:

nIlI roÈnI vfly aYnkF awKF dI Qkfvt nUM dUr krn ivwc bhuq pRBfvÈflI nhIN hn.

awKF dy drd aqy KuÈkI df asl kfrn nIlI roÈnI nhIN hY, sgoN ibnF bRyk dy lgfqfr skRIn smF, mfVI mudrf aqy skRIn nUM dyKdy smyN kdy-kdfeIN Jpkxf hY.

ies leI, isrÌ aYnkF df iewk joVf pihnx nfl ieh smwisaf pUrI qrHF Kqm nhIN hovygI.

kI ieh aYnkF iksy kMm dIaF nhIN hn?

ieh swc hY ik kuJ lok ienHF aYnkF nUM pihnx qoN kuJ rfhq mihsUs krdy hn. ijhVy lok dyr rfq qwk mobfeIl Pon jF lYptfp ‘qy kMm krdy hn, AunHF nUM kuJ rfhq iml skdI hY jF AunHF dI nINd dy pYtrn ivwc suDfr ho skdf hY,

pr ienHF aYnkF nUM pUrI qrHF awKF dI surwiKaf leI iewko iewk hwl mMnxf shI nhIN hY.

afpxIaF awKF dI surwiKaf leI asl suJfa

zf[ puryNdr BsIn dy anusfr, afpxIaF afdqF nUM suDfrnf isrÌ aYnkF ‘qy inrBr krn nfloN awKF dI shI dyKBfl leI vDyry pRBfvÈflI hY:

20-20-20 inXm dI pflxf kro: ieh afpxIaF awKF nUM afrfm dyx df sB qoN vDIaf qrIkf hY. hr 20 imMt dy kMm qoN bfad, skRIn qoN dUr dyKo aqy Gwto-Gwt 20 sikMtF leI 20 Puwt dUr iksy cIË nUM dyKo.

vfr-vfr Jpkxf: asIN aksr skRIn nUM dyKdy hoey Jpkxf Buwl jFdy hF. inXmq Jpkxf sfzIaF awKF nUM nmI rwKx ivwc mdd krdf hY aqy KuÈkI nUM rokdf hY.

shI skRIn sYitMgF: afpxI skRIn dI cmk nUM sMquilq rwKo aqy afpxIaF awKF qoN shI dUrI bxfeI rwKo.

bhuq sfrI nINd lE: awKF dI Qkfvt nUM dUr krn leI loVINdI aqy guxvwqf vflI nINd ËrUrI hY.

nIlI roÈnI vfly aYnkF kuJ rfhq pRdfn kr skdIaF hn, pr ishqmMd awKF nUM bxfeI rwKx df sB qoN vDIaf qrIkf ishqmMd afdqF aqy bRyk lYxf hY.

sqluj

avqfr isMG iZwloN (aMbrsrIaf)

kuwJ swc kdy sfhmxy nf afvx

jy koeI prdf pfsy kr nf idKfvy

sqluwj nUM dyK ky rONgty KVH gey smJ ieh hux hr bfiÈMdy nUM afvy

jsvMq isMG jI ny prvfh nf krdy hoey

hËfrF axpCfiqaF leI kwly hI qury,

ieMnHf qfkqvr, nfmurIdF BYiVaF dy krky muV vfps afpxy pirvfr vwl nf muVy

bQyrIaF qfkqF ny ies swc nUM hnyry ivwc

rwKx dI koiÈÈ qy bfKUbI krn dI kIqI,

pr awj dy nOjuafn qy soÈl mIzIaf krky

jg sfhmxy af geI Eh ùõ dI afpbIqI

klfkfrF ny hflfqF df jfmf pfky jo sBnUM swc df rUp idKfieaf hY awj dy smyN ivwc, hux nhIN lwgdf Ehnf kfqlF dy pirvfrF nUM koeI nf ibTfAu qy nf inBfAu iksy swQ ivwc

