The Asian Star March 3 2018

www.theasianstar.com Vol 17 - Issue 5

Highlights from the 2018 federal budget

H

ighlights from the federal Liberal budget tabled Tuesday by Finance Minister Bill Morneau: “Proactive” pay equity legislation, as well as $3 million over five years for a “pay transparency” measure, to close the wage gap among federal workers and in federally regulated sectors, impacting some 1.2 million people. The “Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare,” to be headed by former Ontario health minister Eric Hoskins, which will explore ways to establish a national drug program. $3.2 billion over five years for Canadian science and research, including money for granting councils and Canada Research Chairs, upgrading outdated laboratory facilities and harnessing the power of “Big Data.” $2.6 billion over five years for a wide array of measures to encourage and foster scientific innovation and gender equality in the field, including encouraging female entrepreneurs and business leaders, revamping procurement and expanding access to broadband internet.

The federal Liberal budget was tabled Tuesday by Finance Minister Bill Morneau.

The Liberals will spend millions to close the wage gap. A federal deficit of $18.1 billion, including a $3-billion “risk adjustment,” down from $19.3 billion last year, that’s projected to decline slowly over the next several years, reaching $12.3 billion ($9.3

Continued on page 7

Saturday, March 3, 2018

Tel:604-591-5423

India slams Canadian PM Justin Trudeau for Atwal visa slur India slammed as “baseless and unacceptable” on Wednesday a comment by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggesting that former Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal was given a visa as a section of the Indian government wanted to embarrass his government.

Opposition MPs questioned Trudeau in parliament on Tuesday about invitations issued to Atwal - convicted of attempting to assassinate a Punjab minister in 1986 - to attend two events with him in India.

National security adviser Daniel Jean’s “anonymous” media briefing last week suggested that Atwal’s presence was

arranged by “factions within the Indian government who want to prevent PM Narendra Modi from getting too cosy with a foreign government they believe is not committed to a united India”. “Does the PM agree with those allegations?” asked opposition leader Andrew Scheer.

Canadian opposition MPs demanded “proof ” from Prime Minister Trudeau to back up his government’s allegations.

New Democrat MP Charlie Angus accused Trudeau of using a senior civil servant to “spin a conspiracy theory that somehow the Indian Continued on page 7

Randeep Sarai resigns as Liberal regional caucus chair

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Liberal MP who took responsibility for inviting a man convicted of the attempted murder of an Indian cabinet minister to an event with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has stepped down from his role as chair of the party’s Pacific Caucus.

Randeep Sarai, the MP for Surrey Centre, announced he was stepping down from the role on Tuesday. I want to again apologize for my role in recent unfortunate events. Moving forward, I will be exercising better judgment. As I don’t want to distract from the good work of the Pacific Caucus, I will be stepping down as caucus chair.

PMO has made Trudeau look really, really bad Umendra Singh The Prime Minister was made to look bad on his recent trip to India and someone has to pay the price. Justin Trudeau needs to fire some of his closest advisors and friends who run the Prime Ministers Office (PMO). Trudeau was made to look beyond bad, beyond silly and shallow as he pranced about in exotic Indian suits, family in tow. It looked so bad that former Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was forced to tweet “Is it just me or is this choreographed cuteness all just a bit Continued on page 4

The party has numerous caucuses for regions such as Quebec and Toronto. Sarai chaired a caucus of MPs from British Columbia.

Voted into the job in October 2016, Sarai is stepping down after Jaspal Atwal, allegedly a former member of terrorist organization the International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), was invited to an event hosted by the Canadian High Commissioner in India. Sarai later took responsibility for Atwal’s name having appeared on a guest

Continued on page 7

Cross-border people smuggler loses battle to stay in Canada A B.C. man caught driving a van full of undocumented Indian nationals into Washington state has lost his battle to remain in Canada. In a decision released last month, a federal court judge upheld a decision to declare Karamdeep Singh Bagri inadmissible to Canada because he was involved in people smuggling. The court documents detail a scheme that began in a Sikh temple parking lot in 2014 when Bagri met a shadowy figure named “Babba” — culminating in his pursuit by U.S. Continued on page 4

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Saturday, March 3, 2018

ICBC’s minimum capital reserves suspended, raising questions of government bailout Even before the B.C. NDP government forecast a $1.3 billion dollar shortfall for ICBC’s fiscal year, the public auto insurer’s capital reserves had been declining. This week, B.C. Attorney General David Eby signed a cabinet order suspending the minimum target for those reserves, raising questions of whether a government bailout is the next step. ICBC posts $935M in net losses in first 9 months of fiscal year. Crash and burn: ICBC goes from money-maker to deep in the red “The reason we are doing this is because currently ICBC has about 54 cents in the bank for every dollar in outstanding claims,” Eby told Stephen Quinn, the host of CBC’s The Early Edition. He said urgent and dramatic action is needed to restore the corporation’s finances. ICBC a ‘financial dumpster fire,’ says B.C. attorney general

Dumpster drivers: enough blame for everyone in ICBC’s financial crisis Before the order was signed, ICBC needed to pass a minimum capital test — essentially, one dollar in the bank for every dollar of liability — before it could present a new rates plan to independent regulators. A low capital ratio increases the risk that in a catastrophic loss scenario, like a massive flood or other natural disaster, ICBC would not be able to cover its existing liabilities. “It does raise the possibility of what seems a lot to me like insolvency,” Eby said. “That’s why we’re making really dramatic changes.” B.C. Attorney General David Eby blames the financial crisis at ICBC on the former B.C. Liberal government, saying earlier this year they ‘knew the dumpster was on fire but they pushed it behind the building.’

Man convicted of attempted murder says he bowed out of event in India to save Trudeau embarrassment A man convicted of attempted murder who was invited to a dinner reception with Justin Trudeau in India says he has a friendly relationship with the prime minister, and stayed away to save him from further embarrassment.

But the Prime Minister’s Office said there is no merit to the assertions made by Jaspal Atwal, who was convicted of attempted murder in the 1980s — especially the claim that he and Trudeau were friends.

What really happened on Trudeau’s India trip: Trade concerns overshadowed by wardrobe choices, extremism talk The dispute emerged after Atwal was interviewed by the The Canadian Press at his home in Surrey, following Trudeau’s at times turbulent trip to India, which ended with his return to Ottawa on Sunday.

Atwal said he received an invitation directly from the Canadian high commissioner’s

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office for the event in New Delhi last week.

British Columbia Liberal MP Randeep Sarai has said in a statement it was his choice alone to include Atwal on the guest list and he realized afterwards that he exercised poor judgment in doing so.

On Sunday, a senior government official said — on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation — that the high commission invited some guests after receiving recommendations from others, including MPs such as Sarai.

Atwal said he has known Trudeau for years. During one of Trudeau’s visits to B.C. in 2008 or 2009, he said, the pair sat together in Atwal’s Hummer and chatted.

“We know each other. He knows my name.

He’ll come and say, ‘Hey Jas, how you doing?’

We have a good relationship. I never see any problem,” he said in the interview on Saturday.

“But now he says, ‘Oh Jaspal’s not supposed to be here, this and that.’ It surprised me.”

Trudeau’s spokesperson Cameron Ahmad said the prime minister and Atwal are not friends.

“That is not true,” Ahmad said in an interview.

Asked about the Humvee conversation, Ahmad said, “I don’t know what he’s referring to there, but no, they are not (friends).”

Atwal said he is not a member of the Liberal party and has helped politicians from different parties both federally and provincially.

He said he was travelling in India last week on a personal trip and questioned why Sarai is taking the blame alone for his invitation to the reception.

“I don’t know why he’s taking all the responsibility.

He had nothing to do with that,” he said. “The high commissioner, they’re the one giving the invitation. Everyone’s name goes through CSIS and the RCMP.” But Ahmad disputed Atwal’s version of events, reiterating the statement that Sarai released last week.

“I would refer to what the prime minister said when he addressed these matters in India on two occasions,” said Ahmad.

“It is not true, these claims that come from Mr. Atwal.”

Incidents date back to 1980s Atwal was convicted of attempting to kill Indian cabinet minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu during a visit to Vancouver Island in 1986.

At the time, Atwal was a member of the International Sikh Youth Federation, a banned terrorist group in Canada and India.

He was also charged, but not convicted, in connection with a 1985 attack on Ujjal Dosanjh, a staunch opponent of the Sikh separatist movement, who later became B.C. Continued on page 20

Local

Saturday, March 3, 2018

Premier John Horgan in Surrey

Millions listen to South Asian gangster rap, but they’re not all joining gangs, artists say

J

ust listening to South Asian gangster rap alone is unlikely to make someone join

a gang.

But does the music, which clearly glorifies the gangster lifestyle, need to be part of a wider conversation? Artists in the music industry say no. Those who work with gangs say different.

“South Asian artists or this type of music is adding or influencing those type of things?” asked hip-hop artist Battlekatt.

“Unless there’s hard, solid facts to back that up, I think that’s completely wrong.”

Hip-hop artist DJ A-Slam said he wishes that he could tell parents that music is

pushing kids into gangs — that way, the issue would be as simple as changing the music.

But it’s more complicated than that.

“Those videos and songs have millions and millions of people listening to them so why are there not millions and millions of people joining gangs?” he asked. He noted that people don’t go after “white rock music that Hells Angels listen to.” “But yet they go Indo-Canadians are listening to IndoCanadian music and that’s why they’re ending up in gangs,” he said.

The artist went on to say, “Eminem often talks about killing his quote unquote wife.

Eleven-year jail term suggested for former Surrey Sikh temple leader Lawyers in the case of a former Sikh temple leader who pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the July 2014 death of his wife agreed this month that an 11-year term would be an appropriate penalty for the crime.

Baldev Kalsi pleaded guilty in November to manslaughter in connection with the July 2014 death of his wife, Narinder, who was taken off life support less than a Baldev Kalsi week after police found her in severe medical distress at a home in the 19400-block of 32 Avenue in South Surrey. Police at the time described the incident as “domestic-related.” Friday, Dan McLaughlin, communications counsel for the B.C. Prosecution Service, confirmed that

the joint sentence submission was entered at a hearing held Feb. 16 in BC Supreme Court in New Westminster.

Those proceedings Narinder Kaur Kalsi had initially been scheduled for Feb. 22, but were bumped up without public notice “to accommodate a judicial scheduling conflict,” McLaughlin said.

Baldev Kalsi was charged with second-degree murder after his wife died, and had been ordered to stand trial following a preliminary inquiry in Surrey Provincial Court two years later. He pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter on what had been scheduled to be the first day of trial.

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Victoria police suggest staggering welfare cheque distribution to address 911 call volume Victoria police chief says he wants to stagger social assistance cheques because of the consistent spike in calls to emergency officials on the day the payments are issued.

The calls include overdose and mental health emergencies for both police and medical responders, which police Chief Del Manak said is having an impact on first responders. Manak has written a letter to the province asking them to look at the issue and consider piloting a staggered release program to ease the pressure on all emergency response resources in the Greater Victoria area. “I know what my officers are seeing on the streets and I know the impact it’s having on us, but I want to come to the

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EDITORIAL

From page 1

Saturday, March 3, 2018

PMO has made Trudeau look really, really bad

much now? Also FYI we Indians don’t dress like this every day sir, not even in Bollywood.”

If it was just the clothes and Trudeau, his wife and two kids acting like foolish tourists at Canadian taxpayers expense, it would be one thing. But then came more serious stuff.

A Surrey man described as a terrorist for attempting to murder an Indian Minister 32 years ago was at an official Mumbai reception and photographed with Prime Minister’s wife, Sophie, and one of the federal Liberal Ministers, Amarjeet Sohi. He was also invited to a formal dinner to be hosted by the Canadian High Commissioner in New Delhi.

The High Commissioner himself probably doesn’t know Jaspal Atwal and was only following the script provided by the PMO. The PMO and Trudeau himself then made matters worse. Instead of apologizing and dismissing the PMO staffer responsible, Trudeau and his minions trotted out an inconsequential Surrey MP, Randeep Sarai, to say he alone was responsible for inviting Atwal. Oh, who do you think you are kidding?

Can someone, even a backbench MP, insert someone’s name on the guest list of an important PM dinner without PMO approval and without PMO doing a background check?

Not likely, so please stop trying to pretend that Sarai alone was responsible. Back bench MPs from BC do not have that much political power in PMO. And one can’t just sidle up to the PM’s wife at a reception and get a photo taken of just the two of them. Oh no. There needs to be someone at PMO approving this stuff. And Sophie Trudeau looks too happy in the picture for this just to be random photo.

The PMO then trotted out Trudeau’s National Security Advisor Daniel Jean, to be the anonymous “senior security source” who showed up in the news media out of nowhere last week with a preposterous conspiracy theory to explain why convicted wouldbe assassin and Liberal Party fixture Jaspal Atwal was showing up in India on Trudeau gala guest lists. Jean tried to explain that India’s spymasters or rogue elements within India’s spy agencies could have plotted and

orchestrated the whole Atwal thing, all in order to make Trudeau look bad. There was a reason why neither Trudeau nor any of his senior Ministers wanted to be brave enough to make this allegation publicly and why Jean wanted to be an “anonymous secret source” when pushing this conspiracy theory.

The reason is that this theory is just too flimsy and stupid. It is a line straight out of Khalistani militant playbook of the 1980s and 1990s when they explained that the terrorist bombing of an Air India flight in 1986 killing 329 people was plotted by Indian government to make Khalistani militants look bad.

As for Atwal himself, he has contradicted Trudeau and his minions by saying he did not go to the High Commissioner’s dinner not because his invitation was withdrawn but because he did not to embarrass Trudeau, whose he claims to have known and met several times before. The Liberals (and some other political parties) should come out and admit that Atwal has been hanging around their events in Metro Vancouver fo years now.

This is nothing new. Meanwhile, we are still waiting for Trudeau to fire someone at PMO.

Cross-border people smuggler loses battle to stay in Canada From page 1 border control agents a year later. Less than half the people deported from Canada in 2017 paid their own way home The 31-year-old claimed the day he was caught — just south of the border by Abbotsford, B.C., with two men, two women and a child in his rental vehicle — was the first time he had ever picked up an illegal alien. Border Patrol agents caught Karamdeep Singh Bagri with five undocumented Indian nationals in his vehicle. According to a transcript of an interview with a Canada Border Services Agency officer, Bagri said he was on the phone with Babba when he noticed he was being followed. “Babba just told me to start driving and he would give me directions. I

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Saturday, March 3, 2018 From page 1

Highlights from the 2018 federal budget

billion without the $3-billion cushion) by 2022-23. About $1.4 billion over six years to support Indigenous children in foster care and promote family reunification, plus $400 million over 10 years to upgrade and expand Inuit housing and $500 million for Métis housing. Plans to “eventually move away” from the disastrous Phoenix pay system for civil servants, including $431.4 million over six years to help address current pay problems, $5.5 million over two years for the Canada Revenue Agency to handle and process related tax queries and returns and $16 million over two years for efforts to find a suitable replacement system.

Higher excise taxes on tobacco products, including a $1 increase on a carton of 200 cigarettes and an adjustment that would see taxes increase with inflation every year, rather than every five years. $1.2 billion over five years and $344.7 million a year afterward for a new employment insurance parental sharing benefit that would provide additional “use-it-or-lose-it” benefits for non-birthing parents to encourage women to reenter the workforce. $2 billion over five years for international aid through a new International Assistance Innovation program, designed to come up with flexible new financing arrangements, and the Sovereign Loans program. $155.2 million over five years for a new Canadian Centre for Cyber Security and $116 million over five years for the RCMP to create a National Cybercrime Co-ordination Unit. $448.5 million over five years to double the number of placements under the Canada Summer Jobs program by 2019-20. $172 million over five years and $42.5 million a year afterward for the Canada Media Fund to foster the growth of Canadian-produced content. $50 million over five years to support “local journalism in underserved communities,” and plans to explore new models that would allow private and philanthropic support for “nonprofit” journalism, including allowing Canadian newspapers to receive charitable status. $75 million over five years, with $11.8 million a year afterward, to bolster Canada’s trade ties with China and Asia. $191 million over five years to support jobs in the softwood lumber industry, including litigation under the World Trade Organization and NAFTA’s dispute resolution mechanism.

Randeep Sarai resigns as Liberal regional caucus chair said he should have exercised better judgment.

A Canadian official said in a background briefing with media that Atwal’s invitation was orchestrated by people within the Indian government. Conservative leader Andrew Scheer called those remarks a “conspiracy theory.” For his part, Trudeau backed the official who held this briefing in Question Period on Tuesday. “Our professional non-partisan service does high quality work, and when one of our top diplomats and security officials says something to Canadians, it’s because they know it to be true,” he said.

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$90.6 million over five years to track down tax evaders and avoiders, plus $41.9 million over five years and $9.3 million a year thereafter to help Canada’s courts deal with the additional caseload.

Changes to income sprinkling, passive investment income and the small business tax rate that are expected to save the government $925 million a year by 2022-23. $173.2 million in 2018-19 to support claim processing and to improve border security to better manage the increased number of people seeking asylum in Canada. Budget shows Liberals comfortable running deficit going into next year’s election

LOCAL

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India slams Canadian PM Justin Trudeau for Atwal visa slur From page 1 government is trying to the country. But, as the media and make the Liberals look bad”. politicians in Canada themselves In a sharply worded comment, pointed out, Jean’s charge made little MEA spokesperson Raveesh sense because it was the Canadian Kumar said, “Let me categorically delegation that had invited Atwal state that the government of to the events in Mumbai and Delhi.

India, including the security In fact, a Canadian Liberal MP, agencies, had nothing to do Randeep S Sarai, took responsibility with the presence of Jaspal and tweeted an apology. “I want Atwal at the event hosted by the to again apologise for my role in Canadian high commissioner in Mumbai or recent unfortunate events. Moving forward, the invitation issued to him for the Canadian I will be exercising better judgment. As I high commissioner’s reception in New Delhi. don’t want to distract from the good work of Any suggestion to the contrary is baseless the Pacific Caucus, I will be stepping down and unacceptable.” As reported by TOI, the as caucus chair.” Atwal is among a group Indian government has taken a dim view of of Canadian-Indians who have been taken Jean’s briefing that “rogue elements” in the off the blacklist by the Indian government Indian establishment had let in Atwal into

8

Saturday, March 3, 2018

Was Churchill more war criminal than war hero for starving Indians?

Half a century after a stroke brought an end to his storied life, Winston Churchill is having a moment. Two movies extolling his achievements are up for multiple Academy Awards next month: Darkest Hour, about his first weeks as wartime prime minister, and Dunkirk, which documents the rescue he ordered of allied troops off the beaches of northern France. Buried under jowly prosthetics, Gary Oldman portrayed Churchill in Darkest Hour as an inspiring leader, and compulsive drinker, and is considered a shooin to win best actor. Both films are vying for best picture. These are conventional views of the “British Bulldog” as a wartime hero and no-nonsense, resolute statesman. Dunkirk even ends with a recitation of his famous “we shall fight on the beaches” speech. But half a world away from the Los Angeles theatre where the Oscars will be awarded, another, more troubling, version of Churchill has resurfaced

recently. In a fiery piece published last month by a number of Indian newspapers, political analyst Mohan Guruswamy argues that, despite the ongoing admiration he enjoys from the “anglicized Indian elite,” Churchill was no war hero for the sub-continent. He was a war criminal. As evidence, the head of the New Delhi Centre for Policy Alternatives points to the Bengal famine of 1943, which claimed up to three million lives. By stubbornly refusing to send relief supplies to east India, Guruswamy writes, Churchill was responsible for mass starvation, “no different from Hitler, Stalin or Mao Zedong when it came to sanctioning the death of millions.” The British even convinced the Canadian government not to ship 100,000 tons of wheat. Guruswamy’s primary source is the provocative book Churchill’s Secret War: The British Empire and the Ravaging of India

during World War II, by journalist Madhusree M u k e r j e e .

