Liberal Party of Canada — to make good on those promises.
Canadian national detained after bomb scare on VaranasiBengaluru IndiGo flight
Panic gripped the Varanasi airport after a foreign national aboard a Bengaluru-bound IndiGo flight claimed he was carrying a bomb, police said on Sunday. The incident took place on Saturday night, police said, adding that the passenger, a Canadian, has been detained. Security sleuths are questioning the man, officials said.
Following the bomb scare, the aircraft was moved to an isolation bay for a thorough inspection, but no explosive material was found, said Puneet Gupta, director of the airport. Gupta said the IndiGo crew promptly informed the Air Traffic Control (ATC) about the threat after the passenger’s claim. The flight was grounded and inspected as per standard security protocols. After receiving clearance from security agencies, the aircraft departed for Bengaluru on Sunday morning, officials said. A detailed probe is on in the matter.
Here is a list of some promises made by Prime Minister Mark Carney on the election trail. TAXES
The Liberals promised to scrap the GST for first-time homebuyers on new homes under $1 million, a saving of $50,000 on a $1 million home.
They also said there would be a middle-class tax cut, by reducing the marginal tax rate on the lowest tax bracket by one per cent. Carney promised the federal government would build 500,000 new homes over the next decade. The Liberals will create a federal entity to act as a housing developer, similar to what Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation used to do. They have promised to finance the construction of prefabricated and modular housing on federal land. Continued on Page 7...
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday vowed to hunt down each and every terrorist involved in the Pahalgam attack and said all of them will be made answerable for the heinous act.
Shah asserted that the Narendra Modi government will not spare any terrorist. "Whoever has carried out the dastardly attack in Pahalgam, we will not spare anyone.
Continued on Page 6...
Singh leaves Federal NDP politically bankrupt
Jagmeet Singh to resign as NDP leader after losing his BC seat in federal elections
Jagmeet Singh has announced plans to resign as NDP leader after being unseated in his own riding of Burnaby Central.
Singh who was trailing a distant third place to Liberal newcomer Wade Chang and Conservative candidate James Yan as of 9:45 p.m. conceded Monday night.
“It’s been the honour of my life to represent the people of Burnaby Central. Tonight they chose a new member of parliament, and tonight I wish
Alberta
Premier
them well as they continue to work hard for this community,” Singh said.
Continued on Page 6...
Smith rejects suggestions
she’s
stoking separatism talk as First Nations Chiefs issue warning
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is deflecting accusations that she’s stoking the fires of
separatism, despite her government moving to lower the bar for holding a referendum.
Earlier this week, Smith’s government proposed legislation that would make it easier for citizens to call for a vote to secede from Canada, drawing heated condemnation from Indigenous leaders who warn it would violate treaties. A vocal set of right-wing supporters are pushing for an Alberta exit following the federal Liberals’ election win Monday.
Continued on Page 7...
All Canada’s political parties made a string of promises to electors during the federal election campaign.
to
victor — the
Shirley Chan's daughter started showing signs of mental illness as a teen — but she thought it was just bad behaviour, something that would correct itself naturally.
"She'd been such a wonderful child up until then," Chan said. "The illness was something that really puzzled us. And we thought, OK, well, she'll be fine, we just need to get through this bad patch."
But that wasn't the case. It was the beginning of a long journey of supporting her daughter with severe mental health challenges and addiction.
Now, Chan is one of the many advocates pushing for more, and expanded, mental health care across the province.
"If your family member, a loved one, is ill, then you know the system isn't great. The safety net is really full of holes."
Those calls are growing louder in the wake of the alleged attack at the Lapu-Lapu Day festival in Vancouver over the weekend that left 11 people dead and many more injured. This week, public safety critic Elenore Sturko began calling for legislation to bolster the Mental Health Act, and for a review of the mental health-care system as a whole. Kai-Ji Adam Lo has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder in Saturday's tragedy. Police and health-care officials have confirmed he had a history of mental illness, and was under the care of a mental health team in accordance with the Mental Health Act. "The bottom line here is that there's been a gap in the kind of care that [mental health patients] can receive, and I think improvements need to be made," Sturko said.