nhIN rIsF idljIq isaF qyrI vy Èyrf

swcI rONgty KVH AuwqoN awKF nm kr igaf, qyrI pCfx Xfrf rihMdI dunIaf qwk dI

Druv qfry vrgf afhudf qyrf cV igaf

ieh kwly qrn-qfrn qy hrIky df hI nhIN

sgoN isstm df vI swc sfhmxy afieaf,

jy Aus vyly soÈl mIzIaf jF sqrkqf huMdI

qF Eh nf huMdf ijMny hoky kihr mcfieaf

jy ikqoN iswKx nUM imly qF ËrUr iswKo

koeI muwl nhIN hY ies isKlfeI df,

cIËF nUM dyK ky vI iswiKaf jf skdf

ËrUrI nhIN hr vyly Tokr KfeI df

iZwloN, klm rfhIN ijwQy Èukrfnf krdf

EQy pMjfb dy nOjuafnF nUM slfh dyvy,

niÈaF qoN bco qy imhnq isry dI kro qFjo iksy vI puwq leI mF-ipE nf rovy

iewk gwl smJ dy pry ijhI lwgy sB nUM

kI srkfrF ny ies qy pfbMdI ikAuN lfeI, hornF ivwc qF gMd-mMd qy mfr kuwt idKFdy

ies ny qF vkq nfl dwbI pIVH sfvyN afeI

ieh kwlI iPlm nhIN iewk ibrqFq hY

ijMnHy pqf nhIN ikMnHF smF lMGfieaf, hr afm mnuwK dI hoNd ivwc afAux leI

sbr df bMnH tuwtky hux hVH ilafieaf ]

ÊËl blivMdr bflm gurdfspur

sfDF dy nfl sfD imlxgy corF dy nfl cor.

Puwl gulfbI bx neIN skdI kMiZaF vflI Qor.

qyrI suMdrqf nUM ieh rwb hor bulMdI dyvy, byÈk sfzy cfvF vfly gihxyN lY jf hor.

guwzI ijMnI mrjI suMdr son sunwKI hovy, Aus dI kImq qF hI pYNdI jykr hovy zor.

qyrI iek-iek Xfd sqfvy qnhfeI ivc eydF, ijwdF jMgl dy ivc kwlF pYlF pfvy mor.

iks nyqf ny apxf iewk svfrQ iswD hY kIqf, BIV BVwkf cfry pfsy eyDr ਓDr Èor.

Puwl gulfbI nUM vIN pfAuxf eynF sOKf neIN ey, pihlF ËÉmI krny pYNdy AuNglIaF dy por.

kwcy koTy co pYNdy ny iek mËbUrI krky, bfirÈ qyË hvfvF aMdr iks df cldf Ëor. tuwtI hoeI JFjr dy kuJ GuMgrU KUn ’c ilbVy, pYVF qoN pihcfx leI ey afpF qyrI qor.

qVp llk plk ipafrI qyrI afmd aMdr, irÈqf ieMJ inBfieaf afpF ijwdF cMn ckor.

Kvry iks ny XuwD kIqf hY ies DrqI dy Auqy, Puwl gulfbI bIjy sI pr Aug peI ey Qor.

lwKF bwd duafvF AuTIaF iek icMgfrI ivwcoN, aMbr dy ivc cVH-cVH vrHdI kflI Gt GnGor. mihiÌl ivc qrnuMm dy nfl iek gfiek ny gfeIaF, bflm qyrIaF ÊËlF aMdr msqI vflI qor.

15/07/2026 qoN 14/08/2026

myK : kfrobfr TIk-Tfk, mfn snmfn ‘c vfDf, ivarQ dI dOV-Bwj, cot df zr, dusLmx hfrn, gupq icMqf.

ibRK : afmdn-Krc brfbr, ibjLnYs ‘c lfB, Xfqrf df pRogrfm, vfhn KrIdx dI Xojnf, pirvfr dI icMqf, ishq iZwlI, Drm-krm ‘c ruJfn.

imQun : sMqfn nUM ksLt, srIrk qklIP, irsLqydfrF nfl mn-mutfv, Dn lfB, vpfr TIk-Tfk, msly hwl hox, sLuB smfcfr afAuxf.

krk : mn Audfs, kfrobfr TIk-Tfk, klysL qoN dUr rho, nuksfn ho skdf hY, afmdn-Krc brfbr, jfiedfd ivvfd, Xojnf nypry cVHy.

isMG : mhFpurKF nfl myl, Dfrimk kMmF ‘c rucI, mfn-snmfn ‘c vfDf, ihMmq sdkf kMm nypry cVHn, afmdn-Krc brfbr.

kMinaf : AulJnF dUr hox, vpfr ‘c lfB, qIrQ Xfqrf df mn bxy, ishq iZwlI, aOlfd vloN sihXog, aPsr imhrvfn.

qulf : pirvfr ‘c KusLI, afmdn-Krc brfbr, vYrI hfrn, mn Drm-krm ‘c juVy, Bwj-nwT krky Qkfvt, pirvfr qoN sihXog.

ibRsLck : sMpqI lfB, vpfr ‘c lfB, vfhn-jfiedfd KrIdx df ivcfr, pirvfr ‘c AuTf-ptk, swjxF qoN sihXog, XojnfvF nypry cVHn.