Published in 2010, it makes a detailed case that the British prime minister’s actions — or lack thereof — were a major factor in the Bengal disaster. She also ties the events of 1943 to Churchill’s dismaying attitude toward Indians and Gary Oldman stars as Winston Churchill in director Joe Wright’s Darkest Hour, the movement that up for several Oscars next month. would bring them that mangled the facts. Though distracted independence just four years later, not to mention his general by the immense challenges of a war against belief in white-European supremacy. “I hate Germany and Japan, Herman writes, Churchill Indians,” he was famously quoted as saying in did eventually find a way to send food to 1942. “They are a beastly people with a beastly Bengal. Others take a more nuanced view. religion.” In fact, as both famine and calls for The prime minister may not have been the independence spread, there was evidence that arch villain of the piece, they argue, but he Churchill felt an “inchoate rage” toward India, played a significant role, as did British imperial policy more generally. “Churchill has a definite says Mukerjee.

SThe reluctance to send relief supplies responsibility. He certainly did block imports suggests not just neglect, she says, but “a will to to India,” says Janam Mukherjee, the author of punish.” I think it’s fair to say (Churchill) didn’t the 2015 book Hungry Bengal and a professor prize the lives of people in Bengal very highly, at Toronto’s Ryerson University. “But there or put a very high priority on them History is is a lot of responsibility to go around. So as a rarely a closed book, however, and Churchill’s historian, the argument of inordinate blame on Churchill makes me uncomfortable … It’s role in Bengal is fervently debated by experts.

British popular historian Max Hastings called also a convenient way of understanding a very complex historical event rather simply.”

Mukerjee’s book “as sound as it is shocking.”

Mukherjee has more than academic interest Pulitzer Prize-nominated author Arthur Herman, on the other hand, described it as “a in the events of 1943. Though born in the disservice to both historical and moral truth” Continued on page 9

Saturday, March 3, 2018

Hydro rates going up by 3 per cent in BC The B.C. Utilities Commission has rejected a request by the provincial government to freeze rates at BC Hydro for the coming year, meaning a pending rate increase of three percent will come into effect, April 1, 2018.

BC Hydro had asked for the three per cent increase, but, last year, Energy Minister Michelle Mungall directed the Crown corporation to resubmit its request in order to meet an NDP election promise.

“After years of escalating electricity costs, British Columbians deserve a break on their bills,” she said at the time. However, the utilities commission found there was “insufficient r e g u l a t o r y justification to approve the zero per cent rate increase.” “Even these increases do not fully recover B.C. Hydro’s forecast revenue requirement, which includes items such as operating costs, new capital expenditures and carrying costs on capital expenditures,” the commission wrote in a news release.

Provincial government applies to freeze BC Hydro rates Plenty of cracks in B.C. government’s claim of hydro rate freeze. Mungall said she was disappointed by the decision.

Churchill United States, his parents were from Bengal and he was reared on his father’s harrowing stories of wartime Calcutta. John Lithgow portrayed Churchill in the Netflix series The Crown, even taking home an Emmy for his work. Netflix Most analysts agree that a tangle of factors contributed to the Bengal famine.

There was a longstanding inflationary crisis.

The Japanese occupation of neighbouring Burma in 1942 dried up east India’s chief source of rice imports overnight. A cyclone later that year ravaged local crops. Then the British war cabinet imposed a “scorched earth” plan — officially called the “denial policy.” To deprive the Japanese of local transportation and food should they cross the border and invade India, authorities confiscated most of 65,000 boats integral to the Bengalese fishing and farming economies, as well as stores of excess rice.

Meanwhile, Indian rice was being sent to Sri Lanka and other British colonies that had also depended on the Burmese imports.

What food was available for Bengal locals mostly ended up in the mouths of soldiers and workers feeding the war effort, says Ryerson’s Mukherjee. British officials and soldiers, as well as the thousands of American and other allied troops stationed in Calcutta — a hub for supplying the Pacific theatre and Chinese nationalists fighting the Japanese — did not go hungry, either. And as rumblings of a food disaster reached London, the response from Churchill and his war-cabinet colleagues, documented by a number of sources, appears cold, if not callous. Viceroy Linlithgow, the top colonial official in India, pleaded for 600,000 tons of wheat in December of 1942, as people started going hungry. Churchill’s war cabinet refused, citing the shortage of shipping.

In fact, according to Churchill’s Secret War, there was a glut of cargo vessels at Britain’s disposal, thanks to transfers from the United States: “If ever during the war a window had opened for saving lives in Bengal — at no discernible cost to the war effort — this was it.”

It was Winston Churchill’s most powerful

“We were always clear we were going to the BCUC. We need to respect the role the BCUC has here for the ratepayers and for the public. I’m very disappointed obviously with their decision.” Mungall blamed the previous government for leaving BC Hydro in a financial state where a rate freeze was ultimately not possible.

Last month, Moody’s Investors Service calculated BC Hydro’s total debt at $22 billion and said it was one of the p r o v i n c e’s two credit challenges g o i n g forward. “ T h e r e’s quite a financial mess that is a B.C. Liberal legacy after 16 years of government. We have the responsibility as a new government to clean that up.” B.C. Liberal leader Andrew Wilkinson said it was an example of the new government not living up to its campaign promises. “British Columbians, particularly those on fixed incomes, believed the B.C. NDP when they promised a freeze on hydro bills. They planned accordingly and are now left in the lurch and face higher expenses.

From page 8 war speech but few people have heard all of it In July, 1943, the famine now raging, Linlithgow again asked his masters in London relief, this time for 500,000 tons of grain, and was once more turned down by Churchill’s cabinet. It opted instead to direct a shipment of Australian grain to Europe and Britain, believing the food would be needed to help rebuild the region after the war. An intriguing character in all of this is Leo Amery, Churchill’s colonial secretary and an old friend, who recoiled at the prime minister’s disregard for the starving Indians. At one point, Amery suggested Churchill was little different in outlook than Hitler. “I am by no means sure whether on this subject of India he is really quite sane,” Amery wrote in his diary. Others have also chipped away at Churchill’s mythical status lately, as historical heroes throughout the Western world are re-evaluated through a 21st century lens. Britons who dismiss him as a racist have protested a Churchill-themed café and defaced monuments, while Indian MP Shashi Tharoor, lamenting a “historical amnesia” about events like the famine, suggested recently that Churchill was no better than the “worst genocidal dictators.” Does that mean Churchill was indeed the perpetrator of a war crime, even as he helped save the West from the scourge of Hitler and other fascists? The Bengal famine was definitely not a deliberate attempt to wipe out a people, like the genocides inflicted by the Nazis and Soviets, and Churchill shares blame with many others, says Richard Toye, a widely respected British historian and author of Churchill’s Empire.

“I think it’s fair to say (Churchill) didn’t prize the lives of people in Bengal very highly, or put a very high priority on them,” Toye said. “But that’s not actually quite the same as deliberately trying to orchestrate a famine.” Still, the Bengal famine was clearly a dark hour of a different kind. And it should be remembered, Churchill’s critics say, as we revel in the more familiar, cigar-chomping greatness depicted this season on the big screen.

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RCMP investigating concerning online posts about Langley school School officials in Langley are looking to calm nerves after a social media post by a student read “planning a mass shooting” and drew a police investigation.

In a of letter sent on Wednesday to parents at Langley Fine Arts School, administrators say the post didn’t point to a specific school but said social media chatter in the community had suggested the school was a possible target. After an investigation by the RCMP, it has been determined there was no threat to the school. A female teen admitted to police she had made the post. Police say she is not a student at the school. However, according to a follow-up letter sent Thursday to parents,

school officials said the RCMP uncovered and are investigating “other previously unreported and unrelated incidents.” No further information was being shared at this time, the letter said. “It is important to recognize that the RCMP must investigate reported incidents which may affect what information can be shared. The school and school district do not act independently in cases where there is a concern regarding student safety and always work collaboratively with the RCMP. Please continue to notify authorities of direct threats and refrain from spreading unsubstantiated rumours on social media.

BC Liberal leader Andrew Wilkinson at a press conference with South Asian media in Surrey last Monday

You can now go to prison in Canada for providing raw milk. Seriously As Canada ambles along towards the day when its prisons will empty of people who did nothing more heinous than possess marijuana, the province of Ontario appears eager to fill its empty jail cells with individuals whose so-called crime was distributing raw milk.

On Jan. 5, 2018, Justice P. W. Sutherland of Ontario’s Superior Court of Justice imposed an injunction in a case called Downing v. ARC. Downing is the provincial Milk Act Director, while ARC is an incorporated farm co-op that allegedly was distributing raw milk, but has now closed down its milk operation. In essence, the decision transformed an action that was previously a provincial regulatory offence punishable only by fines — distributing raw milk — into a federal crime punishable by up to two years in prison. As is often the case when raw milk makes headlines, the case involved farmer Michael Schmidt, who has

campaigned for decades for the legal right to fill the niche market for unpasteurized milk and cheese. Schmidt originally owned the farm that was later transformed into the ARC co-op. However, the injunction granted by Sutherland affects not only Schmidt and the several family members and incorporated coops, including ARC, who were actually sued in the lawsuits, it also affects anyone who happens to have knowledge of the existence of this new injunction. So if you’re reading this article, and you’re among the probably hundreds of Ontarians who distribute unpasteurized milk or milk products, then you should stop reading immediately, try to forget everything you’ve read so far, or at least never admit to having read it. Although ignorance of the law is generally not an excuse for people charged with an offence, Sutherland’s order has made it advantageous for purveyors of raw milk to be ill-informed.

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Motorists flocking to Washington state to flee Metro Vancouver gas prices The traffic, the roads, the border lineup, nothing stops a significant number of drivers from crossing into Washington state to fill up their tanks with cheap American gasoline.

“I’d say 90 per cent of the B.C. plates driving through are coming for gas,” a member of U.S. Customs and Border Protection said Tuesday. “Some of them say they’ve driven for 40 minutes and then they’ve been idling for an hour (waiting to pass through customs).” It’s always been thus, but with gas prices in Vancouver at $1.50 a litre, going to Bellingham, Wash., where gas is 90 cents a litre, in Canadian pennies, is pretty attractive.

In other words, you save almost $50 every time you fill an 80-litre tank in Bellingham instead of Metro Vancouver, even with a 77-cent Loonie. “We try to come here and fill up every week if we can,” Wendy Baskin

said as she filled her Honda Odyssey at the Bellis Fair Costco in Bellingham. “We live in White Rock, it’s so easy to jump down here. Even with the exchange rate, we save so much money.” Coming from further afield, Van Fabbro said he gets upset at the price per litre in Burnaby. “I’m ticked off,” he said after filling his Mazda 3. “Where I live it’s a bit hard getting here more than every two or three months, I should do it more often, but it is 100-per-cent worthwhile.”

Washington state gas prices aren’t even that cheap relative to the rest of the U.S. Depending on fluctuations, a gallon of gas in Bellingham can be anywhere from 20-percent higher than the U.S. average, according to GasBuddy, which publishes real-time gas prices from all over North America.

‘Gifting circle’ pyramid scheme leads to 4 arrests in Lower Mainland

Four people have been arrested in connection with a large pyramid scheme, known as a gifting circle

Mission RCMP have arrested four people in relation to an illegal “gifting circle” pyramid scheme potentially involving thousands of people across the Lower Mainland. An investigation was launched after a complaint

to police in September claiming district employees, contractors and volunteers working within the RCMP detachment were running the scheme. It is believed a lot of South Asian women are involved, specially in Surrey .

RCMP, with help from the Federal Serious and Organized Crime unit, executed four search warrants at four different locations in Mission on Feb. 20. Four people were arrested but they were released without charges. The Better Business Bureau warned women about gifting circles in 2016. The watchdog said the scheme works by promising women a $40,000 payout — if they invest $5,000 and recruit a few friends. Gifting parties are held under the pretence of helping another woman or family in need, but those who show up are actually just giving their money to the person at the top of Continued on page 19 the pyramid.

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Gun scare causes lockdown at two North Delta schools Two North Delta schools were briefly locked down this afternoon as police searched for a man allegedly wielding a gun.

According to a DPD press release issued this afternoon, police were contact’s at around noon today (Feb. 26) about a suspicious male near Delview Secondary with what looked like a firearm. Police located the male, who turned out to be a student at Delview, and found he was in possession of a pellet gun.

“Pellet guns can easily be confused or mistaken for a real weapon,” said DPD public affairs coordinator Cris Leykauf in a press release. “This one in particular looked very similar to a real weapon.” Both Delview and nearby Gibson Elementary were placed into a “code yellow” lockdown for about 50 minutes

as police assessed the situation. In a code yellow, school administrators contact police and lock all exterior doors while teachers secure windows, draw the blinds and take attendance. Students are largely kept in class, but are still permitted to leave for reasons such as to use the restroom. The procedure allows the school to continue with a normal school day, but forbids outside activity. Unauthorized personnel are not permitted to enter the building. By contrast, a “code red” is a fullfledged lockdown, meaning students and staff shelter in place. It is used “when there is an immediate and imminent threat to the school building population,”according to the Delta School District’s emergency response manual.

RCMP warn of disturbing phone calls being made to Lower Mainland women Mounties are warning women about a series of threatening phone calls across the Lower Mainland. RCMP said Wednesday they’ve received reports of several calls that began last year in which a man identifies the woman by name and address, and claims he is watching her through cameras he installed in her home.

He demands she engage in sexually explicit conversation or her family members will be killed. Police say there is no evidence yet that suggests the caller has installed the cameras.

“Some women employed at lingerie and swimwear stores have reported receiving calls at their workplace as well,” RCMP said.

Police believed the man is using some kind of app, software or website that changes the

phone number coming in on the caller ID, also known as “spoofing.” They also believe he is picking up information about the women through social media. “If you believe that you may have been the recipient of one of these calls and have not already reported to police, we encourage you to do so now,” Sgt. Janelle Shoihet said. RCMP are recommending the following safety tips for anyone who receives such a call: Record the caller’s telephone number Hang up and do not engage in conversation with the caller.

Immediately report the incident to your local police, Block the number whenever and wherever possible, Use an unlisted name and number

Truck crashes into home in Cloverdale It was a very close call for a family in Cloverdale on Tuesday morning when a truck plowed into their house just after 8 a.m. It appears the driver veered off the road, crashed through the fence and hit the house, located in the 5700-block of 184 Street. The truck left a gaping hole in the side of the house and narrowly missed a fire hydrant. “My father-in-law, daughter and I were standing upstairs when we heard sounds and felt the house shake,” said It was a very close call for a family in Cloverdale on homeowner Gina Unruh. “I knew someone Tuesday as it appears a driver veered off the road and had hit my house for some reason.” crashed through the fence, hit the house, located in the Unruh’s biggest concern was her wedding 5700-block of 184 Street. dress, which was stored in the basement driver, who appeared to be in his 40s, was where the truck hit. But it turns out, the dress escaped harm and only the protection shaken but not hurt. It is unclear at this bag suffered a small rip. Unruh says the time how the accident happened.

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Richmond to build its first modular housing project for homeless The City of Richmond’s proposal to build its first modular housing project for homeless people is already facing opposition. Hundreds of people packed an open house Wednesday to get more information about the project slated for 7300 Elmbridge Way. “We’ve been getting a diverse range of viewpoints,” said Joyce Rautenberg, the city’s affordable housing co-ordinator. If approved, the 40-unit threestorey project could make a serious dent in Richmond’s homeless figures, which grew 84 per cent to 70 people in 2017 from 38 in 2014,

although homeless advocates believe the real number is close to 120. The building will be erected on city-owned land currently used as an off-leash dog park in the Oval Village neighbourhood and would be in place for five years. An artist rendering of the proposed modular supportive housing building at 7300 Elmbridge Way in Richmond.

Adjacent to an ICBC Claim Centre and across the street from a hardware store, the lot is surrounded by about a dozen condo towers that lie within a two-block radius, with more

RCMP seek suspects in Chilliwack courthouse bomb scare RCMP have released a photo of a “vehicle of interest” that may be connected to Tuesday’s bomb scare at the Chilliwack courthouse. The RCMP’s explosive disposal unit was called to the courthouse after police, responding to an “unspecified threat,” discovered a suspicious item outside the building at 46085 Yale Rd. The courthouse and nearby businesses were evacuated before the bomb squad determined the item was not a risk to public safety. The incident happened just after 2:30 p.m.

Police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying people associated with a vehicle of interest described as an older model, bluishgreen, four-door sedan with a sunroof.

Anyone with information can contact Chilliwack RCMP at 604-792-4611 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 Chilliwack RCMP are seeking suspects after courthouse evacuated due to an “unspecified threat.” Police say this car is a vehicle of interest.

Chilliwack RCMP

BC gangster gets life sentence in Philippines for trafficking A high-profile B.C gangster has been sentenced to life in prison in the Philippines for his involvement in an international drugtrafficking ring that set up in the Southeast Asian country. Independent Soldier James Riach, who is part of the Wolf Pack gang alliance, got the news in a Manila courtroom Wednesday, along with his Canadian coaccused Ali Shirazi. Judge Selma Alaras issued an 11-page ruling, saying both Riach and Shirazi had possessed more than $2.5 million

Cdn worth of ecstasy and shabu — a local pill that contains methamphetamine and caffeine.

The Canadians were also ordered to pay a $12,000 fine. The Philippines National Bureau of Investigation arrested Riach and Shirazi at their rented Manila condo in January 2014.

They had been in the country for about three months. Also arrested at another apartment and charged that day was Riach’s long-time B.C. associate Barry Espadilla. But Espadilla was released 18 months later after an appeals

Nanaimo man wanted on cross-country warrant for defrauding women via Plenty of Fish, social media If a Jordan David Shepherd or Dave Rofter tries to slide into your DMs, just shut him down right then and there. Nanaimo RCMP say Shepherd – who often goes by the name Dave Rofter – is wanted on a country-wide arrest warrant for befriending women and convincing them to hand over their cash. Shortly after, Shepherd disappears. The 34-year-old man now faces five counts of fraud under $5,000 in Nanaimo, one count of fraud in Ladysmith and another count of fraud in New Westminster.

The allegations occurred between February and August of last year.

In each case, Shepherd sought out women between the ages of mid-20s to early 30s on Plenty of Fish, an online dating site, or other social media and befriended them. Within days, he would tell the woman he had lost his bank card or had forgotten it with a family member and ask the woman to deposit a cheque from his company On the Rocks Surveying into their own accounts, and withdraw the corresponding amount for him. The amounts ranged between $1,000 to $1,600. Shortly after receiving the money, Shepherd would disappear just as the bank notified the woman the cheque did not clear and that the company did not exist.

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FEDERAL BUDGET 2018 Passenger suffers burns after cellphone overheats on plane at Pearson airport in Toronto Flight AC101 to Vancouver delayed by 2 hours following

A flight bound for Vancouver was delayed by about two hours Thursday after a passenger’s cellphone caught fire while the plane was still at the gate at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. Around 7 a.m., Air Canada Flight 101 was sitting at the gate when a passenger’s phone “began to burn,” Air Canada spokesperson Peter Fitzpatrick told CBC Toronto in an email.

“The fire was immediately extinguished by crews and there was no damage to the aircraft.”

