The Asian Star January 16 2016

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2 L Saturday, January 16, 2016

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Toyota is back in 2016 with super

Tomatoe, Basil Pasta

9

19

Page

Page

Gas price in Metro Vancouver still highest in North America – despite recent drop Umendra Singh

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as price is dropping in Metro Vancouver – but not as fast as it should. The price of gas was at $1.05 cents per litre in Metro Vancouver on Friday morning – still about 20 cents per litre higher than anywhere else in North America Three months ago, it was $1.09 per litre before shooting up to $1.29 per

litre overnight and then slowly being dragged to Friday’s $1.05 per litre. The slow drop in gas prices in Metro Vancouver does not correlate to the sharp drop in price of oil on the world market – dropping ot less than $30 be barrel.

According to the GasBuddy website the prices have been dropping since the start of the new year.

Continued on page 4

South Asian soccer coach pleads guilty to trying to meet 12-year-old girl for sex

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volunteer Surrey, B.C., soccer coach has pleaded guilty to a federal sex crime in the U.S. after being caught trying to meet a 12-year-old girl for sex in a sting operation.

Kuldip (Kelly) Singh Mahal, 47, was arrested in February 2015, after crossing the Canada-U.S.

Indian diaspora is world’s largest at 16M

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umanity is on the move, but we are traipsing across the globe a bit less than you might think.

According to the latest United Nations estimates, 244 million people, or 3.3% of the world’s population, live in a country other than the one where they were born.

Their ranks are growing at a faster pace than the world population as a whole, with enormous economic, social and demographic repercussions for their native and adopted countries.

By far, the most popular destination in 2015 was the United States, followed by Germany, Russia and Saudi Arabia. But the ranking should not be viewed as a popularity contest. Saudi Arabia shows up because it hosts an enormous number of migrant workers, not immigrants who resettle, as in the United States.

Continued on page 6

border and travelling to a park in Burlington, Wash., where he had arranged to meet the girl — who turned out to be an undercover agent.

According to a news release from the U.S. Department of Justice, Mahal answered an online posting from the undercover agent,

Continued on page 6

White House assures Sikhs of their safety and security

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he White House has assured American-Sikhs of their safety and security in view of the increasing threats and hate crimes against the community members in the recent past. In a rare gesture, Melissa Rogers, special assistant to President Barack Obama and head of the office of faith based and neighbourhood partnerships office of the White House, visited a Gurdwara in Maryland to deliver the message of reassurance from the President. Asserting that the US government’s stand with Sikhs in America, Rogers also expressed empathy with the Sikh comContinued on page 7

Vancouver Police searching for 3 Middle Eastern men videotaping Pacific Centre Mall

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ancouver Police are seeking the public’s help in identifying three Middle Eastern men who were seen taking 360 video within Pacific Centre Mall in downtown Vancouver on Tuesday, January 12 at approximately 6:30 p.m. The men were seen taking video of exits and entrances and specifically capturing shots of the Dunsmuir Street exit. Mall security tried locating them but were unsuccessful. Police initially believed four men were taking video, but the

number of persons of interest has since been reduced to three men, Vancouver Police told Vancity Buzz.

Continued on page 6

4 L Saturday, January 16, 2016

OPINION

Internal dissent is dividing the Supreme Court, as some justices criticize usurping of parliament

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nternal dissent over major cases is increasingly dividing the Supreme Court of Canada, with some justices resorting to sharp criticisms of majority decisions they believe intrude on Parliament’s authority to set public policy, according to a review of the court’s 2015 judgments. The analysis by the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, an Ottawa public policy think-tank, also finds the court continuing to overrule its own recent Charter decisions, again with the express disapproval of some of its members. The most recent example was last February’s judgment decriminalizing doctor-assisted suicide. Some legal observers fear the reversal trend could lead lower courts to second-guess just how binding Supreme Court decisions are, especially on highly charged social and moral issues.

The new review by Benjamin Perrin, former legal adviser to then-prime minister Stephen Harper and a one-time Supreme Court clerk, is titled Dissent From Within and chronicles a court deeply divided.

Five of 10 major judgments by the court last year were issued with dissenting opinions, acute in some instances, compared to an 80-per-cent consensus on the 10 significant decisions of 2014. That’s a major decline in consensus-based rulings, not only from 2014, but from the court’s historical 75-per-cent record for agreement. “There has emerged a vocal cadre of judges within the court that’s raising the alarm the court is intruding on Parliament’s policy-making domain and saying, ‘Hold on, Parliament is supposed to make these decisions and we’re not supposed to usurp that role.’ That is a very significant development,” Perrin said in an interview Thursday.

The year ahead for the court, meanwhile, should start to reveal the Liberals’ legal strategy over laws they don’t support that were enacted by the former Conservative government. But challenging such laws at the Supreme Court could be seen as the executive using litigation to get around Parliament’s power to determine the laws of the land, and aggravate the already

touchy issue with some justices.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also is faced with naming a new chief justice in 2018 to replace retiring Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin, who has championed the court’s unanimity.

Justice Rosalie Abella, the first Jewish woman on the court, is considered a strong candidate, except that she will hit mandatory retirement in 2021. That leaves Trudeau to select from seven other justices, all appointed by Harper. (Though highly unlikely, he could elevate a judge from an appellate court and name that person chief justice as well.)

Whoever Trudeau chooses, it will have important and lasting implications for the court, perhaps well beyond the life of his government.

Cases that divided the court last year included R. v. Nur, in which the majority struck down as “cruel and unusual punishment” the Tory law on mandatory-minimum sentences for gun crimes. Justice Michael Moldaver (with Justices Marshall Rothstein, now retired, and Richard Wagner concurring) wrote in dissenting reasons that Parliament’s objective in adopting mandatory penalties for firearms offences is valid and pressing and, “it is not for this court to frustrate the policy goals of our elected representatives based on questionable assumptions or loose conjecture”.

Gas price still highest in Metro Vancouver Continued on page 1 Outside of Metro Vancouver in Abbotsford where TransLink taxes are not applied, gas is selling for as low 99 cents a litre. The lowest prices in the province are found in Prince George, where drivers are paying $0.93. But most drivers in the province are still paying more than the rest of Canada, where prices average about $0.95. The drop in gas prices comes as the price of crude oil has fallen by nearly 50 per cent over the past year.

But it is worth noting most consumers are still paying more for gas compared to the same time last year. Gas prices in B.C. tend to be higher than the rest of the country, in part, because of the province’s carbon tax

Saturday, January 16, 2016 L 5

Local

6 L Saturday, January 16, 2016 From page 1

South Asian soccer coach pleads guilty to trying to meet 12-year-old girl for sex

who was posing as a 12-year-old girl from northwest Washington, in January 2015.

As part of his plea agreement, the release says, Mahal admits sending her a photo of his upper body and expressing interest in

a sexual relationship, even after the undercover agent said she was 12 years old. “In fact, Mahal sent sexually explicit photos of himself and repeatedly requested the ‘girl’ send sexually explicit photos of herself back to him ‌ and engaged in lengthy sexualized chats via text message with the ‘girl,’â€? said the release.

Mahal was charged in the U.S. with the “attempted enticement of a minor� — an offence that carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years to life.

The B.C. man pleaded guilty of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor, a U.S. justice department spokeswoman said Tuesday. His plea was entered in front of Judge Brian Tsuchida in U.S. district court in Seattle.

Under the terms of the plea agreement the defence and prosecutors will recommend a sentence of between 6½ years and nine years in prison. Mahal will also have to register as a

sex offender and may face lifetime supervision.

According to the U.S. Justice Department, Mahal will now undergo a psycho-sexual evaluation before sentencing, which is set to take place on April 1.

U.S. District Judge Robert Lasnik will not be bound by the recommendations from lawyers at sentencing, the news release said, noting that he can choose to impose “any sentence up to the maximum of 30 years in prison.� ‘Crazy and very young’ The court documents say Mahal, then a

was also a volunteer coach for an under-16 boy’s soccer team in Surrey, B.C. Surrey UnitFrom page 1

ed Soccer club has since suspended him.

When Mahal was arrested, U.S. investigators said the sting was initiated by Homeland Security Investigators in Blaine, Wash., to target individuals who were using Craigslist to meet minors for sex.

According to court documents, an ad was placed in the “casual encounters� section of the Vancouver personals entitled “Crazy and very young.�

The text of the ad read, “I’m a bit young and I want to learn some new things. I have never experienced the things I want to, I am real and live in Burlington, Wash.

I like to go to outlet stores at Tulalip!!�

The document alleges the ad was answered by a person using an anonymous Craigslist email identifying himself as “Jumbo Smith,�

U.S. authorities say the investigation was conducted under Homeland Security’s Operation Predator, an international initiative to protect children from sexual predators.

Immigration authorities say 2,300 people were arrested last year alone by special agents under the initiative, and since its inception in 2003, more than 10,000 individuals have been arrested for crimes against children.

Indian diaspora is world’s largest at 16Million

The United Nations report does not distinguish between who migrates with legal papers and who does not. Among the migrants worldwide are 20 million refugees — those who have fled war or persecution in their home countries. Indians make up the largest diaspora: 16 million Indians are scattered across the world, which partly reflects the

country’s demographic size (1.2 billion) and youth (median age is around 26). The effect can be enormous. Many migrants send home remittances, and in some countries that far exceeds what their governments take in traditional donor aid.

Migrants tend to be mostly young, working-age people, which can be a boon to countries like those in Europe where the native

population is swiftly aging. Africans and Asians tend to be the youngest of migrants.

Migration can also roil domestic politics in the receiving countries, as the presidential campaign in the United States has already demonstrated, especially when it comes to the issue of Mexican migrants.