Dn : lYx-dyx ‘c pRysLfnI, pirvfr nfl mn-mutfv, afmdn-Krc brfbr, mfnsnmfn ‘c vfDf, Xfqrf ‘c ksLt, Xojnf nypry cVHy.

mkr : afriQk siQqI mjLbUq, iesqrI qoN lfB, mn pRsMn, afmdn-Krc brfbr, sMqfn vloN KusLKbrI, sPr df pRogrfm, AulJxF dUr hox.

kuMB : afmdn dy nvyN sfDn, mfn-snmfn TIk-Tfk, GrylU msly hwl hox, pirvfr ‘c KusLI, ishq QoVHI iZwlI, srkfrI kMmF ‘c sPlqf.

mIn : Dn lfB, dusLmx hfrn, pirvfr qoN sihXog, Bwj-nwT krky Qkfvt, sMqfn qoN suK.

Be cautious about what you bring to an end or the way in which you go about winding something up, especially if you think it will open up more choices. The situation will have to be revisited mid April next year. Other things would have changed by then. It might be wiser to let things take their own course right now.

Something that started off as a small thing when it comes to helping out somebody else that seems to keep on growing would be best dealt with now, especially if it is turning into a habit or interfering with your regular routines. It has probably taught you to take more notice of what is important to you, rather than getting distracted..

New directions involving other people can be smooth running if things are done their way. While there might be a lot in common, their determination might clash with yours. If you have been attempting to come to an agreement, this might need to be left for now and revisited mid April as things will likely have changed by then.

Something is winding up on a personal level perhaps in ways you were not expecting that is generating thought of all sorts of possibilities in the long term. Someone can play a powerful role here. However it is to eventually settle will not become evident until January to April next year. Meanwhile just go with the flow.

You can have success in getting something out of the way that has been on your mind for a while but the energy just hasn’t been there. Not that you will feel overly energised just yet. It is more a realisation that time is running out. You know you will feel a lot better once this is done, especially if others have a good view of it.

Something needs to be put into place once and for all so that you know what needs to be spent rather than other things coming up all the time. Whatever you do now can create changes that may not be fully implemented until next year, between January and April. You need to be straightforward and practical with any discussions.

There can be a willingness to let something go that has been a personal priority but doesn’t fit well with someone else. It will be more important to establish underlying stability in situations involving others. This can be temporary as other opportunities to focus on your wishes will arise next year from January to April. Patience can pay off.

The New Moon this week occurs in your sign providing you with the opportunity to generate changed directions on a personal level. Anything that has not been heading in the direction you had hoped might be better let go right now. Becoming more practical can appeal to you, especially when it comes to stability with finances.

There can be new directions building up in the background that will provide the opportunity to put a stable foundation in place. This is likely tied into the decisions of somebody else and something may need to wind up so they can take the next step. There could be more than one stage of development attached to this as well.

Changes in somebody else’s life may make you realise things are moving on and it will not be the same for you. This is encouraging you to think about what is important to you. It can actually be freeing you up to do so. This is a first stage. New people can come into your life, especially from January to April next year.

It might be time to develop a new attitude when it comes to commitments or obligations in your life, especially if they affect your finances. If you have accepted things without thinking, you could recognise this has to stop. This can only happen when you take the time to analyse what you can realistically manage and follow through.

New possibilities in the long term can begin to feel more probable or realistic. This could leave behind a level of personal doubt or insecurity. This can be tied to you becoming more aware of what has been important for a long time but needs to be modified in some way for the future. The second stage can occur January to April next year.

The Patrika pMjfbI

•

(Bobby)

Attorney general’s statement on updated Crown counsel policy BC Prosecution Service introduces policy changes in response to federal Criminal Code reforms

Niki Sharma, Attorney General, has released the following statement regarding the BC Prosecution Service announcing updates to its Crown Counsel Policy Manual, in response to federal Criminal Code amendments:

“I welcome the BC Prosecution Service’s updates to its Crown Counsel Policy Manual, which provides prosecutors with guidance on significant Criminal Code reforms coming into force this week.