Mounties in British Columbia have taken the unusual step of providing a police escort to protect the family of a 32-year-old man who has been accused of killing another man on the northern archipelago of Haida Gwaii.
Tyson Young was charged last week with the second-degree murder of Luke Pearson, who was struck and killed by a vehicle in what investigators say was a targeted homicide in the Haida community of Skidegate.
In the days since Pearson’s death, several members of Young’s family fled Haida Gwaii together under threat from residents, while multiple homes associated with the family members were bulldozed and local businesses took to social media to say anyone associated with the suspect was not welcome in their stores.
“After their departure, the RCMP then became aware that the family was being followed by some self-proclaimed protesters,” B.C. RCMP Staff Sgt. Kris Clark told CTV News in an email Thursday.
“Their journey was being chronicled on social media, and they were being prevented from sleeping, eating or refueling along the way,” Clark
added.
“The family feared for their safety due to the actions of the protesters, which now bordered on criminal harassment.”
Police attended the scene in northern B.C. where videos posted to social media showed a convoy of vehicles being confronted by groups of picketers.
“Police engaged with some of the individuals involved and provided a warning with respect to their actions,” Clark said.
“Out of an abundance of caution, a police escort was provided to the family to ensure their continued safety.”
Mounties continue to monitor the family’s journey and are contacting authorities along their route “who may need to intervene during the remainder of the family’s trip, or once they reach their destination,” Clark said.
The Tseshaht First Nation on Vancouver Island tells the family members are not destined for the Port Alberni area after the nation initially said it was investigating rumours they were on their way there.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is projected to lose his Ottawa riding of Carleton, after facing stiff competition for a seat he had held for 20 years.
Poilievre was ultimately ousted during Monday’s federal election by Liberal candidate Bruce Fanjoy, who coalesced opposition votes at the expense of the NDP and nearly 90 other candidates who also sought to challenge the Conservative leader.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, whose Liberals are projected to form government, joked during his victory speech in Ottawa early Tuesday morning that Fanjoy “will be a great MP” as early results showed Fanjoy ahead throughout Monday evening.
“I look forward to working with Bruce Fanjoy,” he said with a smile.
As of Tuesday, Fanjoy was ahead of Poilievre by more than four points, with 99 per cent of polls reporting. Poilievre never held a lead as results steadily came in.
Poilievre lost despite his Conservatives gaining ridings from both the Liberals and the NDP to form the largest official opposition in Canadian history. “It will be an honour to continue to fight for you and be a champion for your cause as we go forward,” Poilievre told a cheering crowd at Conservative campaign headquarters in Ottawa early Tuesday morning before his riding was called.
It marks the first time a Conservative party leader has lost their seat in an election since former prime minister Kim Campbell was defeated in 1993. Campbell at the time led the Progressive Conservatives, which later became the modern Conservative Party.
The result is a shocking turn of events for Poilievre, who decisively won the Conservative leadership in 2022 and led the party to a doubledigit polling lead over the Liberals.
That lead eroded after former prime minister Justin Trudeau announced his intention to resign in January, and Carney succeeded him in March.
Carleton covers suburban parts of Ottawa, which is home to many workers in the federal public service that Poilievre vowed on the campaign trail to cut as part of his plan to find savings and reduce spending.
Lapu-Lapu attack: 13 still hospitalized, support centre staying open through weekend
The community support centre for those affected by last weekend’s deadly attack at the Lapu-Lapu Day festival will remain open throughout the weekend, Vancouver police announced Thursday.
Authorities said the centre, set up at East 43rd Avenue and St. George Street, will also operate on extended hours, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., effectively immediately.
Sgt. Steve Addison said there has been a “tremendously positive reception” from the community, with more than 150 people visiting the centre to speak with police and victim support staff in the first 36 hours it was open.
“We actually had a lineup of people waiting for it to open yesterday morning,” Addison said.
Community members are welcome to visit and ask questions, or even just to “come and have somebody to talk to,” Addison said.
The support centre is also a place witnesses can go to provide an official statement, if they haven’t already.
While investigators have already identified more than 200 witnesses, Addison urged anyone who hasn’t already spoken with police to do so.