After India, Mexico has the second largest diaspora, with 12 million living abroad, the majority of them in the US.

Vancouver Police searching for 3 Middle Eastern men videotaping Pacific Centre Mall From page 1

main shopping mall, with approximately 100 shops over three city blocks in the Central Business District and direct footpath connections to SkyTrain’s Expo, Millennium, and Canada lines. If you have any information about the men in the photo, please contact Vancouver Police at 604-717-3235. Vancouver Police released the following statement Thursday evening: “There is no information

aman@ewfinancial.ca

to believe that these men have committed a crime. Nor do we have information to believe that the public is currently at risk. Police are interested in speaking with them about their activity in the mall.

Public safety remains our top priority and we are working with mall security and management to ensure the safety of visitors and staff.

Anyone with information about these men is asked to call the Vancouver Police Department at 604-717-3235.�

LOCAL White House assures Sikhs From page 1 the recent incidents of violence against Sikhs and a reported case of vandalism at Los Angeles Gurdwara, a media release said. “I want to offer our deepest condolences for some recent violence and attacks against Sikhs and Sikh institutions. These reports are of tremendous concern to us as we they are to you. We feel a deep sense of loss for victims of these crimes,�

Rogers said in her address to the community at the Guru Gobind Singh Foundation (GGSF) Gurdwara. “When these kinds of things happen there is kind of deep sense of violation and anxiety. We want you to know that we stand by with you during these challenging times,� she said. Rogers said such incidents not only cause a great grief among the people who are being

Saturday, January 16, 2016 L 7

attacked and the communities mostly associated with it, but they also threaten all as America draws its strength from the diversity of its people. “We want you to know that we stand by you and we will continue to work until we stamp these incidents out. Like you we believe that attack on any faith is an attack is an attack on every faith,� Rogers said. “It is essential that all faith communities here and all over the world stand against hate motivated violence.

We will continue to stand with you and we will continue to work to ensure that security and your civil constitutional rights are protected,� she added. “Sikh community has shown tremendous resilience in face of challenges and I

be there with you to triumph over the current challenges that we face together,� Rogers said

Internal dissent is dividing the Supreme Court From page 4 In Saskatchewan Federation of Labour v.

Saskatchewan, the majority found that the right to strike is protected under the Charter right to freedom of association, overturning precedent (Alberta Reference 1987) and triggering another strong dissenting opinion that “the majority is wrong to intrude into the policy development role of elected legislators.�

The court reversed itself three times in 2015.

In Mounted Police Association of Ontario v.

Canada the court’s decision was considered stunning because it overruled its earlier 1999 decision that the RCMP did not have the right to collective bargaining.

Likewise, in the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour case, the court overturned its 1987 decision that the right to strike was not protected under freedom of association in the Charter.

In one of its most high-profile cases, the court’s decision on physician-assisted suicide in Carter v. Canada reversed its 1993 decision in Rodriguez v. British Columbia, in much the same way its 2013 decision liberalizing pros-

titution laws reversed a 1990 decision on the issue. “These are not precedents from the early 1900s, in judicial terms these are very recent cases,� said Perrin. “It’s troubling for some of us that the court seems too willing to overturn them so readily. It’s because of this general concept that our system is based on, that a Supreme Court of Canada decision is supposed to bind lower courts and, generally, the court says it’s not going to overturn them lightly.�

The Carter case returned to the high court this week, with the federal government seeking a six-month extension of the landmark ruling that decriminalizes assisted suicide as of Feb. 6. The court ruled unanimously last Feb. 6 that federal criminal laws against assisted suicide deprive grievously ill Canadians of their Charter right to life, liberty and security of the person and were unconstitutional.

It suspended invalidating the laws for one year to give the government time to align the Criminal Code with its ruling and, with the provinces, develop policies to regulate physician-assisted dying.

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LOCAL

BC ROUNDUP only on ZEE TV CANADA Our Community, Our Pride From special achievements to entertainment and events, from current affairs to business, sports and politics know what’s happening in British Columbia.

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s a market leader in South Asian entertainment in Canada, ZEE TV Canada strikes gold with its brand new community roundup show – BC Roundup. British Columbia is the second largest home for South Asians with more than 350,000* residing in major metros such as Vancouver, Surrey, Abbotsford & Burnaby. We are a tight knit community, with a strong impact on the province’s economic, social & cultural environments. In the larger picture we often miss out on the stories from within our own community – A community that is British Columbia’s pride. True to ZEE TV’s vision of ‘The World is my Family’, this show aims to bring together South Asians living in the BC province and keep them informed and engaged with the hap-

penings in their community. BC Roundup will cover a wide range of topics such as special achievements, entertainment, local events, business, sports and politics. It also welcomes stories from the audience, giving them a chance to contribute to their community. Catering to over 140,000* people speaking Punjabi language at home, BC Roundup will be presented to the audience mainly in Punjabi. Speaking on the initiative, Mr.Sameer Targe, General Manager, ZEE TV Americas stated, “British Columbia is one of the most important markets for us. South Asians constitute a strong 13% of the visible minority in the province & Punjabi is the third most spoken language of the region.

It was crucial for us to further penetrate this market, what better than community

roundupinPunjabi language.”

D O N ’ T MISS TO TUNE INTO BC ROUNDUP, EVERY MONDAY – FRIDAY 8:00pm PST; S U N D AY 8:30am PST ZEE TV Canada is available on all Cable, Satellite, Telco and IPTV platforms in Canada. For more details visit www. zeetvcanada.ca

Aunt furious after Charlie Hebdo cartoon predicts Alan Kurdi would have been a sex offender

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n inflammatory cartoon picturing a drowned Syrian toddler and predicting his future as a sex offender in Germany is “disgusting,” says the boy’s aunt. Tima Kurdi said she was brought to tears when she saw the depiction of her twoyear-old nephew Alan Kurdi’s lifeless body in the controversial French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo. The cartoon asks in French what would have become of the boy had he grown up. It shows two men running after screaming women with their tongues hanging out and hands outstretched above a caption that reads, also in French, bum grabbers in Germany. The drawing refers to a series of sex attacks allegedly committed by a large group of migrants in Cologne, Germany, on New Year’s Eve. The toddler drowned, along with his mother and older brother, while crossing the Mediterranean en route to Europe last September. A photo of the boy’s body lying face down on a Turkish beach made the front page of newspapers across the world and stoked global outrage over the Syrian refugee crisis. “This is really painful, to use that innocent boy’s picture. It went too far,” Kurdi said in an interview from suburban Vancouver on Thursday. “We’re trying to move on. Why do they want to bring the pain back to us?” The boy has been widely reported as being three years old, but Kurdi clarified on Thursday that he was two when he died. Kurdi has been an outspoken

advocate for Syrian refugees since the death of her extended family members. She helped sponsor her other brother, Mohammad, and his family, who arrived in Canada late last year. Long-time British Columbian political cartoonist Adrian Raeside said he believes the newspaper’s use of Alan’s image was unnecessary and denigrates the work of editorial cartoonists.

“To be honest, that’s way beyond what anyone should do.

A dead kid? I mean, come on,” Raeside said, emphasizing this was his personal opinion.

“I hope that this doesn’t give editorial cartoonists a bad name.” Raeside spoke about his own policy of showcasing only people who willingly enter the public domain, leaving out those connected unintentionally.

“I don’t draw cartoons about some politician’s wife. That’s not her fault that her husband’s in politics,” he said. “Some politician’s kids?

That’s not their fault that their father is the prime minister.” The cartoon comes about a year after gunmen stormed Charlie Hebdo’s offices in Paris and killed 12 people over the newspaper’s incendiary depictions of the Muslim prophet Muhammad. While the publication stirred controversy and sparked acrimony online, Micheal Vonn of the B.C. Civil Liberties Association said that this anger is an unfortunate but natural result of the importance and protection our society places on freedom of expression.

Minister of National Defence, Harjit Sajjan, being welcomed at the Ross Street Gurdawara in Vancouver on January 10. Photo by Chandra Bodalia

Sanja Vehra Women’s Group, of Surrey, donated $14,500 to Surrey Hospital and Outpatient Centre Foundation for breast health. The funds were collected at a Surrey fundraiser last October. Photo by Chandra Bodalia

LOCAL

Saturday, January 16, 2016 L 9

Kuri Mundey di Lohri by Trinjan was celebrated in Surrey on January 10. Photo by Chandra Bodalia

Average Canadian house price up another 12% to $454,342

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he average price of a Canadian home increased by 12 per cent in the year up to December and is now worth $454,342, the Canadian Real Estate Association says. As it has done for a while, the realtor group says Toronto and Vancouver are skewing the national average higher. But if those two cities are stripped out, the national average drops to $336,994 while the annual gain is still 5.4 per cent. “Leading the charge was Vancouver, where we have run out of superlatives to describe just how wild its market is,” BMO economist Sal Guatieri said. “[Vancouver] sales were up 33.7 per cent in December and benchmark prices vaulted 18.9 per cent.”

Indeed, those two cities are

masking a housing market that is now getting cheaper on a national level. If the entire prov-

inces of British Columbia and Ontario are stripped out, the average Canadian home was

worth $294,363 in December — a decrease of 2.2 per cent during the past year.

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But the proposal has sparked a fierce outcry from brokers who claim the move will play directly into the hands of banks which would like to portray the industry as a hidden cost to consumers. “It’s an un-level playing field,” said Gary Mauris, president of Dominion Lending Centres.

The consumer’s best interests?

Like other vocal opponents of the proposal, Mauris says that if brokers are forced to reveal their earnings, then customers should also know the commissions and salaries banks pay their employees to sell mortgages.

“If FICOM pushes this through, then the banks are going to be able to say why would you use a mortgage broker when you can just come to us and you’re not paying any fees?” he said.