“Our government worked closely with Ottawa to secure many of these federal reforms, which strengthen public safety, enhance protections for victims and help hold repeat offenders account-

able. They include changes to bail and sentencing laws, new measures to address intimate partner violence and gender-based violence, and stronger protections for victims of sexual offences.

“Crown counsel play a pivotal role in criminal legal proceedings in the prov-

ince and upholding our justice system. These policy updates, independently drafted by the BC Prosecution Service, will help ensure B.C.’s prosecutors have clear guidance to effectively apply the new laws. The changes also support recommendations from Dr. Kim Stanton’s review of how intimate partner and sexual violence

cases are treated in British Columbia’s legal system.

“I commend the BC Prosecution Service for acting to ensure our legal system more accurately reflects people’s everyday reality, experiences and concerns. At the provincial level, we continue to implement the Stanton report’s recommendations to strengthen how our justice system responds to intimate-partner violence, while expanding access to justice.

“Together, we are building a more responsive, compassionate and empathetic justice system that people can trust and rely on to help them.”

Supporting Gitanmaax, B.C.’s economic growth with cannabis agreement

B.C., Gitanmaax Band agreement promotes Indigenous economic participation in cannabis sector

People in Gitanmaax and the Province will benefit from more economic opportunities as the Gitanmaax Band and the Province of British Columbia enter into a government-to-government cannabis agreement that supports shared health and safety priorities.

“This agreement demonstrates the strong collaboration between the Gitanmaax Band and B.C., marking an important step forward for both governments,” said Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “By working together, we are creating new economic opportunities, ensuring access to regulated cannabis, and strengthening public health and safety.”

This is the eighth agreement of its kind, which builds on the strong relationship between Gitanmaax and B.C. in the cannabis industry. Gitanmaax currently operates a provincially licensed cannabis retail store in its community, and the new government-to-government agreement creates greater flexibility for Gitanmaax to advance its cannabis priorities in a way that best reflects community and economic interests. This includes the ability to operate in production and retail, while allowing for some modification to operating rules for on-reserve stores, such as allowing the sale of Indigenous arts and crafts.

NAME CHANGE

I (Simranjit Singh) son of (Sukhdev Singh) holder of Indian passport number (L8169768) issued at Chandigarh (India) on (29/03/2014) permanent resident of Canada (2832 Crossley Dr. Abbotsford, BC, Canada V2T5H4 ) do hereby change my name from Simranjit Singh to Simranjit Singh Gill with immediate e ect.

"This Section 119 agreement between Gitanmaax and the Province of British Columbia is a welcomed governmentto-government arrangement that will provide greater flexibility for our retail operations, and will also present additional opportunities to increase local employment and economic development initiatives as we strive to grow our local economy," said Chief Councillor Roger Sterritt.

Creating opportunities through partnerships

Section 119 of the Cannabis Control and Licensing Act authorizes the Province to enter into agreements with Indigenous governments. The agreement supports Gitanmaax’s interests in operating cannabis businesses, as well as common goals on public health and safety, social responsibility, protecting

young people, deterring illicit activity and supporting socio-economic and cultural well-being.

“Gitanmaax and B.C. have worked in partnership to reach an agreement that supports advancing our goals for regulated cannabis,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food. “This agreement helps strengthen B.C.’s reputation as home to Canada’s most diverse cannabis sector, while creating more opportunities for locally produced and Indigenous-grown cannabis and supporting economic growth in local communities.”

Gitanmaax’s community-led provincially licensed cannabis retail store was supported through the BC Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund (ICBF), a program co-developed by B.C. and Canada in partnership with the BC Assembly of First Nations and the First Nations Summit. Administered by the New Relationship Trust, the ICBF supports First Nations communities and Indigenous entrepreneurs who want to increase their participation in, or join, the regulated cannabis industry.

