Asian Star - Oct 22, 2016

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www.theasianstar.com AsianStar logo Saturday, April 25, 2015 6:42:48 PM

Vol 15 - Issue 38 Saturday, October 22, 2016

CRA scam phone calls came from Mumbai- say police The recent arrest of several dozen people in India has been followed by a significant drop in the number of telephone scams where people call Canadians pretending to be members of the Canada Revenue Agency looking for a bogus tax payment. The RCMP said the arrests of 70 people at call centres in India employing more than 700 people were first thought to be solely tied to an

IRS version of the scam, but the police force says calls to Canadians since the arrests have fallen to “a small fraction of what was reported for the weeks and months leading up to these arrests.” In the most common version of the scam, a Canadian would get a call from someone speaking English, alleging they were with the CRA informing the person they owe a large amount in back

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taxes that must be paid immediately or they’d risk arrest and asset seizure. Typically, the caller demands immediate payment, most often via email transfer, wire transfer, gift card or pre-paid credit card. Despite the drop-off in attempts of late, the scam is likely far from over. It’s a lucrative business for the fraudsters. Since January 2014, based on statistics from Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre more than 1,900 Canadians have fallen victim to it and handed over more than $5.7 million. Continued on Page 7...

Ahmadiya leader welcomed

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Air Canada ribbon cutting (from left): Air Canada Cabin Crew; Benjamin Smith, President, Passenger Airlines, Air Canada; Craig Richmond, President & CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority; Honourable Michael de Jong, Minister of Finance and Government House Leader and Air Canada Cabin Crew.

Air Canada’s inaugural flight AC72 departed on Thursday night from Vancouver and arrived in Delhi Saturday morning, marking the only non-stop service linking Vancouver and the Indian subcontinent. Continued on Page 9...

Other programs Includes: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau welcomes Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, head of the Ahmadiya Muslims to Canada on Wednesday.

Canada is a top destination for skilled immigrants Canada is among the four countries of the world that consistently attract the

top tier of highly skilled immigrants, new research from the World Bank suggests. In a working paper, researchers Sari Pekkala Kerr, William Kerr, Çaglar Özden and Christopher Parsons looked at migration patterns in recent decades to track any changes in either the volume of people moving around the world, or where they are coming from or going to. Continued on Page 6...

Peter Lew

A dreamer helping young dreamers Read on Page 8....

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LOCAL

Saturday, October 22, 2016

18 year old faces sex charges involving 15 children An 18-year-old Central Saanich man is facing 29 charges relating to sexual touching, making and possessing child pornography, and extortion involving at least 15 children. Seamus Martin Weeks was arrested at his Central Saanich home on June 29 for offences that allegedly occurred between November 2015 and June of this year. More victims beyond the 15 already interviewed by police have come forward since Weeks’s arrest, said Central Saanich police spokesman Cpl. Dan Cottingham. “We believe there might be other victims out there,” he said. The victims were from across the province, including Kamloops, where some of the alleged offences occurred. The ages of the victims were not released. Weeks made a brief appearance in court Thursday. His next court appearance is set for Dec. 1. He is out on bail with several

strict conditions including not to contact the victims and to avoid accessing the Internet or social media platforms. Police would not say if he was using social media to lure victims. Cottingham would not confirm if this was a case of webcam blackmail, a crime in which a person lures victims into taking their clothes off on camera and then threatens to release the video as a means of extortion. The police department did not release information at the time of the arrest because of the sensitivity of the investigation, which is ongoing, Cottingham said. The decision was “initially for protective reasons to the victims and their families,” he said. Victims’ names are protected by a publication ban.

“This is something that we take very seriously, the allegations that were brought to us,” Cottingham said. “We’ve taken all the steps that we can take to get Mr. Weeks before the courts and protect further people being victimized.” Central Saanich police are working with the B.C. Integrated Child Exploitation Unit in the investigation. Weeks is charged with: five counts of communicating with a person who was, or who Weeks believed was, under the age of 18 for the purpose of an offence; 16 counts of extortion; four counts relating to the making, accessing or possessing child pornography; three counts of sexual touching involving a person under 16; one count of uttering threats of death or bodily harm.

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Woman throws pumpkin seeds at Trudeau in protest A woman who threw pumpkin seeds at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Hamilton today is being questioned by the RCMP. Trudeau was leaving city hall after meeting with the mayor, when the woman hurled the seeds at him, shouting, “Keep your promises!” She was immediately tackled to the ground by security. Earlier, she had been holding a banner reading “No New Pipelines” with a man who identified himself as David Johnson. He says they want to know why Trudeau has “not yet reformed the National Energy Board or shut down their proceedings.” Johnson says he did not know why his fellow protester was carrying pumpkin seeds. RCMP officers whisked the woman away for questioning, but it is not clear yet if she is being charged.

Canadian dollar drops to lowest level since March, below 75 cents US

DIWALI DHAMAKA! The Canadian dollar traded below 75 cents US Friday, for the first time since March. The almost one-cent drop comes partly because of signals from the Bank of Canada — although the central bank is likely fine with a lower loonie. The central bank on Wednesday discussed the possibility of cutting interest rates in its latest monetary policy report. And even though it chose to hold rates steady, at 0.5 per cent, even the suggestion of a rate cut has given currency traders something to chew over ever since. “Markets are now looking for a far higher probability of a rate cut,” BMO senior economist Benjamin Reitzes said in an interview. If there’s an interest rate cut on the horizon, some traders will sell, if they don’t feel it’s worth holding on to the Canadian currency for now. “When interest rates go down, you get paid less for every Canadian dollar you have,” Reitzes explained. Adding fuel to the speculation of a possible rate cut was a set of disappointing data Friday: August retail sales slumped, and annual inflation for September was cooler than expected. Although Bank of Canada governor Stephen Poloz has denied talking down the loonie in the past, a lower Canadian dollar has its benefits, particularly for exports, a part of the economy that is still struggling. A wait-and-see stance with a weaker loonie could be a safer bet than tinkering with rates. “If you cut interest rates, that just adds to the housing price problem,” said Colin Cieszynski, strategist with CMC Markets.

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4

opinion

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Vancouver’s living wage of little help to vulnerable workers Living wage laws tend to reduce employment opportunities for low-wage and low-skilled workers, and push up taxes By Charles Lammam and Hugh MacIntyre The City of Vancouver’s plan to become a living wage employer will likely be a costly failure. Vancouver city council voted recently to make the city a living wage employer, and proponents claim this will help vulnerable workers. But the unfortunate reality is that the implemented policy will likely increase costs for city taxpayers without helping those most in need. According to a city report, the policy will “ensure that direct employees [of the city] and individuals employed by contracted service providers, including subcontractors, are compensated at or above the Living Wage rate.” The region’s living wage is pegged at $20.64 per hour, nearly twice the provincial minimum wage, based on calculations by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA). The CCPA defines a living wage as “the amount needed for a family of four with two parents working full-time to pay for

necessities, support the healthy development of their children, escape financial stress and participate in the social, civic and cultural lives of their communities.” Taking their calculations at face value, a few key points are worth mentioning about the policy’s scope. All direct city employees and most contract workers covered by the new policy are already paid at or above the CCPA’s living wage rate, according to the city’s report. But some contract workers (in security, janitorial and graffiti removal services) are compensated below $20.64 per hour. The city estimates that bringing these workers up to the current living wage rate will cost $590,000 annually. That’s equivalent to 2.5 per cent of the $23.4-million increase in annual property tax revenue for 2016. If the city absorbs the higher labour costs of government and contracted workers, Vancouver’s living wage law will increase the cost of city services. That means higher municipal taxes or reduced spending on

other services - a lose-lose scenario for city taxpayers. Some taxpayers may be willing to accept more costly city services if the living wage policy effectively helped those most in need. But the best and most rigorously analyzed evidence shows otherwise. Living wage laws tend to reduce employment opportunities for low-wage and low-skilled workers. This shouldn’t surprise those familiar with some research on minimum wages. When governments mandate a wage above the prevailing market rate, employers often respond by cutting back on jobs, hours and on-the-job training. Lessskilled workers - with fewer qualifications and experience - are collateral damage. Yet proponents tend to overlook these consequences. In reality, while some workers will benefit from a higher wage, their gain comes at the expense of others who lose employment opportunities. Research finds employers respond to living wage laws by hiring more qualified workers to justify the artificial wage increase while passing over those with fewer skills. This is a perverse outcome since lessskilled workers are presumably among the very people the policy is intended to help. If employers keep or hire more productive workers, who would have been paid a higher wage anyway, it defeats the purpose of adopting living wage laws in the first place. And living wage laws often don’t effectively target poor families. In one study of seven major U.S. cities, researchers found that the overwhelming majority of living wage beneficiaries (nearly 75 per cent) were not initially poor. Rhetoric notwithstanding, Vancouver’s living wage will do little to assist vulnerable workers and will likely increase municipal costs, to the detriment of city taxpayers.

www.theasianstar.com # 202 - 7028, 120th Street, Surrey, BC V3W 3M8 Ph: 604-591-5423 Fax: 604-591-8615 E-mail: editor@theasianstar.com Editor: Umendra Singh Associate Editor: Shruti Prakash Joshi Marketing and Sales: Ravinder S. Cheema........604-715-3847 Shamir Doshi....................604-649-7827 Harminder Kaur...............778-708-0481 Parminder Dhillon..........778-859-9234 Layout: Avee J Waseer Pre-Press: Iftikhar Ahmed Contributing writers: Jag Dhatt, Akash Sablok, Kamila Singh, Jay Bains Photographer: Chandra Bodalia Publication Mail Agreement No 428336012 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to Circulation Dept.

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Canada is a top destination for skilled immigrants Continued from Page 1... Four countries — the U.S., the U.K., Canada and Australia — attract the vast majority of the world’s immigrants, the researchers have found. Despite alarmist political movements and media coverage, the reality is that global immigration today has been largely steady for the past half-century, the data shows. Worldwide, the percentage of people who live in a country other than the one they were born in is the same today as it was in 1960: about three per cent. That’s not to say, however, that immigration trends are steady and unchanging. Outside of a recent surge in people leaving certain parts of the world as refugees, there’s a clear pattern among people with education and above-average income levels voluntarily moving for economic reasons. “A pattern is emerging in which these high-skilled migrants are departing from a broader range of countries and heading to a narrower range of countries,” the paper said, “in particular, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.”

To be sure, the United States is still at the top of that list, well ahead of the next three. A full 40 per cent of the world’s highskilled immigrants are moving to the U.S., the paper estimates. But Canada is solidly in that second tier. If the U.K., Canada and Australia are included, the ratio jumps to 75 per cent of the world’s skilled migrants. That’s great news for Canada, as those people typically come with an existing source of wealth, and their skillsets help boost and change the economy wherever they land. “The weight of the evidence points to highskilled immigrants boosting innovation and productivity,” the report says, “mainly through the increased quantity of skilled individuals pursuing innovative work.” In particular, the paper notes a surge in the number of skilled women moving across the globe. In 2010, for the first time, the world saw more high-skilled women migrants than men. A large number hailed from Africa and Asia, and were headed for English-speaking nations in North America and Europe.

Surrey RCMP twice arrest masked men with fake guns For the second time last week, Surrey police are warning residents who own imitation guns to be careful where they are seen with them, following an incident that resulted in significant police response. The most recent incident occurred Sunday afternoon in South Surrey, when police were told of men wearing camouflage and carrying weapons in the 1900-block of 158 Street, Sgt. Alanna Dunlop said Tuesday. The 1:40 p.m. report sparked a guns-drawn response that caught the eye of passersby who reported seeing around eight police vehicles in the area. Officers found two men, aged 21 and 22 years, who were trying out new gear,

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including airsoft guns, Dunlop said. They were detained at gunpoint, then released. The night before, reports of a group of men wearing face masks and carrying handguns in an underground parkade near the Wal-Mart at Guildford Town Centre led police to detain the men at gunpoint until it was confirmed that their weapons were fake. Dunlop said police determined the Guildford activity “was related to Halloween costumes (the men) had just bought.” The South Surrey incident “was similar, where they bought new stuff and were trying it on,” she said.

Saturday, October 22, 2016

CRA scam phone calls came from Mumbai- say police Continued from Page 1... But more than 37,000 calls to Canadians have been made asking for money over that time period. “Based on CAFC analysis, the aforementioned numbers represent only five per cent of the actual losses,” the RCMP said. The RCMP says it is still trying to track down Canadian collaborators with the scam, and urges Canadians to remain vigilant. “These fraudsters extort money from their victims through a number of different threats. These types of frauds are being perpetuated coast to coast, and have impacted both male and female victims from many different age groups and cultural backgrounds,” the RCMP said. “Members of the RCMP Greater Toronto Area Financial Crime Unit would like to remind the public to remain vigilant of this type of scam which has been perpetrated by imposters claiming to be from the CRA, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada employees, as well as a number of police agencies across Canada,” the RCMP said. While the CRA will occasionally deal with Canadians by phone, they would never demand payment in the form of gift cards, prepaid credit cards, or use threatening language. Meanwhile, BBB in Vancouver said, A recent bust of a call centre in Mumbai, India seems to have led to a dramatic drop in the dreaded Canada Revenue Agency Tax Scam. The scam took the top spot in this year’s National Top 10 Scams list and BBB is pleased to see the impact the raid in India appears to be having. “This scam has affected just about everyone at one time or another,” says Evan Kelly, Senior Communications Advisor for BBB serving Mainland BC. “Fortunately this scam wasn’t the leader in terms of loss, but almost everyone I’ve talked to say they received those dreaded and threatening calls, sometimes in the middle of the night.” At the beginning of October, Mumbai police arrested 70 people and are questioning hundreds more who were part of a call centre targeting North Americans. The perpetrators bilked millions of dollars from unsuspecting victims in Canada and the US and has been a growing problem for several years. The number of complaints have gone way down. For the week of Oct. 3 to Oct. 9, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre received 358 complaints, but for the week following the bust in India, the number of complaints dropped to just 25. How the Scam Works: These scams are most often perpetrated by phone and take two basic forms. In the first version, the CRA “agent” says you owe back taxes and pressures you into paying by prepaid VISA card or wire transfer.

LOCAL

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person of the week

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Peter Lew: A dreamer helping young dreamers As a child one sees huge dreams. Going to university pursuing a career in his/her field of interest and then touching the epitomes of success. However, as one grows, this dream turns into harsh reality when these children turned youth graduate from their high schools. University, Colleges, Post secondary education undoubtedly sounds alluring for these passionate bubbles but the big amount of fees at the educational institutes along with additional expenses for college supplies sometimes make them back off and start getting into odd jobs, that's when one stops dreaming and flows along the decisions of life. According to a study conducted by Stats Canada most of the students that have taken study loans are not able to pay back in the required tenure. Talking about South Asians, many students drop out right after the high school or shift their interests to a less expensive study that doesn't relate to their interest. There are so many grants that Government provides and also so many organisations working together with them to promote education in the country that most people are not aware of. Recently the Asian Star got a chance to meet Mr. Peter Lew, who was in Surrey to launch BC Bridge the Gap Campaign in order to educate people about RESP's and CST's initiative. Not to forget, in Aug 2015 govt. of BC launched BC Training and Education Savings Grant through which children born in 2006 or after are eligible for an additional amount of $1200, regardless of income group issues. Mr. Peter Lew is the VP of CST Plan for past 25 years. CST, or Canadian

Service Trust, maybe some of us know about it but there are many like me who are not fully aware. " Forty-seven percent of the people are aware of the Government grants, but taking about Provincial only 7% of the population knows about it. Families want their children to go in for the University/College of higher grant but they are least aware about how to plan for it", told Peter. One thing that attracted me towards knowing about CST was the passion that reflected on Peter's face every time he talked about the organization. "I have been with CST Since 1992. I just landed up a job

here. Being a student graduating from the university and not having RESP at that time, I am still paying for my loans at this age", he said,"I wish my parents knew about the plan back then", smiled Peter. The Canadian Scholarship Trust plan is a mission driven organisation that has been helping students out for 55 years now for their higher

education. The organisation at present manages $4.1 billion in assets for over 2,80,000 families throughout the nation. "I have children going through university, all of them have RESP's and that's helping them with their education", told him. According to Peter, in coming years the organization is going to focus on Low Income Families and helping their children out. Peter Lew is a progressive minded person who supports higher education and wants students to go through the process of the Higher education. "We are trying to get more government grants and help more families. As a parent I would say that RESP is the best gift a child can get from the parents. Its suggested to get the plan as soon as the baby is born but even if the delay gets in, its still best way to help children with proving wings to their dreams", smiled Peter. By: Chhavi Disawar

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LOCAL

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Inaugration of Air Canada’s non-stop flight Continued from Page 1... “We are delighted to inaugurate our second route between Canada and India right in time for Diwali celebrations. Our non-stop flights from our Asia-Pacific Vancouver hub feature 787-9 Dreamliner service and offer the shortest elapsed flying time from Vancouver, Calgary,

Candle lighting (from left): Benjamin Smith, President, Passenger Airlines, Air Canada; Craig Richmond, President & CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority; Honourable Michael de Jong, Minister of Finance and Government House Leader

Edmonton, Seattle, Portland and Los Angeles to the Indian subcontinent,� said Benjamin Smith, President, Passenger Airlines at Air Canada. “Our non-stop flight, coupled with our streamlined and seamless connections process at YVR translates to a savings of 3-5 hours compared to itineraries with connections in Europe or Asia. “We’re also excited to offer all our customers contemporary, inspired Indian dishes by celebrated Vancouver Chef Vikram Vij in all cabins of service on our Vancouver-Delhi and Toronto-Delhi flights, which complements the signature creations by internationally renowned Canadian Chef David Hawksworth in our International Business Class. Our state-of-the-art aircraft, multi-lingual crews, onboard offerings, in-flight entertainment which includes Bollywood hits and acclaimed

multi-lingual art-house films, together with our extensive western Canada domestic and western US transborder network and the seamless connection experience through YVR all position Air Canada and YVR to be the preferred gateway hub for Pacific Northwest travel to and from India,� concluded Mr. Smith. “Thanks to Air Canada’s commitment to growth out of its preferred transpacific hub, YVR has a direct link to one of the most iconic cultural centres and economic hubs in India,� said Craig Richmond, President & CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. “This service has long been requested by our community. The much coveted route opens up access to key markets in business and travel and creates more jobs and opportunities for our communities.� “The BC India Business Network is absolutely thrilled that Air Canada has a direct flight between Vancouver and Delhi,� stated Douglas Nazareth, Director, Finance at the BC-India Business Network. “Our members appreciate the fact that they not only save a minimum of 8 hours off their journey but also arrive fresh on the other end thanks to the technology of the new Dreamliner 787 aircraft. Our President is on the inaugural flight and many of us will patronize this route.� Air Canada’s Vancouver-Delhi flights are operated with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, featuring the airline’s award-winning, three-cabin service configured with 30 International Business Class individual lie-flat suites, 21 Premium Economy seats and 247 Economy Class seats. Air Canada’s Dreamliners feature its enhanced seatback InFlight Entertainment system, available at every seat throughout the aircraft. Flights provide for Aeroplan accumulation and redemption and, for eligible customers, priority check-in, Maple Leaf Lounge access in Vancouver, priority boarding and other benefits.

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Citizenship ceremonies delayed by judge shortage The federal government’s failure to fill vacant citizenship judge appointments is increasing wait times across the country for those who want to become Canadian citizens. Lawyers say wait times for more complicated citizenship cases have been getting worse. They also say the shortage of citizenship judges is also affecting those with uncomplicated

applications. “There are people in Edmonton that have been waiting months just for the grant of citizenship,� said Vance Langford, a Calgary immigration lawyer and president of the Canadian Bar Association’s immigration section. “They have met the requirements, they’ve been notified that they have been approved and they have been waiting simply for the ceremony so that a judge can grant them citizenship, and that is taking many months and it is due to a lack of judges being available.� Immigration Minister John McCallum said the government is identifying candidates to fill the position now. “I know that for some citizenship ceremonies we have, on occasion, had other people officiating, so I think we’re managing. Obviously it would be better when we have our full complement, but I think that will come fairly soon,� he said.

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10

LOCAL

Saturday, October 22, 2016

BC NDP promises child care for $10 a day B.C.’s NDP is promising a $10-a-day childcare program if they win the upcoming provincial election in May. Leader John Horgan said the program would counteract years of underfunding by the B.C. Liberals. “We can liberate women largely to participate fully in the economy and we can ensure employers that productivity is going to go up because there is a less concern about the patchwork child care that most families have to weave together,” he said. Horgan pointed out wait lists are reaching dire lengths, noting in Vancouver some daycares already have up to 3,000 children on their wait list. “When people say they can’t afford to have children, I think that’s something we should act upon,” he said. A 2015 Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives study said B.C. businesses were losing as much as $600 million per year because parents were forced to abandon paid work because of a lack of affordable childcare. It identified B.C. as having the second highest child-care fees in Canada. Implementing a $10-a-day child-care program in the province won’t be cheap. The CCPA report said that a $10-a-day child-care plan would require $1.5 billion in additional public funding to cover operating costs. Horgan said financing for the NDP’s child-care plan will be unveiled closer to the election. He indicated his government will likely reverse tax cuts provided by the B.C. Liberals to the province’s highest earners. Support from the federal government would also help considerably, he added. As for implementation, he said it will be

focused on those with the least ability to pay, at first. Premier Christy Clark has said in the past her government has no plans to introduce a $10 child-care program. Instead, the government has focused on creating additional child-care spaces in the province, and creating relief through relaxing the eligibility criteria for the child-care subsidy program. The B.C. government recently awarded $11.3 million in capital funding to create 1,818 licensed child-care spaces across the province. It said the funding would be allocated to facilities with child-care shortages like those in Surrey, Richmond, Vancouver, Burnaby and Coquitlam. B.C.’s provincial election is on May 9, 2017.