The phone’s owner was injured and was treated by paramedics. The passenger was able to walk off the plane, Fitzpatrick said. Peel Region paramedics said they treated a patient for burns to a hand and transported the patient to nearby Etobicoke General Hospital.

A spokesperson for Transport Canada told CBC in an email response that the federal agency is aware of the incident. “The aircraft sustained no damage as the crew was able to extinguish the fire promptly. Once the fire

extinguished, paramedics assisted the passenger in possession of the cell phone, who sustained burns to the hands,” the statement read. While the fire was “very contained,” Fitzpatrick said, passengers seated nearby were asked to deplane so residue from the fire extinguisher could be cleaned up. A video posted to social media by passenger Brandon Scott shows firefighters walking down the aisle toward the back of the plane. Several fire extinguishers can be seen on one of the seats. The flight’s status on Air Canada’s website initially said the plane got off a few minutes early. However, the airline updated the information to say that the Boeing 787-9 with 266 passengers on board departed two hours late.

Joe Cressy, a Toronto city councillor, was one of the passengers on the flight, and described hearing yelling on board before seeing smoke in the cabin.

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Pharmacare won’t be free for all Canadians, Finance Minister Morneau says Federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau says a new national pharmacare program will be “fiscally responsible” and designed to fill in gaps, not provide prescription drugs for Canadians already covered by existing plans.

Speaking at the Economic Club of Canada in Ottawa to kick off a post-budget sales job, Morneau said many Canadians are without coverage, including people who are selfemployed. Some parts of the system are working well but others are not, he said.

“We need a strategy to deal with the fact not everyone has access, and we need to do it in a way that’s responsible, that deals with the gaps, but doesn’t throw out the system that we currently have,” he said. Eric Hoskins, Ontario’s former Liberal health minister, will chair a council that will consult with stakeholders and

make recommendations to government on how to proceed with a national plan. Morneau said the committee will need time to carefully study the issue because Canada’s workforce and the cost of pharmaceuticals have both changed dramatically over the last two decades.

Morneau said the government has a goal of ensuring all Canadians get the medication they need, but it does not yet have all the answers on how to get there. For example, income levels may not necessarily determine need, he said.

“Sometimes those pharmaceuticals are so expensive that even ... people that are above the middle income band will find themselves in a very difficult situation,” he told host Chris Hall.

Ontario adopted a pharmacare plan this year that offers free medication to babies, children and youth aged 24 and under who have OHIP coverage.

BC requires more than one referendum on electoral reform; questions must be unbiased The British Columbia government shouldn’t hold a single referendum on electoral reform— it should hold two, like New Zealand, finds a new study released today by the Fraser Institute, an independent, non-partisan Canadian public policy think-tank. BC voters have until today (Feb. 28) to comment online on the government’s plans to hold a referendum this fall—the third in 15 years. “How governments get elected is perhaps the most important part of any democracy, and efforts to change the electoral system require very careful consideration,” said Lydia Miljan, Fraser Institute senior fellow, associate professor of political science at the University of Windsor and co-author of Designing a Referendum Question for British Columbia. The study highlights best practices from Canada and the world for referenda on electoral reform. For example, before their government changed their electoral system, voters in New Zealand

participated in two referenda. The first gauged the appetite to change the voting system, and also asked which alternative electoral process should replace the existing one. Following this referendum, a legislative committee designed an alternative electoral system, complete with new riding boundaries and rules for coalitions and minority governments. Only after this initial public consultation and education process, which clearly explained the consequences of change, did a second referendum ask New Zealanders whether they wanted to adopt the new alternative or maintain the status quo.

In addition, given B.C.’s size and unique population distribution, the study also urges that broad support be garnered from different parts of the province. “Getting a legitimate mandate to fundamentally change the way citizens elect their governments is no easy task, and it requires buy-in from people across B.C.— not just in a few heavily-populated ridings.

Parole Board of Canada puts conditions on Edmonton hostage taker’s release A man who took nine people hostage at gunpoint in Edmonton is again eligible for statutory release but he will be required to stay at a half-way house and follow a series of other conditions. Patrick Clayton was sentenced to 11 years after pleading guilty to hostage taking, pointing a firearm and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose for the 2009 standoff at the Worker’s Compensation Board office.

He had been granted day parole in 2015 and transitioned into statutory release, which requires offenders who aren’t serving a life sentence to be released after they’ve served two-thirds of their sentence.

Clayton’s release was revoked in May 2017 after he admitted to using crystal meth and failed to return to the community-based residential facility where he had been living.

He’s again eligible for statutory release.

The Parole Board of Canada says it has imposed eight special conditions for his release. They include staying at an approved residential facility; not consuming alcohol and drugs; not entering any offices occupied by the Worker’s Compensation Board; and, reporting any relationships with women to his parole supervisor.

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Ottawa backs Credit Unions on ‘Banking’ terminology The Federal government will provide flexibility to credit unions on generic terms like ‘bank’ and ‘banking’. Finance Minister Bill Morneau announced the decision in the federal budget released yesterday. The Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA) on behalf of its members across Canada welcomes the decision. “We are obviously pleased with Minister Morneau’s announcement and we would like to thank him and the team at the Department of Finance.” said Martha Durdin, President and CEO, CCUA. The CCUA would also like to acknowledge the advocacy efforts of MPs from all parties and the All Party Credit

Union Caucus, a body formed last spring to facilitate communication between legislators and the credit union industry. Last year, the CCUA had asked the federal government to review Bank Act restrictions around the use of these terms to find a reasonable solution so credit unions could continue to use terms like ‘online banking’.

Credit unions do not want to be confused with banks and proudly disclose the distinction to Canadians. However, Canadians have always associated the terms ‘bank’ and ‘banking’ with credit unions since the first credit union in the country opened doors over a century ago.

How a single typo secured the early release of a notorious gangster It was a ‘7’ that was actually supposed to be a ‘9’. That mistake is now having ripple effects, not just on the life of Jarrod Bacon, but on the public’s perception of the corrections system.

In 2012, Bacon was sentenced to 12 years in prison, minus time served, for smuggling 100 kilograms of cocaine. He was supposed to serve nine years before being eligible for statutory release. But according to the Parole Board of Canada, that was recorded as seven years instead on a prison document. Because of that, Bacon was released early in February 2017. Bacon breached the conditions of his release a few months later and was taken back to prison. His statutory release was revoked. Somewhere along the way, the typo was discovered. Bacon then argued he never should have been released at that time and, therefore, can’t be held responsible for the breach. The Parole Board of Canada’s appeal division agreed. Bacon is now set to be released on the correct date in June 2018 It’s unclear how often these types of errors occur, but some legal experts say this

case highlights a need to re-examine input procedures, as well as staffing and training levels in the justice system. What makes this case different: Bacon is no ordinary convict.

He’s one of the founders of the Red Scorpion gang, a group that’s been associated with the Surrey Six slayings, one of the bloodiest gangland killings in B.C. history.

A spokesperson for B.C.’s attorney general said Wednesday the typo was made at the federal corrections level and not in the provincial court system. Correctional Service Canada issued a statement Wednesday that said the mistake was found during an internal audit. “In this case, a discrepancy was discovered and a subsequent review was undertaken. Steps were immediately taken to ensure the correct sentence was administered as pronounced by the court,” the statement read.Legal experts say it’s impossible to know just how that number was incorrectly entered, but that it’s likely the product of human error.

“Computers very rarely make mistakes.

Humans make mistakes much more

Vancity posts strong financial results for 2017 Vancity had a strong year in 2017, with operating income of $530.6 million, a 17.8-percent increase on the previous year. Vancity assets reached $21.7 billion, a 2.5-per-cent increase over 2016, bringing Vancity’s total assets plus assets under administration to $26.4 billion. Membership of the values-based financial institution also increased during the year to 525,506. “In a time of unprecedented social and economic change, many people are looking for an alternative to business-as-usual,” says Tamara Vrooman, Vancity president and CEO. “Vancity provides a different way of delivering financial services that is more deeply connected to the overall well-being of our members and the needs of the community.

Once again, our values-based banking model has delivered strong financial returns.”

Vancity’s net income before distribution and tax was $146.6 million in 2017. The result was due in large part to the one-time boost in income from the sale to Bosa Development of Dockside Green, a mixed-use residential and commercial real estate development in Victoria, and one of the most innovative green developments in North America. But even without the sale, which saw Vancity realize a gain of $33.5 million and that took effect on December 15, 2017, Vancity’s net income showed a healthy increase. Vancity shares its profits with members and local communities.

Every year, the credit union makes a contribution of 30 per cent of net income through the Vancity Shared Success Program.

Over the course of 2018, Vancity will allocate a record $27.5 million to members and the communities where they live and work.

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The return on members’ equity (ROME) measures how much profit Vancity generates with every dollar of members’ equity. It’s calculated after taking into account taxes and the Shared Success Program.

Funeral announcement With sadness and heavy heart it is being announced that Parveen Sandhu passed away at her home in Surrey at the age of 36. Parveen Sandhu belonged to Village Rurka Kalan ( Patti Rolki) District Jalandhar , Tehsil Phillaur.

She was the daughter of Jagraj (Raj) Sandhu & Kulwinder Kaur Sandhu. She is survived by her mother, father, sister Paria Sandhu and brother Pawan Sandhu. Parveen Sandhu’s funeral will be held on Tuesday March 6,2018 at Five Rivers Funeral Home, 7410- Hopcott Road in Delta at

1PM following Antim Ardas will be held at Gurdwara Nanaksar at Westminster Hyw. in Richmond, BC, at 2:30 PM. For more information or to offer condolences please call: Jagraj (Raj) Sandhu or Kulwinder Kaur Sandhu 604-278-2791 or 604-375-1281

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New Surrey women’s shelter to be named after teen who died in a tent A new supportive housing facility for homeless women will be named after a 19-year-old Santanna Scott-Huntinghawk who died in a rain-soaked tent in Surrey just months after she aged out of the foster care system.

Atira Women’s Resource Society is renovating a formerly notorious motel on King George Boulevard and hopes to re-open it this spring as a 23-room facility for homeless women and those at risk of homelessness.

It will be called Little’s Place after Santanna Scott-Huntinghawk, who was known as “Little” on the streets of Newton because she stood just over five feet tall and weighed only 110 pounds.

She fatally overdosed on fentanyl on Nov. 30, 2016 in a tent hidden in some trees just off a busy Surrey street. Her story sparked intense debate about how a young person could die alone under such dire circumstances in the middle of B.C.’s second-largest city.

“We work with and house and support a lot of young women just like Santanna,” said

Atira CEO Janice Abbott. “We thought (the name) would be a great way to both honour her and remind us constantly what our obligations are for youth and, in particular, for young Aboriginal women.” Many of the young women Atira helps have aged out of B.C.’s child welfare system at age 19, leaving them without access to most of the emotional and financial supports they had been receiving. The many faces of Santanna Scott-Huntinghawk: To many, she was the anonymous girl who died in a tent.

To her family, Santanna was brash, outspoken, spunky, sometimes goofy and always fiercely protective of her three younger siblings “Clearly having an abrupt cutoff of support at age 19 puts women at risk, particularly women who often haven’t had strong life skills,” Abbott said. “And not having enough housing puts women at risk.” Savannah Scott said she was emotional and thrilled when Atira asked for permission to name the facility after her

Slovakian woman gets three years for smuggling opium through YVR A chance encounter in an Istanbul café with a mysterious man named Mike has landed a Slovakian woman in a B.C. prison for three years. Iveta Scheuer, 50, has been convicted of smuggling 2.6 kilos of opium into Canada in late 2016, hidden in the sides of two suitcases.

When the opium was discovered by airport officials, Scheuer claimed she had no idea what she’d been carrying. She also gave two different versions of how and why she had come to B.C. She later testified in her own defence in B.C. Supreme Court, claiming that mystery man Mike “paid for her trip to Vancouver, gave her the suitcases, and asked her to deliver them to an unnamed individual at a hotel here,” Justice Lisa Warren wrote in a sentencing decision released this week.

“She testified that Mike told her she would be contacted by someone once she got to the hotel and this person would come to the hotel to collect the suitcases. She had an empty bag packed in the suitcases that was to be used to transport her belongings back home, after leaving the two suitcases here. She testified that she did not know the opium was in the suitcases.” A jury didn’t believe Scheuer, convicting her of importation of the opium, as well as possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Scheuer told the court that Mike was Arabic and spoke German. He appeared to be in his late 30s. He took her sightseeing. She gave him her phone number but he did not give her his number or provide details of his business.

US accuses groups with BC ties of scamming seniors for millions of dollars British Columbia companies and individuals are in the crosshairs of the U.S. Department of Justice for allegedly defrauding seniors around the world with bogus promises of lottery winnings.

In a Thursday posting on its webpage, the department said coordinated busts of various alleged elder fraud schemes around the world swept up the B.C.-based groups, who are allegedly involved in

mail fraud and in scamming millions of dollars each year. Millions sought from Vancouver company accused of processing mail fraud payments “The defendants targeted elderly and vulnerable consumers both in the United States and abroad, using U.S. addresses and the U.S. mails to try to legitimize their fraudulent schemes,” said U.S. attorney Richard P. Donoghue in a statement. “They sold false promises of life-changing prizes that never came true. We will pursue the perpetrators of these mail schemes wherever they are located and hold them accountable.” The justice department did not say the B.C. groups had been charged but did say they are the targets of civil injunctions. In this injunction, U.S. v. Quaglia, U.S. authorities say this officiallooking document is actually evidence of mail fraud.

Drop in crime, increase in ‘vibrancy’ celebrated by Newton BIA The Newton Business Improvement Association’s fourth annual general meeting last week centred around “optimism we have for the future” said director Philip Aguirre.

Held at Newton’s Hollywood 3 Cinema on Feb. 22, Aguirre said it was an opportunity for the area’s businesses to “reflect on where we’ve come.”

While the area has seen tragedy at the local hockey arena, a spike in gang violence and has not been immune to the growing opioid epidemic, “we have also grown as a community,” Aguirre told the Now-Leader.

“Lots has changed over the last five years, and a lot of that optimism and positive results we’ve seen are because of the BIA and the work that we’re doing,” he said. “One of the big changes in Newton has been the BIA and what we’re trying to do here: Focusing on new programs and initiatives, and bringing the community together. Before we were here, we were disjointed, we were isolated.”

He said 2017 was a year with “lots of positives” in Newton and “the results speak for themselves.”

Aguirre noted 2017 saw an 18 per cent drop in overall crime in Newton, according to Surrey RCMP statistics, including a 13 per cent drop in violent crime, an 18 per cent decline in break-and-enters (and overall property crimes), a 12 per cent drop in shoplifting and 17 per cent fewer mischief files.

In fact, Newton saw crime drop in all categories but two in 2017, compared to the year prior: Arsons rose by 26 per cent (from 38 to 48) and sexual offences increased by 62 per cent (from 78 to 126).

Aguirre said a double digit crime decrease in three years is an “excellent justification” for why the BIA was formed to begin with.

“Safety has always been the main focus of the Newton BIA,” he noted.

Saturday, March 3, 2018

DREAM CARPET

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NATIONAL

Saturday, March 3, 2018

Forecaster says spring temperatures to be delayed in much of Canada Spring will arrive a little late and showcase rather volatile weather this year, one of Canada’s most high-profile forecasters predicted Monday. In its spring outlook, the Weather Network said temperatures across much of the country will skew colder through March and early April before eventually warming up toward the end of the season.

“Spring tends to be a season where we get a lot of volatility, a lot of ups and downs with our weather, because after all, we’re going from winter to summer,” said Chief Meteorologist Chris Scott. “It’s not a straight line. There’s always a bit of a bumpy road to get there.”

A wind chill warning from Environment

Canada has ended, but an extreme weather alert is still in effect as Toronto-area residents battle the bitter cold, Friday, Feb. 28, 2014.

This year’s season will see more swings in weather than usual, he said. British Columbia in particular will have a cooler spring than usual, Scott said. “We won’t see that kind of early bursting of spring that we sometimes get through the south of B.C.,” he said.

The Prairies will also have to contend with temperatures lower than they’re used to for March and early April, but that, in combination with minimal snowpack, reduces the risk of flooding during the eventual thaw, Scott said.

Continued on page 19

Ontario basic income recipients say less stress, better health Margie Goold, who suffers debilitating arthritis, bought a new walker. Lance Dingman, who lost his right leg to a chronic bone disease, is no longer running out of groceries by the middle of the month. Wendy Moore, who has been homeless for almost two years, is looking for an apartment.

The three Hamilton residents are part of the first wave of participants in Ontario’s experiment with basic Margie Goold, 60, who suffers income, a monthly, no- from arthritis was able to buy a new strings-attached payment of walker since joining the program.

up to $1,400 for people living in poverty. Those with disabilities receive an additional $500 a month. The three-year pilot project, which began in the Hamilton and Thunder Bay areas last summer and in Lindsay last fall, is testing whether unconditional cash support can boost health, education and housing for people on social assistance or earning low wages. Information gleaned from the three test sites will guide future provincial policy on how to better support all Ontarians living in poverty.

The province is among several areas in the world experimenting with the idea of a basic income, including Finland, which began a two-year pilot last January.

After couch-surfing for almost two years, Moore, 60, is using her basic income payment to look for stable housing.

Delays slow govt’s promised poverty reduction plan, says minister BC’s promised plan to fight poverty is taking longer to introduce than originally forecast, says the minister in charge of poverty reduction.

Shane Simpson announced plans last year to table legislation this spring that includes targets and timelines to cut poverty, but he said that has now been delayed to the fall.

The director of a Victoria-based antipoverty group said Thursday the need to fight poverty is immediate and they will be among many watching to ensure the government’s plan includes targets and timelines.

“If the government pushing back to the fall means that the legislation is ultimately much more concrete and actionable, then we would actually say that’s a good thing,” said Doug King, the executive director of the Together Against Poverty Society.

“If the government pushes it back, and the legislation doesn’t provide us with those resolute bench marks then definitely I would say we’d be pretty disappointed.”

A member of King’s society is one of 27 on the New Democrat government’s poverty strategy advisory panel established last year.

The advisory panel is holding meetings across B.C., and Simpson said the government and the panel need more time to put together the plan.

“We want to make sure we have enough time to complete those discussions and those consultations and ensure we get that piece right,” he said. “I made the decision to put the legislation off to the fall rather than try to rush it and get it in.”

Simpson said he wouldn’t speculate on the details of the plan. He also said the cost of the program remains part of ongoing discussions.

Last fall, Simpson said B.C. has the highest poverty rate in Canada with an estimated 678,000 people living in poverty, including 118,000 children.

He said those numbers were based on the federal government’s Market Basket Measure indicator which includes the costs of food, clothing, footwear, transportation, housing and other expenses for a family with two children.

NATIONAL

Saturday, March 3, 2018

‘Gifting circle’ pyramid scheme leads to 4 From page 11 arrests in Lower Mainland “It may take a couple of wine parties or two to entice women to part with their money,” said Evan Kelly, senior communications adviser for the bureau, in 2016. “After all, a friend asked you to join, it couldn’t possibly be a scam, right?” Organizers try to make the payments sound legitimate by insisting they’re tax-free gifts. RCMP said participants avoid detection by using fake names, cash only and an encrypted app to communicate.

Eventually, the pyramid falls apart and rookies paying the top member lose thousands.

A statement said Mounties know of more than 100 gifting circles, or clouds, running across the Lower Mainland. Up to 11 incidents involving the schemes have been reported to regional police in the past two years.

Investigators believe there may be thousands of people involved or in the process of being recruited. “There are virtually no winners in this,” Insp. Annette Fellner said in the statement.