“There may be people who left, who believe that there are other witnesses there and they don’t need to come forward,” he said.
“What I want to implore is that if you’re a witness, if you were there and you haven’t yet come forward, what you have to say is incredibly important to us.”
Authorities had few additional details to share about the suspect, 30-year-old Adam Kai-Ji Lo, but confirmed that he did have a driver’s licence at the time of the attack.
Vancouver Coastal Health previously revealed Lo had been under the care of a mental health team, and on extended leave in the community.
“The care team followed established guidelines for a client on extended leave, and there was no indication this person was not following their treatment plan or presented a public safety risk,” the health authority said this week, in a statement.
Lo is scheduled to appear in Vancouver provincial court on Friday.
Police also provided an update on the victims, confirming that 13 people remain in hospital Thursday, including four in critical condition.
That means one person’s medical status has improved since Wednesday, when five of the victims were in critical condition.
The last of the street closures around the LapuLapu Day festival grounds, which were required for the ongoing police investigation, have ended, allowing traffic to move freely through the neighbourhood again.
“We really thank everybody for their patience and understanding, particularly people who live in the neighbourhood, particularly people who have businesses in the neighbourhood that were impacted by the rather large closures that were there,” Addison said.
Surrey's Gurdwara Sri Guru Granth Sahib put up a stall at the 27th annual Vaisakhi Parade in Surrey Pictured below are some scenes.
Just
one-quarter of Canadians view US favourably as ‘Buy Canadian’ campaign continues
Small signs adorned with maple leaves dot grocery store aisles from coast to coast, making it a little easier for shoppers to identify Canadian products.
For many, it’s an exercise in avoiding American goods as much as it is an opportunity to seek out domestic alternatives.
After months of tariff bluster and annexation threats from the White House, new polling from Vancouver firm Research Co. shows just 26 per cent of Canadians hold a positive view of the United States.
“It’s lower than the way that Canadians feel about Saudi Arabia, which is something that we didn’t quite expect when we were looking at the numbers,” said Research Co. president Mario Canseco.
On Wednesday, the CEO of grocery giant Loblaw Companies Ltd. said he doesn’t think the buy Canadian trend will last.
“Maybe a third of it will stick,” Per Bank told investors and analysts on an earnings call where he also highlighted $14.1-billion in first quarter revenue.
Given the uncertainty of Canada’s future relationship with the United States, primarily because of President Donald Trump’s unpredictability, Canseco doesn’t expect prominent country-of-origin signage to disappear from grocery stores any time soon.
“The fact that the consumer is asking for this and those who are selling the products are doing it certainly suggests that it’s going to continue,” Canseco said.
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Why Carney Won — Canada Elections Swayed By Trump, Gender
And Generational Divide
by Fiona MacDonald and Jeanette Ashe
Canada’s 2025 federal election will be remembered as a gamechanger. Liberal Leader Mark Carney pulled off a dramatic reversal of political fortunes after convincing voters he was the best candidate to fight annexation threats from United States President Donald Trump.
“We are over the shock of the American betrayal; we have to take care of each other,” he told cheering supporters in his victory speech in Ottawa.
“Together we will build a Canada worthy of our values. Canada strong, Canada free, Canada forever, vive le Canada!”
Canadians gave the Liberals their fourth mandate since 2015, although the race against the Conservatives was much closer than polls predicted.
Nonetheless, only four months ago, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre had a 25-point lead in public opinion polls and a fairly secure path to victory. Yet Poilievre’s lead soon vanished due to shifting voter sentiments defined less by the official campaign period and more by the months that preceded it.
Justin Trudeau’s early January resignation announcement and Carney’s confirmation that he was officially in the Liberal leadership race dramatically changed the political landscape.
Within a matter of weeks, Liberal support surged when Carney became party leader and Trump continued to make threats about Canada becoming a 51st American state — and to levy punishing on-again, off-again tariffs against the country.
The party went from being 20 percentage points behind the Conservatives to overtaking them, putting the party on track to secure its fourth consecutive victory. A shift described by longtime pollster Frank Graves as “unprecedented.”