Surrey firefighters battle blaze at abandoned home Firefighters in Surrey fought off a large blaze at an abandoned house early Thursday morning. Crews were called to the house near 108 Avenue and 142a Street just after 1 a.m. PT, when a neighbour reported the house was fully engulfed in flames. Konstantin Nikolaou lives right next to the house and was watching television when he heard an explosion. He says he rushed his family and neighbours out of their home after he saw the fire next door growing in size. “Whenever you see flames like that within about four metres from your home, your adrenaline kicks in … ‘cause I know mine did,” he said.Nikolaou tried to fight the flames with a garden hose while calling the fire department at the same time. He said he was concerned the fire might spread to his house.

“We grabbed the garden hose and tried to keep it back as much as possible,” he said. “If anyone’s ever used a garden hose against a fire that’s about six metres high … you know

it doesn’t do much.” Firefighters were able to to contain the blaze in under an hour, although Nikolaou’s house does have some damage on the outside. Surrey Battalion Chief Brian Carmichael said the fire appears to be suspicious.

NDP opposes privatization of Surrey schools NDP leader John Horgan was in Surrey on Friday (Oct. 14) pointing the finger at the BC Liberal government for failing to build new schools to meet overcrowding problems throughout the province’s fastest-growing city, and said the privatization of public schools is not the solution. “I understand the desperation that local government and parents feel in the face of Christy Clark government’s neglect, and I want parents to know that it doesn’t have to be this way,” said Horgan at a press conference inside Surrey-Green Timbers NDP MLA Sue Hammell’s office on King George Boulevard. “Christy Clark and her government created this overcrowding crisis by neglecting to plan and build for growth, and its Surrey kids who are paying the price for that neglect.”

The City of Surrey is considering a PublicPrivate Partnership (P3) to build schools to help alleviate the growing enrolment pressure in public schools. Earlier this month, the city’s general manager of planning and development, Jean Lamontagne, presented a report to council outlining capital funding possibilities to meet the growing demand for classrooms with an estimated 1,000 new students entering the system each year. Lamontagne also suggested Mayor Linda Hepner contact education minister Mike Bernier to consider new funding options in Surrey. Both the Surrey Board of Education and Surrey Teachers’ Association have voiced opposition to P3s being used as an option to pay for public education. Horgan said privatization of public school

construction has been abandoned as a solution in other provinces and countries because it costs taxpayers more than public construction and ownership of schools. “With privatization, it’s buy now, pay later. But, just like a car lease or high-interest financing for new furniture, it costs us more in the long run. That is no way to run a public education system. What Surrey needs is stable, adequate funding for public education, and I’m committed to doing exactly that.” The B.C. Liberals announced the creation of 2,700 new classroom spaces in Surrey earlier this year. The Surrey School District has approximately 71,000 students this year, around a thousand more than last year’s total, and there are nearly 275 portables being used as classrooms.

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Vancouver School Board fired Education Minister Mike Bernier has fired all nine elected Vancouver School Board trustees. It’s a rare move, but one trustees knew could be coming since they rejected a proposal from the B.C. government to balance their budget last June, which was required by law.

Bernier said the board was dismissed for missing that deadline, and other issues including bullying accusations. “What we have witnessed from the Vancouver School Board is a misplaced focus on political tactics rather than responsible stewardship,” said Bernier. The school board was set to finally pass a balanced budget tonight, because the minister made it clear it was a requirement to receive seismic upgrade funding. But Bernier called it “impossible to have any confidence that a potential last-minute

change of position ... signals a fundamental change.” Over the years, the B.C. government has fired at least four other school boards for refusing to balance their budget, including Cowichan Valley in 2012 and North Vancouver in 1996. It last happened in Vancouver in 1985. The dismissal of the board comes after months of conflict between the B.C. government and the Vancouver School Board amid budget concerns, and the possible closure of up to 11 schools in the city. Fired trustees are calling the decision “disappointing” and “outrageous.” “It’s outrageous that the democraticallyelected Vancouver School Board was fired by the provincial government,” said now-former school board chair Mike Lombardi. Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson said he was “extremely disappointed” with the minister’s decision to fire the board. Robertson leads Vision Vancouver, which had four of the nine trustees including the board chair, and is a former MLA for the B.C. NDP. “It makes no sense when they were about to pass the budget,” he said. “I believe [the elected trustees] can do the best job for our kids, and were fighting to keep our schools open.”

Deadly drug overdose total more than 2015 There have been more illicit drug deaths over the first nine months of this year in British Columbia than there were in all of 2015, according to statistics from the B.C. Coroners Service.

A total of 508 people died last year from drug overdoses in B.C. Between January 1 and September 30 of this year, there were 555 deaths. B.C. Coroners Service spokeswoman Barb McLintock says fentanyl has been detected in more than 60 per cent of illicit drug deaths this year. “Fentanyl remains a major contributor to the high number of deaths,” McLintock said. “January 1 through August 31, 2016, there were a total of 302 cases in which fentanyl was detected. That number is more than triple the number of fentanyl-detected deaths for the same period last year.” Kamloops, Victoria and Langley have seen

the sharpest increases in overdose deaths. In Kamloops, the number has risen from seven last year to 25 in the first nine months of 2016. Victoria’s total has jumped from 18 to 44 over the same period and Langley’s total has risen from 10 to 20. The majority of victims are men under the age of 40. More than a third of this year’s fatal overdoses (195) have happened in the Fraser Health region. The Fraser Health Authority launched a harm reduction strategy earlier this month in partnership with RainCity Housing in response to the crisis. The B.C. government says it has taken several steps to address the problem, including the expansion of the Take Home Naloxone Program. The province says nearly 15,000 take-home naloxone kits have been distributed and police departments across B.C. are hosting community forums on fentanyl. “Many individuals and families struggling with addiction continue to face enormous barriers to effective care,” B.C. Centre on Substance Use interim director Evan Wood and B.C. Recovery Council chair Marshall Smith said in a joint statement.

No Uber in Vancouver for another year Vancouverites hoping to use the ridesharing application Uber, or find more taxis on the city’s streets, will have to wait another year. City council voted in favour of extending a moratorium on issuing new taxi licenses for another year. This means that there will be no new taxis on Vancouver streets until at least Oct. 2017, and that Uber cabs will be unable to break into B.C.’s taxi market. Vision Vancouver councillor Geoff Meggs, who put forward the motion, said that he

agrees Vancouver needs to increase its fleet of taxis, but that it “doesn’t make sense” to issue new licenses until the province completes a review of B.C.’s taxi industry to determine how it can coexist with ride-sharing applications like Uber. “We all agree more service is warranted. But no one is I think keen to put out new taxi licenses if they’re not going to be economically viable in the face of ride-sharing or any other changes the provinces could impose.”

LOCAL

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Saturday, October 22, 2016

CRA recovers $240-million in real estate tax-fraud The Canada Revenue Agency’s crackdown on tax fraud in the overheated real estate markets of Ontario and British Columbia is bearing fruit, with auditors recovering $240-million in unpaid taxes and $12.5-million in additional penalties over the past 18 months, new figures show. The money is being recovered as auditors focus on several issues identified in a series of stories in The Globe and Mail, including property flipping, efforts to hide capital gains and avoid paying sales taxes, and false ownership statements. Still, the new figures show the CRA has a lot of catching up to do in British Columbia, where the federal agency doubled its auditing effort last year in response to widespread concerns over fraud and rising real estate prices. The numbers show the CRA audited nearly six times as many files and recovered seven times more money in Ontario than in British Columbia between April, 2015, and September, 2016. By contrast, Ontario’s population is only three times higher than British Columbia’s. The CRA added it was in the midst of a special review of 500 large real estate transactions in B.C. that is designed to “uncover any tax issues that may not have already been identified.” “We are making a clear effort in British Columbia and our goal is to recover as much money [as in Ontario], if not more,” Revenue Minister Diane Lebouthillier said in an interview. The CRA’s auditing efforts follow growing concerns over an affordability crisis in

Vancouver and Toronto. The Globe has reported on a number of cases in which foreign-born owners declared low incomes despite moving millions of dollars through relatives into Canada, and revealed concerns that poor reporting by real estate agents has made the industry vulnerable to money laundering. As part of its work in the real estate market, the CRA has started to publish new data on its website to show how many files it has opened and how much money it has recovered. Over the past 18 months, the CRA looked into 13,403 files in Ontario (mostly in the Greater Toronto Area), recovering $210-million. During the same period, the CRA audited 2,366 files in B.C., for a total recovery of $30-million. When the CRA determines that a taxpayer knowingly made a false statement on a return, it can impose a penalty that is equal to 50 per cent of the additional tax that is payable. In both Ontario and B.C., the CRA applied $12.5-million in penalties in 663 cases over the 18-month period, for an average of $18,850 per case. In the biggest case, the federal tax-collection agency imposed a penalty of $2.5-million against a single taxpayer, meaning the individual had hidden nearly $5-million in payable taxes on his or her return. As they look into real estate deals, CRA auditors are focusing their efforts on the following five issues: The “source of funds” to buy or maintain and renovate a property, to see whether the owner is involved in tax evasion or illegal activities, or helping to shield the identity of a wealthy buyer.

McCallum says 50% increase in immigration to 450,000 might be too ambitious A high-powered group of external advisers is calling for a dramatic increase in Canada’s immigration levels, but Immigration Minister John McCallum says that might be too ambitious. McCallum said Wednesday he’s read the report by the Advisory Council on Economic Growth that calls for a 50-percent increase in targets to 450,000 people a year. The measure would target skilled, entrepreneurial newcomers in an attempt to stimulate economic growth. The 14-member panel, chaired by Dominic Barton of the firm McKinsey and Co., is to deliver a set of recommendations to Finance Minister Bill Morneau on Thursday. McCallum said meeting the target suggested by Barton’s group would be costly and might not find broad national support. “The figure he gives is a huge figure,” McCallum said. “But this is not a universal view across the country.” Discussions are continuing and the government will announce immigration targets for 2017 next month, McCallum added. McCallum’s cabinet colleague, Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains, told The Canadian Press on Wednesday that he’s “worked very closely” with Barton’s panel, and favours increased immigration levels. But he stopped short of endorsing the target in Barton’s report. “Clearly he’s demonstrating an opportunity for Canada,” Bains said. “We value our diversity, we value our

multicultural society and we recognize immigration is an opportunity to create jobs.” Bains said the government would need to sell the idea of higher immigration levels to the public. “We, as a government, need to focus on communicating the benefits of growing the economy and part of that growth is investing in people and part of that equation is immigration.” Bains said bringing in more skilled workers is part of the government’s broader agenda that includes investing in research and development, creating jobs and helping companies grow. A survey released by Canadian Manufactures and Exporters said the most pressing challenge facing its member companies is “attracting or retaining skilled labour.” The response came from a survey and roundtable discussions with 1,300 member companies. Matthew Wilson, the organization’s senior vice president, said manufacturers have traditionally looked beyond Canada’s border to find skilled workers. “If we can expand that, that’s good,” he said in an interview. But the government needs to do more to make sure the immigrants they allow into Canada actually have skills that are needed, Wilson added. “Just bringing in more immigrants isn’t going to solve the skillsgap problem if they don’t have the skills Canadian companies need.”

LOCAL

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Critics question Trudeau’s electoral reform plan as Liberals celebrate 1st year in office Prime Minister Justin Trudeau celebrated his first year in office today by touting his government’s greatest achievements, but critics lambasted the Liberal spending record and questioned his commitment to electoral reform. Exactly one year since Canadian voters sent a majority Liberal government to Ottawa, Trudeau said his top accomplishment so far is “making a dent” in helping the middle class with the Canada child benefit. Trudeau said he has “so many challenges” ahead: growing the economy, fixing the “broken” relationship with Indigenous Canadians and building clean jobs for the future by striking the

right balance between protecting the environment and building the economy. “These are the kinds of balancing acts that are ongoing, and we’ll continue to work very hard on them,” he told host Anna Maria Tremonti. Despite disputes with the provinces over a national carbon pricing scheme and health-care funding, Trudeau insisted he is building a “collaborative” relationship with the premiers. He also defended a contentious assertion by Health Minister Jane Philpott that there must be more accountability around how federal health dollars are spent. “Mr. Harper refused to actually talk

with the premiers about health care, just kept sending cheques to the provinces without even checking that the money was being spent on health care,” he said. “We simply want to say yes, we’re going to continue to invest in health care, we know it’s important for Canadians, but we want to make sure that the federal money invested in health care actually gets spent on health care by the provinces. And I don’t think that’s unreasonable.” Facing a deficit that is much larger than expected, Trudeau also defended his government’s massive spending on infrastructure, insisting it will put Canada on the “right path” for medium and long-term growth. He said his government has spent more on infrastructure in the first 10 months in office than the Conservatives did in five years.

Vancouver seniors are becoming increasingly vulnerable to homelessness, report finds Seniors are becoming increasingly vulnerable to homelessness in Vancouver, according to a joint report released by the University of Victoria and Union Gospel Mission, The report found that over the last five years, the number of seniors waiting for subsidized housing in Vancouver has increased by 38 per cent. Since 2002, more than 1,000 seniors have been added to the waiting list, making the total number of applicants 3,516. The report concluded that seniors are one of many groups that are increasingly at risk of homelessness due to Vancouver’s affordability woes. The findings have caught the eyes of members of the B.C. NDP who believe seniors should be presented with more affordable living opportunities. “It’s disheartening because these are people who have ​ worked their entire lives,” Selina Robinson, the NDP’s spokesperson for seniors, said. “They perhaps never made a lot of money — but they did their share.” “With the housing prices going up the way they are ... we have a lot of people who are just stuck. They’re just trapped in this never-ending cycle of poverty,” she said. “There’s this whole senior group that I don’t think government is really paying attention to.” Robinson says the issue is further compounded by the fact that the B.C. Senior’s Supplement — a guaranteed income supplement for low-income residents age 65 and older — is only $49.30 per month and hasn’t been raised since 1991. “I think that’s criminal that there hasn’t been recognition that the cost of living in 25 years hasn’t been matched by the B.C. Senior’s Supplement,” she said.

There are, however, affordable living supplements that lowincome seniors can also tap into. B.C. Housing’s Shelter Aid for Elderly Residents (SAFER) program subsidizes rent costs for 17,000 senior households across the province. According to B.C. Seniors Advocate Isobel Mackenzie, the subsidy works out to an additional $254 per month for renters in Vancouver. It also

hasn’t risen to match the cost of living. “The problem is the rent supplements have not risen with the tandem of the increases in rent,” Mackenze said. “Over ten years, rent went up 34 per cent but [the] supplement cap only went up 9 per cent.” “There’s not one answer and one solution for the housing needs for seniors,” she said. “Seniors are very different. They have different housing needs and they have different wants and desires.”

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Body of 19-year-old Ottawa student missing since 1994 identified

Police in Ottawa say they’ve identified remains found earlier this year as those of a 19-year-old student who disappeared more than 20 years ago. Investigators say the remains of Shafiq Visram — who was last seen near his Ottawa home on May 30, 1994 — were discovered on May 10 on a property being developed for housing. Investigators are asking anyone with information that would assist them in determining the events surrounding Visram disappearance to contact police. Ontario’s Missing Adults website says at the time of his disappearance, Visram was a student at South Carleton High School and after getting home from school, he left again sometime between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. He was last seen sitting on the ground near the bank of Mud Creek and his backpack was found in a nearby ravine. He left behind his wallet, bank card, passport and social insurance card, and his bank account has never been accessed.

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LOCAL

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Vancouver woman viciously attacked by a raccoon

A Vancouver woman is now recovering after a bizarre attack in her neighbourhood sent her to hospital. Karee Toft was walking her dog in East Vancouver early Monday morning when she was viciously attacked by a raccoon. She tried to fight the animal off but it was relentless, leaving her with more than 50 puncture wounds. After 15 minutes of screaming for help, neighbours came to her rescue. She was rushed to hospital and given a tetanus shot. Her dog was also hurt in the attack but is expected to make a full recovery. “[The raccoon] ran and actually jumped on me and knocked me over and attacked me,” said Toft. “He was in a total frenzy, he didn’t stop. I was holding Indie, our dog, with one hand as far away as I could on the ground.” “I was trying to kick or get away or punch the raccoon. He just wouldn’t stop.”

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Saturday, October 22, 2016

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A Surrey Mountie has been formally charged with child luring, a month after a public sting by a Surrey vigilante group. Dario Devic was the target of a Surrey Creep Catcher sting operation, undertakings to ensnare people who may be looking for the company of children. The group, which had someone posing as a 15-year-old girl, arranged a meeting with the man at City Centre Mall on Wednesday, Sept. 7. Devic was trapped by the group and filmed on video. Dan McLaughlin, spokesperson for the Criminal Justice Branch, said Tuesday that Crown is pursuing a charge of child luring against Devic. The officer was scheduled to be back in Surrey Provincial Court today (Wednesday). Last month, the RCMP was quick to criticize the methods of Creep Catcher, while at the same time putting distance between Devic and the national police force. RCMP Asst. Comm. Brenda ButterworthCarr said in September the work of Creep Catcher is dangerous for those involved and circumvent due process.

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Saturday, October 22, 2016

Surrey teen killed by falling tree A community is mourning the loss of a 16-year-old young man killed by a tree that fell during the windstorm as he walked home from his Surrey, high school. Shakir Salaam played rugby and dreamed of becoming a welder. "[Salaam's] beautiful soul and kindness touched so many lives and he was taken too soon," reads a posting on a fundraising page started to help the family. "His high school, Clayton Heights Secondary School, and the surrounding community of Clayton Heights in Surrey, B.C., is in mourning; family, friends, acquaintances teachers, administrators and the community are in shock right now," reads a message posted on the page organized by Tammy Larson, whose son goes to the school. Even B.C. Premier Christy Clark tweeted her condolences to the young man's family,

after hearing of the tragic death. "Very sad to learn of the [16-year-old] who died #SurreyBC ... my thoughts are with his family," Clark wrote. Salaam was known for his humour and positive attitude. He worked parttime at a Surrey restaurant and excelled at rugby. The teen died at the height of a storm that swept the Lower Mainland on Friday with winds estimated at up to 80 kilometres per hour. The call came in from Clayton Heights Secondary School around 2:30 p.m PT, said deputy Fire Chief Larry Thomas. First responders raced to a wooded area near the school to remove the tree from the injured student. Salaam was rushed to hospital where he died later of his injuries. He was originally identified as a 15-yearold in a police press release, but his age was given as 16 by friends and family members.

Trudeau’s hand-picked trade minister in tears as Canada-EU free trade talks collapse

Trade minister Chrystia Freeland has “walked out” of talks with Wallonia’s prime minister, Paul Magnette, her office confirmed, as it appeared the Belgian region would miss an EU deadline for CETA support Friday. Belgian broadcaster RTBF reported Freeland left the Walloon parliament on the verge of tears. Freeland was quoted in French as saying that she was “very, very sad” things hadn’t worked out and she had decided to return home to Canada. Interviewed by reporters after several days of negotiations, Freeland seemed harrowed, speaking in a strained voice and appearing to hold back tears. She said it seemed evident that the European Union is not capable, right now, of having an international agreement, “even with a country with European values such as Canada, even with a country as nice and as patient as Canada.” “Canada is disappointed. I am personally very disappointed. I worked very, very hard,” she said. After Freeland left, Magnette told reporters he is still open to further discussions. However, the Walloons need more time to look at the file, he said, adding he understands that this makes for a “very long” process for the Canadians. The EU’s chief trade negotiator, Cecilia Malmström, tweeted that she too was “sad” talks halted. “Still hope to find solution in order to sign CETA,” she said. “I sincerely

believe this is not the end of the process.” In Ottawa, Rona Ambrose, the Conservative Party’s interim leader, accused Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of being absent on the free trade file, saying the previous government had “gift-wrapped” the deal for their successors. “What’s happened with CETA is very, very concerning,” she said. “I see it as a complete lack of leadership on (Trudeau’s) part … he’s not over there making the case for why this is incredibly important.” Ambrose told the National Post she found Freeland’s reaction unusual. “The trade minister’s language is strange and it’s not fitting, it doesn’t fit with what we hope is what our prime minister and our trade minister do when they go to the table to fight for jobs for Canadians,” she said. “This deal was gift-wrapped and handed to Trudeau and he has completely dropped the ball, and she’s dropped the ball too. It’s highly unusual for a trade minister to walk and say, first of all, ‘I’ve been kind and patient but now I’m going home.’ What kind of signal is that to the people she’s negotiating with?” Ambrose went on. “That she’s tired and that she worked really, really hard? Well, guess what? That’s our job. That’s what we do. … She needs to be tough and see this through.” Perrin Beatty, president and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, said he doesn’t disagree with Freeland’s decision to step back from the process.

Diwali celebration by TD Bank Quite in accordance with the true spirit of Diwali, popularly known as the Festival of Lights, an impressive and enlightening multicultural program was arranged by all the branches of TD Canada Trust Abbotsford on October 16 at the prestigious Abbotsford Banquet and Conference Hall. With a view to create more awareness

about the multicultural aspect of Diwali the Bank invited communities from all backgrounds to attend this event. Speakers stressed upon the need to celebrate Diwali by inviting such multicultural audience. To provide the Punjabi cultural tinge to the event the Bhangra Team of Punjabi youths nicely enthralled the audience with their forceful and hilarious performance two times. It was keynote speaker Gian Singh Kotli who provided all embracing light on various aspects of Diwali as celebrated by different communities. He narrated the incidents as to how the lamps were lit when Lord Rama came back to his kingdom after spending 14 years in exile, Guru Hargobind Ji came to Amritsar, ascension to thrown of King Bikramaditya, martyrdom of Bhai Mani Singh Ji, worship of Goddess Kali, etc. The tradition goes on and to commemorate those events we light earthen lamps with mustard oil and decorate our homes with costly lights as well. This is a ritual. Quoting from Sikh Scripture Gian Singh Kotli stressed upon the need to grasp the real significance of this celebration which lies in enlightening our hearts with love compassion, humbleness, service, sympathy and virtuous deeds by removing the darkness of ignorance, evil deeds, greed, lust, hatred, meaningless rituals and envy. Sarbjeet Johal, Ahamad Rahan TD Bank manager and all members worked hard to make this program a success. Guests were provided with very delicious multicultural dinner. By: Gian Singh Kotli

Saturday, October 22, 2016

18 i Saturday, March 26, 2016

DREAM CARPET

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LOCAL

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Man killed in Langley, homicide was Hells Angels’ member Homicide investigators say a man killed in Langley, B.C., was believed to be a “wellestablished” member of the Hells Angels motorcycle gang. Cpl. Meghan Foster of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team says 56-year-old Burnaby resident Robert Keith Green was killed Sunday but she declined to release the cause of his death. Langley RCMP say officers were called for a report of suspicious circumstances Sunday morning and arrived to find a male who had

injuries consistent with foul play. Foster says police believe the attack was targeted and they are now looking to speak with anyone who may have witnessed the homicide or heard about it second hand. She declined to say whether an arrest has been made in the case but did say that there are no direct links between the death and a shooting in Langley that left a Mission, B.C., man with non-life threatening injuries Sunday night.