“People who are involved in this kind of fraud are imaginative. They sound convincing and say the right thing to make you believe it’s perfectly legal when it isn’t.”

Acadia University launches investigation into controversial South Asian professor Acadia University has launched a formal investigation into complaints against a professor over controversial comments he made on social media and in the classroom.

Heather Hemming, vice-president academic at the Wolfville, N.S., school, said in a letter to professor Rick Mehta that the university has received complaints from students, faculty and others with concerns about his views.

“These concerns relate to the manner in which you are expressing Acadia University campus in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada views that you are alleged to be advancing or supporting and, in and Reconciliation Commission has created a some instances, time that you are spending victim narrative to prompt “endless apologies on these issues in the classroom,” she said in and compensation.” Mehta bills himself as a a letter on Feb. 13. “The university has a legal free-speech advocate trying to build bridges responsibility to provide an environment free across political divides, but critics say he from discrimination, sexual harassment and perpetuates harmful stereotypes and is simply personal harassment.” Hemming added: “The seeking attention. “He’s just sort of parroting nature and frequency of these complaints the much more popular Jordan Peterson. He’s and the significance of the allegations is very clearly just trying to piggyback on that to concerning for the university, and we have gain a certain notoriety,” said Matthew Sears, determined the necessity of proceeding to associate professor of classics and ancient a formal investigation.” The university has history at the University of New Brunswick in retained Wayne MacKay, professor emeritus Fredericton. Peterson, a University of Toronto at Dalhousie University’s Schulich School of professor and best-selling author, has become Law, to investigate and provide a report to the a celebrity of the right for, among other things, university, she said. A spokesman for Acadia steadfastly refusing to use gender-neutral said in an email on Monday that the university terms. Mehta, like Peterson a psychology is not in a position to comment. Mehta has professor, argues he has done nothing wrong, been outspoken both on campus and on social and is only trying to offer students a different media about a range of contentious issues perspective from what he calls the dominant including decolonization, immigration, and political orientation on campus. “I would gender politics, garnering both supporters and have no problem if people refuted me and told opposition. He has come under fire for saying me I was being unreasonable, that is perfectly multiculturalism is a scam, there’s no wage fine. I would love it if students just told me I’m gap between men and women, and the Truth wrong,” associate professor of psychology said.

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FBI investigating Ivanka Trump’s dealings and financing of Trump Hotel and Tower in Vancouver: report The FBI is investigating Ivanka Trump’s business dealings and the financing of Trump International Hotel and Tower in Vancouver, CNN is reporting. “In the case of Vancouver, it’s not clear why investigators are examining this particular deal,” stated the American news network, which cited unnamed sources. “The timing of the deal — as one of the few Trumpbranded properties to open since Trump took office — could be of interest. The flow of foreign money, either from the developer or international condo buyers, could also be sparking scrutiny,” reported CNN. Joo Kim Tiah, who is CEO of Kuala Lumpurbased TA Global and its Vancouver

subsidiary Holborn Group, which constructed and owns the hotel and condo tower on West Georgia Street in downtown Vancouver, did not immediately return calls to his cellphone. The investigation comes as the first daughter is trying to obtain full security clearance in her role as adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump.

Her husband, Jared Kushner, recently had his security clearance level downgraded.

Thursday, it was reveal he is under scrutiny after it emerged his family company secured more than $500 million in loans after financial executives met with him at the White House.

Conservatives fail in bid to bring national security adviser to testify on Atwal affair The Conservative Party has failed in its bid to have national security adviser Daniel Jean appear before a House of Commons committee to explain why he told reporters that factions in the Indian government orchestrated an invitation for a would-be assassin to attend an event with Canada’s prime minister in India last week. Conservative public safety critic Pierre Paul-Hus put forward a motion Thursday to have Jean testify in front of the standing committee on public safety and

national security, but it was rejected. Atwal was a member of an illegal Sikh separatist group and was convicted of attempting to assassinate Indian cabinet minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu in 1986. He was also charged — but not convicted — in the 1985 attack on Ujjal Dosanjh, who later became B.C. premier and a federal Liberal cabinet minister. Atwal attended at least one event tied to the Trudeau visit, at which he was photographed with the prime minister’s wife.

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NATIONAL

Saturday, March 3, 2018 From page 2

Man convicted of attempted murder says he bowed out of event in India to save Trudeau embarrassment premier and a federal Liberal cabinet minister.

Atwal said he no longer supports Khalistani organizations and warns Sikh youth in B.C. against believing propaganda from separatists, many of whom he believes have a financial interest in the cause.

Trudeau promises to meet with MP responsible for inviting Jaspal Atwal to events in India He confirmed he was blacklisted from visiting India because of his crime. But he said any suggestion the government of India intervened — either by getting him an invitation or removing him from the blacklist so that he could attend — is a “total lie.”

“India’s government has nothing do with anything,” Atwal said.

Ahmad said the Prime Minister’s Office has no comment on Indian policies regarding visas or blacklists.

Atwal’s passport shows stamps from two other recent visits to the country in January and August 2017. He said he also visited in 1999 to spread his father’s ashes and in 2002 to go shopping for his son’s wedding.

He showed his passport and the invitations from the high commission to the events in India to The Canadian Press. to

After his visa expired in 2007, Atwal said he applied to have it renewed but was unsuccessful until his 2017 visits.

A government official, discussing the matter on condition of anonymity, has said guest lists for receptions such as those in India are not vetted individually for security. Those who issue the invites are expected to do their own due diligence to ensure their own guests are safe, the official said.

The official also suggested Atwal’s presence was engineered by elements within the Indian government to distance the country from Ottawa, driven by concerns that Canada

is not fully committed to a united India.

The suggestion has been made that Atwal’s presence was arranged by factions within the Indian government who refuse to believe there is no risk posed to a united India by Sikh separatists living abroad, said the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The factions wanted to undermine the Canadian tour to India to prevent the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from getting too cozy to foreign governments they believe want to undermine a united India, he said.

Canada plans to give 5 days paid leave to domestic abuse victims in federal workplaces The Liberal government wants to give victims of domestic abuse five days of

paid leave from jobs in federally regulated workplaces – but does not say exactly how that

plan might work. The plan, laid out in Tuesday’s federal budget, builds on a proposal included in the budget last year to allow 10 days of unpaid leave for workers to seek care if they are victims of family violence, and is in addition to a plan to invest an extra $86 million over five years to expand Canada’s Strategy to Address Gender-Based Violence.

The new proposal would amend the Canada Labour Code to require five of those potential 10 days of leave to be paid, and would apply in cases where either the worker themselves or their child was the victim. No specific funding is set aside to forecast how much such a move could cost, and there are no predictions for

how many people may use the option once it is enacted.

However, one economist said there could be several challenges in implementing the move even before considering how much it could cost. Federal officials said that under the current legislation from last year’s budget, which is not yet law, employers can ask for “reasonable” proof if an employee requests the leave. However, they do not have to do so, and the legislation does not lay out what would be considered sufficient evidence to warrant the leave or what would happen if a request is turned down.

No tax cuts but low-income workers and smallbusiness owners can breathe easier The Liberal government said it wouldn’t follow in the footsteps of U.S. President Donald Trump by cutting taxes. And it didn’t. Those who hoped Tuesday’s federal budget would introduce measures to help Canada compete with a southern neighbour now enjoying lower personal and corporate tax rates will likely be disappointed. “We used to have a very competitive corporate tax regime, now all we have is skilled labour pool,” said Don Carson, national leader of the Transaction Tax Services group at financial services company MNP. Even that skilled pool of labour may start to see more leaking, as educated professionals like doctors, scientists and tech entrepreneurs weigh the benefits of the smaller tax bill they would incur by working in the United States, Carson told Global News. And Ottawa’s small business tax changes “remain a billion-dollar take-away from entrepreneurs at a time when entrepreneurs in the U.S. are seeing their tax bills drop considerably,” said Dan Kelly of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.

On the flip side, Canadian taxpayers will find few nasty surprises in this year’s fiscal blueprint. Tax experts had largely expected the government to axe a variety of tax breaks in an effort to raise public revenue and simplify the tax code – but that didn’t happen either. Indeed, at least in one respect, Ottawa is doing the opposite, by enhancing a refundable tax credit for working low-income Canadians. The Working Income Tax Benefit is being renamed the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) and getting a makeover. As promised

in the fall, the Liberals are allocating $500 million more per year to finance the credit.

The money will serve to boost the maximum receivable tax credit by up to $170 and raise the income level at which the benefit is phased out completely, according to the budget. The government is also proposing boosting an existing supplement for Canadians with disabilities by up to $160. Several economists who spoke with Global News praised the move, saying the tax credit aims to help Canadians make the transition from welfare to work.

“Programs like this help reduce the effective marginal incometax rate increase that people on welfare face when they start earning income,” said Derek Burleton, deputy chief economist at TD Canada Trust.

Also, the government is proposing that the Canada Revenue Agency automatically determine which taxpayers are eligible for the benefit, instead of Canadians having to claim it. This should ensure an additional 300,000 low-income workers receive the money. All in all, Ottawa expects to spend nearly $1 billion of new funding on the benefit in 2019 compared to 2018. The changes will take effect in 2019.

The budget also contained muchanticipated tweaks to the controversial smallbusiness tax changes that landed Finance Minister Bill Morneau in hot water last year.

The government had already backtracked on, or modified, many of the measures, which it initially announced in July. But one the last pieces of the puzzle was about rules on socalled passive income earned inside private

Saturday, March 3, 2018

Federal gov’t presents 2018 budget Finance Minister Bill Morneau tabled a federal budget Tuesday that charts a clear course for the Liberals to the 2019 election, an aspirational road map designed to ensure that no woman, scientist or national wildlife area gets left behind. “It is a plan that puts people first – that invests in Canadians and in the things that matter most to them,” Morneau told the House of Commons in his budget speech.

The document, which details a $18.1-billion deficit, including a $3-billion adjustment for risk, also shows the Liberal government is doubling down on the idea that spending money — even borrowed money — is good for the long-term future of Canadians. Once again, there is also no timeline for getting back to black. “We’ve shown to Canadians that making investments in them, making investments to allow more Canadians to be working, has exactly the positive impact that we want it to

have,” Morneau told a news conference Tuesday when pressed on that point. The Liberals are making that argument most strongly when devoting those dollars to causes near to their progressive hearts, as well as to those of Canadians who might be thinking about casting a ballot their way in October of next year. The budget, as expected, puts a large emphasis on gender equality, particularly with efforts to increase the participation of women in the workforce as part of a longer-term plan to grow the economy and prepare for the consequences of an aging population. “We know that the way to best impact our long-term demographics is to get every Canadian with a real and fair chance not only work, but to have really good work, and we start with women,” Morneau said before the budget was tabled. “If half of our population are held back, we’re just not going to be as successful.”

Canada’s 2018 budget contains no timetable to balance books The Trudeau government tabled a budget Tuesday that will use billions of dollars worth of fresh fiscal runway for new investments, a decision that leaves Ottawa with no timetable for balanced books anywhere on its horizon.

Finance Minister Bill Morneau‘s budget will channel the extra dollars into new spending that he’s banking on to lift Canada’s long-term growth. In releasing his third fiscal plan, Morneau sought to reassure Canadians the new spending would be carried out in a responsible way, while arguing his earlier investments had already produced encouraging economic results.

“The economy is doing well – remarkably well,” Morneau said in prepared remarks of his budget speech. “With a strong and growing economy in place, we believe that now is the right time to focus on the deeper challenges that hold our economy – and our people – back.” Compared to the fall, the government has $19.8 billion in additional cash to play with over the next six years – an average of $3.3 billion per year in extra fiscal elbow room. That money was generated by a number of sources, including the stronger economy, revenues from tax changes for private corporations.

BC applauding federal budget but still looking for details There may be 4,300 kilometres between Ottawa and Victoria, but that didn’t stop British Columbia from getting pretty close to a fully checked off wish list from the 2018 federal budget. BC Finance Minister Carole James says British Columbia’s priorities echo a lot of the same priorities laid out by her federal counterpart Bill Morneau on Tuesday.

The federal government has committed $1.25 billion over three years to increase the amount of loans available through the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Rental Construction Financing Initiative. But where the budget falls short for British Columbia is tangible details on where and when housing units will be built.

“We will want to see details on a number of areas. Just to begin with housing for example, we were happy to see the federal government make a commitment to rentals,” said B.C.

Finance Minister Carole James. “I’m optimistic about an opportunity to partner with the federal government to bring those resources to British Columbia to match up.”

James says that both levels of government get a “bang for our buck” when they team up for projects like housing and childcare. One of the additional concerns of housing is the money committed in last year’s housing plan is backloaded and won’t arrive in communities for a few years. The federal government focused the budget primarily on gender issues, making a pitch for gender equality and providing five weeks of paid paternity leave to take the pressure off moms to handle the primary parenting responsibilities. “I was glad to see a number of priorities for British Columbia reflected gender equality, they did mention housing, the opioid crisis,” added James.

Ottawa rules out banning, monitoring sexual relationships between MPs, staff members The Liberal government has no legislative plans to ban or monitor sexual relationships between MPs and their staffers, even as both the United States and Australia have made similar moves in response to their own recent flurry of high-profile harassment allegations.

Employment Minister Patty Hajdu is spearheading new legislation to protect federal workers, including Parliament Hill staffers, from harassment. When asked why the government wasn’t banning sexual relationships involving MPs and their staffers, Matt Pascuzzo, a spokesman for Ms. Hajdu, replied in an e-mail: “As the minister has said before, legislation is not a panacea for the pervasiveness of sexual harassment in

workplaces in Canada. “But, as we have always said, these are not the only tools our society has in its toolbox. Culture change requires work, and it will take all of us to see that change through.” Most of the details of the bill, C-65, that specifically affect Parliament Hill, however, will be decided in regulations by MPs themselves. At that point, it would be possible to add a requirement to disclose relationships – although Ms. Hajdu has previously said the legislation is not about consensual relationships. Parliament has been grappling with allegations of sexual misconduct even before the #MeToo movement empowered more women around the world to speak up against harassment

FEDERAL BUDGET

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INDIA

Saturday, March 3, 2018

25,000 throng Mumbai roads to get last glimpse of film star Sridevi In a historic turnout for a celebrity funeral in recent memory, around 25,000 people lined the roads from Lokhandwala Complex in Andheri to Juhu to bid farewell to veteran actor Sridevi on Wednesday, who was accorded a state funeral.

The last rites of the first female superstar of Hindi cinema — a Padma Shri awardee — were performed around 5pm. Husband Boney Kapoor lit the pyre along with daughters Janhvi and Thousands say goodbye to Bollywood star Sridevi Khushi. Cops draped the corpse in the tricolour and presented Boney Kapoor, daughter Jhanvi, Anil, a guard of honour while the police band Arjun and Harshvardhan rode the truck trumpeted a musical tribute. Not all Padma bearing the glass casket with Sridevi’s body.

Shri recipients are granted this privilege.

The actor was dressed in a deep red sari with Around 2.15pm, the cortege began its gold border and adorned with vermilion in journey from Lokhandwala Complex to her hair and a big red bindi. The pace of the Vile Parle Seva Samaj crematorium at procession slowed down as thousands of fans Pavan Hans. The truck was bedecked with lined the streets from Andheri to Juhu. Along white flowers, mainly asters and carnations. the length of the route, people stood on dividers A large portrait of the actor wearing a and pavements holding their cellphones aloft smile on her face was framed in flowers. and shooting videos of the passing cortege.

Members of the family led by husband

GDP grows at 5-quarter high of 7.2% in Oct-Dec The Indian economy grew 7.2% in the October-December quarter of 2017-18, the fastest growth in five quarters, helped by a rebound in the farm, manufacturing and services sectors, shrugging off the impact of demonetisation and rollout issues linked to Goods and Services Tax (GST).

The third quarter growth reflects the improvement in the economy, which was earlier flagged by car sales and factory output, and comes as a booster for the government which is battling criticism over the Rs 12,600-crore fraud

in Punjab National Bank. The 7.2% growth also helps India regain the tag of the fastestgrowing major economy in the world, overtaking China.

Data released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) on Wednesday showed that the economy is now expected to grow 6.6% in 2017-18, up from the previous estimate of 6.5%.

The farm sector grew a robust 4.1% in the December quarter compared to 2.7% in the previous quarter while the manufacturing sector rose an annual 8.1% compared with 6.9% in the previous quarter.

Met forecasts blazing summer across North India Be prepared for a hot spring and a scorching summer. The Met office says average temperatures from March to May+ across half the country are likely to be above normal by more than 1 degree Celsius.

These months are expected to be particularly merciless in north India. Delhi, along with Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan, is likely to see average temperatures soar over 1.5 degrees above normal. The maximum rise, however, has been projected in the hill states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, where average temperatures could be a massive 2.3 degrees higher than usual.

The seasonal forecast, released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday, also notes that there is about 52% probability that maximum temperatures in the core heat wave zone during the period of March to May will touch their peak — pointing to a high likelihood of heat waves.

This zone includes Delhi, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Telangana, Marathwada, Vidarbha, Madhya Maharashtra and coastal Andhra Pradesh.

CBI arrests Karti Chidambaram for allegedly taking bribe when his dad was finance minister CBI arrested Karti Chidambaram, the son of former finance minister P Chidambaram , from Chennai for allegedly taking bribes to get clearance for TV venture INX Media to access foreign investment.

The arrest was made on the basis of the statements of INX Media promoters Peter and Indrani Mukerjea+ , who have alleged that they paid over Rs 3 crore in bribe to Karti at the instance of his father, who, as the then finance minister, was in charge of the Foreign Investment Promotion Board — the nodal agency for granting approvals to companies to access foreign funds.

Indrani repeated the allegation in a statement recorded before a magistrate

under Section 164 of CrPC. This is admissible as evidence in court and can put Chidambaram senior in legal bother , should the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate decide to extend the ambit of the probe on the basis of the Mukerjeas’ claims.

This is the first instance of the arrest of the kin of a topnotch Congress politician and immediately attracted allegations of political vendetta from Congress. This come in the immediate wake of former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda being chargesheeted in a land scam case, FIR against Punjab CM Amarinder Singh’s son-inlaw Gurpal Singh and the I-T notice to party leader Abhishek Singhvi’s wife for purchasing diamonds

Hundreds of thousands of endangered turtles lay eggs on Indian beach Turtle lovers gathered at the Rushikulya beach in India’s eastern Odisha state on Saturday to witness the annual nocturnal mass nesting of Olive Ridley turtles.

Turtles crawled ashore from the Bay of Bengal to lay eggs at the 2.5-km long Rushikulya River mouth between Kantiagada and Gokharkuda villages in the Ganjam district.

The turtles usually visit the coasts for nesting from January to April in India, and every Thousands of turtles came together on the same beach year, the Rushikulya Sea Turtle Protection Committee spends four to five months in India’s eastern Odisha state on Saturday to lay eggs. preparing a clean and safe beach for the nesting.

Committee, Rabindranath Sahubut.

“When we started our conservation work “Now their number has increased in 1994 only 30,000 to 40,000 turtles used to between 300,000 and 400,000.” to come here for nesting,” said Secretary of Rushikulya Sea Turtle Protection

Congress retains two MP seats, but loses its Odisha bastion Congress on Wednesday managed to retain Mungaoli and Kolaras assembly seats in byelections in Madhya Pradesh — though with vastly reduced margins compared to the last polls — despite chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and the entire top rung of his cabinet camping in these constituencies for several days. However, in Odisha, Congress not only lost its sitting seat in the bypoll to the ruling BJD but was relegated to the third position after BJP. Coming just a few months ahead of the assembly polls which are due in Madhya Pradesh in November, Chouhan had made the bypolls a prestige issue. As many as 21 of the total 36 ministers campaigned for several weeks in the two seats situated in the

stronghold of Jyotiraditya Scindia, one of the aspirants in Congress for the CM’s post.