Poilievre’s messaging
The emerging “Canada Strong” and “Elbows Up” narratives, linked to the widespread anti-Trump sentiment, proved a major advantage for the Liberals, who made the most out of this political gift. This shift, alongside Carney’s elimination of the carbon tax, left Poilievre on the back foot as his longstanding messaging on Trudeau and his “axe the tax” slogan became largely irrelevant.The impact of these shifts in electoral fortunes extended beyond the two main parties. As the election became increasingly a two-party race between the Liberals and Conservatives, the smaller parties struggled for relevance.
Canadian auto parts traded under North American free trade rules will be exempted from U.S. President Donald Trump’s 25 per cent auto tariffs due to start Saturday, according to new U.S. guidance.
The bulletin from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), issued to American importers Thursday, says auto parts that are eligible for preferential treatment under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) on free trade will be subject to a zero per cent tariff, “other than automobile knock-down kits or parts compilations.”
All other parts, as well as non-U.S. parts in passenger vehicles completed outside the U.S., will still be subjected to a 25 per cent tariff starting at 12:01 a.m. Eastern on May 3, the bulletin says.
The guidance appears to confirm language in Trump’s April executive order that said the 25 per cent tariff would not apply to CUSMA-compliant auto parts, and directed his administration to set
up a process for that exemption.
All CUSMA-compliant goods were already exempted from Trump’s sweeping tariffs on Canada that were imposed in March in relation to fentanyl concerns.
Canada’s trade commissioner service on Wednesday released new guidance and information for Canadian exporters to understand CUSMA compliance, as well as resources for “problem solving related to tariffs.” The tariffs have roiled the North American auto industry, with companies and independent analysts warning of higher prices and reduced sales.
Stellantis said Thursday it will shut down production at its Windsor, Ont., assembly plant for a week, which comes on the heels of a two-week closure in April.
General Motors said Thursday while releasing its first-quarter financials it expects tariffs to inflict between US$4 billion and US$5 billion in damage to its revenue for the year.
Vancouver Notary Public Tarlok Sablok (standing at the back in middle) was with Premier David Eby and Attorney General Nikki Sharma and a number of MLAs with the leaders of Filipino Community to discuss the tragedy at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver last weekend.
Continued from Page 1...
“Obviously I know this is a disappointing night for New Democrats. We had really good candidates who lost tonight. I know how hard you worked. I spent time with you, you are amazing.”
Singh said he had informed the party that he would step down once an interim leader had been selected.
The loss caps a tough night for the New Democrats, who saw their support collapse across the country as voters split between the Liberals and Conservatives in the wake of Justin Trudeau’s resignation and threats from U.S. President Donald Trump. Singh campaigned heavily on policy wins that the New Democrats extracted from Trudeau’s minority government.
In 2022, Singh signed a confidence and
supply agreement that saw the Liberals pledge to implement pharmacare and dental care for lowincome Canadians, programs that have since come online.
Last September, Singh announced the agreement was over, citing what he said was insufficient Liberal progress on healthcare and affordability measures, but ultimately did not act to bring the government down. Singh was first elected to parliament in a 2019 byelection in the former Burnaby South riding. In the 2021 election, he was re-elected with more than 40 per cent of the votes, compared to just over 30 per cent for the Liberal runner-up. The riding was redrawn and renamed Burnaby Central for the 2025 election, with changes that made the district slightly less favourable to the New Democrats.
Continued from Page 1...
We will hunt down each and every perpetrator," he said at an event here to unveil a statue of Upendra Nath Brahma, the patriarch of Assam's Bodo community, and name a road after him.
The home minister said the Modi government has been pursuing a zero-tolerance policy against terrorists. "If someone thinks they will escape by carrying out such a cowardly attack, they are wrong. This is Narendra Modi's government. We will not spare anyone," he said.
Shah said the government's fight against
terrorism will continue till the menace is completely wiped out.
"Do not think that you have won by killing 26 people. Every one of you will be made answerable," he said.
Continued from Page 1...
Smith told reporters Thursday that she won’t presuppose what questions Albertans might bring to a ballot.
“I’m not going to prejudge what citizens are going to do for a petition,” Smith said.