Most highest-paid BC govt employees are men Of the 100 highest-paid B.C. government employees, almost two-thirds, or 64 per cent, were men, according to The Sun’s public sector salary database. The proportion of men increases to three quarters (76 per cent) when the scope is narrowed to the top 50. This despite the fact that the majority of B.C. public servants (61 per cent) are women, according to a Workforce Profile Report published earlier this year by B.C. Stats, which used 2011 census data. While women accounted for almost 90 per cent of clerical staff, they represented just 46 per cent of senior managers. Jobs Minister Shirley Bond said the proportion of women in the B.C. government

has increased in recent years. Just under half — 47 per cent — of corporate executives, which include deputy ministers, associate deputy ministers and assistant deputy ministers, are women, Bond said, up six per cent from 2011. “At the associate deputy minister level, and obviously that’s the succession planning pool … over 64 per cent of them are women, and that’s up from 18 per cent in 2011. For this reason, “we’re going to continue to see women move into those very significant and important executive roles,” she said. Bond also said the premier, head of the public service, lieutenant-governor, justice minister and speaker of the house are all women.

Richmond mayor Malcolm Brodie (standing second from left) with supporters at his fundraising dinner last week.

Surrey’s iron lady makes world triathlon history The rain was coming in sideways, pooling around Elizabeth Model’s feet and shins. Model, the CEO of the Downtown Surrey Business Improvement Association, had just finished a 180-kilometre bike ride. Now, to make history, she had to run 42.2 kilometres through the worst weather Cambridge, Maryland could bombard her with. “We weren’t running,” she said. “We were swimming and wading through the water. It was up to our knees.” She knew she was in for a soggy and painful grind, even though the swimming portion of the race was cancelled because of the storm. Model charged on and after 12 hours, 18 minutes and 31 seconds, she crossed the finish line.

She had become the first woman to complete every Ironman race in the world. Model, 57, has now completed 75 triathlons and 99 marathons, joining Luis Alvarez, Jeff Jonas and John Wragg as the only people on the planet to have completed every race on the Ironman circuit. She first met Wragg after a race in Arizona more than a decade ago. “I went for some food and I went looking for some friendly faces,” she said. “There was a gentleman who turned around and looked at me. He smiled. I said to myself that looks like a friendly face so I thought I’d go introduce myself. He turned out to be John.” Model and Wragg bonded over triathlons and struck up a friendship that grew into a romance.

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LOCAL

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Chinese billionaires take interest in Canadian clean technology Canadian clean technology companies could be the next major investment for China’s business elite. But cyber-security experts and the opposition are warning that the keen interest from Chinese investors must be treated carefully. “For us at the moment, natural resources is not the top priority,” said Wang Chaoyong, the chairman and CEO of ChinaEquity, one of the country’s most successful independent venture capital firms. “We are more interested in investing in environment technology, clean tech [and] innovative sectors such as creative industries,” Wang said in an interview with CBC News. The investment mogul is part of a delegation from the elite China Entrepreneur Club, which is touring Canada to get a closer

look at potential investments. The group, which is often called China’s club for billionaires, met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday. “Canadian product, brand and innovative design are very popular in China, so we see the synergy between the Canadian product and the Chinese market,” Wang said. He explained his firm is looking to become a minority stakeholder in companies with products or systems that could be successful in China’s massive market. Wang said he’s noticed a new spirit of willingness for economic co-operation between China and Canada. “At the moment, I think we see the Chinese government and the Canadian government are doing a lot of work to help us.”

No ‘hard landing’ for Canadian house prices, says Moody’s Analytics Expect slower price growth in the Canadian real estate market over the next five years, but no “significant declines” at the national

level, Moody’s Analyitics said in new report released Tuesday. “While there has been much concern in Canada about an overheating housing market, we expect national house prices to avoid a significant correction,” Moody’s economist Andres Carbacho-Burgos said. Housing market correction or ‘a whole lot of nothing’? Uncertainty as new mortgage rules come into effect According to the report, Canadian detached single family house prices are expected to increase by nine per cent this

year, and by 2.9 per cent annually over the next five years. Meanwhile, condominium prices are forecast to grow by 4.6 per cent this year, and 2.2 per cent per annum over the next five years. Moody’s does caution that some metropolitan areas will see “modest” nearterm price declines. Prices in Edmonton are expected to trend slightly lower, despite an expected rise in oil prices. Saskatchewan and Newfoundland housing markets are in for “a rough two years,” Moody’s said, citing a combination of overvaluation and slow projected economic growth. In the wake of the introduction of a 15-percent tax on property purchases by foreign buyers in the Vancouver area and a new tax on vacant properties city, Moody’s said it expects prices for detached single-family homes in Vancouver will decline by less than three per cent next year. However, Moody’s cautioned that there are “downside risks” of even bigger declines because it judges that detached single-family homes in the Vancouver market are more than 60 per cent overvalued relative to the long-term price trend.

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EDC financing satellite construction in California because of ‘direct benefit’ to Canada

Export Development Canada has financed several satellites being built at Space Systems Loral (SSL) in Palo Alto, claiming since the American firm is owned by Canada’s MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates, the funding benefits Canada in the end. But space industry analysts are questioning how long EDC should continue paying for spacecraft to be built at the California plant since MDA’s management and operations have increasingly shifted to the U.S. EDC is a self-sustaining Crown corporation with a mandate to support Canadian exporters by offering them financial services and insurance. MDA’s new chief executive officer, Howard Lance, is a U.S. citizen who runs the company from its San Francisco headquarters. SSL MDA Holdings, Inc., registered as a corporation in Delaware, is now the operating company for all MDA businesses, both in the U.S. and Canada. On Oct. 3, the company made a series of new senior appointments, bringing in a retired U.S. Air Force general with a background in space operations and a former U.S. defence intelligence official who had worked for the Central Intelligence Agency. Chuck Black, an analyst from Toronto who operates a website dealing with commercial space activities, said EDC’s large loans are

essential for companies to finance satellites. “But the bottom line is that (EDC funding) is going to support high-tech jobs in the U.S.,” he added. “The question is whether this should continue?” In March 2015, EDC announced it

was providing $190 million to a Spanish telecommunications operator for a satellite to be built by SSL in California. Seven months later, Azerbaijan said EDC was financing another telecommunications satellite at the U.S. facility at a cost of about $191 million. In its news release about the Azerbaijan satellite, MDA highlighted SSL’s status as a U.S. company. MDA declined to discuss the number of EDC-financed satellites being built in Palo Alto, referring the question to the development corporation. Phil Taylor, spokesman for EDC, said the organization applies its services for the specific goal of generating benefits for Canada.

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National

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Majority say Justin Trudeau government is more style than substance: Ipsos poll He may be riding high in the polls, but Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s policies aren’t registering with Canadians, according to polling results released Wednesday. Despite the prime minister’s popularity, nearly half of all poll respondents were at a loss when asked to name an accomplishment the government has achieved in the past year, the Ipsos poll conducted for Global News suggests. And, one year after the election, six in 10 Canadians either strongly or somewhat agree the Trudeau government is more “style” than “substance.” Still, most say Trudeau’s approach to politics is good for Canada and for Parliament. The idea that voters continue to trust Trudeau will make good on his election platform is reflected in the dichotomy between two findings in Wednesday’s poll: Forty-five per cent of respondents either couldn’t think of what the government’s greatest accomplishment was or said, “nothing.” At the same time, 45 per cent also responded positively when asked, on an open-ended basis, to identify the first thing that came to mind when thinking of

the Liberals under Trudeau. Some of those positive answers included: they’re satisfied with the government’s performance; the prime minister is young and has new ideas; the government represents positive change for the better; and is progressive, open-minded or dynamic. “Justin Trudeau has got a lot good will capital out there,” Bricker said Wednesday. “But at a certain point you have to deliver on peoples’ expectations, otherwise a gap starts to form and that’s where trust falls.” Regardless of perceived accomplishments, or lack thereof, Canadians still like Trudeau’s governing style – setting him apart from his predecessor former Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper. Forty-six per cent of Canadians polled said they “somewhat agree” with the notion that Trudeau’s approach to politics has been good for Canada; another 19 per cent “strongly” agreed, for a combined 65 per cent. Compare that to the 46 per cent who said the same for Harper at the end of 2014. Similarly, where 64 per cent of respondents said Trudeau’s approach to politics has been good for Parliament, 43 per cent said so for Harper at the end of 2014.

CMHC to issue 1st ‘red’ warning on Canadian housing market Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. says the spread of affordability issues to real estate markets beyond Vancouver and Toronto will lead it to issue its first “red” warning for the national housing market. “CMHC has recently observed spillover effects from Vancouver and Toronto into nearby markets,” the federal Crown corporation’s president and CEO Evan Siddall said in a column published in the Globe and Mail. “These factors will be reflected in our forthcoming Housing Market Assessment on Oct. 26. They will cause us to issue our first “red” warning for the Canadian housing market as a whole.” “High levels of indebtedness coupled with elevated house prices are often followed by economic contractions,” Siddall said Monday in his article. “The conditions we now observe in Canada concern us.” New federal changes that went into effect on Monday have been brought in to tighten mortgage rules with the aim of cooling off the country’s overheated housing markets. Siddall said the new mortgage rules will both reduce the ability of home buyers to borrow and will increase lenders’ funding costs. He added that mortgage rates are expected to rise “modestly in response.” In a quarterly market assessment released

in July, CMHC said evidence of problematic conditions in the Canadian housing market went from weak in April to moderate in July.

CMHC raised its assessment of the Vancouver market from moderate to strong for strong signs of problems, joining Toronto, Calgary, Saskatoon and Regina. In the July report, CMHC also added Hamilton to Vancouver, Toronto, Saskatoon and Quebec City on its list of markets it considered to be strongly overvalued. However, not every market in that report was deemed to be at moderate or high risk of problems. CMHC said it saw “weak evidence of problematic conditions” in Victoria, Ottawa, Moncton, Halifax and St. John’s. In fact, the overall assessment for Ottawa eased from moderate to weak, the only market to see that change.

Bill Morneau says housing market rule changes will take time to play out Finance Minister Bill Morneau says it’s “impossible to say with absolute clarity” what the impacts of new mortgage rules introduced by Ottawa earlier this month will be.

The federal government announced a series of changes aimed at stabilizing the country’s housing markets, including

tightening mortgage rules that will put new limits on how much some buyers can borrow. The new rules mean that as of Oct. 17, all insured mortgages will have to undergo a stress test to make sure borrowers will still be able to make their payments even if interest rates go up in the future. Ottawa also closed a tax loophole so that only Canadian residents can use the principal residence tax exemption. The exemption allows homeowners to avoid capital gains tax when they sell a home as long as they were living in it. Morneau says the government will continue to stay focused on the housing market, but that he isn’t currently planning to announce any other measures aimed at cooling the market.

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Canadian troops supporting Kurds in fight to free Mosul from ISIS Canadian troops are supporting Kurdish fighters as they push toward the Iraqi city of Mosul, says Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan. Kurdish and Iraqi military forces launched the muchanticipated offensive Monday in a bid to free Iraq’s secondlargest city from the clutches of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. The operation is seen as a key moment in the fight against ISIS as the city of more than 1 million is the extremist group’s last bastion in Iraq. Local media reported that the Kurds, whom Canadian troops have helped train over the past two years, freed several villages during the drive to Mosul. At least six Kurdish fighters were killed and 16 others wounded during the first day of fighting. Speaking outside the Commons, Sajjan said he was “very proud” of the Iraqi security forces for mounting the operation. “And I’m especially proud of the fact that our Canadian Armed Forces have played an important role in this.” Asked what role the Canadians are playing, Sajjan said: “Exactly what they’ve been doing before. Making sure that the Iraqi security forces on the ground are able to conduct their operations effectively.” The offensive comes two weeks after the deputy commander of Canadian special forces, Brig.-Gen. Peter Dawe, revealed

his troops were spending more time at the frontlines as a result of the campaign against ISIS shifting from defence to offence. As a result, Canadian soldiers had engaged in a number of firefights with ISIS. Dawe would not provide specific details, though he insisted Canadian soldiers had only fired to defend themselves, allied forces or, in some cases, civilians. While the Liberal government withdrew Canada’s fighter jets from Iraq and Syria earlier this year, about 170 special forces troops continue to work with Kurdish forces in the north of the country. Their mission has been billed as “noncombat,” though the government says they can shoot in self-defence. Some critics have accused the Liberals of tailoring the definition of combat to fit with promises made during last year’s election campaign. Officials have since clamped down on the amount and type of information provided about the mission. The long-awaited offensive to retake Mosul from the Islamic State group began Monday with a volley of U.S. led coalition airstrikes and heavy artillery bombardments on a cluster of villages along the edge of Iraq’s historic Nineveh plain east of the militant-held city.

Federal Minister Jane Philpott says any new health dollars must go directly to health Federal Health Minister Jane Philpott says it will take more than just money to fix Canada’s “middle-of-the-road” health system. On the eve of what’s expected to be an acrimonious meeting with her provincial counterparts, Philpott said she’s puzzled that despite “dramatic increases” in transfers over the years, there has not been an equal increase in health spending. She wants to make sure any new investments go directly to health. “I don’t know where that money is going,” she said. “We give the money to the Canada Health Transfer and it actually goes to the general revenue streams of the provinces.” Philpott said the goal is not to throw more money at an underperforming system, but to transform it to improve priority areas like home care and palliative care. “There are countries in this world, there are many of them, developed countries, Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries, that are getting far better value for money than we are,” she said. “We pay some of the highest costs in the world for health care, and we’ve got a middleof-the-road system.” Philpott met with stakeholders including doctors and patients’ groups in the run-up to Tuesday’s potential showdown with her provincial and territorial counterparts, who are rejecting the government’s offer of a three per cent annual funding boost. Previous annual hikes were set at six per cent, and the provinces say the reduction will leave them unable to deal with the country’s

fast-changing demographics and aging population. “We say that that’s just not acceptable,” said Quebec Finance Minister Carlos Leitao. “So it’s going to make for some interesting negotiations.” Ontario Health Minister Eric Hoskins insisted that any extra money provided by the federal government would not go to a general revenue stream. “An increase in that would certainly be spent on the health care budget of Ontario,” he said. Hoskins explained that because the federal contribution makes up about 25 per cent of Ontario’s total health spending, a six per cent escalator translates into only 1.5 per cent increase. Indigenous health, opioid abuse and prescription drugs are all topics for discussion, but the federal funding question is the most pressing and divisive issue on the agenda. Provinces say health funding should be a 50-50 split with the federal government, but the provinces are now footing about 80 per cent of the bill. Ontario Finance Minister Charles Sousa called the situation “problematic,” and urged that negotiations be escalated to the first ministers level. “We need predictable, sustainable funding going forward,” he said. “All of us are preparing our next budgets and we need to foster ways to support our commitments as we go.” B.C. Finance Minister Michael de Jong warned that the federal-provincial relationship is at stake.

NATIONAL

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national

Saturday, October 22, 2016

City of Vancouver sues to shut down Airbnb rental The City of Vancouver has taken its battle with Airbnb to B.C. Supreme Court — petitioning to stop the nightly rental of a twobedroom townhome in Fairview Slopes. The lawsuit targets East West Investments, the company registered as the owner of the unit, as well as Heather Chang, a doctor listed as the company’s director. Chang declined comment on the court filing. The petition cites Vancouver’s zoning bylaw as a rationale for prohibiting the rental of a home or apartment for a period of less than one month unless it’s part of a hotel or bed and breakfast. It’s believed to be the first time the city has gone to court to take on the online short-term rental company, which local politicians have claimed is partly responsible for eating into Vancouver’s diminished supply of affordable housing. According to the petition, a city employee booked a listing for an “elegant 2BR in Fairview” on Airbnb Sept. 6 for a two-night stay starting the next day. The reservation confirmation gave the address as an apartment in the 700 block of West 7th Avenue with the host of the premises listed as Flatbook Team, a property management company. “The city employee had received instructions ... that she would find a lockbox attached to the front gate of the premises and she was given the code to the lockbox in order to access keys to the door,” the claim reads. “The premises was a three-level townhome with two-bedrooms, and items such as towels, toiletries, and cooking utensils were

provided.” The petition says the property manager contacted the city employee several times during her stay via text message and email to ensure she hadn’t encountered any problems. She checked out of the apartment on Sept. 9. According to the court documents, the city employee observed the unit listed on Airbnb on three dates after she checked out. The petition says the apartment is still listed as available for periods under one month. The city is seeking an order from the court to force East West Investments and Chang to cease offering the unit for periods of less than one month. The petition also calls for costs. As a legal basis, the petition cites the zoning and development bylaw that restricts the use of dwelling units for less than one month to hotels and bed and breakfasts. The petition also claims that the defendants are contravening a bylaw that requires them to have a business licence. Airbnb would not comment on the lawsuit itself, but said in an emailed statement that the vast majority of Vancouverites who list properties on the website “do so a few nights each month to earn a modest, supplemental income that helps pay the bills.” Spokesman Christopher Nulty said the company is working with the City of Vancouver. Last month, Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson proposed a system that would require people to get a business licence for Airbnb and other short-term rentals. He estimated the move would put up to 1,000 homes back into the long-term rental pool.

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BC NDP candidate forced to reveal bisexuality after questions over party’s equity rule An NDP candidate in next year’s provincial election has revealed he is bisexual, following complaints by the person he defeated for the party’s nomination regarding a new rule intended to increase the NDP’s diversity. Gerry Taft, the mayor of Invermere, won the NDP’s nomination for Columbia River-Revelstoke last Saturday by defeating Spring Hawes, who sits on Invermere council. The current MLA is the NDP’s Norm MacDonald, who is retiring after three terms in office. The party has a policy requiring any departing MLA to be replaced by a woman or “equity-seeking candidate,” including racial minorities, Indigenous people, and members of the LGBTQ community. Hawes is a woman with a disability, and after losing the race, she questioned how Taft could be the candidate. “The spirit of the policy is to increase representation. I am at a loss to understand how that could happen if you don’t claim membership in whatever equity-seeking group that you are a member,” said Hawes. “Maybe there needs to be more clarity around that policy in that if you use that policy to qualify then you should probably be comfortable sharing what equity group you belong to.” On Monday, Taft, who is married with a one-year-old son, told The Vancouver Sun that he had been given approval by the NDP to run as a minority, but preferred to keep the

reason private. But by Tuesday, he decided to come out publicly. “Due to my family situation and my belief that an MLA should represent all people, I chose to keep my equity status private. I believed that my privacy would be respected and that I would be able to make my disclosure in my own time, and in my own way, if I chose to do so,” he wrote in a statement. “Over the last few days, it has become clear that there are those, including the person I defeated for the nomination, who will continue to insist that my equity status be publicly disclosed.… I am choosing to disclose now because it will allow us to turn our attention away from the equity mandate towards the issues that really matter to this region.” When nomination battles for the 2017 provincial election began in earnest last month, NDP President Craig Keating said there hadn’t been any consideration of changing the policy. “We have a policy in place that reflects the diversity of the province and promotes the diversity of the province,” he said. “We’ve got energetic contests everywhere you go. The notion that somehow this is a narrowing, this is a winnowing ... this in an invitation for the true diverse character of this province to get in the game.”

punjab

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Govt spent Rs 176 crore on promoting itself: Channi

Channi today said the government was wasting crores on publicity to cover up its non-performance and non-governance since 2007. In a press release, Channi said the Badal government spent a whopping Rs 176 crore on promoting the government’s achievements and now they have kept a budget of Rs 150 crore in the election year. Sharing the information procured under the RTI Act, Channi said, “The total expenditure in all these years comes to be Rs 176.31 crore. The budget for the current year is Rs 150 crore. Besides, they have also kept Rs 50 crore for the field publicity and impact-assessment related jobs for only one year.” The expenditure on propaganda on Google and Facebook from March to August last totalled Rs 31.2 lakh. Then there

Salwinder booked in sexual assault case

is expenditure for display advertisements under a separate head. He said the allocation under this head during the current year was Rs 75 crore. This all was being done just seeing the forthcoming Assembly elections in the state, he said. He said the Congress after coming into power would order probe into such wasteful expenditure. He said the government had earmarked Rs 50 crore for impact assessment during the current year. Channi said the impact was visible from the luxury buses of the Badals plying on every route in the state. The Congress would approach the state Election Commission to stop this misuse at once because all this was being done to mislead the voters of Punjab, he alleged. “This is a government that believes more in showmanship rather than delivery,” he said.

Youth Akali Dal leader held for kidnapping trader The police arrested Youth Akali Dal (YAD) leader Kalyan Singh and Gurpreet Singh, son and nephew of SGPC member Sukhchain Singh Dharampura, respectively, for allegedly kidnapping a Budhlada-based businessman two months ago. The businessman returned home after the payment of ransom. Kalyan Singh is the YAD general secretary for the Malwa zone. The police also claimed to have recovered Rs 22.5 lakh from the accused against whom a number of cases of robbery and cheating have been registered in police stations across the state. Businessman Chiman Lal was allegedly kidnapped near Datewas village of Budhlada division in the district on August 4. A case was registered the next day. The accused demanded a ransom of Rs 1 crore, but the deal was struck at Rs 30 lakh. A senior police official reportedly sent

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The police tonight booked SP Salwinder Singh under Section 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) of the IPC. SSP Jasdeep Singh confirmed the development. Salwinder is already facing a rape case filed by a local woman in August. He is yet to be arrested. In the latest case, a joint complaint was filed by seven women constables of Gurdaspur. The case was registered after the SSP’s office received the report of the inquiry conducted by the ADGP (Investigation). An inquiry had also been conducted by Gurpreet Deo, a senior police officer. Salwinder was allegedly kidnapped by a group of militants a day before the Pathankot terror attack. In the earlier case, a local resident had alleged that Salwinder raped his wife on May 9, 2014. The case was registered after GS Khurana, an IPS officer who conducted the inquiry, concluded in his report that the woman was raped.

his team along with the victim’s family to withdraw cash from the bank to pay the ransom. On August 19, Chiman was back home.