Kriti eyes roles with grey shades

Actor Kriti Sanon has revealed that she wants to move beyond conventional roles and explore psychologically complex characters, saying she is eager to play darker characters, someone "completely psychotic." Speaking in a recent interview, the National Award-winning actor admitted she no longer wants to make "safe" choices and is drawn to roles that push her creatively. Kriti said watching Obsession inspired her to rethink the kind of stories she wants to be part of. "When I watched Obsession, I was like, 'Oh my God, we need to stop going safe. We need to do something out of the box.' It really excited me," she said. Kriti also cited Zendaya as an inspiration, praising the actor for taking on emotionally demanding and unconventional characters. She explained that playing psychologically layered roles appeals to her because they allow actors to step into lives completely different from their own. "I want to play a mad character. I want to play a psycho chick. I don't want to be safe. As an actor, it's so exciting to live a life that's completely different from your own and explore a person you're not. I'd absolutely love to play someone completely psychotic," she said. Having already showcased her versatility through films across romance, comedy, drama and thrillers, Kriti now hopes to further expand her range by embracing darker, more experimental characters in the years ahead.

Sai's spiritual prep

Actor Sai Pallavi has revealed that meditation and prayer became an integral part of her preparation for portraying Goddess Sita in Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana. Speaking at the film's trailer launch in New Delhi, the actress described the role as a blessing rather than a career goal, saying it was an opportunity that came to her with grace. Sai acknowledged the immense responsibility of playing a revered figure, noting that such roles demand sincerity and dedication from both the actor and the entire filmmaking team. She said she never believed a role like Sita could be actively pursued, adding that she approached the character with humility. The actress shared that before filming, she would meditate and pray, asking Goddess

Sita to guide her performance. Instead of trying to impose her own interpretation, she hoped to become a medium through which the character could naturally come alive on screen. Sai also emphasised the importance of maintaining purity in her thoughts and staying emotionally balanced throughout the shoot. She believed that remaining calm, neutral and positive helped her deliver the most authentic version of the character. Director Nitesh Tiwari praised her commitment and sincerity, highlighting the dedication she brought to the role. Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, will release in two parts during Diwali 2026 and Diwali 2027.

'Fame is like a rented house'

Rapper Badshah has reflected on the responsibility that comes with having a powerful voice and why he believes fame is only temporary. Badshah, who was seen as a guest on Shekhar Tonite, admitted that creating music initially felt like a carefree expression of creativity. He shared, “If you keep thinking, you’ll only find problems everywhere. But if you simply focus on your work, there are no problems. However, after a certain point, you don’t even realise how far the impact of your words reaches. You feel like you’re simply having fun. But you

don’t realise how someone else might perceive your words. Then, as your reach grows and the audience consuming your art expands, I think you gradually become or are made aware that you have to be more socially responsible.” Badshah brought up one of his most thoughtprovoking lines about fame. The Genda Phool hitmaker added: “Fame is like a rented house. One day, you’ll have to vacate it. It’s something that comes to you, so enjoy it while you have it—but don’t invest too much in it. It’s only a rented house, and eventually, you’ll have to let it go.”

Actor-writer Adivi Sesh has shared his thoughts on the evolving landscape of Indian cinema, stating that the dream should be to create films that belong to the country, not just one language market. Sesh feels that the focus should shift from language labels to storytelling. Speaking about the subject, Sesh said in a statement: “I find it interesting that we still call films Hindi films, Telugu films, Tamil films, and then separately use the term pan-India film.” “If a film can emotionally connect with audiences across the country, why should language restrict its identity in the first place? The moment we stop looking at stories through linguistic boundaries and start embracing them as Indian stories, that’s when pan-India cinema will truly exist.” Sesh talked about how the continued categorisation of films based on language reflects an invisible barrier that Indian cinema has yet to overcome. He added: “Language should be a medium of expression, not a limitation. Audiences today are far more open than ever before. They are watching great stories regardless of where they come from. I think the industry needs to catch up with the audience mindset.”

Avika speaks on loneliness

Actress Avika Gor, who is known for her work in Balika Vadhu and Bloody Ishq, has reflected on the concept of loneliness. She took to her social media recently, and penned a deeply personal and thoughtprovoking message on social media, as she spoke about a kind of loneliness that often goes unnoticed. The actress reflected on the emotional isolation that can exist even when surrounded by people.

She wrote, “Lately, I’ve realized that loneliness doesn’t always look like being alone. Sometimes it looks like knowing a hundred people but not knowing where you belong. Trying to fit into circles that were drawn long before you arrived can be exhausting, you can keep trying but everyone believes you don’t need them or you are extremely needy and clingy. I gave all my life to my career without realising how difficult it gets with time to have people include you in their lives unconditionally.”

“Nobody tells you that growing up isn’t just about losing time, it’s also about losing the ease of finding people who consider you as important as you consider them because you weren’t ready when they were. You are more open now, you are more inclusive now. Everyone already has their circle. And sometimes, you end up knowing everyone while belonging nowhere”, she added.