BJP came gut-wrenchingly close to snatching a win in these seats which are part of Scindia’s Lok Sabha seat, Guna.

Congress’s vastly reduced victory margins — just 2,124 votes in Mungaoli and 8,083 in Kolaras, down from 20,765 and 24,952, respectively, in 2013 — indicate how BJP’s sheer organisational strength is a force to reckon with in the November polls. It’s also a pointer that Congress needs to get its flock together. While Chouhan was doing up to 12 roadshows a day, Scindia was left fighting a lone battle. Kamal Nath joined him on the very last day of campaigning.

PUNJAB

Saturday, March 3, 2018

Centre wants state to stop free power sop Having chided the Punjab Government repeatedly for giving Rs 7,700-crore free power to farmers, the Centre wants the state to end the freebie for all agricultural consumers and instead transfer the subsidy into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts.

This was conveyed to a delegation of the state government, summoned by officials of the Ministry of Agriculture and the NITI Aayog, in New Delhi yesterday. Members of the Ramesh Chand Committee, formed by the Aayog, are learnt to have told Punjab that they propose to club all agricultural subsidies given by the Centre (on seeds, fertilisers, machinery, crop insurance) and the state government (power subsidy and crop loan waiver) so that the same can be given to the farmers

through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Representatives of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Telangana had also been called for the meeting. It is proposed that the farmers will buy implements and seeds and pay for power, so that the subsidy can be deposited into their bank accounts.

The DBT will ensure that only deserving farmers get the benefit. Sources said they informed the officials in Delhi that they had already started a pilot project of giving cashback on the power that farmers save while operating tubewell connections in six feeders of Fatehgarh Sahib, Nakodar, Mukerian and Jalandhar Under this scheme, DBT of the cost of power saved will be made into farmers’ bank accounts.

20 students awarded Rs50k each A Canada-based NGO, Drishti Punjab, today honoured 20 meritorious government school students and gave them a cash prize of 50,000 each. Addressing the gathering, NGO chief Harminder Dhillon said of 20 students appeared in the merit list in 2015-16, 2017-18, 16 were girls. All of them were selected on the basis of merit. In the sixth annual function of the NGO held at Chandigarh Press Club, renowned environmentalist Balbir Singh Seechewal, state BJP president Vijay Sampla, AAP state convener Bhagwant Mann, former MP Avinash Rai Khanna and NGO founder Joginder Grewal participated as chief guests.

18-yr jail for Gurdaspur acid attacker A local court today sentenced the prime accused in the 2016 Dera Baba Nanak acid attack case, Sajjan Masih, to 18 years in jail, while handing down a 15year term to co-accused Lovepreet Singh.

The Additional District Sessions Judge (ADSJ), while pronouncing the sentence, acquitted the third accused, Santokh Singh, who had provided acid to the two.

On March 16, 2016, Sajjan and Lovepreet threw acid on a group of five schoolgirls, disfiguring the face of one of them and injuring the other four, at Dera Baba Nanak. The incident, which prompted senior border range officers to personally monitor the investigation, occurred when the girls were returning home from Government Senior Secondary School, Singhpura. They were walking to Dharmabad village, a short distance away, after taking their Class 8 Board examination when attacked.

Airport must be named after Bhagat Singh: CM Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh today said the international airport in Mohali must be named after Shaheed Bhagat Singh, a national hero. Haryana should have no objection since Bhagat Singh laid his life for the nation, not just for Punjab, he said, while speaking on the sidelines of the passing-out parade at the Punjab Police Academy here. \Speaking about the law and order situation, he said that no one would be allowed to disturb peace in Punjab. He said several persons had already been held for executing targeted killings. On Maur blast case, he said the probe was at advanced stage and any disclosures at this moment could hamper the proceedings.

The findings would be made public once the case was solved, he added

In addition to above, Canada-based NRI Manish Sharma rewarded six students of Hoshiarpur with Rs 10,000 each.

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HC reprimands top bureaucrat for disobeying order Censuring the Union Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, for disobeying a judicial order, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed him to pay Rs 10,000 from his pocket.

“He is the seniormost officer and must be presumed to know that under the Constitution... orders of the court have to be obeyed implicitly. For that matter, any court should not be trifled with,” Justice PB Bajanthri ruled.

The reprimand came after Justice Bajanthri took exception to the submission of an application for exemption from personal appearance on the date of hearing itself, and that too through a subordinate.

The developments took place on a petition filed by The Board of Trustees, through the

Jalandhar Regional Provident Fund Commissioner, against the Employees Provident Fund Appellant Tribunal and another respondent.

The Bench was earlier told that the functioning of two Central Government Industrial Tribunalscum-Labour Courts had been affected with the resignation of the regular incumbent in one, and the presiding officer’s superannuation in the other.

The Bench had then directed the counsel for the Union of India to seek instruction whether ad hoc arrangements could be made to run the two courts at least three days in a week to entertain appeals and applications.

The counsel appearing for the respondent (Union of India) subsequently submitted that there was no response despite repeated communications to the ministry.

24

INDIA

Saturday, March 3, 2018

Aircel files for bankruptcy over mounting financial troubles Aircel said on Wednesday that the company has filed for bankruptcy in view of mounting financial troubles and tough business environment. The company, which last year failed in its attempt to merge business with Reliance Communications, said it could not reach a consensus with respect to restructuring of debt and funding after discussions with lenders and shareholders. “Despite these discussions and invoking of a Strategic Debt Restructuring in January 2018, no agreement could be reached,” Aircel said, adding that it has now filed an application under Section 10 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code for undertaking Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP). Sources said the filing was made in the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Mumbai. Aircel’s

board acknowledged that the company has been facing troubled times in a “highly financially stressed industry, owing to intense competition, following the disruptive entry of a new player, legal and regulatory challenges, high level of unsustainable debt and increased losses”. This, it said, has caused significant negative business and reputational impact on the company. Aircel’s has been running a debt of around of Rs 15,500 crore and has seen its subscriber base shrink to around 5.6 crore against 8 crore till December 2017 when it was going strong. Aircel has already informed regulator Trai that it has shut down operations in six circles —Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh (West) with effect from January 31 this year.

Rs 515-cr loan fraud at Canara Bank The CBI has booked a computer manufacturer RP Info Systems and its directors for allegedly cheating Canara Bank and nine member banks of a consortium to the tune of Rs 515.15 crore and carried out searches at six locations in Kolkata today, officials said.

Raids were carried out at residences of the accused—company directors Shivaji Panja, Kaustuv Ray and Vinay Bafna, and its vice president and the corporate office in Kolkata, they said.

It is not the first time that the company has had a brush with law as the CBI had booked it in 2015 for cheating IDBI Bank, once a leader of the consortium before relinquishing the position in 2013, to the tune of Rs 180 crore. The other members of the consortium were State Bank of India, State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur and State Bank of Patiala (both now part of the SBI), Union Bank of India, Allahabad Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce, Central Bank of India, Punjab National Bank and Federal Bank. It is alleged that loans were taken on the basis of false and fabricated documents. Canara Bank in its complaint on February 26, now part of the FIR, has alleged that the company which

manufactured computers with brand name ‘Chirag’ had taken funds from the consortium from 2012 onwards.

These loans have become non-performing assets, it said. The banks alleged that the company manipulated financial statements and did not route sale proceeds through the loan account. “During 2013, IDBI Bank relinquished their position as consortium leader after the deliberations with the RBI. It is learnt that in December 2013, IDBI Bank lodged a complaint regarding the fraud committed on their bank alone to the CBI and the CBI investigated only their exposure of IDBI Bank,” the latest complaint from Canara Bank said.

Economic fugitive offenders Bill to be introduced Following an outrage over economic offenders like Nirav Modi, Vijay Mallya and others looting banks and then fleeing the country, the Union Cabinet today cleared the Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill, 2018, to be introduced in Parliament allowing confiscation of such offenders’ property. The Cabinet also cleared the setting up of the National Financial

Reporting Authority (NFRA), which will be an oversight body for the auditing profession and will have jurisdiction over all listed companies and large unlisted companies. The cases where the total value involved in economic offences, such as fraud or loan defaults, is Rs 100 crore or more will come under the purview of this Bill.

Pandits remind Kashmir CM of rehab promise The Hindu Welfare Society Kashmir reminded Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti of the assurance given to the non-migrant Kashmiri Pandits on their rehabilitation.

“During a meeting with the Hindu Welfare Society Kashmir, the Chief Minister had promised that she would address the problems related to the rehabilitation of the internally displaced non-migrants. We hope the promise is fulfilled at the earliest,” said Chunni Lal Bhat, president, Hindu Welfare Society Kashmir.

Bhat said that in a meeting held last year, they

had been assured that the internally displaced members would be provided accommodation.

“Around 650 non-migrant families reside in the Valley and did not leave Kashmir when militancy started. We are internally displaced and most of us are living in rented accommodations. We should also be rehabilitated like migrant Pandits,” Bhat added.

The non-migrant Kashmiri Pandits have been alleging step-motherly treatment by the successive governments.

India receives 33% of normal rainfall this winter The country received just over a third of its normal rainfall this winter, leaving a 63% deficit in January and February that raises the spectre of water scarcity in the coming summer ahead of the monsoon.

Of particular concern will be the large rain and snowfall deficits in the hill states of J&K, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, which feed rivers flowing into the plains of north India. These states get significant amount of winter precipitation, with snow getting gradually released into the plains. All three states recorded large rain deficits. J&K received 79.5mm of rain during the two months, as opposed to a normal of 212.9mm, registering a 63% deficit. The shortfall in Himachal Pradesh was even higher at 72%, with the state getting just 55.1mm rainfall against a normal

of 195.5mm. Uttarakhand got 33.7mm of rainfall, 68% lower than normal (106.2mm).

Overall, India Meteorological Department figures show, 95% of the country had deficient winter rainfall, with as much as 67% of the country’s area recording either large deficiency (rainfall less than 40% of normal) or no rain.

Experts said the low winter rains, particularly in north India, were because of missing western disturbances (WDs) which bring wet and cold weather into the region during the season. “Since December 1, the region received just four WDs affecting the northern plains as opposed to a normal of around nine during the three months,” said Kuldeep Srivastava, head of IMD’s Regional Weather Forecasting Centre here.

Militant killed in encounter in Bandipora district of J&K A militant was killed in an encounter with security forces in Hajin area of Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, police said. Security forces launched a cordon and search operation at Shakurdin village in the morning following information about

presence of militants there, a police official said. He said the search operation turned into an encounter after militants opened fire at security forces. A militant was killed in the operation.

25

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SOUTH ASIA

Saturday, March 3, 2018

Bangladeshi ruling party warns India to choose friends wisely In an election year, the message from the ruling Awami League to New Delhi is clear – “India should be careful in choosing its friends in Bangladesh”.

Media adviser to PM Sheikh Hasina, Iqbal Shobhan Chowdhury, minced no words while addressing a session at the India-Bangladesh media conclave, saying, “For India to trust BNP is comparable to the US or CIA supporting Osama bin Laden, who later emerged as America’s biggest trouble. Hence India should be careful in choosing its friends in Bangladesh.”

Chowdhury’s comment came in the context of the bitter political fight between Awami League and main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Dhaka’s claims that India-Bangladesh ties are at their best after Hasina took over the reins as PM,

defeating anti-Indian and anti-liberal forces.

Chowdhury also tried to address India’s apprehensions about China’s increasing footprint in Bangladesh, saying “for Bangladesh, China is no replacement for India as a friend”.

Awami League general secretary and communication minister Obaidur Kader was even more direct as he addressed the conclave.

He said, “Amader bikalpo Pakistaner bondhura (Our alternative is a friend of Pakistan).”

Asked about what would happen if she lost the polls, Hasina had told visiting Indian journalists at her residence, “The PM’s chair is for just five years, but since my father (Sheikh Mujibur Rahman) liberated this country, I try to lead my life for that purpose and will continue to do so.

Ghani offers ‘unconditional’peace talks Afghan President Ashraf Ghani offered recognition of Taliban insurgents as a legitimate political group on Wednesday as part of a proposed political process that could lead to talks aimed at ending more than 16 years of war.

The offer, made at the start of an international conference aimed at creating a platform for peace talks, adds to a series of signals from both the Western-backed government and the Taliban suggesting a greater willingness to consider dialogue.

Ghani proposed a ceasefire and a release of prisoners. He also said he would be ready to accept a review of the constitution as part of a pact with the Taliban, who have so far refused to accept direct talks with the government in Kabul.

“The government offers peace negotiations to the Taliban without any conditions,” Ghani

said in opening remarks to the conference attended by officials from around 25 countries involved in the so-called Kabul Process.

The comments represented a significant shift for Ghani, who in the past has regularly called the Taliban “terrorists” and “rebels” although he has also offered to talk with parts of the movement that accepted peace.

The Taliban, fighting to restore Islamic rule after their 2001 ouster by US-led troops, have offered to begin talks with the United States but have so far refused direct talks with Kabul. It was unclear whether they would be prepared to shift their stance, despite growing international pressure.

Ghani said a political framework for peace negotiations should be created with a ceasefire and the Taliban recognised as a legitimate political group with an official political office.

US General tells Pakistan to take action against terrorists Pakistan will continue to face a freeze in US security assistance as it is yet to take “definitive action” against militant groups like the Taliban and the Haqqani network, a senior US commander has said.

General Joseph Votel’s remarks came as the US has stepped up pressure on Pakistan to do more in its fight against terrorism.

The US withdrew about USD two billion in security assistance to Pakistan, accusing Islamabad of harbouring terror groups.

“That’s the current posture. And I would imagine, hopefully, in the future, well have an opportunity to (review),” Votel, Commander of the US Central Command, told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee when asked about the future of freeze of American

security assistance to Pakistan.

Votel said the US has started to see an increase in communication, information sharing and actions on the ground in response to specific US requests.

“These are positive indicators,” he said.

“However, ongoing national c ou nte r- te r ror i s m efforts against anti-Pakistan militants throughout the country have not yet translated into the definitive actions we require Pakistan to take against Afghan Taliban or Haqqani leaders,” he added.

“This problem is compounded by increased cross-border terrorist attacks and fires between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which hinders both countries abilities to coordinate on border security,” Votel said.

Sri Lanka PM takes over law and order Ministry after vote defeat Sri Lanka’s prime minister took over the key law and order ministry Sunday as part of a cabinet reshuffle, after a local election defeat sparked calls for his resignation.

Premier Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in to the ministerial post Sunday, a week after the minister in charge of the police, Sagala Ratnayaka, resigned amid accusations he had failed to prosecute members of the former regime.

Several other ministerial changes were also made Sunday while another reshuffle will be carried out within two weeks, President Maithripala Sirisena said after the swearing-in ceremony.

“These changes as well as those soon to be made on the UPFA side of the government will strengthen us to better serve our people,” Sirisena said referring to his United people’s Freedom Alliance, the junior partner in government.

Coalition members had demanded urgent reforms after they were heavily defeated in the February 10 local council elections by the new party of former strongman president Mahinda Rajapakse.

Wickremesinghe said last week the defeat was due to the government’s failure to prosecute those responsible for high-profile murders of journalists and major corruption

SOUTH ASIA

Saturday, March 3, 2018

Bangladesh court extends bail of former PM Khaleda Zia until March 13 A court in Bangladesh today extended the bail of imprisoned exprime minister and main opposition BNP chief Khaleda Zia until March 13 in a graft case, a day after the High Court deferred the judgement on a separate bail plea in a corruption case, media reports said.

The 72-year-old three-time former prime minister was jailed for five years on February 8 in connection with the embezzlement of 21 million taka (about $250,000) in foreign donations meant for the Zia Orphanage Trust, named after her late husband Ziaur Rahman, a military ruler-turned-politician.

The Dhaka Special Judge’s Court-5 set March 13 as the date for the next hearing of arguments in the Zia Charitable Trust graft case and extended the bail of Zia, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief, until then, bdnews24 reported.

“The court has set March 13 and March 14 for the next two days of arguments. Zia’s

Chinese prisoners working on CPEC in Pakistan: MP A lawmaker claimed that China had sent a large number of its prisoners to work as labour on the $60 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) development projects in Pakistan.

Mohammad Yousuf Talpur, a National Assembly member of opposition Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), said at a recent meeting of parliamentary committee said, “I have learnt that prisoners have been brought from Chinese jails and they are constructing roads. They can be involved in crimes so there should be proper security arrangements.”

Talpur who was quoted by Dawn, questioned the authorities to explain if they had entered into any tacit agreement with Beijing to use the country for penal settlements. “I contacted a concerned official who confirmed that prisoners had been working in Pakistan.

My doubt was strengthened by an ambiguous response from the ministry of interior which rather than rejecting my claim just said it was not in the knowledge of the ministry,” he said.

PPP member said that he assumed that a secret or unannounced agreement had been made between the two countries “because prisoners cannot be sent from one country to another without taking the host nation into confidence.” The lawmaker pointed out that a number of Chinese nationals had been arrested in ATM fraud cases, especially in the port city of Karachi.

bail has been extended until March 13,” her lawyer Nuruzzaman Tapan was quoted as saying in the report.

Yesterday, the High Court deferred the judgement on her bail petition, saying it would decide after receiving necessary papers from the lower court which sentenced her to five years in jail this month.

The Zia Charitable Trust graft case, filed in August 2011, accuses four persons including Zia of abusing power to raise funds for the trust from unknown sources.

27

India must lead international efforts to restore democracy in Maldives: former vice president The former vice president of Maldives Mohamed Jameel Ahmed on Sunday urged India to lead international efforts to restore democracy in his country, reported news agency ANI. “In such circumstances, my opinion is that the international community must come to help. I believe India must lead international efforts to restore democracy in the Maldives using all available legal mechanisms within the international law,” ANI quoted Ahmed as saying.

He added that all internal Maldivian efforts to restore normalcy had failed.

“People of Maldives tried all available measures to restore democracy. Judiciary has given its judgment, Parliament has tried, constitutional institutions have tried and they all are unable to restore rule of law and democracy in the Maldives,” he said.

India had on Thursday expressed its disapproval

of the extension of emergency in Maldives by 30 days, saying it did not see a “valid reason” for it.

“We do not see any valid reason for doing so.

We, of course, continue to watch the situation and would continue to urge the government of Maldives to release political prisoners, release the chief justice, implement the Supreme Court order and restore the normal functions of the institutions of democracy,” ministry of external affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had said.

The remarks, however, did not go down well with Maldives, which hit out at India.

Public statements issued by Government of India that ignore the facts and ground realities with regard to the ongoing political developments in the Maldives,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohamed Asim in a statement.

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FIJI

Saturday, March 3, 2018

Fijian man fakes family massacre in order to get New Zealand residency A Fijian man sought residency in New Zealand after claiming his whole family had been killed by a group of Bangladeshis. Satya Nand’s elaborate, fake and rambling story was revealed in the Tauranga District Court earlier this month after he was sentenced to 29 months imprisonment after pleading guilty to a representative charge of using false documentation to obtain a benefit.

Nand arrived in New Zealand on a visitor visa in 1996. Two years later he had created a new identity with a new name Rana Khan and a false story that he was a refugee. He claimed he was born in India and went to Bangladesh when he was a year old and that his family were killed when he was 18-years-old. Nand had claimed he was persecuted, beaten up and stabbed at the refugee camp in Bangladesh so he stowed away on a ship to Hong Kong and eventually New

Zealand.