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Saturday, October 22, 2016

NRI convicted in insider trading case in US An Indian-origin private equity investor has been convicted of conspiracy and securities fraud in the US for tipping off two friends about a proposed 2013 acquisition of a firm by India-based Apollo Tyres, an insider trading scheme that netted over US $1 million. Amit Kanodia, 49, was convicted by the federal jury in Boston following a six-day trial of one count of conspiracy and 10 counts of securities fraud, with each count representing the purchase of Cooper Tire securities by co-conspirators Iftikar Ahmed and Steven Watson. Kanodia was acquitted of eight additional counts of securities fraud related to other purchases made by Ahmed and Watson. US District Court Judge Nathaniel G Gorton scheduled sentencing for January next year. Ahmed, a graduate of the Indian Institute

of Technology in New Delhi and Harvard Business School, previously fled to India in May 2015 after prosecutors accused him and longtime friend Kanodia for having engaged in insider trading. Ahmed remains a fugitive, while Watson pleaded guilty and is set to be sentenced in November. In the spring of 2013, Kanodia tipped off his two friends, Ahmed and Watson, about the contemplated acquisition of Cooper Tire and Rubber Company by India-based Apollo Tyres. Kanodia learned about the possible acquisition from his wife who was the General Counsel of Apollo at the time. In the months leading up to the public announcement of the acquisition, both Ahmed and Watson purchased shares and options in Cooper Tire which trades on the New York Stock Exchange.

Trump rhetoric gives hope to Indian-American Congress hopeful An Indian-American social-worker running for the US Congress from New Jersey is confident of winning the seat and dislodging a fourtime Republican veteran in the November 8 general elections due to Donald Trump’s rhetoric and lewd remarks about women. “Things are changing fast. I have a very good chance now,” said Peter Jacob, 30, a Democrat who is running for the US House of Representative from 7th Congressional District in New Jersey which is known to be a strong Republican bastion. Trump’s unpleasant rhetoric and lewd remarks about women appears to be changing the dynamics of New Jersey, which over the past several decades has repeatedly sent Republican leaders to the Congress. On Saturday, hours after his morning doorto-door campaign, he managed to convince a Trump supporter to vote for him, Jacob, who was born in Kerala, claimed sitting in his small single-family home in a Union neighbourhood of New Jersey. A recent internal survey shows he has narrowed the gap with his opponent Leonard Lance. While Lance is supported by 37 per cent of the registered voters, he is being supported by 34 per cent. Yesterday, several

of the senior advisers from the Bernie Sanders Campaign joined his Congressional campaign. US Senator from Vermont, Sanders has already endorsed him, which he says has given a big boost to his campaign among the youths. Adam Burgdorf, who held the position of Political Affairs Adviser at the UN, has joined Jacob’s team as Deputy Communications Manager. “The campaign is expanding its reach; Peter continues to gain supporters because he talks about the important issues and he is not a ‘career politician’ type,” said Fred Lonsdale, former GOTV Director for the Bernie Sanders campaign. Latest Federal Election Commission filings show Jacob out- raise his opponent Lance on individual contributions by a margin of nearly three to one. Jacob has consistently campaigned to put “People Over Politics” by prioritising the concerns and needs of everyday people over those of large corporations and career politicians. Jacob, who spend several hours a day in his door-to-door campaign, said he plans to reach out to most of his 500,000 voters before the election day either personally, or by phone, email, letters and television advertisement.

NRIs split in claiming victory for Clinton, Trump Indian-Amercian supporters of Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump on Thursday claimed victory for their respective candidates in the final presidential debate here even as the US media declared the Democratic nominee as the winner of the debate. The Indian-American supporters of Trump asserted that the real estate tycoon from New York successfully got his points across to his voters and was effective in his targeted message. “Trump got his point across to his voters and was effective in his targeted message,” Puneet Ahluwalia from the Trump Asian Advisory Committee said in a statement after the conclusion of the third and final presidential debate here.

“The most stunning moment in the debate came when Trump did not say definitively that he would accept the election results on November 8. It certainly calls into question Trump’s understanding of the fundamental principles of American democracy and his temperament to be President,” Frank Islam, one of the top Indian American fundraisers for the Clinton Campaign said. “In the game of American baseball, it’s three strikes and you are out. If the same thing were true in Presidential elections, after the third debate, Donald Trump would have been sent off the playing field and back to the dugout,” Potomac, Maryland based Islam said in a statement.

NRI appointed DHS academic advisory council member Renu Khator, a top Indian-American academic, has been appointed as member of the US Department of Homeland Security’s Academic Advisory Council. The appointment of Khator, chancellor of the University of Houston System and president of the University of Houston (UH), was announced by US Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson on Wednesday. The council, which is made up of 23 members, including college presidents, academic leaders and inter-agency partners, provides advice and recommendations to the secretary on matters related to homeland security and the academic community. Since its formation in 2012, members have issued more than 120 recommendations in the areas of academic research and faculty

exchange, campus resilience, cybersecurity, international students, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) academic programmes and recruitment of current students and recent graduates. Khator, who will serve a four-year term on the council, was selected by DHS based on her expertise in higher education leadership and University of Houston’s leadership in homeland security research. University of Houston is the lead institution for the DHS Center of Excellence for Borders, Trade and Immigration Research, awarded in late 2015, and one of only three universities in Texas with dual designation by the National Security Agency and the DHS for its educational and research programmes in cybersecurity and cyber defense.

INDIA

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Pakistan to ban all Indian TV content

Pakistan will ban all Indian content on television and radio channels from Friday, its media regulator said, stepping up media titfor-tat bans that followed a spike in tension between the nucleararmed neighbours. The complete ban will start on Friday at 3 pm, Muhammad Tahir, the spokesman of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), said. The measure goes further than the regulator’s crackdown on Indian media announced this month, when it vowed to enforce an existing law that allows channels to air Indian content for just 86 minutes each day.

Varun Gandhi under attack over defence ‘leaks’

The Swaraj Abhiyan today accused the government of “deliberate inaction” over the past defence scams and alleged it was shielding arms dealer Abhishek Verma by not allowing the CBI to file an FIR despite ample evidence against him. At a press conference, Swaraj Abhiyan leaders Prashant Bhushan and Yogendra Yadav released a letter written by USbased Edmond C Allen, a whistleblower and a one-time partner of Verma, which alleged that BJP MP Varun Gandhi had been honeytrapped to leak sensitive defence documents. The purported letter was written by Allen to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September this year and it also named a couple of Navy

and IAF officers who had been honey-trapped and compromised to leak sensitive data and details. Gandhi denied allegations, saying “Have they (Bhushan and Yadav) substantiated any of these insane claims. They have not provided an iota of evidence in their press conference, rather they did not have the courage to take my name.” He said he had not meet Abhishek Verma since 2004. “I shall be filing a criminal defamation case against Bhushan and Yadav. I have clarified that the parliamentary committee on defence holds no sensitive documents,” he said.

Earlier in the day, Bhushan questioned the government, saying “Why does the current BJP government not take any action against the corruption that took place during the Congress regime.” He was referring to the Scorpene submarine deal inked in 2005, adding the CBI sought closure in the case and the Delhi High Court accepted it in January 2016. “To date neither any inquiry has been ordered nor any action has been taken at least against the persons who are readily identifiable for compromising national security,” he said.

Triple talaq ban in women’s interest Banning triple talaq is an effort to protect rights of Muslim women and not a political issue. This was stated by National Commission for Women Chairperson Lalitha Kumaramangalam here today. “We are not comparing with other women. It is not a comparison of religious laws and customs. It also does not have anything to do with the Uniform Civil Code,” said Kumaramanglam at a press conference. Stating that several complaints had been coming in from Muslim women who said the practice of triple talaq was disempowering, she said it also curtailed the independence of women and was very restricting. “It is a misused custom and has to be done away with. Several Islamic countries have banned triple talaq,” she said. The NCW chief met Muslim women in Hyderabad and Mumbai last year and was briefed on the practice of triple talaq and nikah halala and their ramifications by lawyers. “There is a concern as to how triple talaq is applied unilaterally leaving women and their children in very bad shape. A majority of Muslim women are poorly educated and unable to access resources or legal help making them very vulnerable,” the NCW chief said. The NCW is a respondent in a case filed by women rights activists who have sought a ban on triple talaq by the judiciary. The Supreme Court is hearing a batch of petitions which have challenged the legality of triple talaq.

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INDIA

Saturday, October 22, 2016

22 killed as bus rolls down gorge in Reasi At least 22 persons were killed and several others injured when the bus they were travelling in skidded off the road and rolled into a gorge in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir today. Reasi Deputy Commissioner Ravinder Kumar said the injured had been shifted to various hospitals for treatment. “Eighteen seriously injured persons have been airlifted to Government Medical College and Hospital in an Indian Air Force helicopter,” he said. Some of them were in a critical condition. The bus (JK02S-0295), allegedly packed beyond its capacity, was on way to Bakal village from Reasi when it rolled down a deep gorge near Guru Nanak area of Jyotipuram, killing 15 persons on the spot. Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has expressed grief over the loss of lives. She

asked the district administration to speed up the rescue operation and ensure prompt medical care to the injured.

The Reasi DC has released an immediate cash relief of Rs 10,000 each to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 5,000 each for the injured.

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Revisions #: 0 Oct 5, 2016 2:43 PM

Condemning the death of a Dalit protester Prabhat Parmar in Junagarh demanding uncultivated government land, BSP supremo Mayawati today hit out at the Gujarat Government for unleashing atrocities on the Dalits. In a press statement, Mayawati welcomed the ongoing Dalit agitation in Gujarat following the Una killings in which the community members were peacefully demanding the government land. Mayawati asked the

BJP-led Central Government to redistribute uncultivated government land to Dalits and tribals at least in the BJP-ruled states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Haryana and Rajasthan. “The Dalits are not begging for charity but demanding their constitutional right” said Mayawati asking PM Modi to prove his new-found love for Dalits by handing land over to them.

india

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Transactions worth Rs 30 crore identified in call centre scam Investigators today told a local court they have identified transactions worth Rs 25-30 crore in the call centre scam here till now and that it will take a long time for them to arrive at the actual figure, given the magnitude of the scandal. Several teams were interrogating the 71 accused arrested so far in connection with the scam, which came to light when police raided call centres in Mira Road and other areas earlier this month, ACP (Crime) Mukund Hatote, the Investigating Officer, told the Court of Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) P D Chavan. He said police have identified transactions worth Rs 25-30 crore so far and it will take a long time to know the exact amount the victims, all American citizens, had been duped of. The ACP made the observation while seeking police custody of two accused arrested in the second case related to the scam. The first case was filed with Mira Road police and the second with Naya Nagar police. Hatote said some of the arrested accused informed the police two accused - Nazir Abdul Sadam Dhori (29) and Arjun Naresh Vasudeo (24)- had played an important role in the entire racket. The police officer made the submissions through assistant public prosecutor Jaishree Tatke. The Court later sent Dhori and Vasudeo to police custody till October 25. Two other accused - Jagdish Kanani, a businessman who mentored Sagar Thakkar alias Shaggy, the alleged mastermind of the racket, and Hyder Mansuri - were also sent to police custody till October 25 by another court presided over by JMFC A B Katte. The scam relates to Indian tele-callers forcing US citizens to part with dollars by posing as American tax officials. It operated out of nearly a dozen call centres in Thane.

India has seen ‘dramatic’ improvements in opportunities available to girl child

India has seen "dramatic" improvements in the opportunities available to the girl child, a United Nations report said while showcasing the country as an example to be replicated worldwide for bettering the condition of their youthful populations. However, 'The State of World Population 2016' report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) warned that practices that harm girls and violate their human rights, starting at age 10, prevent them from realising their full potential as adults and more needs to be done the world over. "Both India and China, which together are home to roughly one in three 10-year-olds alive today, are among the world's fastest growing economies and have seen dramatic improvements in the opportunities available to youth," the report said. It quoted the International Centre for Research on Women to estimate that India loses nearly $56 billion a year in potential earnings because of adolescent pregnancy, high secondary school dropout rates and joblessness among young women. It, however, also showcased India among the countries+ whose initiatives can be replicated for worldwide improvements. "But through a concerted effort by governments, civil society, communities and international institutions to learn from and replicate successful initiatives in places as diverse as India, the United States and Ethiopia, the world can transform every 10-year-old girl's future and ignite her full potential.

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Law has loopholes for use of religion, caste in polls: SC A seven-Judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court headed today said the ban on seeking votes on the basis of religion, caste or language appeared to be inadequate to ensure that poll campaigns were free from these issues. The Bench said going by the arguments of litigants’ counsel it was clear that Section 123 of the Representation of People Act, 1951, banned only the candidates, their parties and agents from appealing to the voters in the name of their respective religions. The candidates could overcome this impediment by taking the help of people belonging to other castes and religions to exploit the voters’ sentiments, the Bench noted. “You seem to be arguing that though it is desirable to keep religion and caste out of

electoral politics, the legislature has chosen to bar only the candidates and their agents and parties from seeking vote” on these lines, the Bench told senior counsel Shyam Divan, who was arguing for one of the litigants in a batch of petitions on the issue. “Can there be a ban on discussion of religion and caste at election meetings,” the Bench asked Divan. Activist Teesta Setalvad and two others pleaded for intervening in the case, contending the SC could come to the right conclusions only if it heard the views of neutral persons like them. “Parties in the appeals are people with allegiance to some political party or the other hence their submissions may not necessarily uphold the Constitutional framework,” they said in their application.

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FIJI

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Calls for USP vice chancellor to step down Shadow Minister for Education, Mika Leawere has called on the University of the South Pacific Vice Chancellor, Rajesh Chandra, to step down immediately following the decision by the tertiary institution to de-register students who have not paid all fees for Semester 2 this year. Mr Leawere in a statement by the Opposition Chambers, expressed his total bewilderment at the latest decision of the University of the South Pacific, weeks before students sit their final exams to totally de-register them for non-payment of fees. “The Vice Chancellor must step down immediately and I call on the USP Council to launch an immediate inquiry into this matter. “Taxpayers of Fiji contribute towards Fiji being the biggest financial member state contributor of the University and this draconian policy lacks any humanity or wisdom given that Fiji and many students are

still recovering from the devastation of TC Winston,” Mr Leawere said. “There still remains many students who are not covered by scholarship and for whom this unrealistic threat would simply be devastating. It speaks volumes of the leadership of the university namely the Vice Chancellor. He must step down and the USP Council must investigate this immediately in fairness to the taxpayers of Fiji,” he said. He raised the question whether members of the USP Fijian Students Association were consulted. “While we accept that the university is an institution of higher education and is not a charitable organisation, surely an institution of academics can empathise with their students who are already stressed with exam preparations and now are further burdened with an inhumane policy that dashes all their hard work for the semester at the 11th hour,” he said.

18 workers on the run The Fijian Government is working with the Australian Government to ensure the return of the 18 Fijian seasonal workers who are still on the run in Australia. This was confirmed by Employment Opportunities Minister Jone Usamate. He said because of this, Australian employers have confirmed they would recruit only 33 seasonal workers from Fiji this year compared with 137 last year. Mr Usamate said this was one of the main reasons Government had decided to conduct recruitment for seasonal work from rural isolated areas. A

team from the ministry is currently at Yadua Island in Bua with the minister holding public consultations and registering those who wish to be part of the scheme. Meanwhile, the ministry’s permanent secretary Salaseini Daunabuna farewelled 16 seasonal workers bound for Australia to be re-employed under the Australian Seasonal Work Programme (SWP). The group was engaged last year by the same Australian employer and because of excellent work performance, they have been recruited for another seven months.

FSC chief executive officer resigns FIJI Sugar Corporation CEO Abdul Khan has resigned. Speaking to this newspaper last night, he said he was stepping down from the helm of the corporation because of health issues. “I have to get myself sorted and then I will look at what is next in store for me in terms of career,” Mr Khan said. Mr Khan said after five years as head of the miller, he believed he had put the corporation and the industry in good stead. “Others may think otherwise, but I have put the FSC in a good position to handle whatever challenges ahead. “I still believe the FSC and the industry in general has a lot of potential and I do hope that whoever takes over has the foresight to carry on with the platform we have prepared and takes the industry to where it should be.”

Mr Khan added that after addressing personal health issues, he would focus on his company, AJYNK Ltd. “It has been a wonderful, challenging and long journey and I hope that the industry will remember all the good things I have done. “It isn’t easy to be at the top but I do hope people take the positives and move with it.” Despite his optimism, growers representative organisations had expressed disappointment with the lack of consultation on issues concerning them including two bills, the Sugar Industry Amendment Act and Sugar Cane Growers Fund Amendment Bill. Growers had also raised serious concerns about the lack of assistance by the industry in the wake of Severe TC Winston.

Remove the blacklist and show Fiji is democratic - NFP The President of the National Federation Party, Hon Roko Tupou Draunidalo today said that the Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama needs to follow through rhetoric with action and lift the travel bans on all individuals including former Fiji citizens, who have been barred from entering Fiji for speaking out against the military dictatorship in the aftermath of the December 2006 coup. Last weekend the PM announced in Australia that any journalist would be free to visit the country and report without restriction once they have been accredited by the Department of Information. This also referred to three prominent journalists from New Zealand and Australia who were banned from entering Fiji. The Prime Minister has also just urged Fijians in Australia to take advantage of the dual citizenship that Fiji now offers, return to Fiji and build a house or start a business and come and go as they please and be global citizens. However all this will remain just tokenism unless bans against those who have served Fiji loyally in their capacity as expatriates as well as former Fiji citizens remain in place. Ms Draunidalo said that the Prime Minister now needs to remove the so-called “blacklist” that’s with the Immigration Department that prevents former and current Fiji Citizens from returning to Fiji, the land of their birth. “The name of academics Professor Brij Lal and his wife, Dr Padma Lal, as well as other individuals who have been placed on this list for frivolous, undemocratic reasons, must be removed if the Prime Minister really wants to show the world that Fiji is a robust democracy.” “Inviting Fijians to return home for simply financial and economic reasons, is not being global at all. They have their families,

friends, cultural roots and identity here in Fiji and have the best foundation to contribute to Fiji’s social and economic progress. “The fact that remittances is reported to be easily Fiji’s second largest foreign exchange earner after tourism, says a lot for the generosity, cultural ties and the greatest asset that we have – in the Fijians overseas, who keep sending through funds to their homeland.” Ms Draunidalo also called on the Prime Minister to be transparent with the usage of taxpayers’ funds to fund members of his entourage to Sydney and to New Zealand. “First of all, we saw the Commissioner of Police was in that delegation. Now why was the Commissioner of Police accompanying the Prime Minister to a Fiji Day function at the same time when the DPP’s Office has confirmed the inefficiencies of his office in detaining members of the Opposition, including the NFP Leader, Professor Biman Prasad.” “The Commissioner of Police should have been all throughout here in Fiji, attending to the spiraling crime cases, police brutality and thinking out long-term, sustainable and lawful solutions without taking the all too easy, draconian solution of arming the Police Force,” Ms Draunidalo added. The NFP President also outlined that an NFP Government will remove the blacklist and will repeal the excessive powers given to the Immigration Minister, Prime Minister or any other minister, public official or organization that is not fair and just in a democratic society. “This also includes removing any legislation that infringes on basic civil and political rights, and following through with action, including ceasing the harassment and arbitrary arrest of its citizens.” “We will be guided by recognised

NFP wants Khan probe

The National Federation Party has called for an investigation into former Fiji Sugar Corporation CEO Abdul Khan. In a statement released yesterday, NFP leader Professor Biman Prasad said under Mr Khan’s leadership over the past five years, the FSC had become technically insolvent with liabilities of more than $225 million to the combined value of the corporation’s assets. Mr Khan handed in his resignation to the FSC board on Wednesday citing

health issues as the reason for stepping down. “Mr Khan’s resignation must not come into effect immediately, but until after the completion and outcome of independent investigations,” said Prof Prasad. “He should only step aside now to ensure independence of the investigation process. Khan said during his five-year term at the helm of FSC, he had done everything in the best interest of the miller and the industry.

PAKISTAN

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Pak lodges protest over India’s ‘ceasefire violation’ on LoC Pakistan today summoned the Indian Deputy High Commissioner here over the killing of a civilian in India’s “unprovoked ceasefire violation” across the LoC and sought an immediate probe. Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said that 28-year-old villager Abdul Rehman was killed in “unprovoked firing by India in Karela sector of the Line of Control (LoC)” late last night. 12 others, including women and children, were injured in the incident, the FO said in a press release. The Indian Deputy High Commissioner was called in by the Director General (South Asia & SAARC) today over “unprovoked ceasefire violations on the LoC by Indian forces”, it said. “It was conveyed that the Indian side must

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Pakistan threatens action if India breaches Indus Water Treaty

investigate the incident and share the findings with Pakistan, India must instruct its troops to respect the ceasefire, in letter and spirit, refrain from intentionally targeting the villages and maintain peace and stability on the LoC,” the release said. It further added that Pakistan notes with “deep concern that during the last couple of months, there have been a number of ceasefire violations from the Indian side on the LoC and the Working Boundary”. Separately in Rawalpindi, the Pakistani military handed over a protest letter to the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) representative.