Creating the first dedicated site for ash dispersal on B.C. waterways

Province, City of Delta announce dedicated ash-scattering site along the Fraser River

A first-of-its-kind ash-scattering site is coming to Delta, giving families and community members a dedicated place to honour their loved ones in accordance with their cultural, spiritual and funeral traditions.

“For years, people south of the Fraser, including many members of the South Asian community, have had to travel abroad or transport a loved one’s ashes overseas to carry out important funeral rites,” said Niki Sharma, Attorney General. “This much-needed culturally respectful space will provide families with a meaningful place close to home where they can gather, reflect and honour their loved ones according to their traditions.”

What’s new

The City of Delta is upgrading parts of the Fraser Viewpoint, located on Tilbury Island, enhancing a public park that will include gathering space for the respectful dispersal of cremated remains in the Fraser River.

The project responds to a longstanding community need for a dedicated location where families can carry out cultural and faith-based funeral practices in a respectful, accessible and publicly supported setting.

"This initiative responds to the needs of our community through the formal

designation of a space for gathering and reflection along our waterfront, honouring the diverse cultural and faith traditions of our residents,” said George Harvie, mayor of Delta. “The city is proud to invest in enhancements and improved accessibility for this site, ensuring it becomes a welcoming and dignified place for families and community members for generations to come."

The City of Delta is contributing as much as $225,000 for improvements to facilitate safe access to the foreshore at the park, which currently features a reflective garden and seating area. The Province worked with the city to identify Fraser Viewpoint as a suitable location and issued the tenure required for the creation of a park to Delta.

“This project is of major significance for all British Columbians, and especially the broader South Asian community,” said Ranjit Hayer, president, Khalsa Diwan Society Vancouver. “People from all faiths will now have a dedicated gathering space to respectfully perform final rites for their loved one. I would like to thank Mayor Harvie and Attorney General Sharma on their commitment in bringing this project to life.”

Looking forward

The Province has published guidelines for municipalities that wish to establish ash-dispersal sites on Crown land in their communities. The guidelines outline the key considerations and steps needed to create these sites in a respectful and sustainable manner.

“For years, families in our community have had to fly their loved ones’ ashes overseas just to carry out proper last rites,” said Ravi Kahlon, MLA for Delta North. “The new dedicated ashdispersal site in Delta means they can honour their traditions here, at home, without hiding it or working around the rules. This is an important example of how communities can create inclusive public spaces that respect cultural and faith traditions.”

The Province is ready to work with interested municipalities to help facilitate permitting approvals and support the development of dedicated ash-dispersal sites in communities throughout B.C.

Certain aspects of end-of-life arrangements and services are regulated in B.C. to protect people during a vulnerable time.

B.C.’s Cremation, Interment and Funeral Services Act, administered by Consumer Protection BC, regulates crematoriums, cemeteries and funeral services.

Funeral homes, crematoriums and cemeteries, as well as individual funeral directors and embalmers in British Columbia, must be licensed by Consumer Protection BC.

Minister’s statement on nationwide Securities Passport system

Brenda Bailey, Minister of Finance, has issued the following statement on Ontario’s commitment to reduce barriers to investment across Canadian jurisdictions.

“As we work to attract new investment and stimulate economic growth in British Columbia, I welcome Ontario’s commitment to joining all other provinces and territories in a system that makes it easier for businesses to invest in B.C. and across Canada.

“This is a major win for reducing barriers between provinces and territories, boosting investor confidence and strengthening the economy.

“With Ontario joining the Securities Passport system, businesses and investors can now access capital markets across all Canadian provinces and territories. Decisions made by one province’s regulator can apply in all other Canadian jurisdictions.

“It is a confidence boost for businesses and investors who will benefit from less duplication, lower costs and administrative burdens, and faster access to capital markets in our province and across Canada.

“The Province of B.C. has been advocating for Ontario to join the system so that B.C. companies can benefit from fewer separate approvals, lower compliance costs and less red tape when operating in Ontario.

“I am committed to working closely with my provincial and territorial counterparts to ensure continued improvement to the existing system.

“Today’s announcement reflects the continued importance of working together across Canada to improve our competitiveness and attract investment. I look forward to building on this momentum by removing other barriers in the financial sector, including making it easier for credit unions to serve members across Canada.”