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10 L Saturday, January 16, 2016

Local

Surrey Board of Trade angry over Vancouver Board name change

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he Surrey Board of Trade is upset its Vancouver cousin is thinking about a new name with a regional flare.

Surrey Board CEO Anita Huberman says they have learned the Vancouver Board of Trade wants to change its name to “The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.” Huberman says as a large board of trade in the Greater Vancouver area, the Surrey Board of Trade is opposed to the change. She adds the Vancouver Board of Trade does

not speak on behalf of the region’s business community. She says the Vancouver Board votes on the change at a special meeting this Friday. Vancouver Board of Trade President Iain Black says any fears they are going after Surrey’s business members is totally unfounded.

He says many businesses are members of more than one board or chamber of commerce. Black says the name change is simply a reflection they have been a regional voice but not the regional voice for for many years.

Richmond mayor’s war with federal port authorities over agricultural land

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ichmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie, usually not given to dramatic statements, is threatening a “war” if Port Metro Vancouver follows through on plans to convert farmland in the agricultural reserve into warehouses and shipping centres to facilitate burgeoning Asian trade. A land war is shaping up between Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie and the federal government body known as Port Metro Vancouver. Brodie believes 200 farms in the Agricultural Land Reserve should be preserved for growing food, while the port is eyeing such areas as sites for development that could create thousands of trade-related jobs. “It’s infuriating,” Brodie told The Province. “I’m not prepared to accept it for one minute. “It’s a declaration of war,” he said of the port’s thinly-veiled operation to convert the historic Gilmore farm on No. 8 Rd. to industrial use.

Port president Robin Silvester welcomes the controversy that a full discussion would bring, even though the topic is sure to expose deep divisions. “There should be an Industrial Land Reserve the same way there is

an Agricultural Land Reserve,” Silvester said.

“We are headed to an economic brick wall in Metro Vancouver. “It’s frightening. About 1,000 acres (400 hectares) of trade-suitable industrial land is available in Metro Vancouver, less than 10 years’ supply,” he said.

Although the port is supposed to take into account local concerns such as Richmond’s, Silvester made it clear its national mandate takes precedence. “Billions of dollars and thousands of jobs are at stake,” he said.

A test case for B.C.’s agricultural laws is already in the works in East Richmond.

The port owns the 90-hectare Gilmore farm, a protected site with lush soil where food and forage crops continue to be grown for the time being. Silvester admitted the farm might be turned into a logistics hub.

“We see a situation looming that might have to happen. We have to preserve our options,” he said. The location is convenient to highways, trains and ships, unlike many of the 2,400 hectares of industrial land that Metro Vancouver says is available elsewhere in the region.

Seismologist says B.C.’s South Coast has had thousands of tiny tremors recently

W

hile many on B.C.’s South Coast, were rattled out of their beds on Dec. 29 by a magnitude 4.8 earthquake, they probably were not aware that thousands of silent tremors have been shaking along the coast over the past few weeks.

Natural Resources Canada seismologist John Cassidy said the West Coast has been experiencing “episodic tremor and slip” recently.

“Normally Vancouver Island is moving towards the mainland very slowly [but] Vancouver Island will change direction roughly every 14 or 15 months, and will slip backwards towards the ocean,” Cassidy told All Points West host Robyn Burns.“There’s a very slight movement back to the west, before Vancouver Island carries on its regular direction of being squeezed towards the mainland.

Vancouver Island does a little bit of a dance.”

Cassidy said this occurs regularly because the West Coast is on a subduction zone where one tectonic plate (the Juan de Fuca plate) is moving under another one (the North American plate).

The Cascadia subduction zone is one of the most seismically active regions of the world. The earthquake on Dec. 29, 2015 did not happen in the ‘locked’ section but

rather in the Juan de Fuca plate as it moved underneath the South Coast. (USGS) Episodic tremor and slip generally lasts a few weeks, and causes “thousands and thousands of tiny tremors” that are too small to be felt.

“They look almost like the recording of a train where energy will build up very slowly and shake for a few minutes , very subtly shaking, and then it rolls off again,” said Cassidy.

The same phenomenon also occurs in parts of Japan, Mexico and Alaska.

Provides useful information for seismologists Cassidy said the tremors can provide useful information about the large earthquake that is expected on the West Coast because of the plates moving under each other at the Cascadia subduction zone.

“This new information has been really very useful in helping us to identify where exactly that locked fault is, and that helps us to predict or better understand ground shaking we can expect during these future earthquakes.”

LOCAL

How a B.C. man pulled off one of the most sophisticated immigration frauds in Canadian history

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ith the citizenship hopes of hun- clients faced the possibility of having their dreds of Chinese clients in his immigration statuses revoked or rejected. hands and the risk of arrest al“I find the gravity of the offences comways looming, B.C. immigration consultant mitted by Mr. Wang to be serious. His Xun “Sunny” Wang had no room for error. actions served to undermine Canada’s imIf a date stamp was a bit crooked or a font migration process with the result that the didn’t quite match up in one of his client’s public’s confidence in the process has been doctored passdamaged,” B.C. ports, it was imProvincial Court mediately flagged Judge Reg Harris by staff. If a job said in his decision. was time-sensi‘Ghost consultants’: tive, Wang would How fraudsters let his people con Canada’s imknow in an email: migration system “This passport is — and their clients more urgent!!!”

On the federal Spreadsheets government’s webkept track of Casite, in no fewer nadian addressthan 21 languages es and phone The home in Richmond, B.C., where fraudster, ranging from Arnumbers used Xun “Sunny” Wang lived with his family. It was abic to Vietnamto prepare docu- searched by CBSA as part of their investigation. ese, people lookments that gave ing to immigrate to Canada are warned the appearance his clients were liv- to be on the lookout for fraud and to stay ing in Canada when they weren’t. away from unauthorized consultants.

It was a vast, complicated enterprise — Don’t be the victim of a scam, the site warns. one of the most sophisticated immigration And don’t be tempted into using false docfrauds authorities said they’d ever seen — uments. Despite the government’s efforts and very lucrative. Wang collected some to regulate the industry, however, large $10 million from about 1,200 clients for his numbers of unlicensed consultants contin“fraudulent services,” a court would find. ue to operate under the radar, sometimes His actions served to undermine going to great lengths to dupe the system Canada’s immigration< process with — or their clients — and making loads of the result that the public’s confidence money doing it. Wang, a married father of in the process has been damaged two boys, immigrated to Canada in 1997 But it all collapsed in late October when and became a citizen three years later. the unlicensed consultant was sentenced Though he had a degree in engito seven years in prison, one of the stiffest neering, Wang spent his first coupenalties to be handed down for this type of ple years in Canada either as a life crime. In the aftermath, hundreds of Wang’s insurance agent or unemployed.

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Shots fired into Newton home

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olice are investigating after bullets were fired into a Newton home this week.

Just after midnight on Monday, police were called to a home in the 9000-block 123A Street after reports of shots fired.

Shell casings were found on the road and bullet holes were identified in the home.

No one at home was hurt.

Nearby residents heard the screeching of tires as the shooters drove away, but no one has been able to describe the vehicle.

Mounties are canvassing the area for surveillance video to get a better idea of the vehicle or the gunmen.

Police have not yet ascertained whether the shooting was the result of a drug turf war that’s brought several shootings to the Newton area this year.

Surrey RCMP do believe it is targeted and say one of the people inside the home is known to them.

BCTF pleased with Supreme Court decision to hear appeal

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he Supreme Court of Canada has ruled this morning that it will hear an appeal from the B.C. Teachers’ Federation to restore language about class size, composition rules and specialist teachers ratios to their contract.

“BCTF is very pleased with the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision to hear our appeal,” said Jim Iker, BCTF president.

“It is another important step in this long-journey through the court system for us,” he said.

The government released a statement saying they are confident in their legal position but appreciate the democratic process.

The on-going dispute dates back to 2002 when the province stripped teachers of their right to bargain class size and composition through legislation. The teachers fought that legislation in court and won.

But Bill 22 passed in 2012 by the government similarly blocked teachers from negotiating class size and composition.

“By unconstitutionally stripping our collective agreement 14 years ago, this government did so much harm to our public education system,” said Iker.

The BCTF has 30 days to submit its writ-

ten appeal to the SCC and it normally takes about 10 months from when the decision is made to go ahead with a hearing date.

The provincial government said despite the court challenge the two sides are working together closely to implement the new curriculum and improve teacher training.

Since the last round of bargaining government’s relationship with the BCTF has never been better,” said B.C. Education Minister Mike Bernier.

ButBCTFsaystheystilldisagreeoverfunding.

“While the relationship is good, we still have a responsibility to continue advocating for our students in our classrooms and more funding,” said Iker.

Outsiders say the latest court challenge will perpetuate the adversity in the relationship between the B.C. government and teachers.

“They have been in a very antagonistic relationship through all kinds of bargaining structures, all kinds of governments of different political directions, and all sorts of different leadership at the BCTF,” said Fiona McQuarrie, Associate Professor of industrial relations in the School of Business at the University of the Fraser Valley.

Refusal to testify against co-accused nets B.C. pair two more years in jail

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wo men who refused to testify against their co-accused in a homicide case have been sentenced to two years in prison, which will be added to the time they are already serving for manslaughter.

Fabien Luther Marcus Lyde, 21, and Joshua Bruno Martinez, 23, were found guilty in December of contempt of court. They were sentenced on Thursday in B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver.

On Feb. 26, 2012, Lyde, Martinez and Russell Atma Bidesi went to the Surrey home of 31-year-old Kacey Rogers to commit a robbery. Four shotgun shells were fired through the front door of Rogers’s home. Rogers got a baseball bat, looked out his kitchen window at the front porch and was shot.