However, Immigration New Zealand didn’t believe his story.

Immigration New Zealand’s assistant general manager, Peter Devoy, said the whole story was a lie. Devoy says the man had never been to either India or Bangladesh and in fact was in Fiji and New Zealand for the entire time. He said Nand managed to obtain New Zealand residence and subsequently citizenship after creating for himself a new identity, obtaining identity documents in his false name, completing statutory declarations about his background and using documentation to obtain benefits for himself, his wife and three children.

Devoy said he was caught as a result of painstaking investigative work by their compliance officers who managed to locate him under his true Fijian identity and then uncovered his fraud and false identity.

NZ-based expert to investigate crash A New Zealand-based air accident investigator is arriving in the country this morning to carry out an independent investigation on Cessna 172 aircraft, registration DQFTR that crashed in Vanua Levu on Monday. Civil Aviation Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said Andrew McGregor, who specialised in providing air accident investigation services and forensic engineering, was appointed by Government to carry out an independent investigation.

Mr McGregor has been engaged in the past by the New Zealand Transport Accident Investigation Commission to assist with air accident investigations.

“In Fiji, he was most recently engaged by the Fijian Department of Civil Aviation to investigate the crash of a Cessna 172 plane that crashed in the mountains North East of Nadi in 2007. He led the investigation into the helicopter crash off the coast of Nadi in 2006,” Mr Sayed-

Khaiyum said. “Upon his arrival, Mr McGregor will immediately be transported to the crash site to begin the investigation into the cause of the crash.” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said Mr McGregor would then report regularly to the Department of Civil Aviation on his findings. “We will, of course, update the public on the findings of the investigation as they arise, but anticipate it will take some time to determine exactly what happened.” The Pacific Flying School Cessna 172 plane went missing after it failed to land at Labasa Airport on Monday. PFS instructor Iliesa Nawalo and pilot trainee Merelisita Lutu were on board the plane when it went missing.

Their bodies were discovered during a joint search by teams from the Fiji Police Force and the Republic of Fiji Military Force in the Delaikoro Mountain area where the wreckage of the plane was found.

More than 30 people believed to be dead after 7.5 magnitude earthquake in PNG Provincial authorities say more than 30 people are believed to have been killed and whole villages buried by landslides in Papua New Guinea’s Southern Highlands after a 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck earlier this week.The Post Courier newspaper reported Hela Provincial Administrator William Bando saying at least 13 people were killed in the capital of neighbouring Southern Highlands province, Mendi. Eighteen others were believed to have been killed elsewhere in Southern Highlands, however, telecommunication links in the area have been significantly disrupted by the quake,

frustrating attempts to collect information about the impact. Authorities also said more than 300 people were injured and many properties were destroyed during the quake, and that they had been in contact with the region by satellite phone as other lines were down. A police spokesman said there were also reports of entire hillsides coming down and whole villages being buried by landslides. The quake and its aftershocks have caused widespread movement of land in the provinces of Southern Highlands, Hela, Enga and Western Province.

Tsunami evacuation drill Five schools located along Nasese in Suva were today part of a tsunami drill, which also launched a new siren to be used in future alerts.

The tsunami siren was activated in Nasese today after which the students of the five schools - Suva Grammar School, Veiuto Primary School, Sacred Heart College, Draiba Primary School and Stella Marist Primary School - had to evacuate as part of the drill.

Minister for Disaster Management and Meteorological Services Inia Seruiratu said it was imperative to ensure that Fiji was constantly

ready and prepared for the event.

“Our emergency operators need to be adequately prepared for such an operation,” Mr Seruiratu said. “Today’s tsunami evacuation exercise will provide a few schools with an opportunity to test their tsunami preparedness and evacuation plan.”

The exercise is funded by the Japanese government through the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and implemented by the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO).

Fire at CK Patel building in Vatuwaqa Five fire trucks and about 25 firefighters were deployed to Vatuwaqa yesterday to attend to the fire that destroyed the CK Patel Building along Jai Hanuman Road last night.

The Suva Fire Station received a call at about 6.06pm and upon their arrival at 6.14pm, the building was engulfed in flames.

The CK Patel Building sustained major damages as a result of the fire.

There has also been major damage to the Surplus Trading Store bulk which is a tenant of CK Patel Limited.

There were no reported injuries or fatalities as the building was empty when the fire started.

It is not clear at this stage how and where the

fire started but firefighters at the scene told us they initially responded to reports of a fire at Surplus Trading Store.

Man wanted for questioning in abduction case Ravneel Reddy of Uluisila, Sigatoka (pictured) is wanted for questioning in an alleged abduction case as he is on the run. Police are requesting information that could help locate Reddy who is alleged to have eloped with a 14-year-old student of Sigatoka.

Police say the incident was reported by the victim’s father at the Sigatoka Police Station earlier this week and they were last seen in Nadi town.

Anyone with information is requested to call Crime Stoppers on 919.

Former education officer jailed for corruption A former senior education officer charged with corruption related offences was sentenced to three years imprisonment with a non-parole period of two years by the Suva Magistrates Court. Joe Hewson, who was charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) with 11 counts of forgery, 11 counts of uttering a forged document and 11 counts of obtaining money by virtue of a forged instrument, appeared before Chief Magistrate Usaia Ratuvili yesterday.

While delivering his sentence, Mr Ratuvili told the accused that he held a responsible position because he was the trustee of Ratu Emeri Catholic School. Hewson obtained a total of $13,005.98 from the school account.

Mr Ratuvili said the accused had made no attempt to reimburse the funds, therefore, the school was deprived of funds that could have been used for its projects. He said the court needed to impose a deterrent sentence.

PAKISTAN

Saturday, March 3, 2018 After days of rampant speculation, Pakistan confirmed that the country is set to be placed on the Financial Action Task Force’s terror financing watchlist in June this year, local Dawn news reported. Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Dr

Pakistan to be placed on FATF’s ‘grey list’ of terror financing in June Muhammad Faisal said at a press briefing that the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) took the decision to once again add Pakistan on its socalled “grey list”, comprising nations that are not

Hindus object to oath taking of lawmaker accused of murdering Sikh Hindu community in Pakistan’s North Western Frontier Province Khyber Pakthunkhwa (KPK) protesting against oath taking ceremony of a member of the provincial assembly accused of murdering a Sikh lawmaker. Baldev Kumar, who is in jail in the murder case of Sardar Soran Singh, was to be produced in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly.

Speaker Khyber Pakthunkhwa (KP) Legislative Assembly Asad Qaisar withdrew the Assembly Secretariat letter dated February 23 regarding production order of Kumar in the assembly today. Now he will take oath tomorrow. Coordinator KP chif minister on Minorities Ravi Kumar described the oath taking of Kumar as a sad day for the minorities

of the province. His son Ajay yesterday appealed the provincial government not to bring the killer of his father in the provincial assembly for obtaining his vote for PTI Senate candidate in the upcoming Senate elections due for March 3.

Haroon Sarab Diyal, the leader of Hindu community in the province, said that the Hindus would protest if he was administered oath.

Singh, a lawmaker from Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaf party, was shot dead in April 2016 in Buner district of the province. Singh was elected to the provincial assembly on a minority seat.

Kumar, the second in the list of Tehreek-eInsaf party’s candidates for a reserved seat for minorities, has been facing a trial in the case.

Pakistan concerned over India’s drone technology Pakistan on Wednesday voiced its concern over the development of sophisticated drone technology by India, describing it as “worrying”. Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal was asked at the weekly media briefing to comment on India’s Rustom 2 which was being developed on the lines of the US predator drones for surveillance and reconnaissance purposes.

“India’s development of drone technology is worrying when seen in the larger context of its buildup and expansion of military capabilities in the conventional and non-conventional domains, which are subjecting regional strategic stability to increasing strain,” he said.

He also said that the use of drone technology should be consistent with the principles of the UN Charter, international humanitarian law

and other established norms of responsible state behavior. He also lambasted a decision by the Indian Motion Pictures Producers’ Association (IMPPA) to uphold ban on Pakistan actors and artists as “yet another evidence of pervading extremism and antiPakistan prejudice in India”. “It is unfortunate that art and cinema which bring people together by acting as cultural bridges are being held hostage to hate and xenophobia,” he said. Faisal said that the decision to ban artists followed several others, “including non-issuance of visas to Pakistani pilgrims, refusal to allow participation of Sikhs and Katas raj pilgrims and cancellation of sports matches underscores the growing intolerance and bias prevalent in India exposing it of the sham-ocracy it is increasingly becoming.”

doing enough to combat terrorism financing, at its plenary session last week. Firmly dismissing the possibility that the country will be placed on the anti money-laundering watchdog’s blacklist,

Former PM Sharif declared himself and by his party PML-(N) a ‘lifetime leader’ Former disqualified PM Nawaz name for the acting president of the party. Younger Sharif was also Sharif becomes lifetime leader over his own political party, Pakistan Muslim elected unopposed. He is currently League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Tuesday, chief minister of Punjab. His appointment ended speculations and elected his younger brother Shahbaz Sharif as acting president of since Nawaz’s disqualification that the party. Recently Supreme Court there was rift within the Sharif family and he was going to make had declared Nawaz ineligible to head his own party and announced that all his daughter Maryum or ailing wife Kulsoom PML-N’s head. At decisions would taken by him as party the meeting, Nawaz again and president stood null and void.

Nawaz Sharif again lashed out at judges calling The Chairman of the party, Raja them as PCO judges who took Zafarul Haq proposed Sharif ’s as “leader” at a meeting of Central Working oath under ‘Provisional Constitutional Order’ Committee (CWC) of PML-N. After taking which was issued by former army Gen Pervez over as lifetime leader of the party, Nawaz Musharraf after removing Nawaz’s government proposed his younger brother Shahbaz Sharif ’s in a military coup in October 1999.

Teachers block highway demanding wages hike Teachers of Federal Directorate of Education continued protest against unpaid salaries by blocking the main Highway in capital for nearly six hours and causing disruption in traffic.

Dozens of teaching and nonteaching employees of FDE are on daily wages have been on strike for nearly eight weeks, demanding salaries which have not been paid since nine months. The protestors are also demanding a permanent

service structure. The teachers protesting outside FDE shifted their sit-in from the premises of the building to ‘Kashmir Highway’ after the authorities refused to fulfil their demand.

The civil administration, while taking action, called the police to use force to move the teachers from the avenue so that traffic movement could be restored.

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Faisal said an action plan to eradicate terror financing is being prepared and will be shared with the international body. “Pakistan will be placed on the (FATF) ‘grey list’ in June, but there is currently no chance of (its) placement on the blacklist,” the FO spokesperson said.

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Saturday, March 3, 2018

Indian-origin triple crash driver pleads guilty An Indian-origin man has pleaded guilty to killing three teenage boys as they walked to a birthday party while he was drunk at the wheel and speeding. Jaynesh Chudasama, 28, an employee of a car hire firm, from Hayes, West London, pleaded guilty to three counts of causing death by dangerous driving at the Old Bailey on Monday. He will be sentenced on 9 March. Chudasama was more than twoand-a-half times the drunken-drive limit, had cannabis in his system and was driving

at 71mph on a 60mph road when the crash happened on January 26, the prosecution told the court. Prosecution said Chudasama tried to overtake another car but lost control and ploughed his black Audi A5 into the three boys who were walking on the pavement with five others to a nearby football club for the birthday party. His car mounted the pavement and mowed the boys down, carrying one boy on his bonnet before it smashed into a cemetery wall whilst another was sent flying into the cemetery.

Indian-Americans call for gun control, as school shootings continue in US After 17 students killed in school shooting in Florida. Now 2 people dead in Central Michigan University shooting.

Shooting in Florida High School is the 18th school shooting in the US within the first 45 days of 2018. This data, which is available from a gun control advocacy organization called Everytown for Gun Safety, has obviously got the Indian immigrants with school-going kids

in the US worried. The gun control policy, they insist, needs to be relooked at. Oney Seal, an ecommerce entrepreneur based in Miami, is extremely disturbed by the news of the Florida school massacre. This school is just six miles away from his Miami residence. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My 15-year-old daughter Trisha goes to Bellaire High in Houston. Some of the recent shooting incidents have taken place in Texas too.

NRA honors FCC chair with rifle for repealing â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;net neutralityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; The National Rifle Association (NRA) on Friday honored the head of the Federal Communications Commission with a rifle after braving death threats and other opposition as he worked to undo the Obama administrationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2015 net neutrality rules. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai was honored at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Oxon Hill, Maryland, by the NRA with the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Charlton Heston Courage Under Fire Award,â&#x20AC;? an honor named for the late actor who was an NRA president. The award is a Kentucky long rifle

that will stay at the NRAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s museum in Fairfax, Virginia. The NRA was not allowed to bring the weapon on stage, said Carolyn Meadows, an NRA official. It was not immediately clear why the NRA was not able to present the long gun to the FCC chairman. The FCC, CPAC and the NRA did not immediately respond to questions. A Reuters reporter at the event said there were no visible prohibitions against weapons at the event but metal detectors were present before President Donald Trumpâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s address earlier on Friday.

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FRUITICANA

Saturday, March 3, 2018

Srideviâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s funeral gets state honor Bollywood film stars and celebrities bid a farwell to Sridevi on February 28. Sridevi, was cremated with state honors amidst outpouring of grief by her fans. Srideviâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daughters Janhvi and Khushi Kapoor performed the final rituals before the body was consigned to flames in the electric crematorium in Vile Parle with husband Boney Kapoor standing by. The funeral, marking the final journey of Sridevi, who died due to drowning in the bathtub of her hotel room in Dubai on Feb. 24 night, was one of the largest in recent times in Mumbai city. It started near her residence before reaching the crematorium after a threehour long journey in a tall, open truck, fully decorated with white flowers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; her favourite colour â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with the body being draped in the national tricolour and carried in a glass casket, as cries of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Sridevi Amar Raheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; by her fans rent the air. Maharashtra government accorded full state honors for the funeral of Sridevi â&#x20AC;&#x201C; who was conferred a Padma Shri in 2013, which included draping her

Hrithik Roshan and his mystery games

H

body in the national tricolor, elaborate arrangements by the Mumbai Police and a gun salute before the cremation.

Inside the truck was Sridevi lying serene with full make-up, a large south Indian style vermillion and wearing a ceremonial gold and maroon colored Kanjeevaram sari. A heavy, large necklace adorned her since she died a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;suhaaganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (one whose husband is still alive), giving the appearance of a resplendent â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;deviâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (Goddess) in deep slumber. Her grieving family members including husband Boney Kapoor, her step-son Arjun Kapoor and brothers-in-law Anil Kapoor and Sanjay Kapoor were present.

rithik Roshan is playing a mystery game with his fans.

The actor took to Twitter to talk about his next project.

Tantalizingly, all that he has revealed is a short video with the hashtag #IAmArjun.

His post says he is proud to be a part of a young manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inspiring journey but what the film is all about? The film seems to be titled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Arjun Vs. Arjunâ&#x20AC;? and we saw mountain climbing.

Among his other films on hand are â&#x20AC;&#x153;Super 30â&#x20AC;? and Yash Raj Filmsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; film with Tiger Shroff, with a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Krrishâ&#x20AC;? franchise also being planned. Hrithik Roshan was born on January 10, 1974, He appeared in many Bollywood films. He has portrayed a variety of characters and is known for his dancing skills. One of the highest-

paid actors in India, he has won many awards, including six Filmfares, four for Best Actor and one each for Best Debut and Best Actor (Critics).

Starting in 2012, he appeared in Forbes Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Celebrity 100 based on his income and p o p u l a r i t y.

Roshan has frequently collaborated with his father, the filmmaker R a k e s h Roshan. He made brief app e arances as a child actor in several films in the 1980s and later worked as an assistant director on four of his fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s films. His first leading role was in the box-office success Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai (2000), for which he received several awards.

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Bollywood

Saturday, March 3, 2018

Kareena Kapoor to endorse juice brand â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Rasnaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

HOROSCOPE Aries March 21 - April 20 The emphasis on your spiritual sector continues this week. However, your intuition could play a direct part in decisions linked to your career and plans. If you need guidance, meditating on the issue can allow you to tune in to your inner wisdom, which could be very revealing and helpful. On March 1, a full moon in your sector of wellness

your schedule. If you can book a massage or long walk, this could be very relaxing.

Taurus April 21 - May 20 Dynamic activity in your social sector brings you into greater contact with your friends and various groups. With luscious Venus aligning with passionate Pluto on Tuesday, one connection could seem particularly compelling. You might be motivated to hurry this relationship along, particularly if the person seems very suited to you. Even so, if you can allow the association to develop naturally, things will turn out much better.

Gemini May 20 - June 21 The sunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presence in your career sector encourages you to take stock, particularly if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve held back from doing so. This week, chatty Mercuryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tie with sobering Saturn suggests that you may be pushed into making a decision, and you will need to have the right information at hand. However, despite the

thoughts come together in a very constructive way. On Friday, a lovely alignment between luscious Venus and jovial Jupiter can be

Cancer June 22 - July 23 You might get the best results when you approach travel plans with patience even if your impulse is to hurry things along. Indeed, with lovely Venus and inquisitive Mars aligning with passionate Pluto, the temptation may be to keep pushing until you get what you want. Accept any delays with good humor and everything should proceed very nicely. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re starting a journey, consider checking the details as the sun aligns with nebulous Neptune over the weekend.

Leo June 24 - August 23 There is a heightened focus on your sector of transformation this week, and this is emphasized further by lovely Venus and chatty Mercury aligning with potent Pluto. This means that you may have a completely single-minded attitude toward a key issue until itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resolved to your satisfaction. This could make you rather blinkered for part of the week, but it will get results. On Friday, delightful Venus ties to jovial Jupiter, and this can be an exceptionally good time for a family gathering or big celebration.

Virgo August 24 - Sept 24 This weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tie between sociable Venus and intense Pluto suggests that one relationship could move to a new level, with feelings running high. You might be eager to hurry things along, but this may not be the best way ahead. Indeed, the full moon in your sign on March 1 suggests that impulsive moves are possible, but these may not be in your best interests. However, a lovely alignment on Friday can be much more conducive to having a good time.

Libra Sept. 24 - Oct 22 You might be ready to make a health decision this week. Lovely Venus is currently in your wellness sector, and it could be because you want to look and feel

With passionate Pluto involved, you might be ready to transform certain areas of your home so you can carry out your plans.

This could involve clearing a corner for

Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 22 The start of the week could be fairly intense, with ties to passionate Pluto encouraging you to get to know someone better. You may feel a strong urge to be in his or her company, which is great if the feeling is mutual. If you sense any reticence, hold back and allow things to develop naturally. A full moon in your social sector on Thursday can be perfect for a celebration. Friday is excellent for a special date with a new lover or your romantic partner.

Sagitarius Nov 23 - Dec 22 You may be involved in purchasing items for the home, and this could take on a more serious tone this week, especially if the things are expensive. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re replacing an old item with a newer, better model, researching your

you see, because you could lose out. The full moon in your career zone could put you in the spotlight on Thursday, so use this opportunity to showcase your skills and abilities.

Capricorn Dec 23 - Jan 20 The more time you take to understand someone, the better you can get along. However, this week you might be tempted to try too hard, especially if this is someone youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to be romantically involved with. Take it easy. If you can allow things to develop in their own time,

Friday, a delightful aspect between luscious Venus and expansive Jupiter can be perfect for a very special date, one that you may remember for long time to come.