Pakistan on Thursday warned of “appropriate action” if India violates the Indus Water Treaty and said it is closely monitoring the situation, amid reports that New Delhi may revisit the key water sharing accord. “Appropriate action will be taken in line with the Treaty in case of any violation by India,” Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said at the weekly briefing. Pakistan was keeping a close eye on the situation, Radio Pakistan quoted him as saying. Zakaria’s remarks come amid reports that India may review the 56-year-old Indus Water Treaty. He said that India is making “desperate attempts” to divert attention from the “

atrocities and human right violations “ being committed in Kashmir. He said Pakistan is highlighting Indian brutalities in Kashmir at world fora and there has been “very substantive outcome” of these efforts but the international community remains concerned about the situation. Responding to a question, he claimed that India violated ceasefire on the Line of Control for more than 90 times this year. The notion of isolating Pakistan is “ridiculous”, Zakaria said, adding that India’s “negative attitude” has been exposed which is the biggest hurdle in the way of regional development and prosperity.

Supreme Court issues notice to PM Sharif Pakistan’s Supreme Court on Thursday issued notice to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his family members in the ‘ Panama Papers’ leaks+ case, acting on petitions seeking his disqualification over alleged corruption and illegally possessing assets abroad. The court heard several petitions, including by Imran Khan+ of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, which accused Sharif and his family members of illegally transferring money abroad after the ‘Panama Papers’ leaks showed his family of possessing properties in the UK. In addition to Sharif, the court also issued notices his daughter Maryam, sons Hasan and Hussain, son-in-law Muhammad Safdar,

finance minister Ishaq Dar, director general Federal Investigation Agency, chairman Federal Board of Revenue, and the attorney general. The three-judge SC bench, consisting of Chief Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali, Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Khilji Arif Hussain, adjourned the case for two weeks after initial hearing. Cricketer-turned-politician Khan, who is leading the alleged corruption case against Sharif, was present in the court. Later taking to reporters, he said Sharif was behaving like a king but he would make him accountable before the law.

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South asia

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Pakistan’s blue-eyed tea seller sparks national soul searching A Pakistani tea merchant with velvet eyes saw his life changed this week when his portrait spread around the Internet, sparking ardent debates on class, objectification, and the place of ethnic Pashtuns in society. Arshad Khan had no idea he had set the Internet alight from Pakistan to India and beyond: he has no phone, and cannot read. "It was a real surprise," the young "chai wala", or tea seller, told AFP. "I was aware that I am handsome but you can't do anything when you are poor," he said, adding that the image has "changed the way I think." In the candid photograph, snapped by a passing photographer and posted on Instagram, Khan prepares Pakistan's ubiquitous milk tea, his blue green eyes looking frankly into the camera. It set social media users swooning, with the 18-year-old's image shared tens of thousands of times since October 14. By Tuesday, the Islamabad market where photographer Javeria Ali took the fateful shot was swarmed by dozens eager to gawk at the young worker.

But in a country where women have long fought for rights and rarely express their feelings publicly, that fervour soon morphed into an intense debate on what it meant to reduce a poor man to a beautiful object. "We are more used to seeing this happen to women, it is still creepy whan it happens to a boy," feminist columnist Bina Shah told AFP. "Just because people are bored does not mean you can play with someone's life." Columnist Maria Amir concluded that "reverse sexism is still a form of sexism" on the website of Pakistan's biggest-selling English language newspaper, Dawn. But she also echoed many in noting that the true "ick factor" was in social class rather than gender. "The elite getting excited over a hot #ChaiWala reeks of class privilege and the objectification

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of working class men," tweeted @ nidkirm, who described herself as a sociologist based in Lahore. And in a column in the Express Tribune Farahnaz Zahidi mocked the "surprise" that someone poor could be good-looking. "(T)he upper tier bourgeois of Pakistan have come to believe that even looks and God-gifted attributes are co-dependent on money and affluence?" she wrote. Indeed, in his first appearance on television, viewers laughed at Khan's awkward speech and the Western suit in which he appeared uncomfortable. "No girl would agree to marry him," wrote Twitter user @ItsMahah. Even the colour of Khan's cool gaze provoked discomfort in some like columnist Amir, who wrote "apparently there is no expiry date on our colonial baggage". Light skin and eyes are the attribute of many Pashtuns, tribal inhabitants of northwest Pakistan and southern Afghanistan, romanticised as warriors by the British. Others expressed concern about the risk of exploitation of a young man so little armed for success. A local brand was quick to publish pictures of him, but Khan said he has not signed any modelling contract. The third of 17 children, Khan has never been to school. He said he hoped his newfound fame would allow him to "move forward". Vegetable seller Saeed Ahmed worked in the market alongside Khan. "His eyes were so beautiful that we used to make fun of him and call him 'cat eyes'," he told AFP. "But we never even thought that he would one day become famous like this." Indian newspapers were the first to seize on the "Cinderella story", bringing frivolity to recent tensions between the rival neighbours with tweets calling Khan a "nuclear bomb". "I send a message of peace to my Indian fans," Khan said.

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FRUITICANA

Saturday, October 22, 2016

1

Saturday, October 22, 2016 Saturday - October 22, 2016

Farhan Akhtar and Shraddha Kapoor keen to shoot more in Meghalaya Bollywood actors Farhan Akhtar and Shraddha Kapoor on Friday expressed their keenness to return to Meghalaya, which is also known as the abode of clouds, to shoot more films. “I have fallen in love with Meghalaya courtesy Rock On 2… The natural beauty here is very rare. Every person on the crew felt sad when it was time to go back from here,” Akhtar told journalists at Ri Kynjai resort before serenading the crowd at the Bacardi NH7

Weekender at Bhoirymbong in Ri-Bhoi district. Shraddha Kapoor, who was also at the press conference, said: “Shillong is one of

the places where it is difficult for me to go back home.”

Akshay‘s patriotic fervour continues in first look of his new movie Gold

Akshay Kumar’s tweet about his latest venture couldn’t be more timely when the whole debate about patriotism is brewing in Bollywood circle. The actor on Friday tweeted the poster of his next big movie titled Gold, which is set to release in 2018. Going by the look of the poster, one

can see an Olympic gold medal with the national flag in the background. The story is about the country’s first Olympic medal, as shared by Akshay. “Set in 1948, the historic story of India’s first Olympic medal as a free nation, #GOLD coming to you on 15th August 2018!”, he tweeted.

Did Iulia fast for Salman on Karva Chauth? The Romanian beauty Iulia Vantur, who allegedly rules the heart of Bollywood star Salman Khan, took to Instagram to express her views on love, life, and togetherness on the occasion of Karva Chauth. Despite being back to her own country Romania, her post on Instagram shows how much the pretty lady adores Indian culture and its festivities. But is it only the Indian culture that interests the Firangi beauty or is there something still cooking up between her and the nation’s heartthrob, Salman

Khan? She posted a beautiful picture along with an endearing message which reads, “God has given each one of us 2 eyes, 2 ears, 2 hands, 2 legs. To be complete we need THE matching heart. Celebrate love, it’s the most beautiful gift we have. Happy Karva Choth!”

Aishwarya’s daughter mistook Ranbir Kapoor as her father, here is why Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (ADHM) is already making headlines for reasons, even before hitting the screens. And as if the ongoing controversy around the release of the movie was not enough to attract all the limelight, now something Aishwar ya Rai Bachchan has revealed is making news in the showbiz world. But if you thought it was anything to do with the lingering issue or even her sizzling chemistry with co-actor Ranbir Kapoor, well no. This time, it is about her daughter Aaradhya! In a recent interview, the Bachchan bahu revealed how the overly cute Aaradhya hugged Ranbir Kapoor from behind thinking it was her father, Abhishek Bachchan on the sets of ADHM. From

what Aishwarya said, we can only assume that the youngest Bachchan had no fault of hers in the entire misunderstanding, as Ranbir was wearing a jacket and a cap similar to that of her dad. Later, when Aishwarya inquired Aaradhya about

what happened, she agreed readily that she thought Ranbir was her father. For others, it may be a sweet mistake from a kid, but for that adorable little one, it was an awkward incident since after the whole episode she has been shy around Ranbir.

2

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Bollywood

Kaabil teaser: ‘Experience’ it, Hrithik Roshan asks his fans in the appealing vide You have sight, but how much do you really see? You can listen but how much do you really hear? You can touch but how much do you really feel? That’s exactly what actor Hrithik Roshan is trying to question the audience. He is telling them to ‘Experience Kaabil’! Yes! This is a perfect description to the Hrithik Roshan, Yami Gautam-starrer Kaabil’s teaser. The film is produced by Rakesh Roshan and directed by Sanjay Gupta. Its makers released the first teaser on Friday and its sneak peek serves us with a powerful

voice of Hrithik, who really needs a hit to return to the bix office with good numbers. The Kaabil teaser or #ExperienceKaabil video challenges our senses. We see blurred streetlights and it is just Hrithik’s voice that is guiding us through. His voice tells us that we won’t be able to see in spite of our eyes, we won’t be able to hear in spite of our ears, we won’t be able to speak in spite of our voice, and won’t be able to explain in spite of understanding it.

Sidharth shares his workout video on Twitter

Bollywood actor, Sidharth Malhotra, who is busy with his upcoming project Half Girlfriend, seems to have taken himself bit more seriously this time. The fitness freak in him has reached another level and this is much evident from the workout video that he tweeted recently. Undoubtedly, the modelturned-actor is looking as good-looking as always in the video. The tweet read as, “I Do it because I can,I can because I want to, I want to because they said I couldn’t ! #SidFit” However, it will be interesting to know who did he mention as ‘they’ in the tweet. But, one thing is for sure, the actor turned model remains unnerved with all the criticism and is putting in all his efforts to climb up the ladder of success and break out from the image of just being a good looking actor. Recently, during an award ceremony, the actor unhesitatingly came out in support of his mentor and a very dear friend, Karan Johar over the ongoing controversy surrounding the release of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. He feels it is unfair for the filmmaker. The movie is barred from release in a few states because Pakistani actor Fawad Khan is a part of the project.

Purab Kohli breaks down while shooting for television show P.O.W

Nikkhil Advani’s new show, Prisoners Of War (POW) has grabbed a lot of attention and praises from the day its trailer hit the small screen. Besides the storyline, it is the star cast of the show, which has made it popular among the audiences. Actor, Purab Kohli, who is returning to the small screen with the show has made best efforts to do justice to his character and make it look more realistic and believable on the screen. He has been prepping for his role since a long time now. So much so, that its shooting left him tearyeyed! The show is an official remake of Israeli series Hatufim, which was also adapted into the acclaimed American series Homeland. Its Indian version is set against the backdrop of the Kargil War in 1999.

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Horoscope Aries

Libra

March 21 - April 20

Sept. 24 - Oct 22

Your stars are moving on and the Sun adjusts its position before long, leaving you to stand on your own feet once again. You’re entering a tricky financial phase and have to make a number of awkward choices. It may be time to abandon a commitment which is burdensome, but don’t let anyone down,

Money matters can only increase in importance as the week passes, but don’t expect a quick and easy answer. You will come to realise that you have the chance to set your finances on a more prosperous course, but how, and when, are questions that are still unclear. Take more time to work out what you really want.

Taurus

Scorpio

April 21 - May 20

Oct 23 - Nov 22

Mercury is sending a challenge to Pluto, and the heavens are lining up for a frank, though friendly, confrontation. You will have to speak the truth even at the risk of upsetting someone – although be on hand afterwards with reassurance. It may be that only you can utter the words they need to hear.

It may be difficult for you to imagine that a close partner can possibly be right, so deep is your belief in your own infallibility. However, any astrologer, on seeing the current planetary picture, would advise you to compromise and bend to circumstances. What you want is not as important as what you need!

Gemini

Sagitarius

May 20 - June 21

Nov 23 - Dec 22

Something may happen behind the scenes to change your plans and ideas, perhaps an amazing event. Whatever takes place will almost certainly involve your work or routine chores are preoccupying you at the moment. Romantic hopes are reinforced by Venus’ passage through lively regions of your chart.

Your astrological personality is a complex and rich one. Many Sagittarians are now starting to resemble obstinate and emotional Scorpios. In fact, friends may realise that your behaviour, especially a tendency to secrecy in important matters, is departing ever further from what they have seen in the past.

Cancer

Capricorn

June 22 - July 23

Dec 23 - Jan 20

A difference of opinion between lively Mercury and passionate Pluto is bound to awaken ideas of social adventure; you’ll be on the look-out for new friends and anxious to put former associates in their place. Additional attention is required to all travel, holiday and adventurous plans over the coming weeks.

Leo June 24 - August 23 It’s a week of two halves. The Moon issues a challenge to your sign from Monday to Wednesday, so these will be the days to apply your cheery Leonine medicine to a partnership. Only you can do this, so why don’t you organise a break from routine and plan something special instead? You can put your feet up later.

Virgo August 24 - Sept 24 Legal matters seem to have some role to play in your life over the next three weeks. Is it possible that you have embroiled yourself in a bureaucratic muddle? If you stick to your guns and do what you know to be right, you won’t go far wrong. Keep a professional plan under review for a little while longer.

The week opens with the Moon supporting your sign, so family affairs will probably keep you on your toes. As the days go by, you will see that money lies at the root of all disagreements. If you can increase your earnings, you will solve many of your problems. A fun outing should be scheduled for later.

Aquarius Jan 21 - Feb 19 Recent developments in the sectors of your chart associated with children and romance seem bound to work out for the best in the long run, even if you have been rather disconcerted by statements or events. Sunday, when the Moon adjusts its position, should be a special day, so enjoy it to the full.

Pisces Feb 20 - March 20 This is a spectacular week for all of you pursuing inspirational ambitions, educational goals or working in the travel and communications industry. Show other people that you mean business – and get them on your side. Also, if romantic plans are afoot then please act soon: do not delay!

For more Updates, Visit our Website

www.theasianstar.com

Bollywood

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Saturday, October 22, 2016

Bollywood

Priyanka Chopra was approached for Hrithik Roshan’s Kaabil Yes, you read that right! Priyanka Chopra was approached for Hrithik Roshan’s Kaabil. Remember how she set the screens

on fire when she did Ram chahe Leela in Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone’s Ram Leela…? Well, in his column today,

Rajeev Masand stated that filmmaker Rakesh Roshan who has worked with Priyanka in Krrish and Krrish 3 had asked her to

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do an item song in the film. But before you get all excited, let us tell you that she REFUSED to accept the offer. PeeCee, who is currently in New York, shooting for Quantico season 2, politely refused to do the item number this time. Reason? Well, sources close to the actress say she’s currently in the process of figuring out what her next film project should be. Apparently, she doesn’t want the first appearance she makes on the big screen since Bajirao Mastani to be an item song in another actor’s film.

Hina Khan aka Akshara is quitting Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai?

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Actor Hina Khan, who made her debut on the small screen with the popular television show, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai has been in news for some time now. First, because of her ill-health leading to the delaying of the show’s Switzerland schedule, then her tantrums on the sets and ultimately getting insecure from the new generation of the show. Though later she cleared the air about all the rumours in an interview saying that everyone should get a fair chance, the real picture looks quite different. Looks like things just don’t seem to settle down around Hina. Now we hear she has finally decided to call it quits. According to the reports, Hina who plays the protagonist Akshara in the show feels that her role has been sidelined and more attention is being given to newbies Naira, played by Shivangi Joshi and Kartik played by Mohsin Khan.

Bollywood personalities’ birthdays

Parineeti chopra October 22

perizaad zorabian October 23

celina jaitley October 24

raveena tandon October 26

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Eshwar Shakti

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Inferno

Movie Review

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Tom Hanks – Irrfan Khan’s film is an intriguing ride thanks to top notch performances

The third film in Ron Howard’s Professor Robert Langdon franchise is here. Inferno – the film, like its predecessor focuses on the mysteries that lead to the end of the mankind and one man that stands in the way is Tom Hank’s Professor Robert Langdon. Directed by Ron Howard, the film stars Tom Hanks, Felicity Jones, Irrfan Khan, Omar Sy, Ben Foster and Sidse Babett Knudsen. What’s it about The film tells the story of a certain billionaire philanthropist Bertrand Zobrist (Ben Foster), who creates a virus called Inferno to unleash it on the mankind, he believes, to save them. The film starts off with Robert Langdon in an unconscious state on a hospital bed having horrifying visions of a suffering world, basically, HELL. When he wakes up he is told by the doctor (Felicity Jones) about his amnesic condition due to bullet shot wound to his head. There is a cop who is on his trail to kill him on behest of The Provost (Irrfan Khan), two

WHO agents (Omar Sly and Sidse Babett Knudsen) with different motives and has to deal with amnesic condition which is acting as a roadblock. In between all of this, Professor Langdon has to race against time to stop the virus release, with Dr. Sienna by his side, and save the mankind. What is the motive of The Provost? What do the two agents want from the Professor? Will he be able to recover his memory in time? The answers to all these questions forms the rest of the story. What’s hot Tom Hanks has played this character in the previous two films and he knows it in and out. In fact, it won’t be wrong to say it’s in his blood. He perfectly showcases the vulnerability of his character on not remembering anything and the urge to solve the mystery in order to save the mankind. Felicity Jones as his doctor and later an ally, supports him ably and even get to solve the mystery when he is unable to. This

one’s a strong female character, unlike the previous two films. Irrfan Khan as Harry ‘The Provost’ Sims is a scene stealer. He is

the only one with a mystery around him. His mysterious character in fact has the best lines and the way he portrays it with a subtle humour, is something only he could do. In a recent interview, he told me how director Ron Howard offered him a different role, but on Irrfan’s behest, signed him for The Provost. I could totally see why Irrfan was attracted towards this mysterious character.

Watch out for the scene when his character for the first time comes face to face with that of Tom Hanks and you’ll know what I am talking about. And Irrfan was not wrong when he called Inferno HIS film. What’s not The mystery of the film was not as strong as in the previous two flicks, especially The Da Vinci Code. The film also seems dragging towards the pre climax with unnecessary dialogues and scenes. The makers could have done away with the shaky camera to portray Tom Hanks’ character’s vulnerability as after a point it gets messy. And like Tom Hanks mentioned how he wanted to have more scenes with Irrfan Khan on screen and I feel the same as they were magical together. The only edge of the seat moment was its climax. Also read: Once bitten twice shy, Irrfan Khan will NOT speak up on the Pakistani artistes ban issue Our verdict Watch it for Irrfan Khan andTom Hanks and to witness the two of the best actors in the world in a single frame. For those going to watch Irrfan Khan in a big Hollywood film, trust me, you won’t be disappointed. Watch it if you are a fan of the previous two films. Overall it’s an intriguing ride with top performances by the three leads.

Saturday, October 22, 2016

BCIBN’s inaugural Diwali Gala a success

BC-India Business Network’s (BCIBN) inaugural First Annual Grand Diwali Gala was a sold out event with BC Ministers Hon. Mike de Jong ,Hon. Amrik Virk , Consul General Rajiv Kumar Chander; YVR Airport President & CEO Craig Richmond and Senior Vice President of Air Canada Kevin Howlett as guests of honour for the evening. The Gala held at Fairmont Waterfront Hotel was sponsored by Patron Members Air Canada, Vancouver International Airport ; Platinum Sponsor Langara College, Silver Sponsors Maritime Services and Sprott Shaw College. This great event was hosted by well known media personality Sharad Khare. A large number of Educational institutes, Metro Vancouver’s business elite and government representatives were present at the Gala. Speaking on the occasion, Finance Minister Hon. Mike de Jong said Air Canada’s direct flight to New Delhi from Vancouver will only make BC-India economic, social and cultural ties stronger. “BC already engages greatly with India as far as business and cultural exchanges are concerned but considering the huge potential that exists, we can only forge stronger ties and steps such as this direct flight is one of them,” he said. Similarly Hon. Amrik Virk, Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services said BC hadn’t even scratched the surface as far as trade with India was concerned. “BC is fully engaged with India and the time couldn’t be better. Let’s take advantage of this opportunity to strengthen our ties with India,’ said Minister Virk. Vivek Savkur, Chairman Emeritus of BCIBN, Catherine A. Sas President and Douglas Nazareth Finance Director, BCIBN, welcomed the guests and talked about BCIBN’s significant role in ensuring that Air Canada establish a non stop flight route to New Delhi from Vancouver. They thanked all the young volunteers and sponsors who made the evening a great success. Two business class tickets on the inaugural flight and other exciting prizes were given away as the evening progressed. The lucky winner of business class tickets to New Delhi was Mrs. Harinder Cheema wife of Former Provincial Minister of State for Mental Health and noted Surrey Doctor, Gulzar Cheema. The guests also enjoyed a delicious buffet prepared for the occasion by Indian chefs, Karan Suri and Mridul Bhat. A great line up of entertainment especially the vibrant bhangra dancers from Langara College and Lana, a young Bollywood dancer, kept the guests entertained through the evening.

Around Town

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Business

Bank of Canada holds key interest rate at 0.5% The Bank of Canada kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 0.5 per cent on Wednesday and reduced its growth outlook for the economy, citing cited slower shortterm activity in the resale housing market coupled with soft Canadian exports as reasons for the lowered outlook. The central bank trimmed its outlook for growth this year to 1.1 per cent, from the 1.3 per cent it had forecast in July. Speaking to reporters in Ottawa, Bank of Canada governor Stephen Poloz called the recent federally mandated mortgate measures brought in to stabilize the Canadian housing market "a welcome development, as it will

mitigate financial vulnerabilities over time." "We expect it to reduce housing resales in the near term, and perhaps cause a shift toward the construction of smaller homes, which together will shave some spending in the economy," Poloz said. The central bank said it sees the new mortgage rules knocking 0.3 per cent from economic growth by the end of 2018. Meanwhile, Canada's exports of goods posted gains in July and August, after a sharp contraction over the previous five months, but that was not enough to make up for previously lost ground, the bank said. Weak U.S. business spending and lower expectations for the housing market in the United States, Canada's top trading partner, have led to a reduction in the bank's outlook for growth in our exports over the next two years. The downward cut to exports, including spillovers to demand here in Canada and to our imports, would lower real GDP by 0.6 per cent by the end of 2018. Poloz told reporters that U.S. economic weakness in the first half of this year explains half of the shortfall in Canada's exports, but they are looking at other factors, including

lost export capacity and competitiveness challenges, as other possible reasons. "In our surveys, companies have mentioned a number of factors that can influence competitiveness or hinder exports directly," Poloz said. "These include deficient infrastructure, regulatory uncertainty, rising trade barriers, relatively high electricity costs, and the unknown status of current and future trade agreements." Overall, the bank said it now expects the economy to grow by two per cent in both 2017 and 2018, saying the economy is now forecast to get back to full capacity around mid-2018, later than it said in July. Many economists said the latest economic outlook put the Bank of Canada in a more "dovish" position on interest rates, meaning it appeared less inclined to nudge up borrowing costs. "This is a bank that has precisely zero appetite for rate hikes, and seems to be keeping a flame alive for the possibility of rate cuts, should the need arise," BMO chief economist Douglas Porter said in a commentary. "We continue to look for the bank to keep rates unchanged through next year, with the earliest possible move up not until 2018," he said. Poloz said the central bank's governing council actually discussed whether to add more monetary stimulus to the economy, but they opted to hold off, citing several uncertainties, including the: • Effects of the new federal mortgage rules. • Expected outlook for exports. • Impact of federal fiscal measures. • Effects on business confidence of the Nov. 8 U.S. election. TD Bank economist Brian DePratto said in a commentary that an interest rate cut “would likely do little to nothing” to spur Canada’s exports, “while potentially undoing much of the impact of recent housing market rule changes, spurring further financial stability risks.” Dominion Lending Centres chief economist Sherry Cooper said she thinks it would take a “material negative shock” to economic to force the bank to cut interest rates. “That shock might come from a largerthan-expected contraction in housing activity among other sources,” Cooper said.