The men entered the home and confronted Rogers’s girlfriend, then stole a small sum of money and left. Rogers died at the scene. Lyde, Martinez and Bidesi were charged with second-degree murder.

In June 2013, Lyde was sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter with a firearm. Martinez

also pleaded guilty to manslaughter with a firearm and four firearms-related offences, and was sentenced in February 2015 to seven years in prison.

When Bidesi went to trial for Rogers’s killing, Lyde and Martinez were subpoenaed to testify, and both men refused to take an oath and provide evidence. They were cited for contempt of court.

Bidesi was convicted of manslaughter in the case.

WE VALUE YOUR PROPERTY AS MUCH AS YOU DO. If you’re among BC’s approximately 2 million property owners, you should receive your 2016 property assessment in the mail early in January. If you haven’t, call us toll-free at 1-866-valueBC. Access property information and compare your assessment to others using our free e-valueBC service at bcassessment.ca, BC’s trusted go-to property information resource.

If you have questions or want more information, contact us at 1-866-valueBC or online at bcassessment.ca. The deadline to file an appeal for your assessment is February 1st, 2016.

Crown had asked for a prison sentence of four to five years — five years is the maximum — while lawyers for Martinez and Lyde had submitted that a sentence of 15 to 24 months would be more appropriate.

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For more property information, assessment highlights and videos visit

bcassessment.ca We Value BC

12 L Saturday, January 16, 2016

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B.C. couple found guilty of terrorism could be freed — if it’s proven RCMP facilitated bombing plan

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he first thing I did is, when I converted,” accused terrorist John Nuttall told an undercover RCMP officer, “my first question was, OK, how do I do the five prayers, how do I worship Allah?” The conversation, in early June 2013, was being secretly recorded.

Nuttall didn’t know he and his wife, Amanda Korody, were targets of an elaborate — possibly illegal— sting operation conducted by police, with help from Crown prosecutors.

A pair of basement-dwelling, recovering drug addicts with few resources, Nuttall and Korody were found guilty of terrorism-related crimes by a B.C. Supreme Court jury last year. No convictions have been entered, because their defence lawyers claim the pair was entrapped, that authorities seized on the couple unfairly, pulling them into a police-contrived plot to detonate three homemade pressure cooker bombs at the B.C. legislature on Canada Day, 2013. A post-verdict entrapment hearing is now playing out in a Vancouver courthouse.

Should the defence arguments prevail in this phase of the trial, Madam Justice Catherine Bruce may enter a stay of proceedings and Nut-

tall and Korody could be set free. Certain aspects of the RCMP’s sting operation — dubbed Project Souvenir— were not shared with the jury that found the pair guilty on two counts each last summer. Information is coming to light now, at the entrapment hearing. It isn’t helpful to police, or the Crown. “My second question was, where is my gun, let’s go jihad,” Nuttall told the undercover Mountie, posing as a wealthy Islamist, in their June 6, 2013 conversation. “And I went to every mosque

and they all shunned me, you know. They shunned me, they shunned me and they, some of them even called the police on me.” Four days after that conversation, and just three weeks before arrests were made, a Crown prosecutor giving legal advice to RCMP operatives wrote to one of Project Souvenir’s senior officers. Martha Devlin revealed strong doubts about Nuttall and his capacity for committing terrorist acts. This guy really is a nut. Not sure there’s anything here.

“This guy really is a nut. Not sure there’s anything here,” Devlin told the Mountie, in an email exchange described in court this week. “My impression is, he has no plan and just sort of makes stuff up.”

Why would the advising prosecutor say that? Because, as the court has heard many times, Nuttall was prone to making ludicrous claims to undercover operators. At one point he said he’d witnessed unmarked white airplanes flying over his Surrey, B.C., home, making “chemtrails” to control population growth. “The next day I blow my nose (and) this yellow dust comes out of my nostrils,” he told one undercover Mountie.

Nuttall also bragged of having access to secret military information. The U.S. military had installed intercontinental ballistic missiles at a tiny Canadian Navy facility on Vancouver Island, he told an undercover Mountie. And “256 Canadian soldiers just returned from Afghanistan in Esquimalt (near Victoria). They came off submarines that came in here … and (on) a freighter and a battleship.”

Nut, indeed. But the sting operation continued.

Devlin occasionally intervened, court has heard. It was disclosed that at one point, she “advised the RCMP” to stop making “payments of money” to Nuttall and Korody, apparently out of concern the payments would compromise the operation’s integrity.

Justin Trudeau condemns attack on Syrian refugees

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‘This isn’t who we are’

rime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned an attack on more than a dozen Syrian refugees in Vancouver Friday night.

Vancouver police say they are looking for a suspect after the group of refugees was pepper sprayed at a Muslim Association of Canada event, advertised as a way to “welcome Syrian families to the Muslim Community.”

A crowd of men, women and children had gathered outside the centre at around 10:30 p.m. when a man wearing a white hoodie apparently rode by on a bicycle and sprayed 15 to 30 people, according to the VPD. “This isn’t who we are — and doesn’t reflect the warm welcome Canadians have offered,” Trudeau said on Twitter.

Witnesses said several of those who were hit started coughing and complaining of burning eyes. Many people were treated at the scene, but there was no word of any serious injuries. Paramedics treated a number of people for exposure to the pepper spray.

Group of Syrian refugees pepper sprayed by man on bicycle after ‘welcome night’ in Vancouver . Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship John McCallum said the attack was an “isolated incident” that won’t tarnish the country’s migrant-friendly reputation.

“That the group was there to attend an event welcoming them to Canada only makes this attack even more infuriating and reprehensible,” he said, in a statement.

Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson also weighed in on social media Saturday, say-

ing “last night’s pepper spray incident was a disgusting display of hate — and Vancouver won’t stand for it.” adding that Vancouver welcomes refugees and “always will.”

Vancouver police Sgt. Randy Fincham said Saturday that the VPD’s major crime section is continuing to investigate the incident.

While the motive for the pepper spray attack remains unknown, Fincham says until police determine otherwise, they are treating the case a hate-motivated crime.

The Muslim Association of Canada, in response to the attack, urged tolerance and understanding among Canadians, and called for “swift action” against the perpetrator.

“However, it is important to note that this incident is dwarfed by the level of generosity and welcome from Canadians across the country. Canadians of all walks, up to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, have welcomed refugees and chosen tolerance,” read an association statement.

In a Facebook post, the Syrian Canadian Council of BC said a small minority live in “unnecessary fear” over the accepting of refugees, whether from Syria or other parts of the world.

“The enormous efforts that have been made by all Canadians to help and welcome new Syrian comers is very well recognized at all levels,” the statement said. “We believe that Canada has been built by immigrants and refugees just like those who have been sprayed last night and hence these fears are baseless.”

LOCAL

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Michael Dunahee’s family still holding out hope 25 years after his mysterious disappearance people started

he disappearance of four-yearold Michael Dunahee from a Victoria playground nearly 25 years ago not only devastated a family but also changed a community forever.

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On March 24 1991, Michael disappeared from the Blanshard Elementary playground in Victoria. He has

Bank robber in drag has Surrey RCMP asking for help

cross-dressing bank robber has the Surrey RCMP asking for the public’s help.

Police say the robbery happened Dec 29 around 6 p.m.

PT, when an Enhanced surveillance footage to get a better look at the man in disguise Asian male who robbed a bank December 29th dressed as male dressed as a woman in a long curly a woman robbed a bank in the 15100 wig . Surveillance cameras captured imagblock of 101st Avenue in Surrey, near the es of the man and his unique disguise.

Guildford Mall. The suspect was wearing No one was injured and the suspect fled a patterned dress, white woolen sweater, on foot. Anyone with information is asked blonde long, curly wig and pink toque, to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599according to a police statement.

0502, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222Police describe the suspect as an Asian TIPS or www.solvecrime.ca.

Halifax man helped thousands pretend they were in Canada to get around citizenship rules

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Saturday, January 16, 2016

f anyone dialed the Halifax number Mohd Morelley wrote application for citizenship as he was integrating in Canada, it

phone in his proof

would ring out in an office on the outskirts of Halifax. Someone might answer, but it wouldn’t be Morelley or his wife or three children, who all wanted to be Canadians.

They were all living in Kuwait.

Along with the bogus phone number, Morelley and his family bought a full-service bogus citizenship package from an immigration consultant, including a Halifax address for a home he never lived in, tax returns and employment records for a job he never held, payment of utility bills he never used, ATM withdrawals to show local transactions he didn’t make and a letter from a local Islamic society saying he was deeply involved in the activities at a mosque he didn’t attend. My office is one of the famous offices in Nova Scotia Everything needed to create a pretend life in Canada.

Morelley’s phantom phone — and fake life — were far from unique: more than 140 cell phones, labeled with the number and name of a client, were organized in the Bedford Highway office of the Canadian Commercial Group, run

by immigration consultant Hassan Al-Awaid.

‘Ghost consultants’: How fraudsters con Canada’s immigration system — and their clients On the federal government’s website, in no fewer than 21 languages ranging from Arabic to Vietnamese, people looking to immigrate to Canada are warned to be on the lookout for fraud and to stay away from unauthorized consultants.

Don’t be the victim of a scam, the site warns.

And don’t be tempted into using false documents. Despite the government’s efforts to

regulate the industry, however, large numbers of unlicensed consultants continue to operate under the radar, sometimes going to great lengths to dupe the system — or their clients — and making loads of money doing it. Last fall, Xun Wang, an unlicensed consultant in Richmond, B.C., was handed a stiff seven-year sentence for carrying out one of the biggest immigration frauds authorities say they’d ever seen involving doctored passports and other forged documents.