Asked if she would acknowledge that she has opened the door for separatism to gain ground in the province, Smith pointed to recent polling that pegged support at 25 per cent, or 30 per cent with a federal Liberal election win.
“That seems to me that the majority of people are not in favour,” she said.
Smith wants to see citizen-led initiatives on whatever issues Albertans feel strongly about, she said, and the proposed legislation has long been in the works.
“It gives all Albertans an opportunity to play a direct role in the democratic process by inviting them to have a direct say on issues.”
When it comes to her own feelings about the province leaving Confederation, Smith reiterated that she supports a sovereign Alberta within a united Canada. In March, she threatened a “national unity crisis” if the next prime minister doesn’t acquiesce to a list of her demands within six months.Smith also talked about forming what she calls a “What’s Next” panel to hear how Albertans want to push back against the status quo in Ottawa.
Earlier this week, United Conservative Party president Rob Smith responded to a comment on social media calling for a path to making Alberta independent or America’s 51st state.
“This announcement is giving you the pathway some of you are seeking today,” he said.
As the bill works its way through debate in the legislature, First Nations chiefs are warning against any talk of separatism.
“If they’re not happy living in this country, anybody who wants to separate — the premier included — they can gladly go live in any other country that they wish around the world, but they will not be taking any treaty or inherent lands away with them,” said Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak.
“They can take the dirt that their ancestors brought from their territory with them under their fingernails,” she said. In a Wednesday letter, Chief Sheldon Sunshine of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation and Mikisew Cree First Nation Chief Billy-Joe Tuccaro call on the premier to stand down, saying her statements and action violate treaties. “You are attempting to manufacture a national unity crisis — by enabling a referendum on separation and a fanatical cell of individuals — at the exact moment when Canadians need to unite against Donald Trump’s America,” the Alberta chiefs wrote.
Tax breaks, expanded dental care, more housing and faster major-project approvals promised by federal Liberals
Continued from Page 1...
DENTAL CARE
Subsidized dental care for people aged 18 to 64 will be expanded. The expanded program will reach about 4.5 million Canadians and save them around $800 a year in dental costs. Eligible residents — such as those without insurance and with a family net income of less than $90,000 — can apply in May, with coverage starting in June.
SENIORS
Carney promised to reduce the minimum amount that must be withdrawn from a registered retirement income fund by 25 per cent for one year, giving seniors more flexibility on when to cash in their savings. The party vowed to increase the guaranteed income supplement by five per cent for one year, giving up to $652 more to low-income seniors, taxfree. Carney is committed to turning Canada into an energy super power by protecting 70,000 existing energy sector jobs and creating more. The plan is to aggressively develop projects that are in the national interest. That includes kick-starting clean-energy projects, directly
supporting critical minerals projects, accelerating extraction from recycling and building an East-West electricity grid. The plan also calls for creating a major project office to move projects through one review and to issue decisions within two years instead of five.
PUBLIC SAFETY
The Liberals will make bail laws stricter for people accused of violent and organized crime, and for repeat offenders. They promised to revoke gun licences for people convicted of violent crimes, including intimate partner violence and will “reinvigorate” the gunbuyback program for “assault-style” firearms, and recruit 1,000 more RCMP officers. They would make hate-motivated murder, including femicide, a first-degree murder offence and raise penalties for distributing intimate images without consent.
IMMIGRATION
The Liberals plan to keep the current immigration caps in place until housing has expanded to accommodate more people. There is no predetermined point for the removal of the caps.
In the days since the Lapu Lapu festival tragedy, where 11 people were killed when an SUV drove into a crowd of people, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been donated to victims and their families.
GoFundMe has been verifying fundraisers to make sure the donated funds will benefit grieving family members and aid in recovery efforts.
However, one fundraiser caught the eye of a Lower Mainland Filipino resident and she thought something didn’t seem right.
Raquel Narraway said she was devastated to hear what happened at the Lapu Lapu festival on April 26. “I think it’s (an) understatement to say that because it’s my community,” she told
Global News.
Narraway was not at the festival but is heavily involved in the Filipino community.