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Lululemon warns it might move HQ out of Vancouver Lululemon is warning that it may be forced to move its headquarters out of Canada because the federal government’s temporary foreign worker program is limiting its ability to stretch its wings. The Vancouver-based apparel company best known for its yoga pants currently has 1,200 employees working in its head office in Vancouver and says it needs to hire specialized workers to further expand. “In order to continue growing in a very competitive marketplace, we depend on highly skilled and specialized talent. Currently, there is a shortage of the kind of specialized talent our industry needs here in Canada,” wrote the company in a report submitted to the House of Commons Finance Committee. The clothing giant says the current rules are slowing down its hiring process because the company has to prove that there are no Canadians that met the job requirement before hiring from cities like London or New York. The retailer says it wants the same exemption that the film industry and universities get. The exemption would allow the retailer to avoid filing a labour market

impact assessment application (LMIA) before hiring. For the 2016-2017 fiscal year, Lululemon

applied for 28 labour-market impact assessment applications for high-wage positions. Those were processed, on average, within 15 calendar days — after the four-week advertising period. But Irene Lanzinger, president of the B.C. Federation of Labour, says the solution isn’t an exemption. “I say the solution should be training British Columbians and Canadians,” Lanzinger said. “There are many many people in British Columbia who want to do [those jobs] and we have training institutes, BCIT, VCC and many colleges and universities that have training in fashion design,” she said.

Canada-Europe trade deal brinkmanship hinges on Walloons, but also visas European Union trade policy seems to be teetering, thanks to a high-risk standoff with Belgium’s Wallonian regional government, set to climax Friday morning as leaders gather for European Council strategy talks. Wallonia piled on more pressure late Thursday by dismissing the EU’s latest offer, which included concessions on everything from social security to data protection. “At this stage, the document is still insufficient,” Wallonia President Paul Magnette told reporters in the regional capital Namur. doff also blocks unanimous support for Canada’s trade deal, and this one’s comparatively easy for Justin Trudeau to fix. Romania and Bulgaria have yet to remove their reservations to signing the

Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, also known as CETA, because of delays in resolving a longstanding visa dispute. “We have a big ​ issue here. This is my nightmare scenario,” said Sorin Moisa, a Romanian member of the European Parliament. Neither country intended to stand in the way of the trade deal. The visa issue is separate. But politically it became linked after Canada appeared to delay resolving the issue. The two European countries took their stand. Now everyone’s a bit stuck. “The Romanians simply do not trust the Canadians to make the announcement on visas after they have withdrawn their reservation,” Moisa said.

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Special Feature

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The Extraordinary Story Of The Richest Indian Man That Ever Lived The legend has it that he was so rich that he tried to buy Goa from the Portuguese. His collection of diamonds and pearls could fill up not one, but multiple Olympic-sized swimming pools. In 1940, he was worth two percent of the entire economy of the United States Of America. This is the story of the 7th Nizam of Hyderabad Osman Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VII, or better said, the ‘richest Indian to ever exist in documented history’. Born on 6th April 1886, Osman Ali Khan grew up to become the 7th and the last Nizam of Hyderabad. He will always be remembered for the baffling amount of wealth he accumulated during his reign from 1911-1948. He appeared on the cover of Time magazine in 1937, branded as the ‘Richest Man On Earth’. Time magazine also reported that he had his own mint, printing his own currency, the ‘Hyderabadi Rupee’. He also used the Jacob Diamond, the fifth largest in the world, worth 100 million pounds as his paperweight. Time magazine on Feb 22, 1937 reported – “Most news stories hung on the Richest Man are chiefly chatter about how careful His Exalted Highness is

with his pennies — whereas $5,000 is his approximate daily income, his jewels have an estimated value of $150,000,000, he reputedly has salted down $250,000,000 in gold bars and his capital totals some $1,400,000,000, not to mention the fabled “Mines of Golconda. The cash Silver Jubilee gifts to the

Banning Pakistani Artists, Abhay’s Statement Actually Makes Sense

Pointing at the hypocrisy, he said “If you want to ban anything to do with Pakistan, then go the distance. Don’t just ban filmmakers. Why are you doing a half-hearted job? Ban the business dealings, the import and export because when you do half a job, no one will take you seriously. I don't take the government seriously because they are only banning us from collaborating with artistes. They are not banning businessmen from making business. So, if you really mean what you say, then go the distance.

Nizam of Hyderabad, by his subjects were expected this week to total at least $1,000,000.” While a lot of scattered sources on the internet report his net worth to be around $230 billion, his dedicated Wikipedia page quotes his net worth to be $2 billion in the early 1940s ($33.8 billion today) or 2 per cent of the US economy then. In 1940, the treasury of the newly independent Union government of India reported annual revenue of $1 billion. Under his rule, he patronised education, science and development. He also introduced electricity, railways, roads and airways. His collection of jewels alone was valued at approximately $500 million. His palace had 6,000 staffers and 38 people were engaged to just clean the

chandeliers alone. Osman Ali had at least 34 children and a baffling 104 grandchildren. By 1990, over 400 people showed up as claimants to his massive wealth. The Indian Government finally annexed the state of Hyderabad in 1948 and the Nizam signed his wealth over to his grandson Prince Mukarram Jah. While all the wealth of the Nizam was being seized by the Indian government, the Nizam made a transfer of 1 million pounds in NatWest Bank in London in the name of his grandson, Mukarram Jah. The British government converted that huge sum of money into war bonds and eventually turned it into a fixed income deposit, forever. Mukarram Jah lives a life of ruins as he never received his inheritance.

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Saturday, October 22, 2016

Classifieds JOBS

Baker / Sweet Maker wanted Nirala Sweets and Restaurant in Surrey BC needs fully qualified Pakistani style Baker/Sweet maker (Mithai). Responsibilities will include Sweet making for retail and banquets, training of employees, labour & food cost control and supervision. Must have at least three years experience as a Pakistani Baker. Knowledge of Urdu an asset. ourly salary $15.50/hr. Contact Pasha 604 593 7323 or send resume at anwarpasha786@hotmail. --------------- Oct- 22-2016 Cook for Pakistani cuisine wanted Nirala Sweets and Restaurant in Surrey BC needs experienced chef for Halal Northern Pakistani style dishes. Must be expert in making kababs and tandoori dishes. Must be able to handle halal meats. Responsibilities will include menu design and planning, cooking for individual customers and banquets, training of employees, labour & food cost control and supervision of kitchen staff. Must have at least 3 years experience as a Pakistani cook. Knowledge of Urdu and asset. Hourly wage $17.00 per hour. 40 hours per week. Contact Pasha at 604 593 7323 or send resume at anwarpasha786@hotmail.com --------------- Oct- 22-2016 Required Driver 1) able to drive a truck 2)able to navigate his way around

JOBS

JOBS

3)have a clean driving record 4)and be able to merchandise product 5)be able to speak multiple languages 6)minimum of 3 years Driving Experience

• Check inventory levels and report to the supervisor • Rotate stock and ensure enough space for new shipment • Keep area safe, clean and organized Requirements: • Some Secondary School • Ability to carry-out physical work • Comfortable working in a fast paced, physically demanding environment. Core Capabilities: • Organized • Ability to pay attention to detail • Ability to work co-operatively in a team environment • Ability to learn quickly and work efficiently How to apply: To apply please submit your resume to resume@a1doors.ca We thank all those who apply however only those applicants shortlisted for interview will be contacted” -------------- Sept 17 2016

Salesperson 1) minimum of 3 years of sales experience 2) knowledge of food industry 3)speaks multiple languages 4)being able to merchandise Call 604-594-9800 Fax:604-594-9852 Email: guruluckysnacks@yahoo. com -------------- Oct 8 2016 “A-1 Doors & Mouldings Ltd., located at 12625 80th Avenue, Surrey, B.C., V3W 3A6, has immediate vacancies for Two Stock Helpers. Job Title: Stock Helpers No. of Positions: 2 Job Location: 12625 80th Avenue, Surrey, B.C., V3W 3A6 Term of employment: Full-time, permanent position, 30-40 hours per week. Compensation: $16.50/hour. Overtime at the rate of 24.75 after 40 hours per week Benefits: WCB Coverage with 4% vacation pay Job duties: • Receiving and unloading stock • Matching PO’s with packing slips and report discrepancies to supervisor • Organize stock in the showroom • Perform other warehouse task like packing, unpacking, counting, sorting, labelling order-picking and scanning.

South Indian food cook wanted

Required South Indian food cook immediately Please contact:

604-312-9297

JOBS

BLACK CAT SECURITY LTD., 7085141A Street, Surrey, Bc Requires One Full Time Permanent Office Manager. Duties: Oversee And Co-Ordinate Office Administrative Procedures; Establish Work Priorities, Delegate Work To Office Support Staff And Ensure Deadlines Are Met And Procedures Are Followed; Co-Ordinate And Plan For Office Services; Assist In Preparation Of Operating Budget And Maintain Inventory And Budgetary Controls; Assemble Data And Prepare Periodic And Special Reports, Manuals And Correspondence., Education: Completion Of High School. Experience: 2-3 Years.

Wages 22.00/Hr. Knowledge Of English Required. Hindi And Punjabi An Asset. Emailblackcatsecurityltd@hotmail.com Or Fax @ 778 565 7165. -------------- July 16 2016 One FlatFee Real Estate Inc. 10912888 80 Ave, Surrey, BC V3W 3A8 requires an indeterminate full-time Database Analyst. -Collect and Responsibilities: document user requirements -Design, construct, modify, Integrate, implement and test data models and database management -Operate database management systems to analyze data and perform data mining analysis -Conduct research and provide advice to other professionals regarding data management -Operate database management systems to analyze data and perform data mining - Lead, coordinate or supervise other employees Requirements - Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science - 2 to 3 years of experience in a similar role Language: English Wages: $29/hr Please send your resume @ info@ oneflatfee.ca or Fax: 604-248-5253 -------------- July 09 2016 All Star Railing & Awning Ltd., #20 12318 84 Avenue, Surrey, BC requires a full-time permanent Welder Helper. Will be required to read and interpret work orders, operate metal cleaning equipment, assist welders, transport raw material

NANNY NEEDED Needed Nanny for 2.5 year and 7.5 year old children. Good Pay

Please Call: 778 895 7900 / 604 834 2500

MATRIMONIAL and finished products manually or by using devices, clean work areas and equipment and perform other related duties to assist the welders. Should have high school education with some experience. Knowledge of English is required. Punjabi/Hindi will be an asset. Wage: $20/hr. Apply by mail, email: 4242kamal@gmail.com -------------- July 09 2016 Western Door Manufacturing Ltd located at #109-8250, 124th St, Surrey, BC V3W 3X9, has an immediate vacancy for Carpenter. We design and manufacture high end solid wood exteriors doors, solid wood interior doors and custom doors. Job specification: Full time position with wages of $25/hour. 35 to 40 hours per week. Job requirement: High School with 2-3 years of experience. Trade certificate will be considered as an asset. Job duties includes read & interpret drawings & sketches to determine specifications; estimate height, width, length and other proportions; measure, cut, shape & assemble wood materials using woodworking machines, power tools and hand tools; Build exterior doors, interior doors, customs doors with jams; moulding, make transom arch shape; specially skilled in fancy wood design, traditional murals crafting on doors; Install hardware such as hinges, handles, catches; Repair doors and replace panels of doors. If interested send resumes at westerndoors@outlook.com -------------- May 21 2016 Planet Pride Logistics Ltd. of Richmond, BC is urgently seeking an Office Manager on f/time, perm. basis. Must have min. high school education and either min. 2 yrs. exp. in clerical/secretarial/office admin. or a university degree or college diploma in business admin. Duties incl. manage office staff and assign tasks as needed; analyze internal processes and recommend / implement procedural or policy changes to improve operations; establish work priorities; manage office supply inventory and maintain office equipment repairs. wage btwn $22.25 - $24/hr (depending on exp). Please email resume to planetpridelogist@gmail.com. No phone calls or drop-ins please. -------------- May 14 2016

Saturday, October 22, 2016

SHRI DURGA HANUMAN RELIGIOUS & CULTURAL SOCIETY OF BC DIWALI = SHARDA DEVI PUJAN , LAXMI DEVI PUJAN SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30 , 2016 @ 6 P.M. All devotees, family members , friends are cordially invited to attend and participate @ the extremely auspiscious occasion of DIWALI. Puja conducted by Pujya Shri Pandit Sharadbhai Chandra SHASTRIJI [ 604-291-6042] DATE : SUNDAY , OCTOBER 30 , 2016 TIME : 6 p.m. to 7 .15 p.m. PLACE : All Saints Parish Hall , 1405, Como Lake Avenue [ @ Crestwood Drive / Schoolhouse Street ] COQUITLAM , BC Refreshments will be served after Puja : Laddoos [ Prasad ] & Samosas [ Snacks ] Shri Durga Hanuman Religious & Cultural Society of BC : Wishes All Devotees , Family Members , Relatives & Friends -----------------------------------------South Asian Seniors - Better Living with Healthy Heart, Dr. Rajesh Hira Lal Cardiologist on October 23rd 2016 (Sunday). Vedic Seniors Parivar Center of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society Surrey invites South Asian Adults/ Senior members and nonmembers also to attend a Power Presentation on Better Living with Healthy Heart by Dr. Rajesh Hira Lal Cardiologist, Director at Surrey Heart Clinic and Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at UBC, on October 23rd 2016 (Sunday) from 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm at Shanti Niketan hall of Lakshmi Narayan Hindu Temple 8321 - 140th street Surrey BC. Dr. Rajesh Hira Lal will answer all your questions professionally about Heart Problems after the presentation is over. Tea and light snacks will be served in the end. Project funded by

Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program for Hindi speaking Seniors. Please don’t miss to attend this important presentation and contact Surendra Handa Coordinator Tel. 604 507 - 9945 for further details. Election Notice This is to inform that the election of the Executive Committee of Surrey-Delta Indo-Canadian Senior’s Society for the year 2017 – 18 will be held in Society’s main hall downstairs as per the program given below: Submitting nomination forms… October 10, 2016 (11:00am – 1:00pm) Scrutiny and withdrawal of forms… October 12, 2016 (11:00am – 1:00pm) (If only one slate submits nominations, the result will be declared same day) Election Date…………..October 29, 2016 (8:00am – 4:00pm) (Main Hall Downstairs) --------------------------------------------South Asian Seniors are planning to visit Australia & New Zealand through 13 days cruise and 2 days extra tour of Sydney (Australia) total 16 days including travel time. The cruise itinerary starts from Sydney (Australia) on November 17th 2017, one day visit at each of these ports, Melbourne (Australia), Burnie (Tasmania- Australia), Wellington (New Zealand), Napier (New Zealand), Tauranga (New Zealand), Auckland (New Zealand), Bay of Islands (New Zealand) and back to Sydney (Australia). Every port the ship Norwegian Jewel will stop, all seniors will go for city tour by bus. All arrangements will be made for your air travel from Vancouver to Sydney (Australia) and return from Sydney to Vancouver, Cruise bookings, all port city excursions, city

Round Wrap Industries, #150 1680 Savage Road, Richmond, BC V6V 3A9 A reputed company manufacturing foiled PVC doors, requires one Production Supervisor on full-time indeterminate basis. Duties: supervision, coordination and scheduling of workers; resolving work problems; training of workers; preparing reports and ensuring safe and smooth running of the production. Education: Minimum secondary school. Experience: Minimum 5 years as Supervisor in same or similar trade or industry. Language: English & Knowledge of Punjabi / Hindi will be an asset. Salary: $32/hr.

Contact by email: info@roundwrap.com or fax 604 278 1463

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Saturday, 2, 2016 Saturday, April April 2, 2016 i 5i 5

Vol. 6 No. 31 Saturday - April 2, 2016 - Tel: - Tel: 604-591-5423 E-mail: ads@theasianstar.com 604-591-5423 - -E-mail: ads@theasianstar.com Tel: 604-591-5423 E-mail: ads@theasianstar.com Vol. 6 No. 31 - Saturday - April 2, 2016 - Tel: 604-591-5423 - E-mail: ads@theasianstar.com

No. 31 - -October Saturday - April 2, 2016 Vol. 6 No.Vol. 58 -6 Saturday 22, 2016

Vancouver’s skyline rise amid an office-tower building boom Vancouver’s skyline totorise amid an office-tower building boom New mortgage rules mean raising babies in apartments New mortgage rules could Vancouver’s skyline to rise amid an office-tower building boom next two years due to competition. it Suisse tower is optimistic his building next two years due to competition. it Suisse tower is optimistic his building will will he $240-million $240-million Credit CreditSuisse/ Suisse/ Mr.Mr. Shokri others expect he Shokri andand others say say theythey expect The landlords who will likely suffer New mortgage rules that took effect even though many lenders are currently The ruleThe changes will mean millennials landlords who will likely suffer hit Alberta hardest next two years due to competition. start to fill as the completion date gets closer. start to fill as the completion date gets closer. it Suisse tower is optimistic his building will SwissRealtower tower theheart heart many of the new towers to start signing SwissReal ininthe of of many of the new towers to start signing tenant he $240-million Credit Suisse/ Mr. Shokri and others say tenant they expect