While that prosecution was successful, critics say so-called “ghost consultants” continue to operate largely in an enforcement vacuum At least 1,244 clients were listed in Al-Awaid’s files, most accompanied by family members.

never been seen again and is believed to have been abducted by a stranger.

His mother, Crystal Dunahee, was playing touch football in a field next to the playground when he disappeared.

“I did up his hood, because it was windy out that day, and I let him go to the park and told him to stay there and wait for Daddy to come,” she recalls. “[Michael’s father] Bruce went back to the playground and came back and said he couldn’t find Michael.”

“I made sure he was looking at me, and that he understood that he was allowed to go to the park by himself, but he had to stay and not leave with anybody else and wait for his dad to come,” she said.

“I recall having those lovely tummy butterflies, and I regret not following those.”

When Michael’s father couldn’t find him, the game stopped. About 50

L 13

fanning out, looking for Michael and calling his name.

His parents called the police immediately, and so began what was then the largest police investigation in Victoria’s history.

It didn’t take long for now-retired Detective Inspector Fred Mills of the Victoria Police Department to classify Michael’s disappearance as an abduction.

“I received the phone call at home on a Sunday that a child had gone missing from the playground ... it became quite clear that this was more than just a missing child, that, in fact, it had all the earmarks of an abduction,” he said.

15 detectives worked the case at one point. They checked out tips, looked into known sex offenders and interviewed children at the playground. One witness reported seeing a man in his late 40s or early 50s hanging around the playground.

Still, they couldn’t produce any leads.

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LOCAL

Convicted Via rail plotter to appeal terror conviction

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man found guilty of plotting to derail a passenger train between Canada and the U.S. plans to appeal his conviction at Ontario’s highest court.

Chiheb Esseghaier, a deeply religious Muslim, argues he ought to have been judged by the rules of the Qur’an.

The Tunisian national has filed an inmate notice of appeal with the Ontario Court of Appeal in which he sets out the primary reason his conviction should be quashed.

The notice of appeal says the trial judge erred in refusing to allow the trial to be conducted pursuant to the holy Qur’an instead of the Criminal Code.

Esseghaier and his co-accused, Raed Jaser, were found guilty last March on a total of eight terror-related charges between them.

They were sentenced to life in prison in late September, with no chance of parole until 2023. Jaser is also appealing his conviction. When handing down their sentence, Toronto Justice Michael Code found that both men had not renounced their extremist beliefs, had not accepted responsibility for their offences and presented

questionable prospects for rehabilitation.

Esseghaier, who appeared unruffled by both the verdict and the sentence in his trial, had demanded throughout his legal process to be judged by the holy Islamic book.

He refused a lawyer and represented himself throughout his trial, often went on rambling rants in the courtroom and even prayed in the prisoner’s dock on occasion.

His mental state became an issue during the sentencing phase of the trial after two psychiatric assessments found he was likely schizophrenic – findings he vigorously disagreed with – although one of the psychiatrists who assessed him found he was still fit to be sentenced.

A court-appointed lawyer ordered to assist Esseghaier asked Code to postpone sentencing until it could be determined if Esseghaier could be hospitalized and treated, but Code refused, saying there was “no causal link” between Esseghaier’s mental state during sentencing and his behaviour at the time of the offences.

Karanpal Bhangu, convenience store shooting victim, laid to rest

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motions were running high as one ‘Unbearable’ for mother of victim of the convenience store work- “Very difficult, especially for the mom; it’s ers killed on the job in Edmonton unbearable. I was there in the room when last month was laid to rest on Thursday. they were with Karanpal and she was breakKaranpal Bhangu, 35, was working the ing up very badly, and the sister as well. overnight shift at a Mac’s Convenience “[The mother] was saying she sent store at 322nd Avenue him in a decent and 82nd Street on Dec. country to earn 18 when he was shot a living, and she was in an armed robbery. crying and said, ‘Had He died in hospiI known, I wouldn’t tal from a gunshot have sent you.’ “ wound to the stomBhinder was ach. Bhangu left beimpressed by hind his wife Kiran Kiran’s courand their young son. age at the funeral Karanpal’s funeral was Karanpal Bhangu with his wife and son “I think she’s a delayed almost three very strong girl; she’s weeks until his family could arrive from handling it well. But mom and sister since India. His sister and mother arrived in they just came here last night, it was very Edmonton the night before the funeral. difficult for them in that room to be there.”

Both of them and Kiran were in rough Kiran’s mother and sister, meanshape during the packed funeral, said Laat while, could not attend the funerBhinder, who has been supporting the al because they were denied visas.

Bhangu family since the shooting and is Gurpreet Gill, the family’s lawyer trying to from the same village in India as Karanpal. bring Kiran’s mother and sister to Canada, was taken aback by the visas being refused.

“This is simply a stereotype letter, which they have just as a checklist — they have gone through it without considering the compassion.”

Gill added it’s essential that the two women should have been allowed to enter Canada.

Relationship with mother vital “This is a very, very genuine reason: For a mom and sister to travel to give comfort to the family because there are certain rituals which you have to perform at funerals, and mom is the very, very closest relationship with the wife.”

Gill says he wants to appeal the visa decision so Kiran’s mother and sister can come to Edmonton to comfort the grieving widow and her son.

Rise in rat population a threat to human health says UBC study

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ith Vancouver and the Lower Mainland plagued with a scourge of rats, new research from UBC suggests there may be grave consequences if the rodents’ risk to human health continues to be underestimated.

The UBC team studied the feces of rats caught at an Abbotsford poultry farm, and discovered that not only was every specimen carrying a strain of avian E.coli, more than a quarter of the vermin carried multi-drug resistant strains of the disease. The study’s lead author, assistant professor Chelsea Himsworth, had already gathered evidence of human pathogens, including MRSA and C.difficile, in the feces of rats on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. “[In Abbotsford] we found that indeed rats do carry E.coli, including strains that can be harmful to chickens and be resistant to multiple antibiotics,” Himsworth said. “Previously, we thought the scope of risk associated with rats was narrow,” she said. “And now we’re saying ... it’s as diverse as what is present in their environment.” She characterizes the rodents as “pathogen sponges”, able to absorb diseases from their environment and then spread them.

LOCAL

Abbotsford Police create dark domestic violence video for students

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ich says Abbotsford police gets a call or two about domestic violence per day, but the vast majority of incidents go unreported.

“The interesting goal the Abbotsford Police Department has is to increase the number of reported incidents of domestic violence, so we want the number

Grade 12 student Tage Castonguay plays a controlling, abusive boyfriend and his classmate, Tianna Sarra, plays a terrified victim. to go up, not down,” he said.

Challenging Roles The cast of Reveal’ution comes from W.J. Mouat’s drama program.

Grade 12 student Tage Castonguay plays a controlling, abusive boyfriend and his classmate, Tianna Sarra, plays a terrified victim.

Tage Castonguay and Tianna Sarra “It was extremely hard to actually watch it and to kind of be okay with it,” Castonguay says.

“It was really hard for me to do it, but I understand why we had to do it and why it’s important.”

Diamond stolen from Burnaby Neighbourhood House in ‘devastating’ break-and-enter

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urnaby Neighbourhood House says it lost nearly $20,000 of goods — including a donated diamond — in a breakand-enter at the B.C. Lower Mainland charity Sunday.

Executive director Antonia Beck says the thieves broke in on Sunday morning, taking an entry fob from an external lock box and making off with a large 1920s safe containing many items donated to the charity.

Among other things, the safe contained valuable donations for the charity’s upcoming Great Gatsby-themed fundraiser, including a small diamond appraised at $6,500, and a range of gift cards and prizes for their silent auction.

“It was really devastating,” said Beck, who said she couldn’t believe anyone managed to move the safe, which weighed an estimated 1,000 pounds.

“When I found out that the safe had been stolen, I think that was the most upsetting thing for me, because I just really never thought that would happen to us.”

In one scene, C astongu ay’s character violently grabs his girlfriend by the face and threatens her while she trembles in fear.

Sarra says her friendship with Castonguay Bob Rich and the rest of the cast formed a safe space that allowed her to tap into her character’s sadness and vulnerability.

“We’re actually like best friends,” she laughs.

“We’ve known each other since Grade 3!”

The film, which was created and produced by FireCanvas Productions, has been posted on the Abbotsford Police Department’s website.

Saturday, January 16, 2016

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BCIT nap room aims to help students focus on their studies

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he B.C. Institute of Technology recharge their batteries and help them fostudents’ association has launched cus more in class.” The nap room provides a new pilot program to help vinyl mats that are wiped down after evsleep-deprived students catnap during the ery use, and pillows with laundered cases.

The room is situated in a squash day. Students can book a onecourt — the glass enclosure is hour slot in the new nap room meant to help with safety. There is at BCIT on weekdays from no attendant while the nap room 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. “We do is in session, but Bielert said sesee a lot of students napping curity officers check in from time all over campus ... on couchto time. Nap rooms for everyone? es, on chairs, on their books.

It’s not the first of it’s kind — the And so we figured if they’re University of Calgary has also resleeping there, they might like cently launched a similar space. a nicer, quieter, darker space,” Dr. Atul Khullar, medical direcsaid health and wellness co- Sleep expert Atul ordinator Hannah Bielert. Khullar says compa- tor of the Northern Alberta Sleep Health and wellness coordi- nies like Apple and Clinic, said companies like Goonator Hannah Bielert says the Google have had nap gle and Apple have been doing it for years. Sleep expert Atul Khunap room at BCIT was initi- rooms for years llar says companies like Apple ated because students were already sleeping elsewhere on campus. and Google have had nap rooms for years “It’s more for their mental health — a He agreed that getting a bit of shutshort nap can go a long way,” she said. eye during the day could help students in particular.