Aquarius Jan 21 - Feb 19 As feisty Mars journeys through your social zone, you could be busier than ever with events, group activities, and having fun. However, a focus on your sector of resources suggests that you will be mindful of the cost involved. This week, inquisitive Mercury in your money zone angles toward the red planet, and this can alert you to ways in which you may be wasting money. Cutting out those activities that arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t truly necessary can help you save time and cash. Even so, an unexpected bonus could come your way.

Pisces Feb 20 - March 20 This week, you might be compelled to take part in a social event whether you want to or not.

This may be due to a friendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s persuasiveness, and you could feel a bit resentful that theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re being so pushy. However, if you go along, you could have a wonderful time, especially on Friday. On Thursday, there is a full moon in your relationships zone, which could heighten feelings between you and another. Go easy, and avoid making any impulsive moves that you might come to regret later.

K

areena Kapoor K h a n has been roped in as the brand ambassador of fruit-based soft drink brand Rasna masala orange. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Be it in spicy burgers, pizzas or sandwiches, everyone in India is used to a spicy palette. It is for the first time in the country we have a spicy soft drink in the form of Rasna masala orange. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am proud to associate with Rasna as they are giving India a chatpata orange drink that all of us love,â&#x20AC;? the actress said in a statement. Rasna masala orange

is a product created by the combination of real juice with spices such as black pepper, cinnamon, ginger, cumin, red chilies, mint and fennel seeds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kareena Kapoor Khan is a critically acclaimed actor, fearless and believes in quality.

As we venture into this new era of spicy drinks, our association with Kareena Kapoor Khan as the brand ambassador of Rasna masala orange will help reach out to more consumers,â&#x20AC;? Piruz Khambatta, Chairman and MD, Rasna Pvt. Ltd, said.

JENNIFER KENDAL ennifer Kendal Kapoor, was born on 28 February, 1933 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; died on 7 September 1984) She was wife actor Shashi Kapoor, and actress and the founder of the Prithvi Theatre. She was nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading

Chowringhee Lane. Her

included Bombay Talkie (1970), Junoon (1978), Heat and Dust (1983), and Ghare Baire (1984).

Jennifer Kendal was born in Southport, England, but spent much of her youth in India. She and younger sister Felicity Kendal

Kendal and Laura Liddell, who ran a travelling theatre company, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shakespeareanaâ&#x20AC;?, which travelled around India as depicted in

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(in which Kendal appeared, uncredited, and which starred her husband Shashi Kapoor, her parents and her sister).

Shashi Kapoor and Jennifer met

" " # $ " % where he was part of the Prithvi Theatre company, while she was playing Miranda in the play The Tempest, as part of Shakespeareana. Soon,

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Shashi Kapoor started touring with the Shakespeareana Company, and they " " &$ % '

Kendal and her husband were also instrumental in the rejuvenation of Prithvi Theatre in Bombay, with the opening of their theatre in the Juhu area of the city in 1978. Kendal and Kapoor also starred " $ * " $ those produced by Merchant Ivory + $ " ' - " / " " * roles were in Bombay Talkie (1970),

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Bollywood Personalitiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Birthdays

ANUPAM KHER MARCH 7

FARDEEN KHAN MARCH 8

JENNIFER KENDAL FEBRUARY 28

RAVINDRA JAIN FEBRUARY 28

Bollywood

Saturday, March 3, 2018

Commando 2 Story : The Home Minister of India (Shefali Shah) assigns a four member special unit, comprising a dedicated police officer (Freddy Daruwala), ex-commando turned encounter specialist (Vidyut Jammwal), corrupt cop obsessed with brands (Adah Sharma) and a hacker to undertake a covert operation. The team must travel to Malaysia to bring in Vicky Chadda, a notorious black money launderer. Soon this challenging mission turns into a dangerous game of deceit. Commando 2 Review : Vidyut Jammwal is a solid action star and his stunts are the only reason you manage to sit through this never-ending tale of ‘catch-Vicky Chadda-if-you-can’. The opening scene is spectacular. Sadly, the cat and mouse game between the cops and the criminal is not one

Film: ‘ Commando 2 ’

bit exciting as the story pretends to be more intelligent than it is. Every move is far-fetched and preposterous.

Why would the cops, who accidentally witness Chadda’s confrontation with their co-member Karan (Jammwal) just stand there staring at the two blatantly, knowing they could get killed! All your doubts about this chase are left unanswered like the bizarre instance mentioned above. The Home Minister comes across like a jobless person, who has nothing else to do in the world, except for making inane phone calls to these undercover agents. Director Deven Bhojani tries too hard to evoke intrigue but the absurd script leaves no room for thrill. The multiple illogical twists leave you frustrated and in no mood to connect the dots and decode the mystery. Also, the director seems to be a diehard fan of Mission Impossible series and American superhero films as various scenes remind you of the original versions. Barring Esha Gupta’s ravishing looks and permanent smirk, nothing quite stands out in the film.

None of the lead actors are able to show a single expression. Ada Sharma’s attempt at speaking comic Hyderabadi Hindi (or at least that’s we thought it was) fails to amuse.

Mar

3

COMMANDO 2 *ing: Esha Gupta, Vidyut Jammwal, Adah Sharma

Mar

3

JEENA ISI KA NAAM HAI *ing: Arbaaz Khan, Rati Agnihotri

New Released Bollywood Films Feb

23

Pareshaan Parinda *ing: Meeraj Shah, Sakshi Singh

Feb

23

Welcome to New York *ing: Karan Johar, Diljit Dosanjh, Lara Dutta

Feb

16

Kuchh Bheege Alfaaz *ing: Zain Khan, Geetanjali Thapa

3

4

Bollywood

Film ‘Pari’ banned in Pakistan The Central Board of Film Censors (CBFC) in Pakistan has decided to ban upcoming Bollywood film Pari from being screened in cinemas across the country. Apparently, the decision has been taken because the content of the horror film promotes black magic, some non-Islamic values and anti-Muslim sentiments. “Pari’s script, dialogues and storyline go against our Islamic values. The concepts within Islam have different ideologies about magic. This film stimulates the viewers in favour of black magic and promotes thoughts that are contradictory to our religion,” stated a senior member of CBFC. The Pakistan Film Distributors Association’s chairman, Chaudhry Ejaz Kamran agreed with CBFC’s decision. “Any film that goes against our culture and Islamic history should be banned in Pakistan,” he stated.

The CBFC source added, “None of the CBFC members are willing to give the film a certificate in any category and therefore, a ban has been implemented.”

Speaking of the re-screening, the official added, “The distributors have a right of appeal and following said appeal, we will screen the film once again today, for review by the full board.” Although the Punjab Film Censor Board (PFCB) had already passed Pari – which stars Anushka Sharma in the lead role and is the third venture for her company Clean Slate Films – with an Adult rating, its officials will be reviewing the film again due to the CBFC’s decision. Sources close to the institution claim that after the distributors’ appeal, the CBFC officials will screen Pari one more time before announcing the final decision.

Saturday, March 3, 2018

Sridevi ‘Chandni’s death shocks the nation and fans from home and abroad Veteran actress Sridevi, 54, passed away in Dubai, engulfing the entire country in a pall of gloom. From Bollywood film stars to Indian politicians to Pakistani icons, her fans and admirers expressed shock and disbelief.

Padma Shri award recipient passed away in Dubai on February 24. Sridevi was in Dubai to attend marriage function of Sonam Kapoor’s cousin Mohit Marwah, along with her husband Boney Kapoor and daughter Khushi. Her other daughter Janhvi stayed back reportedly due Sridevi with her daughters Khushi and Jhanvi Kapoor to work commitment towards her debut film “Dhadak.” In a at a wedding ceremony. Bony Kapoor (her husband) is also seen in the picture. moving gesture, Indian industrial magnate Anil Ambani sent an honour was given, including a police gun aircraft to Dubai to bring back her body to salute. The body, wrapped in the Tricolour, India later on Sunday. was carried in an AC truck. Earlier the body The last rites of Bollywood icon were was kept at the Celebration Sports Club in conducted on Wednesday in Mumbai at Lokhandwala for the public to pay homage. the Vile Parle Seva Samaj Crematorium A host of Bollywood stars had turned up and Hindu Cemetery. Bollywood turned for the condolence meeting and prayer up in full strength to pay tribute to India’s ceremony that was held there. first female superstar. Fans from across The actress accidentally drowned in a the country too thronged to catch a last hotel bathtub in Dubai on Saturday. Her glimpse of the icon. Draped in a red-and- body was brought b ack to India on Tuesday gold kanjeevaram, the body was brought night and taken to brother-in-law Anil to the Vile Parle crematorium. Full state Kapoor’s house.

Aamir to replace Ranveer as brand ambassador of this mobile phone brand?

V

ivo India said it has ended its brand endorsement partnership with Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh. Ranveer and Vivo India have had an exciting and productive association for the past two years...Vivo India is thankful to Ranveer for being an invaluable and integral part of the Vivo India journey so far,” Vivo India said in a statement.

The statement added that the relationship aided Vivo India in generating mass brand awareness.

“The brand has evolved significantly since its launch in India and has aggressive consolidation plans that will boost future growth,” it said.

While Vivo India did not disclose the reason for discontinuing the partnership, reports suggest that the company may rope in actor Aamir Khan as its new brand ambassador. According to research firm

IDC, Vivo ranked third in terms of smartphone shipment in the fourth quarter of 2017 with 6.5 per cent share in India, behind Xiaomi (26.8 per cent) and Samsung (24.2 per cent). Meanwhile, Ranveer Singh has been busy shooting for his upcoming film, Gully Boy, post the success of Padmaavat. Gully Boy is directed by Zoya Akhtar and also stars Alia Bhatt alongside him.

Amir’s magic run continues in China as the Aamir Khan-starrer has already crossed Rs 500 crore in the country. After the phenomenal success of his films like 3 Idiots, PK and Dangal, Aamir’s latest release is also receiving tremendous response from the nation.

Saturday, March 3, 2018

Happy Holi, as Bollywood also excited

W

ho isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t excited about the festival of colours and canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to get our faces coloured and enjoy the delightful festival with our loved ones. Besides this, Holi even plays an important role in Bollywood films. It is said that the legendary actor-

filmmaker Raj Kapoor started the trend of throwing Holi parties in the film industry and other stars and filmmakers followed it.

Here are a few Bollywood celebs who are known for their Holi parties.

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Bollywood

5

Indian-origin girl at top of new pop with debut album Earlier this month, a 17-yearold singer-songwriter found herself on BBC Radio 1â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Top New Pop chart, along with the likes of Ed Sheeran and Miley Cyrus, for her debut single in the first week of its release. The singer was Rika, aka Chandrika Darbari, a halfIndian, half-Serbian musician from northwestLondon.

Her song â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;No Needâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is set in an archetypal high school, with the lyrics sending out a clear and timely message: to stop judging and being unkind to others for how they look or talk. Released independently on September 21, the upbeat dance-pop number quickly climbed the music charts in both UK and India. It was

also featured in BBC Asiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Artist of the Week list. Since its release, it has got over 840,000 views on YouTube.

The song was inspired by Rikaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own experience of being bullied. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was bullied a lot in school â&#x20AC;&#x201D; not because I was Asian but because I had bad acne and was really skinny,â&#x20AC;? Rika told TOI during a visit to Mumbai. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yet, I wanted everyone to connect to the song.

It is diverse and can also be about racism, divorced parents or just straight-up bullying.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just saying that we should try to improve ourselves instead of bringing someone else down.â&#x20AC;?

6

Saturday, March 3, 2018

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Do me a favour, let’s play Holi Mallika Sherawat is hosting a Bollywood-theme Holi party at her Los Angeles home this weekend. The actor is keen on celebrating the festival with Yankee pals and neighbours.

She is making sure to use natural and safe colours. A desi menu has been planned, which includes rajma chawal. She has created a playlist of chartbusters like Rang Barse, Balam Pichkari and Holi Khele Raghuveera.

Guests will command over Hindi, which also be Jyotika feels is rare in taught BBollywood today. As a Tamil Town ponnu (girl), Vids is happy thumkas. that the film is being remade in Tamil. The original, directed

by Suresh Triveni, is about a housewife-turned-RJ. Manav Kaul played Vidya’s lovable hubby.

Tamil remake of Tumhari Sulu Vidya Balan-starrer Tumhari Sulu (2017) is being remade in Tamil with South star Jyotika. It will be directed by Radha Mohan. Jyotika is a fan of Vids and feels honoured to be stepping into her screen idol’s shoes. She loves her voice and

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For the sake of humanity Esha Gupta found herself being trolled after writing about the crisis in Syria on social media.

The Rustom (2016) actor posted a picture of a wounded child (right) and wrote, “I don’t care which country or religion or government I have, humanity is dying. The children are dying and it needs to stop. Syria is bleeding (sic).” Twitterati took her to task for ignoring India’s problems. Not to take it lying down, the actor replied, “That’s the problem with you trolls, good for nothing, even in humanity you see borders. Even for children you see religion.

This is what is called the dark age (sic).” A favourite of the trolls, Esha sure knows how to hit back and silence them.

Reunion 19 years later

Santoshi hospitalised Sharman Joshi and Masumeh Makhija reunite in Arjun Mukerjee’s upcoming film, 3 Storeys, after 19 years. The two featured in Vishal Bhardwaj’s television show Gubbare in 1999, which also starred Dilip Prabhavalkar, Kirron Kher and Shreyas Talpade. While shooting for the film, Masumeh felt she was connecting with an old pal.

Playing screen sisters Child actor Ashnoor Kaur, who is seen as Vilas on Prithvi Vallabh, is big screen bound. She plays Taapsee Pannu’s sister in Anurag Kashyap’s Manmarziyan. She has just begun shooting in Amritsar. Her character is on the lines of Kajol’s sister Chutki in Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (1995).

Ashnoor, 14, who also featured in TV shows like Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai and Mahadev, is glad to be playing her age.

Last night, Rajkumar Santoshi was rushed to Nanavati hospital after he complained of severe chest pain. The filmmaker has been admitted to the ICU. The Andaz Apna Apna (1994) director recently announced that he was collaborating with Aanand L Rai for a film.

Jackie hasn’t seen Disha’s films Disha Patani may be Tiger Shroff’s rumoured girlfriend, but his dad Jackie Shroff has no clue about her Bollywood outings. When asked on Neha Dhupia’s chat show, BFFs With Vogue, who is the better actor: Tiger or Disha, the veteran actor without a second thought quipped Tiger.

Disha featured in MS Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016) and Kung Fu Yoga (2017). Looks like Jaggu dada has to catch up on his son’s alleged ladylove’s films. As long as he knows who Disha is, it does not matter.

Second shot Sheeba was last seen on the big screen in Dum (2003). She returns to Bollywood after 15 years with Hari Singh’s Winds, which has veteran actor Kiran Kumar as co-actor. The Yeh Aag Kab Bujhegi (1991) actor who was later seen in films like Suryavanshi (1992), Hum Hain Kamal Ke (1993) and Ghaath (2000) had switched to the small screen in later years. She was recently seen in the show Haasil.

Saturday, March 3, 2018

Finance

7

A glamorous wedding reception Bollywood celebrities who were present at the reception were Jackie Shroff, Ameesha Patel, Tusshar Kapoor, Sohail Khan and Sana Khan among other stars, when they saw Bollywood industry’s superstars fraternizing with elite politicians at the grand wedding reception of Mohd Ubaid Barudgar and Mohd Oais Barudgar which was held at a prime venue in BandraWest. The grand reception was hosted by ex-Municipal Corporator and film producer Bablu Aziz, Rahim Barudgar, Khalique Barudgar, Wahab Barudgar.

TFSA tops the list of investment plans for newcomers

Barudgar s wedding reception

Many newcomers indicate that they make it a top priority to purchase an investment product shortly after arriving in Canada. In fact, an RBC poll revealed that of newcomers living in Canada five years or less, 71% of them own an investment product, with a tax-free savings account (TFSA) being the most popular option at 40%.

Vishwanath Mahadeshwar, Senior Congres PARESH MEHTA Opening up a TFSA is a good option for new Canadians whoTytler, wish toMLAs invest -shortly er Leader Jagdish AshishaftShela Naseem Khan Last moving Sundayto evening witnessed Bollywood Canada. It is designed to help youAnil saveParab, and invest money andand the Aslam return Shaikh you Rarely one find MLAs industry’s fraternizing with elite earn issuperstars tax free. You can withdraw funds whenever you would need, making it a the flexible wayAshis to Shelar a earned smile, an Anil Parab looked politicians the future grandgoals. wedding receptionyou of don’t save foratyour Additionally, needwith to have income to be able re laxed and the camaraderie of Naseem MohdtoUbaid Barudgar and Mohd Oais Barudcontribute to a TFSA. So newcomers can open up a TFSA and start saving right away. Kha gar which was held at a prime venue in Ban- and Aslam Shaikh with their counterpart Here’s what you need to know about TFSAs: dra West. The grand reception was hosted by For once they set aside their professional an Eligibility ex-Municipal Corporator and film producer political differences apart and mingled lik As a newcomer, you benefi t from the fact that don’tfriends. need earned income to save or oldyou college Bablu Aziz & Abdul Rahim Barudgar, Khaliinvest in aWahab TFSA. Barudgar.

There is, however, a maximum of money you can into "Itamount is a memorable evening fordeposit me at this gran que Barudgar, and am overwhelmed with the warm Theyour venue which a palacetax of residents the reception TFSA eachresembled year. All Canadian who are atIleast 18 years of age have the welcome extended Aziz,"inmentione royals withcontribution the interiors adorned chandesame room of up by to $5500 a year.

You must be the by ageBablu of majority your Anil Parab, while Ashish all smiles sai liers,province with opulence and and a grand was Insurance of residence have adécor, valid Social Number to openShelar's an account. attended by high-profile at the wedding re- how pleased he was all throughout the evening Contributions Bollywood’s evergreen charismatic hero an ception. Bablu Aziz played the perfect host to Youatdon’t tooccasion have theright full to $5,500 started.

Unused contribution room(pop theget ‘bhidu’ of all his fans, Jackie Shroff the guests this need special the to and can be carried overthe from to year.

If you withdraw yourfreely TFSA,wit ularly called Jaggu Dada)from mingled pointaccumulates of even individually thanking pa-year the for fullattending amount ofthe your withdrawals can be put in future years. beobliging careful, as theback guests and his fans,Just with hisreyoun parazzi event. fansinby for selfies with kiddie fans.

Thecontributing Barudgar ingrooms Ubaid andresult the sameMohd calendar year can anposing over-contribution thathis is subject to The heart throb of millions Ameesha Pa Mohdpenalty Oais were blessed by the legislators and tax. the bureaucrats.

Bollywood’s favourite filmy tel’s elegant appearance drew adulation from Tax Benefits celebs warmly greeted Ubaid and Oais with the guests, while the cute Sanaa Khan ap Income earned and TFSA withdrawals are not included as income for tax purposes. This Sohail Khan who genuinely appeared to im- peared to be comforting the complementin TFSA ers atohigh flexibility and will help to minimize your income the brides Shama and Uma-I-Rubab. part means worldlythe gyan andofftips the degree groomsofwho tax.beThstarting e moneytheir you deposit your TFSA can Among help youthe achieve short, medium or wh other your eminent personalities would journeyto of married graced this Royal Shaadi’s dazzling evenin lives long withterm theirgoals. life-partners. were Former MLAs Siddiquie A TFSA is a great way to help saveatfor future.

Talking to aBaba financial advisorand canKr The filmy celebrities who were present theyour pashankar Singh along with Dr Vaishal Keni reception wereunderstand Jackie Shroff, Ameesha help you the benefi ts of aPatel, TFSA and the investment options available to you. the check politicos various partie Tusshar Kapoor, Sohail andcan Sana Khan To see how fast yourKhan savings grow withinwhere a TFSA, out of RBC TFSApolitical Calculator spent a friendly and warmadvice, evening together. among other stars. (rbcroyalbank.com/tfsa/tfsa-calculator.html).