“Every time something happens in (the) Filipino community, in the Philippines, or in Canada, or even in the Canadian community, I always want to do something. It’s just in my nature.”
She wanted to compile all the GoFundMe pages on her Facebook so people can find them easily to donate.
However, there was one GoFundMe that had received a lot of donations but it was not on the verified list. Before Narraway shared the post, she decided to ask other Filipino groups on Facebook if anyone knew the people.
APPLIANCES REPAIR SERVICE
Security questions surround upcoming marathon following Vancouver Lapu Lapu tragedy
It’s going to be a busy weekend in the City of Vancouver but officials want to assure everyone that police will be out in full force and everyone will be safe.
This follows the tragedy at the Lapu Lapu Day festival last Saturday where an SUV drove into a crowd of people, killing 11.
Insp. Jeff Neuman, who is in charge of the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) emergency response and planning section, said there are 12 protests and 10 special events in the city this weekend, in addition to the BMO marathon and half-marathon, which are expected to attract 25,000 people.
Neuman said there will be 200 members deployed to the marathon alone, and they will be responsible for securing heavy vehicle barriers, light vehicle barriers and increasing security along the route. Neuman said that while this is an escalation of security from last year, it is not in
response to the Lapu Lapu tragedy.
He said that this is due to ongoing risk assessments of big events, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim said the city suffered its “darkest day” on Saturday when a man drove an SUV into a crowd of people at the Lapu Lapu Day festival.
Thirteen people remained in hospital on Thursday following the Lapu Lapu incident.
One person has been downgraded from critical to serious condition, Vancouver police Sgt. Steve Addison said in a media briefing on Thursday.
All streets have now reopened and the area has been cleared.
The community support centre, located at East 33rd Avenue and St. George Street, remains open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Addison said 115 people visited the centre on Wednesday.
Vancouver police are still urging witnesses to contact them.
Attempted kidnapping involved apparent fake cop, Richmond RCMP say
A group of men, one apparently disguised as a police officer, attempted to kidnap a woman in Richmond on Monday, RCMP say.
Richmond RCMP said the woman escaped and believes the incident was targeted.
Police said the attempt happened around 4:15 p.m. as the victim was at a local sports facility in the 4300 block of No. 3 Road. The woman told Mounties she was approached by three men, one of them wearing an item marked “police” and carrying a portable radio.
A struggle ensued, and the woman was able to break free. The suspects fled in a black Jeep Cherokee with Alberta licence plates that was later
located on fire in the 1300-block of Vulcan Way, according to police. “If you are ever approached by someone indicating they are a plainclothes police officer, it is okay to ask for identification to verify their claims.” Mounties also released photos of two specific witnesses they’re particularly interested in speaking with. The first witness is described as Asian wearing a black jacket, blue shirt, white pants, white running shoes and carrying a white and black umbrella. The second witness was wearing a grey jacket, grey pants, white running shoes, black glasses and carrying a pink purse. Anyone with information is asked to contact Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212.
Canada Post could go on strike again
The recent Canada Post strike lasted a month last winter, causing havoc with passport delivery and harming small businesses during the seasonal rush. One of the last major actions of the previous Liberal government was ordering postal workers back to work a week before Christmas.
But this reprieve from labour unrest in one of Canada’s most troubled Crown corporations is proving brief. As two deadlines near, another Canada Post strike is possible as early as later this month.
Negotiations between Canada Post and its union resumed this week, after breaking off without agreement in March. The existing collective agreements expire on May 22, paving the way for a potential lockout or strike. A week before that, on May 15, recommendations are due to be delivered by William Kaplan, head of an Industrial Inquiry Commission that heard submissions in January on the fate of Canada Post, whose budget is in crisis and whose mandate is arguably doomed by society’s shift from paper to digitized information.
In February, Canada Post laid off approximately 50 management employees, calling its financial situation “critical” and its current losses “increasingly unsustainable.”
That followed earlier executive layoffs and a $1-billion dollar loan from the federal government announced in January.
Now, with collective agreements set to expire, the 55,000 postal workers who were on strike in December might find themselves back in the same position, fighting layoffs with a strike mandate. Some banks have started notifying customers that a possible Canada Post strike could interrupt some of their services that rely on regular mail.