“That short 30, 40 minute nap can really people,

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16 L Saturday, January 16, 2016

Workers, families take WorkSafeBC to court over 2012 mill explosions

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en people connected to a pair of deadly sawmill explosions in British Columbia are asking a judge to certify a class-action lawsuit seeking damages for physical and mental injuries.

The separate blasts in 2012 killed four workers

and injured 42 people at Babine Forest Products in Burns Lake and Lakeland Mills in Prince George.

A notice of civil claim named the Workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Compensation Board of B.C. and the provincial government.

In a statement Tuesday, Scott McCloy with WorkSafeBC said the agency had no immediate comment on the allegations.

Patrick Michell was inside the Babine mill when it blew up in January, 2012. He and nine others are seeking general, special and punitive damages, as well as declarations that WorkSafeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inspections and investigations were negligent. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The class members trusted WorkSafe to take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of the mills and to competently investigate the explosions,â&#x20AC;? the statement of claim said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;By failing in both respects, WorkSafe betrayed the class membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; trust, denied them justice for

their suffering and for the suffering and deaths of their loved ones, undermined their faith in government, and robbed them of the sense of security and safety that a trustworthy and competent system of prevention and deterrence provides.â&#x20AC;?

Mr. Michell represents one of six classes of plaintiffs, including workers who were

in the two mills when fire tore through them. Workers who were off-shift, and family members of on- and off-shift workers at both locations are also represented.

They allege WorkSafeBC ignored its legal duty to represent workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; interests.

The allegations have yet to be tested in court.

Many workers were out of work for months following the explosions, which the claim said were caused by combustible wood dust in levels that WorkSafe had identified as unsafe months or years earlier. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At no time prior to the Babine explosion did WorkSafe issue Babine Forest Products any orders or administrative penalties in respect of combustible wood dust.â&#x20AC;?

British Columbia to oppose Kinder Morganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pipeline expansion

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ritish Columbia cannot support Kinder Morgan Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s $6.8-billion Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project because the company is not offering sufficient details of its spill-response plans, the government says.

In a new blow to the Alberta-based energy sector, the Liberal government of Premier Christy Clark said it is unable to determine whether the project meets two of five conditions it has insisted upon for supporting heavy crude oil pipelines, based on the information provided.

In its final written submission to the projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Energy Board (NEB) review, the province said it had asked Kinder Morgan on three occasions for detailed information on preventing spills along the pipeline route and at the Westridge Marine Terminal in Burnaby, B.C., and on responding to emergencies that might occur. Kinder Morgan

owns 100 per cent of Trans Mountain.

It has not received timely responses and details of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s emergency management program were heavily redacted, it said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Had Trans Mountain provided sufficient information â&#x20AC;Ś to enable the province to conclude that it would have world-class marine and terrestrial spill prevention and response capacity, then the province would have been in a position to support â&#x20AC;Śthe issuance of a certificate for the project,â&#x20AC;? the submission says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;However, this is not the case.â&#x20AC;?

The project is currently seen as the front-runner pipeline in the energy industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hopes to get major volumes of oil-sands-derived crude to the West Coast, where it would be exposed to more lucrative international markets. Enbridge Inc.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s competing Northern Gateway proposal won conditional approval, but a new federal ban on oil tankers on the northern B.C. coast has cast serious doubt on its fate.

Indiana town adopts B.C.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s HIVtreatment model

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info@eyelevelrichmond.com www.eyelevelrichmond.com

en people connected to a pair of deadly sawmill explosions in British Columbia are asking a judge to certify a class-action lawsuit seeking damages for physical and mental injuries.

The separate blasts in 2012 killed four workers and injured 42 people at Babine Forest Products in Burns Lake and Lakeland Mills in Prince George.

A notice of civil claim named the Workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Compensation Board of B.C. and the provincial government.

In a statement Tuesday, Scott McCloy with WorkSafeBC said the agency had no immediate comment on the allegations.

Patrick Michell was inside the Babine mill when it blew up in January, 2012.

He and nine others are seeking general, special and punitive damages, as well as declarations that WorkSafeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inspections and investigations were negligent. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The class members trusted WorkSafe to take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of the mills and to competently investigate the explosions,â&#x20AC;? the statement of claim said.

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LOCAL

Counterfeiters perplexed by Canada’s plastic money

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anada’s plastic money is stumping counterfeiters. The RCMP estimate the number of fake bills passed on to retailers in 2015 dropped by 74 per cent compared with the previous year.

That doesn’t mean people have given up trying to copy Canada’s banknotes — it’s just that even their best attempts to make fake cash are falling well short.

Regina Police Const. Scott Wolfe hasn’t seen much counterfeit currency since the Bank of Canada introduced polymer money four years ago, but he did have a case last fall.

“When we first touched the bill you could tell it wasn’t the polymer feel. It was paper.

We could see they had cut out the security window from a real $5 bill and pasted it to a $50 and $100 bill,” said Wolfe.

The face in the hologram didn’t match the face on the bill and the edges were uneven.

Even so, the money was successfully passed on to retailers, perhaps in a dimly lit bar or sandwiched between two authentic notes.

Wolfe said people passing counterfeit bills often pay for an inexpensive item with a high-value bill in order to get lots of change in authentic currency.

National Anti-Counterfeiting Bureau The bills in Wolfe’s case, like all bills turned over to police across Canada, eventually end up at the RCMP’s National Anti-Counterfeiting Bureau in Ottawa. CBC News was granted exclusive access to the facility that examines counterfeit money, credit cards and official documents such as passports and driver’s licences.

“Generally we’re seeing a poor to medium-quality counterfeit note,” said Robert Moyes, examiner of counterfeit for the RCMP. About 10 years ago, when counterfeiting was at its height in Canada, Moyes said, his lab would receive up to 45,000 notes every month. In December, Moyes said, the lab received 1,500

Man in MontrealER denied surgery that might have saved his life

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n emergency-room patient died after being denied surgery that might have saved his life at St. Mary’s Hospital — an incident that has provoked a backlash of criticism by 200 health professionals at the Côtedes-Neiges institution, the Montreal Gazette has learned. The controversy stems from a decision by the hospital’s new administration to stop providing emergency vascular surgery recently deemed “eccentric to the mission” of the hospital that is in the midst of an aggressive cost-cutting campaign.

The hospital staff are furious no one on the ER team was consulted about a decision with such far-reaching ramifications.

What is especially galling, say hospital staff, is that a highly regarded surgeon was on duty at St. Mary’s on the day the man walked into the ER complaining of abdominal pain. The surgeon wanted to operate but told the ER team that he was no longer allowed to perform such operations. The patient, in his mid-’70s and at that point unconscious, was turned away, transferred to an ambulance and rushed to the superhospital of the McGill University Health Centre.

He arrived at the Glen site, but died before he could have the surgery.

bills and many were copies of older-series paper notes, which are easier to fake.

‘Nothing is counterfeit-proof … Everything can be simulated.’–Robert Moyes, examiner of counterfeit for the RCMP “It’s more of a challenge to the counterfeiter to produce these [new banknotes] and the simulation of the security features has been very poor,” said Moyes.

Most of the counterfeit polymer bills are printed on paper. Some used paper with a waxy or plastic coating. A few bills look passable from a distance, but up close are too shiny and slippery.

One $50 bill OK at first glance — but the other side is completely blank.

“You only need to pass it once and the cashier is not going to turn [the bill] over,” said Moyes.

Glittery giftwrap and a roll of tape Several $5 bills at the bureau feature strips of glittery wrapping paper taped to transparent plastic strips in a crude attempt to simulate security holograms.

Saturday, January 16, 2016

L 17

Ethics officer probes staff harassment in Toronto senator’s office

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he Senate’s ethics watchdog says she is moving ahead with a fullinvestigation of a Toronto-area senator over allegations of workplace harassment. The decision is a sign that Lyse Ricard believes there is enough to the allegations against Independent Sen. Don Meredith to warrant an inquiry into his behaviour to see if it violated the Senate’s code of conduct.

The code doesn’t allow the ethics officer to publicly explain why she decides to proceed with an investigation after a preliminary review, but her office says a final report will be made when she completes her work Meredith did not immediately return a request for comment.

The ethics code allows the Senate to punish conduct unbecoming of a senator or that damages the image of the Senate.

Penalties range from a forced public apology on the floor of the Senate to suspension without pay. Staffers won’t file for-

mal complaints The Senate first ordered the investigation into Meredith’s office almost a year ago after top senators, including former Speaker Pierre Claude Nolin, witnessed what they felt was a troubling turnover of staff in Meredith’s office.

A workplace assessment by an outside investigator unearthed what Senate sources have said were allegations of workplace harassment against Meredith, with six former staffers alleging he was rude and unprofessional towards staff.

The investigation report has not been made public and the allegations it contains remain unproven.

None of the staffers who took part, or whose stories are included in the report, wanted to file a formal complaint against Meredith. Meredith resigned from the Conservative caucus in June after the Toronto Star published allegations that he had a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old girl.

18 L Saturday, January 16, 2016

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Saturday - January 16, 2016

Anushka is Salman’s lady in ‘Sultan’ Continued on page 7

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‘Comedy Nights With Kapil’ actor Kiku Sharda arrested

n a lat night development, actor Kiku Sharda, who became a household name after essaying the role of ‘Palak’ on popular television show ‘Comedy Nights with Kapil’, was re-arrested by Haryana Police for mimicking Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.

The late arrest happened hours after the stand-up comedian was released in bail from Kaithal. The second time he was detained in Hary-

ana’s Fatehabad district.

This was after court in Kaithal district awarded him bail on a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh.

Kiku was detained in Fatehabad as another case had been registered against him there for mimicking Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim.