And for more newcomer please visit Th Equally matched was the attendance of event was designed by GECIndia & the sublim RBC Newcomers Hub (rbc.com/newcomers). top politicos cutting across political lines concept and its Public Relations was handled b with First person of Mumbai, Mayor Shri Naghma Khan of Shaaz Media Entertainment

Ubaid Barudgar, Umai Rubab

Ubaid Barudgar, Jackie Shroff, Oais Barudgar and Bablu Aziz

8

Cricket

Saturday, March 3, 2018

Hotstar reimagines VIVO IPL 2018 placing US fans at the heart of the experience

Cricket legends Anil Kumble & Harbhajan Singh joined Hotstar’s CricFest event to spread the cheer

H

otstar, India’s largest premium streaming platform is all set to reimagine VIVO Indian Premier

engaging for North American cricket fans.

Earlier this year, Hotstar live-streamed the much awaited and much watched player

League (IPL)2018 by making India’s greatest sporting spectacle more engaging and bringing it closer to North American cricket fans. As the official digital streaming partner for VIVO IPL 2018, Hotstar will

auction event. Going forward, Hotstar will deliver the following unique content and features in VIVO IPL 2018: Regionalized and expert commentary in six languages- English,

live stream matches across North America beginning this April.

To celebrate this, Hotstar hosted the VIVO IPL Hotstar CricFest, a cricketing extravaganza at MatchPoint NYC in Brooklyn on Saturday, February 24 in

association with event partner, CricClubs.

Cricket legends Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh graced the occasion and interacted with fans as they experienced cricket firsthand through live simulations, activities and entertainment zones.

Ipsita Dasgupta, President - Strategy and Incubation, and Hotstar International at Star India presented content and features of the Hotstar platform that make the experience unique, immersive and

that connects and celebrates the South Asian diaspora by bringing rich and diverse entertainment across Indian movies, TV shows and live sports. It gives us great pleasure to bring VIVO IPL 2018 on Hotstar for cricket fans in North America”, said Ipsita Dasgupta, President – Strategy and Incubation, and Hotstar International at Star India. “Leveraging our technology, consumer insight, and expertise in cricket coverage, Hotstar will deliver an immersive and engaging experience combined with greater convenience to our North American audience.”

“VIVO IPL is undoubtedly the most

and current member of Chennai Super Kings. “VIVO IPL 2018 will be an exciting season for all cricket fans and enthusiasts, including those in North America, who can now participate in the same experience as millions of Indians back home do through Hotstar.”

About Hotstar Hotstar, India’s largest premium streaming platform for Indian TV shows, movies and live sports, is now also available in the US and Canada.

A subsidiary of Star India and 21st Century Fox, Hotstar was launched in India in 2015 and became the fastest app to reach

exciting cricket property in our country and brings together the best of cricket talent from across the world in an intense league,” said Anil Kumble, former Team India player, captain and coach. “Cricket fans in

a million downloads within a week of going live. The platform offers a bouquet of rich and diverse content encompassing the latest movies, popular TV shows, documentaries and live sports. By delivering premium,

North America deserve to watch the sport on a platform that understands their love for the game and is powered by technology that focuses on delivering a great consumer experience. I’m truly excited that Hotstar is the official digital streaming partner of VIVO IPL 2018 in North America”

on-demand content across devices and in multiple languages, Hotstar ensures South Asians across the world are never too far from their favorite entertainment.

Hotstar can be accessed through ca.hotstar.com or via iOS AppStore, Google Playstore, Roku, Chromecast, Amazon Fire, and Android TV.

“It’s incredible to see such passion for cricket halfway across the world,” said Harbhajan Singh, former captain of Mumbai Indians

For more information contact Rekha Gaddam – rekha@ethnicitymatters.com

Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Bengali.

Immersive Virtual Reality (VR) experience enabling fans to come closer to the game within the comfort of their homes.

Unique fan-graph feature that allows the audience to track the number of simultaneous viewers and relive key moments during any game.

Exclusive pre- and post-match shows, and analysis - all available via live stream.

Snackable content including highlights and complete replays available as Video-On-Demand “Hotstar aims to become a platform

Saturday, March 3, 2018

9

10

Classifieds / Jobs

Saturday, March 3, 2018

11

Saturday, March 3, 2018

Community news South Asian Seniors - Group Birthday of 14 Senior Members, Celebration on March 3rd 2018 from 11.00 am to 2.30 pm.

Vedic Senior Parivar Centre of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society Surrey invites South Asian Senior members to attend group Birthday of 14 Senior members born in between 7th January to 3rd March, which will be celebrated on March 3rd 2018 ( Saturday ) from 11.00 am to 2.30 pm at Shanti Niketan hall of Lakshmi Narayan Hindu Temple 8321 140th street Surrey BC. The program will start with serving snacks, tea, fruit juice, and there will be live entertainment with hilarious jokes, Hindi songs by talented members including talented singer Harmesh Sidher. Tejaswita Mohan a well known Singer has kindly accepted our invitation and she will be singing melodious old Hindi songs . Cake cutting ceremony will take place and slice of cake will be served to all participants.

Special vegetarian lunch will be served along with the dessert. Registration

required for non members. The project is funded by Government of Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Horizons for Seniors Program for Hindi speaking Seniors. Please contact Surendra Handa Coordinator Tel. 6:; ;%6<; ;

:% " *" " ' -----------------------------------------South Asian Seniors Bingo On The House February 18th 2018 ( Sunday ) from 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm.

Vedic Seniors Parivar Centre of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society Surrey invites South Asian Adults/ Senior members and non members also to come and play Bingo for the sake of entertainment and make some new friends, on February 18th 2018( Sunday ) from 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm at Shanti Niketan hall 8321 - 140th street Surrey B.C. Please bring only two dollars with you to play 2 games, do not worry if you do not know how to play, members will explain you the game just for the sake of fun. Tea & light snacks will be served after the game is over. Please contact $ ? # " 6: ; %6< ;

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Saturday, March 3, 2018

Synopsis of Maile Haath

We invite you to

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5,000 Years of Civilization Reborn

Maile Haath is a story that follows a young womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s journey alongside her family, as they learn to understand and cope with sexual abuse. Sexual abuse is an issue that lacks certain awareness; the play tackles difficulties and barriers that may arise through the characters, that they each face individually and together as a family.

The story highlights certain cultural and societal pressures that amplify the impact on not only the survivor but towards the family. Maile Haath aims to shed light on just some of the effects that sexual abuse may have on an individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life and those around them.

Purpose and Objective We have chosen to take the topic of sexual abuse on because we feel passionate about children and we want to be a voice for those who may not have one, or for those who may struggle to find theirs.

Through the medium of theatre we feel we may be able to reach our community in a way that may resonate with them and leave them with an understanding

of what a survivor and their family may face.

Sexual Abuse remains a taboo topic in our society and knows no differences within any culture, religion, socio-economic status and education. By raising awareness of sexual abuse and bringing this topic to the forefront we hope that we may help people understand the depth and severity of the silence they keep and the issues that it creates.

Today the #metoo campaign globally has been creating a much needed storm, however; when you look at the South Asian community as a whole we still remain vulnerably silent, even though itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rampant throughout our communities and our native countries. We would like people to be able to talk about the issue of sexual abuse so a survivor doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel shame, guilt or blame when the topic is brought up or when they begin to share their story of being a victim. We would like to begin to eradicate those feelings of shame, guilt and blame to be replaced with feelings of love, empowerment, confidence and pride.

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Vol. 9 No. 5

Saturday - March 3, 2018

Stress tests, foreign buyers and higher rates likely to impact housing market in 2018 Real estate was a major topic in the business world in 2017, and with some big changes on the horizon, the subject is likely to dominate headlines again this year. Here are five things to watch in Canadian real estate. Policymakers in Toronto and Vancouver have taken steps to try to curb activity in a perceived problem: foreign buyers gobbling up houses as investment vehicles, driving prices up for everybody else. Vancouver slapped a 15 per cent tax on foreign buyers in late 2016, and Toronto followed suit in April of last year with a similar policy. The impact on both markets was immediate, as sales and prices fell,

although they have since both rebounded.

Despite those moves, don’t expect the issue to dissipate this year. Statistics Canada got money to study foreign buyers in the last budget, and in December, the data agency published its most authoritative numbers on non-resident investment in real estate.

Both cities still have less than five per cent foreign ownership, the numbers show, but market watchers in both cities say that segment is growing, and the issue is worthy of more study before any rash decisions.

“In places like Toronto and Vancouver,” CMHC’s chief economist Bob Dugan told CBC in an interview recently, “there’s been very strong growth in houses prices. So people became concerned with trying to get that in check.” Impact of foreign buyers on Canadian real estate market: As of yesterday, new rules aimed at making sure borrowers can pay off their mortgages if rates were to rise are in effect. Last fall, the country’s top banking regulator OSFI announced changes that will force lenders to “stress test” mortgage applicants, to make sure they aren’t borrowing too much. Prospective borrowers will now have their finances mocked up assuming rates are at one of the following two scenarios — whichever is higher:

Continued on next pages

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14

Real Estate

Saturday, March 3, 2018

When it comes to Vancouver real estate,millennials don’t appreciate comparisons to the 90s Do you ever see a comment online that you just have to respond to?

It happened to me this weekend. There was an online debate about — what else is new — Vancouver real estate, and young people feeling they have to leave the region because it’s too expensive.

Laura Ballance, the owner of a PR company that represents some of the largest events and companies in Vancouver, tweeted: “For the record, it was the same in the early 90s. So I left, worked hard, bought where I could afford, sacrificed having nice cars & vacations & dinners out, fixed up & sold 13 houses & worked my way back.”

But I’m also a renter in my early 30s who has lived in converted garages and basement suites in the suburbs to make ends meet. And in my personal time, I’m surrounded by friends who continually wonder if they will ever own property in Vancouver.

So I responded, in a professional and personal capacity, with some numbers (and a dash of snark): “For the record, the average price of a detached home in Greater Vancouver in Feb. 1993 was $337,100. Adjusted for inflation, that’s $522,306.71 today. The average price of a detached home is now

$1,732,992. Scrimping on “vacations & dinners out” won’t make up that difference.”

‘I’m on the verge of moving out:’ frustrated Vancouverites vent to city over housing woes It’s time to move on from single family homes, says UBC sociologist

The response was bigger than anything I’ve ever tweeted (and I have tweeted far more than any sane person should), because it struck an obvious nerve.

“There’s frustration from people that have been told their parents worked hard and saved up and did all the right things,” said Aaron Best, a real estate agent and co-owner of Coronet Realty who often works with entry-level buyers.

“Largely, they’re doing the same stuff. They’re working hard. They’re saving but not seeming to get ahead.”

From page 13

Stress tests, foreign buyers and higher rates likely to impact housing market in 2018 Two percentage points higher than whatever rate they are able to get from a lender. At the five-year average posted rate, according to the Bank of Canada, which currently sits at 4.99 per cent. Anyone who fails the test can’t get the loan they are applying for, which means they’ll have to either buy something less expensive with a smaller mortgage or sit out entirely. It’s not just a concern for firsttimers either, and it could lead to a surge in unregulated lending, said Ratehub Inc. cofounder James Laird.

“Canadians who need to refinance and no longer qualify will be forced this way, while some who are looking to purchase and no longer qualify with a regulated lender will choose to go this way,” Laird said. That’s far from the universal view, however. While the OSFI rules are significant, economist Doug Porter at the Bank of Montreal says he expects the market will largely be able to withstand the impact of new stress tests, just as it has withstood other policy changes.

“Canada’s housing market has defied the incessant talk of its imminent demise for years,” Porter said in a recent report. Which is why this year, he expects the housing

market to “exceed expectations, even with the new tighter OSFI rules, yet again crushing the bears’ calls, if not their spirits.” Higher rates The stress tests are based on the notion that interest rates are set to rise, and there’s ample evidence to suggest that’s likely to come true.

After sitting on the sidelines for the better part of a decade, the Bank of Canada hiked its benchmark interest rate twice last year. Laird says he expects two rate hikes this year, and the bank is likely to pause for a brief spell after the first one. The bank’s rate is currently at one per cent, and while ratcheting it up to 1.5 per cent by the end of the year may not sound like much, that would make variable rate mortgages more expensive than they’ve been in nine years. As TD Bank economist Michael Dolega put it: “Higher mortgages, amid continued Bank of Canada interest rate hikes, will be a significant headwind on Canadian housing activity in 2018.”

Another trend to watch is the outcome of

Continued on page 15

Property assessment data shows big increases for many condo and townhouse owners Condominium and townhouse owners throughout Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley will likely get a shock when they open their property assessment notices this week, thanks to a region-wide increase in strata property values. On Tuesday, B.C. Assessment released its 2018 property assessment data, that showed across Greater Vancouver there were assessment increases in the five- to 35-per-cent range between July 1, 2016 and July 1, 2017. In the Fraser Valley, the increases ranged from 10 to 40 per cent. “The strata market is quite different. It’s been very robust — it’s really outstripped the single-family market,” said B.C. Assessment spokesperson Tina Ireland.

Last month, the authority sent warning letters to 67,000 homeowners, telling them to expect above average increases on their 2018 property assessment notices.

According to B.C. Assessment data, Vancouver strata homes went up on average 15.2 per cent over the previous year’s assessment, while in Surrey they went up 23.8 per cent. The City of Langley saw an even bigger jump — 26.2 per cent. A typical strata townhouse in Whistler Village went up 30 per cent, while a townhouse in Squamish’s Garibaldi Estates saw a 20-percent increase. “I think the extent to which things really cooled down in single family but not in condos was very, very striking because we tend to think of condos as something where you can add more supply, and single family it’s harder to add more supply,” said Tsur Somerville, professor and director of the University of B.C.’s Centre for Urban

Economics and Real Estate.

Since the assessments took place on July 1, Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver president Jill Oudil said the trend has continued. “Detached has calmed a bit, although it’s still what we consider a balanced market,” she said. “Condos and townhomes haven’t changed as far as both being in high demand.” Port Coquitlam Mayor Greg Moore, who also chairs the Metro Vancouver board of directors, said it’s not a surprise to see condo and townhouse assessments going up. It happened in Vancouver a number of

years ago, and now the suburbs are catching up. Strata residential values went up about 20 per cent in PoCo, and a typical low-rise condo in the city’s downtown saw a 28 per cent increase. “What I hear most about is not necessarily the assessment percentage going up, it’s how unaffordable it is for people to now even afford a condo in the suburbs,” Moore said. Somerville agreed that the affordability of condos and townhomes is “worrisome.” “When you see a lot of price appreciation in the thing that’s really the entry level product, then you’re really more concerned about people being shut

Real Estate

Saturday, March 3, 2018

15

Condo developer demands 15% more money from buyers after project hits delays in New Westminster

A

group of prospective homeowners in New Westminster are crying foul after being told they need to pay tens of thousands dollars more for their presale condominiums or risk losing their future homes — despite signing a contract nearly two years ago. Earlier this month, Jago Development notified buyers of the Westbourne Residences project at 5th Avenue and 13th Street that the purchase price of their homes would be increasing by 15 per cent to cover unforeseen cost overruns caused by major delays. It was gut-wrenching news for Laurie Macleod, 55, who had poured his life savings into his dream one-bedroom condominium after renting his

whole life.

Worried your presale condo might be cancelled? Research the developer first “If I do not live here in this development, I will never be able to buy a home again. I won’t be able to afford a down payment,” he said holding back tears. The cost increase means another $40,000 out of his pocket — money he doesn’t have.

The 55-unit project was sold in 2016 at about $475 per square foot, according to the developer. Prices in nearby developments are now closer to $600 and as much as $700 per square foot depending on proximity to the Fraser River.

Westbourne Residences was expected to be complete in the spring or

summer of 2017. That date has been pushed back until this summer.

In a statement, Jago Development vicepresident Jennifer Tung wrote she was “deeply troubled” by the turn of events and that the company was doing all it could to complete the project while keeping the best interests of its clients in mind. It blames factors beyond its control for the delays, including the discovery of an underground stream, the icy winter of 2016/17 and a labour shortage.

All are circumstances that Macleod says an experienced developer like Jago should have had contingency plans for. He and other homeowners are now mobilizing in hopes of

When it comes to Vancouver real estate,millennials don’t appreciate comparisons to the 90s A one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment in the City of Langley. The average price of an apartment sold in Langley has gone from $215,608 in January 2010 to $378,035 today. (MLS) No sympathy on either side Ballance says the point she was trying to make was the suburbs are a possibility more young people should explore, just as she did when her career was beginning 25 years ago.

“It wasn’t easy. They weren’t handing out houses in 1992 when I was looking to buy.

Interest rates were a challenge, but I was able to do it by moving out further from a metropolitan centre and having a clear goal that I wanted to invest in a home,” she said.

“I’ve become a very passionate advocate. I think sometimes people may not consider it and really that was the intention, to encourage people.”

Older people telling younger people what they should consider in this housing market sparks a certain outrage.

But the lack of sympathy can go both ways. Consider just days earlier, after the B.C. government announced that annual school taxes on homes worth more than $3 million would be going up.

The Vancouver Sun profiled an upset homeowner in Point Grey with a home worth just under $6.5 million, worried that it could mean an extra $12,000 a year in taxes, with no immediate money, as retirees, to pay for it.

The vitriolic response by some led a reporter to denounce some critics of the homeowner — who could defer his property taxes until he sold the home — as “snarky online real estate armchair quarterbacks.”

“A lot of people, especially older people, who spent their life paying off their debt, simply do not want to defer taxes. To their

mind, this is an additional debt,” said Michael Geller, a Vancouver developer and planner.

But he also sees the empathy gap that’s growing in the housing debate, with old homeowners and young renters speaking different languages in barbed tones.

“To a young person out there, it’s almost absurd that someone should be complaining about their good fortune.”

Defining the source of the tension is straightforward.

Finding a way out of it is another matter.

“It’s really a no-win situation. You’re going to have people upset either way.

There’s a constant tug of war,” said Best.

Median housing prices continue to be 15, 25, 35 times higher than median incomes, and those who can’t enter the market will continue to be contemptuous of those upset about higher property taxes.

But have housing prices drop 15, 25, 35 per cent, and tens of thousands of homeowners will suddenly be under water.

The B.C. government believes that a ban on foreign buyers is no “silver bullet”, and hopes its 30-point plan, a complex mixture of supply and demand measures, will “moderate the market” over time, though they’ve been reluctant to state exactly what that means when it comes to hard metrics.

In the meantime, millennials will continue to be annoyed when someone suggests that the debate over housing affordability and the tradeoffs of living in Vancouver “was the same in the early 90s.”

If there’s one metric of the housing affordability debate that has gone down, it’s interest rates — while they were over 10 per cent for virtually an entire generation of homeowners, they’ve been below

#106 - 7565 132 St. Surrey, BC 604.572.3005

finding an alternative solution. Some have even posted signs on nearby posts to round up others like them. “I don’t want to lose my unit,” he said. Buyers have until Feb. 28 to agree to pay the extra money. For those who give up their purchase, the developer is offering options that promise some return on investment in recognition of the “sacrifice” buyers made.

Buyers can choose to take back their deposit and receive an additional 50 per cent. Or, if they are willing to wait until the units are sold to new homeowners at a higher price, they can get 40 per cent of the difference between the new and original sale price, minus administrative costs such as taxes, legal fees and commissions.

16

Garry Grewal

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