T T

on Monday will likely mean many offering mortgages at far less than that. who want buy homes will current have to boom asresult a result oflandlords the are ownas ato of the current boom are ownThe who will likely suffer Franz Gehriger, the of CEO ofgets SwissReal Franzstart Gehriger, CEO SwissReal to fill as the the completion date closer. downtown Vancouver will bebe heart leases as they getget to completion. downtown SwissReal Vancouver will leases as many they closer to completion. Thattenant tower of ofcloser the new towers to startThat signing A estate expert millennials will have to raise infants inin the Previously, that test was only used save money, by spending less or making ers of older buildings, Mr. Shokri said. Asarereal ers of older buildings, Mr. Shokri said. As as a result of the current boom ownGroup who bought the original historic Group who bought the original historic Franz Gehriger, the CEO of SwissReal completed less a ayear, but sosofar,far, will is is partly because companies in Vancouver, completedininsays lessthan year, but partly because companies intoVancouver, downtown Vancouver besegments leases as get closer completion. That believes the mortgage apartments, a than Toronto financial on certain of they the market. But more, while they said.buildings, well, newrent, developments in the well, new developments in the suburbs, building in 2002 parters ofshe older Mr.suburbs, Shokri said.stock-exchange Asnew stock-exchange building 2002 before partGroup who bought theinbefore original historic only one tenant has signed upupthan totomove in.in.butwhich do do want to be in new, energy-efficient only one tenant has signed move which want to be in new, energy-efficient completed in less a year, so far, is partly because companies in Vancouver, rules thatnering wentwith intoCredit effect Suisse to develop it, said planner. starting on Monday, it will be in place for Overall, she said, they could mean a inhigher which have already experienced which have already experienced higher well, new developments the suburbs, The has committed forfor a a10th buildings, tend to operate on short timelines. nering with Credit Suisseinto2002 develop said stock-exchange building beforeit,partThetenant tenant hasSimmons, committed 10th of move buildings, tend to operate on timelines. only one tenant has signed upofany to in. mortgage which do want to be inshort new, energy-efficient willmain hit group Alberta’s Shannon Lee a certified insured for a buyer putting change of plans. vacancy rates inhave recent years,years, may Monday have have the interested in leasing Vancouvacancy rates in already recent may which experienced higher the 370,000 square feet – –leaving a state offorof a 10th AsAs well, he hesaid, prices in in the newnew the main group interested in leasing Vancounering with Credit Suisse to develop it, said the 370,000 square feet leaving a state well, said, prices the The tenant has committed of buildings, tend to operate on short timelines. market the financial planner at the New School down less than 20 per cent of the home “I’m atrouble bit gutted for them, although Ieach asvacancy they compete other. verhardest. office space these days is the technology ratescompete in with recent may have trouble as they withyears, each other. emptiness that is unusual for an office sky- buildings will likely come 4 i Saturday, 25, 2015down in the mainspace group interested Vancouvertheoffice daysinisleasing the technology the square feet – leaving afront. state of Saturday, As July well, said, prices agree in the new emptiness that is370,000 unusual for an office skybuildings will likely come in The changes meant to these 4 i Julyhe 25, 2015down Inthis Vancouver, the co-developer of the Credof Finance in Toronto, told CBC’s up with on a philosophical level, ” sector. are Those companies make their deciscraper in this city. Even so, a huge shift in trouble as they compete with each other. In Vancouver, the co-developer of the Credver office space these days is the technology sector. Those companies make their deciemptiness thatso, is unusual for aninoffice sky- buildings will essentially likely come down scraperMorning in this city.Monday Even a huge shift make it tougher for buyers i new Saturday, July 25, 2015she Metro many rules said.in the business tenancyon is expected that as the region Simmons said4the In Vancouver, the co-developer of the Cred- sector. Those companies make their deciscraperto this city. as Even a huge shift in to qualify if they put less millennials hoping “It’s tough already. Some of my business tenancy isinbuy expected theso,region experiences something it their has not seen bethan 20 per cent down. business tenancy is expected as the region first homes may have to rent for clients were planning on taking the experiences something it has not seen before: an office-tower building boom much Prior to today, an Alberta aoffore: little longer, maybe even three plunge this year. Now, they feel like: experiences something it has not seen bean office-tower building boom much which is speculative construction rathfamily with a household to five years. ‘What’s the point of trying because fore: an office-tower building boom much of which is speculative construction rather than for specific committed tenants. income of $80,000 and a minimum down payment of five “We allofspecific goingis to be I can’t even save at the same rate which speculative construction rather“This thanisare forof committed tenants. kind uncharted territory for Vanper cent would likely have qualified for a $400,000 home but raising babies in apartments. that the house prices are going up. er ofthan for specific committed couver, ” said Mehdi Shokri, aterritory principal with “This is kind uncharted for Van- tenants. now they will be approved for a $320,000 home. That’s what it’s going to come It’s going to take me that much “Thisteam isShokri, kindatofAvison uncharted territory the capital markets Young. couver, ” said Mehdi a principal with for VanMortgage specialist Peter Kinch says under the new rules, down to, ” Simmons said. longer now, ’ ” she said. couver, said Mehdi Shokri, a principal with “But I don’t markets see a ”big disaster occurring. ” the capital team at Avison Young. affected buyers have about 20 percent less purchasing power Her advice to millennials, Decentralization of work may The ICredit Suisse is onlyteam the at most the capital markets Avison “But don’t seeone, a tower big disaster occurring. ” Young. which will put a downward pressure on the Canadian real of which she is is accept solve problem visible and furthest of aasecond “But I along don’t see big disaster The Credit Suisse tower is only thewave mostoccurring.” estate market but he says the impact will be even greater in their plight, don’t overdo it on “Now, I think that there’s of new office towers planned fortower VancouThe Credit Suisse iswave only the most visible and furthest alongwith of a second Alberta, where the slumping economy is already hurting rent, stay in an apartment frustration and it feels like the ver and somevisible key suburbs. A first cluster and planned furthest along of a second wave of new office towers for Vancouhouse sales and prices. affordable rent for three to five dream of home ownership gets of towers – some twooffice million square feet –for Vancouof new towers planned ver built and some suburbs. first cluster “In a real estate market that’s struggling to recover already, years, startdowntown your key family, paypast for Athree farther and farther away.” was in the years. ver and some key suburbs. A first ofAnother towers – 11 some two square – cluster it could have a very negative impact on that market,” Kinch day care and come outmillion the other sidefeet most people will qualify for less Simmons said the hot housing market office developments aremean of towers in – some twothree million square feet – said. Natalie Whitney and her young family say that’s what with was savings. built downtown theofpast proposed within blocks Credit years. Su-money. The rules are designed to ensure has affected the rental market as well waslike builtyou downtown in the apastCanadians three years.don’t assume mortgage debt because landlords have increased rents they’re banking on so they’ve just decided to put their house “You may feel sacrificing Another 11 tower officeatare developments isse’s Exchange Howe and Westare Another 11yourself. office I developments are manage if interest rates rise for larger apartments, knowing that hunting on hold. lot. This isn’t where you saw get Suthey cannot Pender streets, even while the office-vaproposed within blocks of Credit proposed within blocks of Credit Su“It could be advantageous for us to wait and just see what it. I’m in the same boat myself. However, once they need to renew. people cannot afford to buy but want cancy in the tower region atcontinues to inch isse’s rate Exchange Howe and West isse’s Exchange tower at Howe and West happens to the market in six months,” she said. we’re going to be that much better off five “It’s for the greater good, ” she said. more space. When it comes time to start up as a result of the firstwhile wave the of building. Pender streets, even office-vaPender streets, even while the office-vaThe Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. issued its years from now from renting. An infant “I used to do this with my clients all a family, she said it means struggling But commercial brokerscontinues say the city is cancy rate in the region to inch rate in an the regiontowers. continues inchBut now it’s enforced and with high rents while not being able to first ever “red” warning on Monday, referring to real estate doesn’t care ifcancy they are in apartment. the to time. not about to be populated by ghost up as a result of the first wave of building. upare as ainresult of the firstBut wave mandatory, of building. so it does take some choice move to bigger homes. affordability issues spreading beyond Vancouver and We care if they an apartment. But commercialcommercial brokers saybrokers the city isthe city is sayout Toronto. “These factors will be reflected in our forthcoming an infant doesn’tBut care.” and I think it’s going to affect first“Now you have a whole bunch of not tonot beboil populated ghosttest towers. Housing Market Assessment on Oct. 26. They will cause us Theabout new rules down a stress time towers. homebuyers.” people who feel they cannot move about to betoby populated by ghost to issue our first “red” warning for the Canadian housing for all insured mortgage applications. Simmons said the new rules will affect forward,” she said. market as a whole,” CEO Evan Siddall wrote in a Globe and That means a test to determine if a first-time buyers because it’s hard to raise But if work becomes decentralized, Mail column. borrower could afford to pay back a loan a 20 per cent down payment, and it will then she said millennials will be able to Kinch says for buyers who can’t wait, they’ll either need if the rate was higher, so a borrower will have an impact on bidding wars because work from home and won’t need houses to come up with a bigger down payment or lower their be judged against the five-year standard buyers will not be able to bid as much as in big urban centres anyway. expectations about what they can afford. rate of 4.64 per cent for a five-year loan, they want. “That’s the millennial dream,” she said.

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Saturday, October 22, 2016

Real Estate

What you need to know about property condition disclosure forms It’s a document many people rely on when buying a house, but real estate lawyers differ on whether the property condition disclosure statement is a minefield or essential tool. For Toronto real estate lawyer Bob Aaron, it’s a “horrible form” that’s responsible for hundreds of lawsuits across the country. “I think they are the most dangerous forms in all of real estate, commercial, residential and industrial everywhere in Canada,” he told. The disclosure document is called different things in different provinces, but the idea is that it requires those selling a home to disclose any problems with the property. It’s often legally incorporated into the purchase and sale agreement. Unlike Aaron, Halifax real estate lawyer Andrew Nahas said the property condition disclosure statement (PCDS) is an important document. He sees it in approximately 90 per cent of the real estate cases he handles and makes a practice of reviewing it. “It’s great to give the buyer a snapshot of some of the potential major issues that could have happened in the past, and for a seller to be honest if there were any issues and can avoid any headaches or surprises in the future,” Nahas said. The PCDS asks structural, mechanical and zoning questions. In rural areas, it includes questions about the property’s water supply and septic system. It also covers electrical, plumbing and heating systems. When Joel and Denyse Doherty purchased a century home in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley in 2013, there was no question they wanted a PCDS.

It would prove to come in handy. The couple credits the document for helping them win a 2015 small claims court judgement for more than $14,000 after discovering their newly purchased home had septic issues a few months after moving in.

“I think it was absolutely the entire case,” Doherty said. The document used in Nova Scotia asks: “Are you aware of any problems with the existing [septic] system?” In this case, the seller answered “No.” In addition, court evidence showed when the Dohertys called a septic company to investigate their problem, they were told the company had been there prior to the sale. The company had pointed out the septic issues to the previous owner, who had made his own attempt to fix the problem without the appropriate government approval. The adjudicator ruled “the statements of the condition of the septic were made negligently.” The seller appealed the decision and lost. Not all sellers may understand the importance of the PCDS, which is why Aaron calls the document “dangerous” and “troubling.”

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Vancouver’s skyline to rise amid an office-tower building

Several young employees at a downtown Toronto company told a roundtable on housing Monday they may need to leave the Greater Toronto Area altogether because of soaring house prices. Sarah Robinson was one of the workers who spoke up at Wattpad, where the roundtable was held. At 26, Robinson is secure in her job as a social media and marketing officer at the company, a growing online storytelling platform that was founded in 2006. She said she doesn’t want to be stuck renting a pricey condo forever, but she’s overwhelmed by the expensive rental listings available and she’s ditched the idea of buying in the city altogether. “It’s to the point where [buying a house in Toronto is] not even a consideration to be honest,” Robinson said. “People talk about, ‘Oh, what would you do if you won the lottery?’ For people who live in Toronto it’s like, ‘I would live in Toronto in a house,’ because it’s so not possible.” Robinson shares her 400-square-foot condo in the St Lawrence Market neighbourhood with her boyfriend, but she’s looked at places throughout the GTA and said she may need to widen her search outside the GTA, especially once she is ready to start a family. “It’s not insurmountable, but it`s definitely a real fear for bosses,” she said, about possibly having to relocate outside driving distance to her downtown firm’s office. “And the bosses lose out on young talent and we have a lot to

he $240-million Credit Suisse/ SwissReal tower in the heart of downtown Vancouver will be completed in less than a year, but so far, only one tenant has signed up to move in. The tenant has committed for a 10th of the 370,000 square feet – leaving a state of emptiness that is unusual for an office skyscraper in this city. Even so, a huge shift in business tenancy is expected as the region experiences something it has not seen before: an office-tower building boom much of which is speculative construction rather than for specific committed tenants. “This is kind of uncharted territory for Vancouver,” said Mehdi Shokri, a principal with the capital markets team at Avison Young. “But I don’t see a big disaster occurring.” The Credit Suisse tower is only the most visible and furthest along of a second wave of new office towers planned for Vancouver and some key suburbs. A first cluster of towers – some two million square feet – was built downtown in the past three years. Another 11 office developments are proposed within blocks of Credit Suisse’s Exchange tower at Howe and West Pender streets, even while the office-vacancy rate in the region continues to inch up as a result of the first wave of building. But commercial brokers say the city is not about to be populated by ghost towers.

Mr. Shokri and others say they expect many of the new towers to start signing tenant leases as they get closer to completion. That is partly because companies in Vancouver, which do want to be in new, energy-efficient buildings, tend to operate on short timelines. As well, he said, prices in the new buildings will likely come 4 i Saturday, July 25, 2015down in the

next two years due to competition. The landlords who will likely suffer as a result of the current boom are owners of older buildings, Mr. Shokri said. As well, new developments in the suburbs, which have already experienced higher vacancy rates in recent years, may have trouble as they compete with each other. In Vancouver, the co-developer of the Cred-

offer.” That was a concern echoed by a couple of young people who spoke at the housing roundtable, which was chaired by Mayor John Tory. It was part of a three-city initiative, with roundtables held Monday in Vancouver and Edmonton as well..

Wattpad co-founder and CEO Allen Lau said it was “a realeye opener” and he can’t help but fear the possibility of an exodus of young talent that his business thrives on. “It’s becoming increasingly concerning,” Lau said. “If people have to move out of the city they might not be able to work at my company anymore, or they may have to spend hours and hours in commutes because they just can`t afford to live in the city.” The roundtable was an airing-of-grievances of sorts, with five panelists before a crowd of mostly 20-somethings outlining their struggles with the Toronto real-estate market, but the did discuss some possible solutions. “I want them stay here and I want them 20 years from now to still be here because they can raise their family here and create their careers here and that’s why we have to deal with transit and why we have to deal with housing,” Tory said. Tory applauded a recent city effort to put up $106.3 million worth of land over five years. The city would speed up timelines for approval and reduce fees for private developers to build projects on that land if they commit to building “affordable rental spaces.”

Housing market correction or ‘a whole lot of nothing’? Uncertainty as new mortgage rules come into effect

Jolly Arts

By Appointment

Housing-price crunch might chase talented T roundtable hears young workers out of Toronto,

As new mortgage rules come into effect that will limit the borrowing power of many buyers, there’s uncertainty about the consequence this will have on Toronto’s red-hot housing market. While some in the real estate industry are expecting little change, others predict a drastic decline. “This is a radical change,” real estate data analyst Ross Kay said in an interview. “Certainly nowhere in North America has this ever happened.” Kay, who runs The Wealthy Homeowner real estate consultation service, says the housing market is at a tipping point and the mortgage changes will set off what he calls a “full correction.” “It would make no sense for anyone to go out and buy a home today.” Effective Monday, more mortgage applications will undergo a “stress test” to evaluate a borrower’s ability to make payments at a higher interest rate. The requirement was already in place for some types of mortgages. It will now apply to all insured mortgages in which buyers have down payments that are less than 20 percent of the purchase price. Kay says this will “wipe out” many first time buyers from the market and he predicts a 17 percent drop in national average sale prices. “That is going to be very, very rapid.” By analyzing historical real estate data, Kay has come to the conclusion that it’s impossible

to slow down a real estate market safely, as policy makers hope to do. “They all think you can cool the market. But a market either escalates forward or it corrects. It’s one or the other.” Kay agrees with others in the real estate industry who predict that in Toronto it will be the condo market that suffers most from the changes. But one of the city’s most prominent real estate brokers and developers, Brad Lamb, is more optimistic. “It’s really not the end of the world,” Lamb said in an interview. While smaller cities may suffer from the mortgage rule changes, Lamb says Toronto’s economy and real estate market are strong enough to prevent a major correction. “The market here is so well supported with employment. There are shortages of rentals, shortages of purpose-built rentals, and shortages of anything to buy.” “I think it’s a whole lot of nothing,” Lamb says of the concerns about the mortgage rules causing a major decline in real estate activity. Predicting “zero effect” on Toronto’s freehold housing market, Lamb says the new rules could cause a “very mild” dip in the city’s condo market, mainly in the lower price range ($250,000 to $350,000). He’s not predicting a mass exodus of buyers, as Kay does. Instead, Lamb thinks first-time buyers affected by the rule change will just “adjust their expectations downward.”

it Suisse tow start to fill a Franz G Group wh stock-excha nering with the main gr ver office sp sector. Tho

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Saturday, October 22, 2016

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Real Estate

15

New mortgage rules penalize Winnipeg buyers for mistakes of bigger markets

Saturday - April 2, 2016

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couver’s skyline to rise amid an office-tower building boom

edit Suisse/ he heart of er will be , but so far, to move in. or a 10th of ng a state of n office skyhuge shift in s the region not seen beboom much uction rathted tenants. tory for Vanrincipal with vison Young. r occurring.” nly the most second wave for Vancoufirst cluster square feet – three years. pments are Credit Sue and West he office-vanues to inch of building. y the city is host towers.

Mr. Shokri and others say they expect many of the new towers to start signing tenant leases as they get closer to completion. That is partly because companies in Vancouver, which do want to be in new, energy-efficient buildings, tend to operate on short timelines. As well, he said, prices in the new buildings will likely come 4 i Saturday, July 25, 2015down in the

next two years due to competition. The landlords who will likely suffer as a result of the current boom are owners of older buildings, Mr. Shokri said. As well, new developments in the suburbs, which have already experienced higher vacancy rates in recent years, may have trouble as they compete with each other. In Vancouver, the co-developer of the Cred-

it Suisse tower is optimistic his building will start to fill as the completion date gets closer. Franz Gehriger, the CEO of SwissReal Group who bought the original historic stock-exchange building in 2002 before partnering with Credit Suisse to develop it, said the main group interested in leasing Vancouver office space these days is the technology sector. Those companies make their deci-

The Winnipeg real estate market shouldn’t have to pay for the problems of Toronto and Vancouver, local real estate agents say. New rules imposed by the federal government mean as of Monday, Canadians hoping to qualify for a mortgage have to pass a “stress test.” Borrowers now must prove they could afford to pay their mortgages at the big banks’ posted rate for a five-year mortgage, which the Bank of Canada says currently averages 4.64 per cent, in case interest rates to jump. Geoff Archambault with Century 21 Advanced Realty said some prospective buyers in Winnipeg will be delayed or unable to buy homes they thought were within reach. Before the changes took effect, Archambault said a couple with an $80,000 annual income and a $20,000 down payment could qualify for a mortgage on a $344,248 home. Now that number is closer to $293,665, he said. Claude Jolicoeur, who’s been a real estate agent for 22 years with Century 21, said buyers looking at homes in the $300,000-range are going to have to adjust their expectations. They may no longer be able to afford to live in certain neighbourhoods. The shift is designed to cool down the overinflated markets in places like Vancouver and Toronto, Jolicoeur said, adding smaller markets are getting a raw deal. “It affects all areas. In Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, parts of Quebec, [the new buyers are] going to be suffering because it affects them,” he said. “This came very sudden, very short notice. The law was passed three weeks ago and it’s [already]

#106 - 7565 132 St. Surrey, BC 604.572.3005

effective.” While the market isn’t “crazy hot” in Winnipeg according to Archambault, it remains strong and steady, with many homes regularly getting multiple offers before they are sold, he said. The market certainly isn’t hot enough to justify the kinds of restrictive countrywide rules that were created with bigger markets in mind, Archambault said. “It’s not overheated like the government is saying it is. They are doing a one-size-fits-all approach,” he said. “We’re not Toronto and Vancouver here, and we’re really concerned that’s going to hurt our local markets.” First-time buyers will be among the hardest hit and may have to keep renting or resort to buying property with help from older family members, Jolicoeur said. Archambault said sellers hoping to trade up are also in for a surprise. “If someone just sold a house maybe three or four weeks ago before these rules came out, now when they go to get a new house, they probably can only afford the same home that they just sold,” he said. “They were hoping to upsize and get a bigger home; now they can’t get that bigger home because they have to qualify for a lot higher interest rate.” Archambault said the rules will make Manitoba more of a buyer’s market in one respect, as concerned sellers may be more likely to take lower offers earlier on in the bidding process than before. “There’s a lot of uncertainty, and when there’s uncertainty, that causes a lot of issues,” he said.

0 By: Asian Star ADVT.

SOLD at $4,95,00

17,160 Sq. ft (Prime Industrial Lot) $ 985,000

Saturda

16

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Garry Grewal

Vol. 6 No. 31

DIAMOND AWARD

Sutton Group - West Coast Realty

PLATINUM AWARD

COMMERCIAL MEDALLION CLUB MEMBER

FOR SALE

- Highest Dollar Volume Award

FOR LEASE

- Commercial Top Sales Award

FOR SALE

FOR LEASE PREMIUM OFFICE ACE SP FOR ALE S OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE

14.827 CRES A HOME OR ALE FS BUSINESS FOR SALE

Spectacular! Estate home on 14.827 Acres of high yield blueberry farm. Luxury unfolds with the stunning front foyer, dual staircases, and elevated catwalk. The regal great room is situated next to a gourmet chef kitchen w/ separate wok kitchen & walk in pantry. A media room, yoga/ exercise room, 8 bedrooms & multiple entertaining Well known and established Lighthouse Franchise on King George & rooms round out this spectacular home. Gaze out upon south views of Mt. Baker or the 80th in Surrey. Take out establishment and Party Orders are also handled. north views of the North Shore Mountains from outdoor patios situated both upstairs The website for all franchise locations is www.lighthouse.menu and they are on Facebook as well. This and down. This is true luxury at its best! The farm features healthy mature blueberry varieties Duke, Elliott, and Reca ensuring steady crops throughout the season. Fully business has been established in 2009 and has been run by the same owner since this time. As it is a automated irrigation. Too much to list! Book a showing today! Asking $4,999,900

ONE IN

A

MILLION

Showers, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Special occasions and even Private Wedding ceremonies. Wait...there's more! This beautiful treasure of a business offers gorgeous select apparel, furnishings, jewelry, linens, gifts, vintage treasures and home décor. A beautiful, breathtaking turnkey operation this is a chance to own a niche business created and Established and reputable towing company that serves established with love and a business owners delight don't miss this clients throughout the opportunity! Lower Mainland. Ideal Please oach do staff, not ealtor contact orappry f info required. Asking $75,000 opportunity to run your own turn key business in a niche

CUSTOM TEELS &ABRICATION F BUSINESSOR ALEFS market. Contact for more details. Asking $279,900

CAFÉ FOR SALE

Established custom steel abrication and business. aluminum eat Gr f opportunity our to business with services that include: aluminum welding and repair, custom and stock trailers, mobile welding service, crane fabrication, fabrication of residential gates, security bars and much Unique and established opportunity to make your entrepreneurial more! Mon– Fri operation closed on weekends. Please contact me for more details on this hard to dream come true! This beautiful Café in the heart of White Rock is a come bybusiness opportunity! Asking $149,000 small owners dream! Tastefully decorated excellent

ATGRE INVES TMENT

facility with be missed! or e Contact mor f great exposure. Highlights include: State of the art facility with modern finishes, Underground secured parking details. provided. Free on site surface parking, more than 3 parking stalls per 1000 Sq ft. 24/7 security with MORE 1000O 12,000 . T AIL S.F & RET ACEOFFICE HD recording privilege. Central location with easy access to all major routes. FOB access and intercom. AVAILABLE FOR ALE S ASE & LE Please contact listing realtor for details on remaining space, square footage and pricing details.

DREAM PIZZA FOR SALE BUSINESS

close to the Greyhound station, taxi stop bus stand and many apartments near by. Excellent location & turn key operation. Hair alon S Business This is an opportunity not to be missed! Asking $139,900

LIGHTHOUSE

for

sale

MINI MAR T ACREAGE FOR SALE IN REGINA - SASKATCHEWAN Located

raseron maintain,

, Hwy verdale F Cloea, ell ar w established business, y o higher monthl y evenue. Asking r $69,900

GREAT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY! GREAT FRANCHISE TUNITY OLD

OPPOR

4 acres, Hotel and development site available in Great ranchise F opportunity ed! yjust Bus the City of Regina, Saskatchewan. Prime Coquitlam Cent er Mall or location oss Chop f Franchise! W last Asking $158,800 location, not ont to be missed! Contact long! for more

S

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ESTABLISHED CHILDRENS FUN CENTER FOR SALE!

details.