According to reports, Kiku was released from custody after the self-styled

guru Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh tweeted his forgiveness. He had said that he had no complaints if the comedian had apologised for imitating him.

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he first big news of 2016 is here!

After months of speculation, we finally have a confirmation on Sultan’s leading lady.

Yash Raj Films has just released the official statement of Anushka Sharma joining the cast of Sultan. She will be opposite Salman Khan and the duo will be seen for the first time together on screen.

Since a long time, there were rumours of Parineeti Chopra, Kangana Ranaut or Deepika Padukone being a part of Sultan. But now with this latest picture released by YRF, all rumours are laid to rest.

We simply can’t wait for Eid 2016.

Hrithik Roshan parties hard on his birthday, hotel fined Rs 25000 for blasting loud music

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our Seasons, Worli, penalised Rs 25,000 following complaints about loud music at 1.30 am and again at 3.30 am, as Hrithik Roshan and friends celebrated his 42nd birthday When Bollywood wants to party through the night, even Mumbai Police doesn’t have the heart to stop them, it seems. As actor

Hrithik gifts himself a Rolls Royce worth Rs 7 crore

Hrithik Roshan rang in his 42nd birthday with a bash at the Four Seasons Hotel in Worli on Saturday night, a south Mumbai resident complained that despite repeated complaints about the noise, the police were slow to turn up and take action.

Why did Amitabh skip Bigg Boss 9

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mitahb Bachchan was all to set to make his appearance on the current season of Bigg Boss to promote his recently released film Wazir. However, unfortunately, the megastar failed to show up on the show and all Salman and Bigg Boss 9 fans missed the opportunity of watching super stars togathers on stage. Amitabh has sustained injuries while shooting for his upcoming film TE3N. Amitabh was in Kolkata injured his ribs during the film shooting. Both Salman and Amitabh were excited for this special episode which unfortunately didnot happen.

Star & Style

2 L Saturday, January 16, 2016

Akshay makes fun of award functions

HOROSCOPE Libra

Aries

Sept. 24 - Oct 22

March 21 - April 20 When two people speak the same language, it is all too easy for them both to assume that they must automatically understand each other. Words can be very misleading. Often, we listen but we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t properly listen. We hold in our head an expectation. We imagine that we know what someone is probably try

whatever we are hearing into our picture of whatever it is that we

Taurus

Somewhere deep within you, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a person of immense power, amazing strength, impressive talent. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not ordinary. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re supremely special. Why, then, $

that you deserve to display? Why donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you accomplish more? Why do you let passing possible problems upset and unnerve you?

Here comes a chance to bring out much more of whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s already within you.

Scorpio

April 21 - May 20 People hear what they want to hear and they see what they want to see. That doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean, though, that you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tell - or show - them anything. It simply means that if you want to get a point across, you need to communicate in a language that your audience will understand. You must appeal to their in

what it is that they want to hear

Gemini May 20 - June 21 Some things just wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mix and match.

their very last atom, for their individual identity. Think, for example, about purple and green. Or sugar and salt. Or Republicans and Democrats. You can, of course, put them together successfully, but that success will have something to do with the way that they contrast with each other, not the way they blend and merge.

Oct 23 - Nov 22 What can turn a bad situation into a good one? One single idea. And, it can do the opposite. It can create completely unnecessary anxiety. We have to be careful about what we allow ourselves to think. We have to invite !

to banish negative thoughts. A changing cosmic climate is now inviting you to look again at something you had been upset or worried about.

Sagitarius Nov 23 - Dec 22 Truths tend to be rather dull and predictable. Falsehoods are far more thrilling. You

Right now, you can clearly tell that someone is stretching a story past breaking point. They are telling a tale that cannot possibly be accurate; yet you can already see why the distortion is so seductive. It represents something that is much more convenient to believe.

Cancer June 22 - July 23

Leo June 24 - August 23

Virgo

Get ready for a test of strength, a trial of endurance, a war of nerves, a battle of brains, % ' cally. Mentally. Emotionally. Psychologically. ( $ % tween two strong wills. One is your own.

The other... well, if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t instantly know )

you will feel like the pressure to act is becoming unbearable.

Jan 21 - Feb 19 ' ! abhors an overly full container. When, for ex #' * $

( a space that belongs to someone else - or take up a seat that is spoken for. Might you have been giving out the wrong sort of signal lately? Have you allowed your actions to suggest that a pressing need is being met while secretly youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been pining for a change? If you really want something new to enter your

Pisces

August 24 - Sept 24 You are waiting for someone to reach a decision. You may have to keep waiting this week. Unless, that is, you reach a decision of your own. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to leave your fate in the lap of the gods. You can take it out of their lap and put it in your own. Might you make a choice thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not so wise? It depends on how much you trust those gods. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re willing to respect them and accept what transpires, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll much like how things turn out. And if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re suspicious now, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll still be suspicious later.

Sarika pays a tribute to David Bowie: â&#x20AC;&#x153;He taught me what having an edge truly meantâ&#x20AC;?

Actress Sarika pays tribute to legendary musician David Bowie, who passed away on January 10 after an 18-month battle with cancer. When did I first hear him? It was really far back. The kind of attachment I have

with him, his music, is possible to build when you are at an impressionable age. I must have been 12.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s when I was also discovering Dylan, Floyd.

Divya Duttaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mother, Nalini Dutta, passed away

S

Dec 23 - Jan 20

Aquarius

Who can you trust? Who should you suspect? Be careful. Sometimes we get too close to people. We think we know them well when we hardly know them at all. Our perceptions are questionable. Our opinions are biased.

Being played out in your life now is an archetypal drama. Someone, no matter how nice they are, is effectively playing a role that puts them at loggerheads with your own current need.

A

mitabh Bachchan was all set to make his appearance on the current season of Bigg Boss to promote his recently released film Wazir. However, unfortunately, the megastar failed to show up on the show and all Salman and Big B fans missed the opportunity of watching the actors together on stage. Reportedly, Amitabh had sustained injuries while shooting for his upcoming film TE3N. The actor, who was shooting for TE3N in Kolkata injured his ribs during shooting some scene. It was due to this medical emergency that the actor was unable to travel and shoot for the reality show, informs a source.

he had a bypass surgery in a Khar hospital and post surgery the infection spread leading to her sad demise.

Capricorn

chored when lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seas are rough. In our efforts to resist the winds of change, we will of ! " ! # $

if the anchorage point is genuinely strong.

Often, though, we tie ourselves to ideas that appear to have solid foundations but are ac % &

T

rust Akshay Kumar, and the man can be the funniest and wittiest person on earth.

It so happened that at a recent media interaction when Akshay was asked about Baby not receiving any award the actor jokingly said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bother me. .Sometimes when I am told to give someone an award I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even open my envelope and just see who is seated in front row and then I know that whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to receive the award.â&#x20AC;? Actor Anupam Kher, who was also a part of the movie Baby, also tweeted about the movie not receiving any award.

Amitabh Bahchan fails to show up on Bigg Boss 9

Feb 20 - March 20 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;If you love somebody, let them go, for if they return, they were always yours. And if they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, they never were.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; So said Khalil Gibran. Of his many wonderful quotes, this is one of the most famous, not least because it was paraphrased and set into a hit song by Sting. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just people that sometimes we have to let go of. Sometimes itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s situations.

Promises. Possibilities. Arrangements. Attachments. Involvements. Something now seems to be trying to make its way out of your life.

F

Divya Dutta

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Diljit Dosanjh vs Amrinder Gill at Box Office in 2016

or Punjabi Film Industry, 2015 was the year of Diljit Dosanjh and Amrinder Gill. These were the two top grossers with their films doing amazing business worldwide at the box office.

And in 2016 these two will turn fierce rivals as their next projects are lined up for release on the same date. With Love Punjab already announce to release on

March 25, 2016, Tips has also announced the same date for Ambarsariya. Diljit is starring in Ambarsariya whereas Amrinder Gill in Love Punjab. Of now both the films are under production stage. Mandeep Kumar, who had earlier directed Jihne Mera Dil Luteya is directing Ambarsariya, whereas Rajiv Dhingra is directing Love Punjab

Gippy Grewalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s directorial debut Ardaas releases in March

P

unjabi Singer turned Actor is all set for his directorial debut in Ardaas.

Not only has he directed the film but also written the story of it. The film will be releasing on March 11, 2016.

The film stars Ammy Virk, Gurpreet Ghuggi, Rana Ranbir, BN Sharma, Karamjit Anmol and Mandy Takhar. The music of the film is given by Jatinder Shah. Interestingly Baljit Singh Deo, the director of Gippy Gre-

walâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s last project Faraar is now just the DOP (Director of Photography) in this film.

The name of this project was kept under wraps, until the first look of the film was revealed on the first day of 2016. The first look brings home the idea of a traditional Punjabi film. Four ace comedians of the industry share space on the first look, yet it seems to be a serious drama. It could also be a periodic film. Ravneet Kaur Grewal, wife of Gippy, is credited for the costumes of the film

Bollywood personalitiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; birthdays this week JAVED AKHTAR 17 January

MANISHA LAMBA 18 January

KIM SHARMA 21 January

NAMARTA SHIRODKAR 22 January

RITU SHIVPURI 22 January

Star & Style

New released Bollywood films _ Janaury 15 - Janaury 22 Chalk n Duster _

Rebellious Flower_

15 January 2016 _ Shabana Azmi, Juhi Chawla, Divya Dutta, Zarina Wahab

Prince Shah, Shashank Singh, Mantra Mugdha, Kirti Adarkar, Bachchan Pachera

Saturday, January 16, 2016 L 3

Hrithik Roshanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 41st birthday bash

Airlift 22 January Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur Jugni 22 January Sugandha Garg, Siddhant Behl, Sadhana Singh, Anuritta K Jha, Samir Sharma Kyaa Kool Hain Hum 3

Ghayal Once Again

22 January Tushar Kapoor, Aftab Shivdasani, Mandana Karimi, Krishna Abhishek

15 January - Sunny Deol, Om Puri, Soha Ali Khan,

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan addressed Rekha as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Maaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has found herself amidst fresh round of controversy that began night after the Sansui Stardust Awards got aired. So apparently the former Miss World addressed Rekha as her Maa on the stage where she received the award

for Power-packed performance of the year. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what happened: Aishwarya was called on to the stage for receiving the award by none other than Rekha.