“We know this ongoing uncertainty is challenging for your business,” Canada Post said in a statement to customers. “We had hoped new agreements would be reached by this point — and providing you with this certainty remains our priority. We will make every effort to be transparent and let you know if there is a risk of a labour disruption.”
Nagar Kirtan celebrations in Victoria
Biman refutes Chaudhry’s claims on India aid offers FICAC accused of being a political tool
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Prof Biman Prasad has hit back at claims by Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry that the government rejected offers of dialysis machines and sea ambulances from the Indian Government.
“As usual, the leader of the Labour Party lies again,” Prof Prasad said.
“The relationship between Fiji and India has never been this close and strategic in the many decades of our relationship.
“The Hon Prime Minister of Fiji met the Hon Indian Prime Minister of India,
Narendra Modi in PNG where the 100-bed super-specialty hospital to be built in Fiji was announced.
“The Hon Prime Minister of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka also conferred the highest honour to Prime Minister Modi in PNG.
“The project will begin soon.
“The discussion started very early in the Coalition Government’s term. The offer of dialysis machines and sea ambulance was never refused, it is part of the many initiatives that the Fiji Government is working with the Indian Government to undertake in Fiji.”
Employment Ministry clarifies Charan Jeath Singh not under investigation for exploitation
Minister for Employment, Agni Deo Singh has clarified that the Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, Charan Jeath Singh, is not under investigation over allegations for worker exploitation. The Minister says that the investigation is focused on the farm where the workers are employed, not on Singh. He says that the farm operates under its own supervision and management, and complaints raised by workers
will be addressed by them. He adds that they are awaiting for the full report from their Labasa Office by this afternoon.
Meanwhile, Charan Jeath Singh highlighted in Parliament that we have media freedom but The Fiji Times has misreported that he employed Bangladeshi workers and underpaid them.
He mentioned that he is paying them $5.50 an hour which is above the minimum wage rate.
‘Scattering human ashes not littering’
The practice of scattering human ashes into the sea is not classified as litter under the current laws, says the permanent secretary for Environment Dr Sivendra Michael. He said while there was no regulation specifically prohibiting the scattering of ashes, the Government was considering how best to address any potential environmental impact.
“We are currently working with religious organisations to explore alternative ways of handling ashes, such as burial or composting,
which may be more environmentally friendly,” Dr Michael said. He raised the issue after residents of Dreketi complained of ashes and bones found in their traditional fishing grounds.
“We are aware of this practice, which is significant for many religious groups in Fiji, however, it is not considered litter in legal terms.
“We are committed to working closely with religious organisations to find solutions that balance cultural practices and environmental responsibility.”
Attorney General Graham Leung says in the past, FICAC has been accused of being a political tool, particularly during the last administration.
While contributing to the debate on the consolidated review report of the FICAC Annual Report 2018 to 2020, the Attorney General says critics argue that instead of serving as an impartial anti-corruption body, FICAC was employed to target political opponents and dissenters.
Leung revealed that the budgetary allocation for FICAC since its inception in 2007 to 2025 has amounted to a staggering $139.175 million.
He says in 2007, the agency operated with a budget of $1.5 million and by the 2024 to 2025 fiscal year, this figure had risen to just under $10.5 million, marking an exponential growth
in funding over a 17-year period.
He says despite this significant financial investment, concerns persist regarding FICAC’s effectiveness and independence.
He also says FICAC employs 144 staff members, including 14 lawyers, and the increase in budget and staffing has not necessarily translated into a higher rate of complaint resolution, more convictions or enhanced public trust in the agency's operations.
Leung adds that FICAC was established in 2007 to investigate and prosecute complaints of bribery, as well as corrupt practices and taxpayers of this country are entitled to ask how this money has been spent, what results have been produced and how many people have been sent to jail for abuse of office, corruption or related offences.
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Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif admits 'Sponsoring Terror' against India for decades
In a startling admission that has sent shockwaves, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif publicly acknowledged that Pakistan has "been training, supporting, and funding terrorist organisations for over three decades." His remarks come just days after the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians.