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t

ITALIAN RESTAURANT FOR SALE

UNIT ORF SALE

Birthday parties, schools, daycares and sports groups it is a fully turn key operation. Private party room to seat 120 people allows for birthday parties, Private parties and other gathering rental space. Complete Café offers Pizza, subs, fast foods, smoothies and a huge opportunity to expand In den Mughal plaza Gar 2 available, ox appr .Already 4875 sqft leased to the menu. Easy to operate and a great family oriented business! Asking together. Asking $1.25 million $179,900

units long

RETAIL ACE VAILABLE SP A LIGHTHOUSE INDIAN CUISINE

Don't miss this rare opportunity to own your own busy Lighthouse 8321 ., Surrey. cellent 128 Ex locationSt Asking in Indian Cuisine Franchise! Prime location in Brickyard Station Plaza this fantastic business has Take out and dine in, beautiful décor, SP ORMenu. ALE F S quality kitchen, Full Liquor license and OFFICE full Indian ACE Cuisine Complete turn key operation enables you to be your own boss with Approx. 3100 vailableSFor f of sale of�ice in ey. retailshops & further Askinginfo. of�ices. this established franchise. Contact me today for $749,000 Asking $389,000

ITALIAN

RES TAURANT OR F ALE S

A treasure gem of Italian cuisine tucked away in Hope!

AOpen for lunch and dinner this quaint restaurant serves treasure gem of Italian cuisine tucked away

NEW LISTING

term intraditional Italian classics in a fantastic atmosphere and tenants, bequaint sold Hope! Open for lunch to and dinner this

$209,000 busy

restaurant serves traditional Italian classics in ambiance. Perfect casual dining for locals as well as tourist atraffic. fantastic atmosphere and ambiance. Turn key operation ready for Perfect you to implement casual dining for locals as well as tourist traf�ic. your dreams as a restaurant owner! Asking $219,000 Turn key operation ready for you to implement plaza. your dreams as a restaurant owner! Asking $219,000

is

Well established Vera's Burger Franchise located 13737 96 ve, entre A City C on busy Fraser Highway in Cloverdale. Well #705 $465,000, #706 $335,000 maintained establishment full turn key operation Two adjoining of�ices in a new ready for you to be your own boss! Contact listing across om fr SMH. ht Can or be boug realtor for more details. Price : $339,000 leased ogether t orf otal a an 1600 . sqft ate. or

building

space t of separ

VERAS BURGER FRANCHISE J.J AINI S PLAZA

Looking for the perfect franchise well look no more! Established and

8077 The perfect retail eas t KING GEORGE BLVD. award winning Vera's Burgers in busy Meadow Town Center with

major anchors Approx like Superstore, Cineplex Odeon, and many major corner unit in busy plaza move in ready. Financial Institutions and major retailers. Fully turn key operation 1200 sq ft perfect for fast food, of�ice or retail with extra large patio, good lease, low franchise fees and beer space. Easy access to highway, close to all licence. Current absentee owner this business is a great opportunity amenities on Busy King George Hwy. Great to be your own boss and take it to the next level! Asking $229,900

Opportunity contact me today.

T

17358 104A AVE

SP

UNITS OR F SALE & LE ASE SURREY VERAS BURGER FRANCHISE FOR SALE

Indian

the veLast ears y�ixcellent with yedail sales. Close o ys t Da Inn, estern The & Best W Westward Inn o also eyhound the closeGr t Perfect opportunity to be your own boss with this well established Pizza & Indian Cuisine in Langley. Running station, taxi op st bus y stand and man successfully for the Last five years with excellent daily sales. apartments near y. cellent b Ex location & ey ation. turn oper Thisk Close to Days Inn, The Best Western & Westward Inn also opportunity o not be Asking t missed! $139,900

Busy, established Pizza and Pasta restaurant in the heart of Maple

Don't miss this rare opportunity to own your own busy Lighthouse Indian Cuisine Franchise! Prime location in Brickyard Station Plaza Unique family business opportunity that rarely becomes available! Over this fantastic business has Take out and dine in, beautiful décor, quality nine years established Indoor Family Entertainment Center in busy High kitchen, Full Liquor license and full Indian Cuisine Menu. Complete traffic Guildford area. Two level 5900 Sq. feet of area which includes turn key operation enables you to be your own boss with this established franchise. Contact me today for further info. Asking enormous indoor playground (with slides etc), Bumper cars, Laser tag, $389,000 Ballocity, Rock Climbing walls, arcades and more! With Packages for

PAYAL BUSINESS CENTRE - 82 Ave & 128 St

BUSINESS OR F SALE

PIZZA RESTAURANT FOR SALE IN MAPLE RIDGE PIZZA & INDIAN CUISINE

perfect opportunity! Burnaby and Abbotsford locations available. Asking $125,000 each location

to Hwy #1. The second house is rented as well as fruit stall.Rare opportunity to advantage of this stunning home! Call today for a personal viewing.

COMMERCIAL KITCHEN AND RESTAURANT FOR SALE

great business opportunity! Asking $129,000

CONVENIENCE TORE S &

PITA PIT FRANCHISE

N N Well established Pita Pit Busy and LIS EW LIS EW TIN TIN G G Franchise in rapid established Non growing Brentwood Stop Pizza area of Burnaby! Rare Franchise on busy opportunity to purchase King George in a we l l e s t a b l i s h e d S u r r e y. We l l surrounded by highrises, residences, established, tons estate situate don 8.5 acres withfranchise Magni�icent luxury over 8100 sq. ft of living space. Home includes 6 new developments, businesses of residences and bdrms, 8 washrooms, a separate guest house and fruit stand. 5 acres hascommercial blueberry plants as well.and This more. This location does school hot lunches and a commercial businesses in the area. possible New with stunning home possesses every luxury high ceilings, crown molding, stainless steel appliances,Granite counter tops, open �loor plan, large gym room, grand patio, sundecks, built in vacuum, residential development opposite the plaza. large amount of catering ordering as well! Do not top of the line security system, separate much more! gorgeous home is situated the approach staff This please contact listing realtor infor Great investment opportunity to be wok your kitchen own and middle of serene farmland yet only two minutes away from Aldergrove Town centre and with quick access boss! Contact me for more info!! Asking $79,000 more details. Asking $209,000

ORTUNITY! OPP

to

BUSINESS OR F SALE

Well established .Baby Ultrasound Franchise, 3D/4D store/Mini ultrasound (not Don't miss this chance to run your own buy Convenience diagnostic), Private clinic for pregnant moms. Full turn key operation this mart! This well established business is well or-ganized, excellent set up,easy to run niche market business is perfect for individuals or couples with with all your essential sundries for sale as well as lottery AND theMedical/Health industry backgrounds. Beautifully set up office, low lease licensing to sell Pizza at this location! Busy area near parks, schools, residences it isand theeasy perfect small business! Ample expenses. of rate, excellent hours to run with low overhead opportunity to add your ideas to an already turn key operation! Professionals and New Immigrants with a healthcare background this is a Don't miss this great small business prospect! Asking $149,000

FOR SALE

The Mann Corporate Centre is comprised of 23,000 square feet of 'A' opportunity to purchase premium office space in Surey, BC. Set listing an r to be completed by fall 2016, this state if the art steel and 4 es, acr el Hot velopment and de Class office/retail space over three floors. A brand new facility with a custom open floor plan for your preference. The Mann Corporate concrete building will offer a mixture of retail and office space site vailablea in the egina, City of R centre has been designed to provide maximum flexibility and allows to professionals looking for a long term home for their business. Saskatchewan. Prime location, not for many types of professional users who are seeking a high quality Space is limited. Call today for more details. own run y

Amazing opportunity that rarely becomes available! This unique business offers Pizza, Pasta, and Chicken etc. Additionally, the breakfast and lunch menu and rarely found…Liquor license as kitchen has a full commercial/industrial kitchen infrastructure in well! Outdoor seating back and front of premises, tons of parking Dream Pizza or ale FS place which is perfect for catering and food manufacturing. This and many, many more high rises coming in the area currently make Established Indian Sweets and Restaurant business located in high traf�ic area of Scott Rd, Surrey. unique concept allows for the combination of both. Well Perfect opportunity o our be own t y boss this a business owners dream come true. Turn key business ready Wide ariety egetarian v v menu eets. with xpanded Can sw tobe egetarian add e dishes non maintained, quality equipment this turn key operation is ready to to v the with ell this established w Pizza & and waiting for you! Confidentiality agreement will Seating have to for be 50. Complete turn key restaurant menu. Catering services provided regular clientele. go! Contact Listing realtor for more details. Asking $139,900 signed before viewing the business. Asking $149,900 Cuisine in y. unning Langle R successfull y or f

ATTENTION FOREIGN MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS!!! 2 BABY ULTRASOUND FRANCHISES FOR SALE!

2010

PREMIUM OFFICE SPACE FOR SALE ACREAGE OR F ALES IN GINARE ASKATCHEWAN S NEW LEASING OPPORTUNITY 8318 Scott Road is offering medical and other professionals an

TOWING COMPANY FOR SALE

Fantastic opportunity to run your own Pizza & Indian Cuisine Ridge on Lougheed Hwy. 4.5/5 Offers extensive open menu plus a School business! Excellent food, rated by customers 7 days bookings, Catering parties/meetings etc. forFull website. This week, very busy locationfor take out with availability seating if desired. Tons of tourists year round, central to major sites in Hope business qualifies for LMI. Take advantage of many hotels, businesses and areaas near grocery stores, city hall, local police in integral the area well as residences. Complete turn station, key operation. motels and cinema. Well established, great sales and a complete Asking $159,900 turn key operation that will not last long! Asking $199,000

it Suisse tow start to fill a Franz G Group wh stock-excha nering with the main gr ver office sp sector. Tho

2011, 2012 2004-2005 2008-2009 2010 2006-2007 2013-2014 2011, 2012 2008-2009 2013-2014

NON STOP PIZZA FRANCHISE

N LIS EW TIN G

BUSINESS OR ALE S F

next two years due to competition. The landlords who will likely suffer as a result of the current boom are owners of older buildings, Mr. Shokri said. As well, new developments in the suburbs, which have already experienced higher vacancy rates in recent years, may have trouble as they compete with each other. In Vancouver, the co-developer of the Cred-

FOR 4020SALE 272 T, /S LEASE LANGLEY

N LIS EW TIN G

8318 S oad ering is medical off great andstreet Perfect cott office space Ravailable for lease with other ofessionals pr an opportunity o t exposure. Great office space for various industries. 969 Sq purchase emium pr of�ice space ey, in Sur Ft $19.00 /sq Ft + GST Gross lease. take out and delivery. Establishment there is not a liquor license at this location. Asking $549,000 BC. o Set beed t y allcomplet b f 2016, this state if eel the and ete art concr st The perfect second floor office space for lease Within FRANCHISE OF EAST INDIAN CUISINE FOR SALE building will er off ae etail mixtur of and r busy Triton Centre. Busy and growing area makes this an A very rare opportunity to own a beautiful Parisian feel Salon/Café in of�ice space o ofessionals t pr lookingor f a Established & busy Franchise for East Indian Cuisine, perfect turn key Historic Abbotsford. Well established, with a loyal client following this ideal location for your office. Contact listing realtor for home or ftheir business. Space beautiful establishment ers offy all brunch,da ea. Lunch long erm and t Afternoon T opportunity, rarely available. Prime location. Please call for information on this more details. 1985 Sq.ft. In addition, this beautiful café offers so much more! Reservations for is ed. limitoday Callor et f mor details. not to be missed business! Asking $549,000

E-mail: ads@the

MASTER AWARD

2006-2007 2004-2005

#106 Group 7565 132 St.,Coast Surrey. BC. Sutton - West Realty PH:604-572-3005 FAX: 778-574-4174 #106 7565 132 St., Surrey. BC. PH:604-572-3005 FAX: 778-574-4174

- Tel: 604-591-5423 -

he $240-million Credit Suisse/ Mr. Shokri and others say they expect SwissReal tower in the heart of many of the new towers to start signing tenant downtown Vancouver will be leases as they get closer to completion. That completed in less than a year, but so far, is partly because companies in Vancouver, only one tenant has signed up to move in. which do want to be in new, energy-efficient The tenant has committed for a 10th of buildings, tend to operate on short timelines. the 370,000 square feet – leaving a state of As well, he said, prices in the new emptiness that is unusual for an office sky- buildings will likely come 4 i Saturday, July 25, 2015down in the scraper in this city. Even so, a huge shift in business tenancy is expected as the region experiences something it has not seen before: an office-tower building boom much of which is speculative construction rather than for specific committed tenants. “This is kind of uncharted territory for Vancouver,” said Mehdi Shokri, a principal with the capital markets team at Avison Young. “But I don’t see a big disaster occurring.” The Credit Suisse tower is only the most visible and furthest along of a MASTER second wave PLATINUM of new office towers planned for VancouAWARD AWARD ver and some key suburbs. A first cluster of towers – some two million square feet – was built downtown in the past three years. Another 11 office developments are proposed within blocks of Credit Suisse’s Exchange tower at Howe and West Pender streets, even while the office-vacancy rate in the region continues to inch up as a result of the first wave of building. But commercial brokers say the city is not about to be populated by ghost towers.

DIAMOND AWARD

CLUB MEMBERAWARDS WINNERCOMMERCIAL OF FVREB’sMEDALLION TOP ACHIEVEMENT - Highest Dollar Volume Award - Commercial Top Sales Award

Saturday - April 2, 2016

PREC PREC

T

WINNER OF FVREB’s TOP ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

-

Vancouver’s skyline to rise amid an office-tower building

AUTO BOD Y SHOPOR FSALE 4020 272 ST, LANGLEY

Established auto y or bod shop our sale f own y! be boss y toda L NE Magnificent luxury estate situate don 8.5 acres with over 8100 sq. ft of living space. IST W Well established ell anduto equipped e w Car A Center which Home includes 6 bdrms, 8 washrooms, a separate guest house and fruit stand. 5 acres IN G offers complete car has blueberry plants as well. This stunning home possesses every luxury possible with &epair. truck inspection, service high ceilings, crown molding, stainless steel appliances,Granite counter tops, open The ect perf opportunity our to own run businessy with a floor plan, large gym room, grand patio, sundecks, built in vacuum, top of the line well ecognized r and established ve . automoti center Contact security system, separate wok kitchen and much more! This gorgeous home is situated realtor or ef mor Askingdetails. $139,000 in the middle of serene farmland yet only two minutes away from Aldergrove Town

8927

152 .,Approx.

centre and with quick access to Hwy #1. The second house is rented as well as fruit

OFFICE ACE SP OR ASE F LE stall.Rare opportunity to advantage of this stunning home! Call today for a personal viewing.

. 1100

of�ice or sqft

vailable space lease

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PAYAL BUSINESS CENTRE - 82 Ave & 128 St

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UNIT OR FASE LE ON T 72 & 132 MORE 1000 TO 12,000 S.F. RETAIL & OFFICE SPACE Available for lease. Opp JR Furniture. Good mix of warehouse and of�ice space. Centrally AVAILABLE FOR SALE & LEASE DONAIR BUSINESS located in light industrial zoning. Investment Opportunity in Hope. 7200 Sq. ft Of�ice for eat vestment sale! In Gr FOR ALE S FOR ALE S large Lot Fully renovated home close to the #1 1016 Sq cellent xposure, Ft e op Ex t �loor of�ice y space Khalsa within the Amazing opportunity to be your own boss! ,6960ey Surr 120 St UNIT OR ALE F T S AA KHALS BUSINESS CENTRE Business Cent er x. comple ull ea F ar eddesignat or oom f classr space and addition Established Donair food outlet in prime busy Downtown core. 2 bed, 2 bath 850 sq.ft home Perfect ving li space Take vantage ad eat of vestment in this opportunity! gr ound Ideal etail/�loor Gr oom/of�ice showr r space with of�ice space. ake vantage T ad ons of ofxposure t om visual fr . 128th e af�ic High st tr area in Langley. Already steady clientele from high ceilings eys in busy Surr Khalsa Business Center ariousat over the of 128 and 84. CD8077 KING GEORGE BLVD. Great unit available for lease zoning allows v 1000 corner sq ft 2 to use as a rental property. Asking $349,000 gr in opportunity . $325,000.00 the ous numer businesses ounding, surr tons complex of eat vestment 95 Ave & 152 St., 940 sqft. office space is available for lease on 2nd floor including 3 small offices, facing King George Blvd. Great visual and retail exposure. businesses uses. Asking $349,000 bedroom with den 2traf�ic and lots of opportunity to expand the #2. ft second vate �loor of�ices, droom,of�iceboar space. meeting room and reception. Also available 9400 sqft. space for lease. LOTS OF EXPOSURE. Close 1920 to shopping, sq Gas Station, restaurant and of Public bath corned unit in business further. Low lease, and great area reception ea,ar chenette. kit cellent Ex xposure, e op t �loor of�ice y space wit Transit. This space has 2 offices inside and lunch room as Harleen dens. Gar UNITS OR ALE F S (15299 VE) 68 A make this the perfect turn key operation to own Khalsa Business er Cent x. comple ake vantage T ad ons of of xposure t visual fr e om well as washroom. Perfect for Accountants, Notary, Asking Excellent vestment in opportunity o etail twefrontr stor units ey in al Plaza a location. centr busy $289,900 Surr your own business today! Asking $99,000 128th . st af�ic High xcomple eattr vestment gr in opportunity . $550,000 Great opportunity to get into a Franchised and easy to operate Candy Immigration or other consulting or Lawyer. The space can Currently ocery leased e, Stor to o this or a Asking units is sale. Gr$899,000 f tw business! This established franchise is located in Ocean Park Shopping also be converted for various retail uses as well. 1260 Sq. ft. space theClose

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plaza Banquet in Halls, APARTMENT

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J.J SAINI PLAZA

2590 sqft. Retail and Office space for sale Asking $649,000

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UNIT FOR SALE

INVESTOR OPP ORTUNITY 2590 sqft . etail R ande Of�ic Investment Opportunity in Hope. Sq. ft large Lot Fully space for sale Asking $649,000 7200 renovated home close to the

NEW FRANCHISE

Center near major anchor Safeway. This rapidly growing franchise currently has 22 locations within BC and Alberta. With unique product NEWNG Imported from the US and UK this franchise is completely turn –key and full I LIST training provided. This easy to run business is perfect for a couple and for those wanting to try their hand at being an entrepreneur. Asking $79,900

In Mughal Garden plaza 2 units available, approx 4875 sqft.Already leased to long NEWNG I term tenants, to be sold together. Asking $1.25 million LIST

95 Ave & 152 St.,RETAIL SPACE AVAILABLE 940 sqft. of�ice space is available for OFFICE SPACE FOR SALE Downtown core. 2 bed, 2 bath lease8321 - 128 St., This is a hard to come by 900 sq ft unit perfect on 2nd �loor including 3 small of�ices, meeting room 850 sq.ft home to use as a rental and reception. Also available 9400 sqft. space for lease. Approx. 3100 SF of office space available for sale for small business retail, office or company that needs storage opportunity to run your own Pizza & Indian Cuisine and office ie: cleaning company. Cheaper then leasing at this LOTS OF EXPOSURE. in the busiest plaza in Surrey. Close to Banquet property.Fantastic Asking $349,000 price suitable for many businesses. Inquire today. business! Excellent food, rated 4.5/5 by customers open 7 days a Halls, retailshops & offices. Asking $749,000 week, very busy location take out with availability for seating if Asking $209,000 desired. Tons of tourists year round, central to major sites in Hope CUSTOM STEEL & FABRICATION and integral area near grocery stores, city hall, local police station, UNITS FOR SALE BUSINESS FOR SALE motels and cinema. Well established, great sales and a complete (15299 68 AVE) Established custom steel and turn key operation that will not last long! Asking $199,000 aluminum fabrication business. Great opportunity to run your own Established Indian Sweets and business with services that include: Restaurant business located in high aluminum welding and repair, traffic area of Scott Rd, Surrey. Wide custom and stock trailers, mobile variety vegetarian menu with Don't miss this chance to run your own buy Convenience store/Mini welding service, crane fabrication, mart! This well established business is well or-ganized, excellent set sweets. Can be expanded to add fabrication of residential gates, up, with all your essential sundries for sale as well as lottery AND non vegetarian dishes to the menu. Excellent investment opportunity two security bars and much more! Mon– the licensing to sell Pizza at this location! Busy area near parks, retail storefront units in a busy Surrey Catering services provided regular Fri operation closed on weekends. Plaza central location. Currently schools, residences it is the perfect small business! Ample of Please contact me for more details on clientele. Seating for 50. Complete leased to a Grocery Store, this is two opportunity to add your ideas to an already turn key operation! this hard to come by opportunity! turn key restaurant great business units for sale. Asking $899,000 Don't miss this great small business prospect! Asking $149,000 opportunity! Asking $129,000 Asking $149,000

PIZZA & INDIAN CUISINE BUSINESS

BUSINESS FOR SALE

CONVENIENCE STORE & MINI MART

S

OLD

BEAUTIFUL TURN KEY A SPALON / OR FSALES

AUTO BODY SHOP FOR SALE

Great opportunity to get into a Franchised and Located in a busy commercial plaza in the D easy to operate Candy business! This established UCE heart of Surrey. Lots of traf�ic and close to franchise is located in Ocean Park Shopping Center RED near major anchor Safeway. This rapidly growing Established auto body shop for sale be your own boss today! public transportation, restaurants, of�ice franchise currently has 22 locations within BC and Well established and well equipped Auto Care Center which and retail shops. Established recently the Alberta. With unique product Imported from the offers complete car & truck inspection, service and repair. US and UK this franchise is completely turn –key spa and salon offers modern décor up to and full training provided. This easy to run The perfect opportunity to run your own business with a date equipment/furnishings. Excellent business is perfect for a couple and for those well recognized and established automotive center. Contact wanting to try their hand at being an entrepreneur. turn key operation. Asking $60,000 Asking $79,900 realtor for more details. Asking $139,000

29/07

11925 95 AVE

Approx. 4500 sqft. office space available. Rec. area, small office, lunch room and conference room. Very nicely designed and finished. Office for sale! Great Investment

#1 1016 Sq Ft Excellent exposure, top floor office space within the busy Khalsa Business Center complex. Full area designated for classroom space and additional office space. Take advantage of tons of visual exposure from 128th st. High traffic complex great investment opportunity. $325,000

#2. 1920 sq ft of second floor office space. Includes 10 private offices, boardroom, reception area, kitchenette. Excellent exposure, top floor office space within the busy Khalsa Business Center complex. Take advantage of tons of visual exposure from 128th st. High traffic complex great investment opportunity. $550,000 21/10