In a candid interview with a British news channel, when asked about Pakistan’s long history of backing terrorist groups, Asif confessed, “We have been doing this dirty work for the United States for about three decades... and West, including Britain.”
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif later said, "That was a mistake and we suffered for
that." He pointed to Pakistan's involvement in the Afghan-Soviet war during the 1980s, stating that the country had supported terrorist organisations at the behest of international powers, including the United States. Notably, the video was originally posted by Pradeep Bhandari - National Spokesperson for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Pahalgam terror attack fueled tensions between India and Pakistan. With the attack claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a Pakistanbased terrorist group, India has expressed its firm resolve to hold Pakistan accountable for its actions. The terror attack, one of the deadliest in recent years, left 26 tourists dead, amplifying India’s frustration with Pakistan's failure to act against terrorist groups operating from its soil.
Bangladesh grants bail to Hindu monk Chinmoy Das in sedition case
Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das was granted bail by a Bangladeshi court on Wednesday.
There has been significant tussle between India and Bangladesh with New Delhi demanding 'fair trial' for all those detained after the regime change in the country, including Das — spokesperson for Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatan Jagran Jote and former ISKCON leader.
Das' group in Bangladesh champions the rights and security of minorities in the country. He has been a vocal advocate for the Hindu community in Bangladesh, calling for key reforms such as a minority protection law, a tribunal for fasttracking cases of minority persecution, and the establishment of a dedicated ministry of minority affairs. Das, who hails from Satkania Upazila in Chittagong, was arrested following a controversy that erupted when a sedition case was filed against him and 18 others on October 30 last year.
Das was presented before a Chittagong court, where his bail plea was denied, and he was sent into custody on Tuesday. The arrest had triggered widespread outrage, with many demanding his immediate release.
‘Don’t demoralise troops’: SC junks PIL for judge-led probe into Pahalgam attack
The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to entertain a PIL seeking an SIT probe headed by a former judge into the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir in which 25 tourists and a local were killed.
“Be responsible before filing such a PIL. You have some duty towards the country also. This is the way you are trying to demoralise the forces in this hour of crisis and juncture? You are asking a retired Supreme Court judge to investigate. Since when retired high court and Supreme Court judges have become experts in investigation? We only decide disputes. Don’t ask us to pass an order," a Bench of Justice Kant and Justice N Kotiswar Singh said.
“This is not the time. This is the crucial hour when each and every citizen of this country has joined hands to fight this terrorism... Don't make any prayer which can demoralise our forces... it is not acceptable to us. Look at the sensitivity of the issue,” Justice Kant told the lawyer who mentioned the matter for urgent hearing. The Bench pulled up the lawyer for filing the petition seeking a probe into the Pahalgam massacre. As the Bench was not inclined to entertain the PIL, the petitioners chose to withdraw the petition.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is already investigating the case.
US calls Rajnath, EAM; affirms India’s right to defend itself
In a day of intense diplomatic messaging, India has conveyed to the US that the perpetrators, backers, and planners of the Pahalgam terror attack must be brought to justice. The US has reiterated strong support to India and asked it and Pakistan to “work with each other” to de-escalate tensions while making it clear that it supports India’s right to defend itself. US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth spoke with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. A statement from the Ministry of Defence said, “The US Secretary of Defence reiterated the full support of the US government in India’s fight against terrorism.” The statement quoted Hegseth as saying, “The US stands in solidarity with India and supports India’s right to defend itself.”
Rajnath Singh told the US Secretary of Defence that Pakistan had a history of supporting, training and funding terrorist organisations. He said, “Pakistan has been exposed as a rogue state,
region. The world can no longer turn a blind eye to terrorism.” Hegseth took to X late on Thursday, saying, “I offered my strong support. We stand with India and its great people. I have spoken with Rajnath to personally extend my deepest condolences for the loss of life in the heinous terrorist attack last week.” Hours earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called up External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. In a post on X, the EAM said, “Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with the US (Rubio). Its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice.”
Rubio also made a separate phone call to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that Rubio spoke with Jaishankar on Wednesday. The Secretary expressed his sorrow for the lives lost in the horrific terrorist attack and reaffirmed the US’ commitment to cooperate with India
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