When all eyes were set on the two, the actress in the spur of the moment thanked her friends and family in which she called Rekha Maaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thank you

Rahat Fateh Ali deported But returns to Hyderabad just in time to perform at a NYE bash.

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, who arrived in Hyderabad on Thursday to perform at a New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve event, was deported soon after he landed at the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport for not completing immigration formalities. Khan subsequently had to return to Abu Dhabi and catch a flight to Delhi before he could come back to Hyderabad. According to immigration officials, movements of all Pakistani nationals entering India are recorded at the entry points of New Delhi and Mumbai.

Rakesh Roshan plans to slap a case on Sudhanshu Pandey A source says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Roshan has got in touch with his lawyers for advice on filing the defamation suit. He is in no mood to remain mum over the allegations which threaten to tarnish his name and image in the industry.â&#x20AC;? The filmmaker will apparently seek Rs 50 crore as damages from Pandey. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The defamation suit is being processed at the moment. Besides, no criminal charges have been pressed against Roshan or Gupta so far,â&#x20AC;? reveals another source. It was reported that Pandey met Gupta in May and the latter agreed to come on board as director and coproducer of the project. Balaji Telefilms was also keen to join the team as co-producer when approached.

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4 L Saturday, January 16, 2016

New born baby birth celebrations for Hukam Mohan Singh Badesha and Sister Tamanna Badesha celebrating her 4th birthday with proud parents Satbir and Amanvir Badesha in Vancouver last week.

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GARRY GREWAL

604-614-3400 Sutton Group Medallion Realty 7832 - 120 St., Surrey, BC V3W 3N2 Ph: 604.572.1211 Fax: 604.572.3216

Commercial Medallion Club Memeber Vol. 6 No. 20 - Saturday - January 16, 2016 - Tel: 604-591-5423 - E-mail: ads@theasianstar.com

Professional and Award Winning Service

Mortgage deals are going, going, but not gone: Why it may not be time to lock in just yet

B

anks have started shaving the discount available on variable rate mortgages, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to lock in your mortgage just yet.

Royal Bank of Canada raised rates across the board last week and part of the shift included a drop in the discounting of its variable mortgage tied to the prime lending rate, which generally tracks the Bank of Canada’s overnight rate.

What it means is that instead of rates as low as 2.2 per cent, based on a 50-basispoint discount that some banks were giving last year, new customers who opt for a floating-rate product will get a 10-basispoint discount off the current prime rate of 2.7 per cent, which translates to a 2.6 per cent rate.

To be clear, by historical standards, these rates are still incredibly low. The option to lock in your rate also remains on the table, as it should, considering that even after a 10-basis-point increase, the five-year closed fixed-rate at RBC is 3.04 per cent.

“We kind of chuckled when they raised rates because we have some lenders dropping rates, said Vince Gaetano, principal broker and owner of MonsterMortgage. ca, adding that there are lenders working

through mortgage brokers still offering a 50-basis-point cut off prime for a variable product. Gaetano maintains that the banks make less money on variable-rate mortgages compared to people locking in their loans, adding that of the 50 basis points in cuts from the Bank of Canada last year, only 30 basis points have been passed on to the consumer. “The big banks are trying to move people out of the variable (and get them to lock in),” he said.

Based on several decades of research, variable-rate consumers generally save more money compared to those who lock in, with the downside being that they give up the security of a guaranteed rate for the period of their contract — a key consideration in a rising rate environment.

But this time around, with discounts shrinking, there is something further to consider: If you have a discounted variable-rate mortgage — older products shaved as much as 50 to 80 basis points off prime, Gaetano said — you are giving up a product not even available today. If the overnight lending rate potentially heads lower, those consum-

ers could benefit from banks lowering their prime rate. But, no matter what, they’ll be keeping their huge discounts.

David Madani, Canada economist with Capital Economics, suggested Friday he thinks it’s possible the Bank of Canada will have a surprise rate cut this month.

He doesn’t think any of the reduction will be passed on to consumers — a stance the banks initially took in 2015 before relenting and handing over 60 per cent of the rate reductions from the Bank of Canada. One reason for the higher interest rates has been the increased costs to the banks from new rules,

6 L Saturday, January 16, 2016

Tomato, Basil, Pasta

Mortgage deals are going, going, but not gone: Why it may not be time to lock

This is a simple recipe, flavorful dish served at room temperature.

This dish will refrigerate well and is just as good the next day for lunch as a cold pasta salad

Ingredients :

O

riginal recipe makes 6 servingsChange Servings, 2 cupsdiced tomatoes, 1 smallonion, finely chopped, 6 tablespoonsolive oil 2 clovescrushed garlic, 6 leavesfresh basil, torn, 10 ouncesfusilli pasta, 3 tablespoonsgrated Parmesan cheese, or to taste, 1 1/2 cupscrumbled feta cheese, salt and ground black pepper to taste

Method:

math,” said Stafford, adding that the costs of breaking needs to be measured against what savings you’ll garner. “The whole question about fixed versus variable is an advice conversation and it depends on your personal situation.” A variable rate mortgage has the advantage of being broken by just paying three months interest.

Calum Ross, a Toronto mortgage broker, said the temptation to lock in now is strong and for most people, who can’t be bothered to stay up to date on interest rates, it makes sense. The one exception might be those people with “artificially” low rates from deals negotiated when the banks were heavily discounted. “Keep it if

1.Stir tomatoes, onion, olive oil, garlic, and basil together in a bowl.

2.Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook fusilli in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until cooked through but firm to the bite, 12 minutes. Drain.

3.Toss warm pasta with feta cheese and Parmesan cheese in a large bowl. Stir tomato mixture into pasta and season with salt and pepper.

including higher capital requirements and increased fees from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. for securitizing loans.

David Stafford, head of Bank of Nova Scotia’s real estate lending division, said increases in short-term lending rates drove Scotiabank’s decision to match RBC’s reduced discount on variable.

“The spreads were narrowing and that causes us to raise rates,” he said.

Stafford said there are still enough savings going on with variable that he expects some consumers to continue to opt in that direction — usually it’s about 35 per cent of the market. “It’s all about the

you feel comfortable,” said Ross, adding the caveat that anyone with a variablerate mortgage needs to be able to afford an increase in rates if that happens too.

Saturday, January 16, 2016 L 7

Vadodara International Half Marathon (VIHM) on February 7, 2016 a tale of SPORTING TRIUMPH

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UKTA Advertising proudly presents the Vadodara International Half Marathon (VIHM) of 21.1 kms and is the most celebrated annual sporting event of Vadodara City. In its 5th Edition this year, the Vadodara Marathon has long come to stand for the quintessential values of our vibrant city, enthusiasm, tradition and energy.

The Vadodara Marathon is accredited by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Running (AIMS) and is recognized by the Baroda District Amateur Athletics Association (BDAAA) and the Athletics Federation of India (AFI). Only Marathon to be flagged off all 4 times by Hon. PM (then CM) Shri. Narendra Modi. The Vadodara International Half Marathon is in its 5th edition in 2016. The VIHM is a multi-distance athletic event with opportunities for amateurs and professionals alike. Registrations for the last edition was over 43,000 with categories in the 21.1, 15, 5 and 1 km runs held along different routes of Vadodara city. Vadodara Marathon is a Section 25 company incorporated under the Companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Act 1956. The marathon is affiliated to the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races. It is also coined as the Small City, Biggest Marathon Participation of runners has increased to 30,000. This includes national and international athletes It provides a platform for a wide cross section of citizens of all ages to come together for sports and a common civic / social cause RUN UP EVENTS Almost as favored as the run itself, run-up events are pre-race events held to gather public support and showcase the cause of each yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s marathon. Run up events have helped the Vadodara International Half Marathon become an event that involves every citizen at intervals thereby promoting more participation every year. The Run up events have been visited by the doyens of the sporting world and have become a tradiUJPO JO JUTFMG t8PSME T -POHFTU $BOWBT 1BJOUJOH Guinness Record Certified with 8,130 child participants was held in 2009. t*OEJB T 4QSJOU 2VFFO 15 6TIB XBT QSFTFOU BU UIF $JUJ[FO T 5PSDI 3VO JO t*O Ä&#x2021;F 2VFFO T 3VO IBE B QBSUJDJQBUJPO PG women, who came out in their strides to signify B 4BGF $JUZ GPS XPNFO t4BOHFFU 4BOEIZB XJUI the Maharaja Late. Sri Ranjitsinhji Gaikwad in 2012. tÄ&#x2021;F -BTFS TIPX JO XBT BUUFOEFE CZ over 40,000 people. 2016: EXPANDING HORIZONS The Vadodara International Half Marathon 2016 comes this year in a bigger and wider incarnation. Recognized as the single largest International Half Marathon in Gujarat, the 5th Edition will incorporate the participation of runners from the neighboring towns, cities and many NRIs (Nonresident Indians). On board the Organizing Committee this year, are runnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clubs, racing aficionados and marathoners from the cities of Surat, Anand, Halol, Bharuch, Ankhleshwar, Padra and Jambusar.

Besides runners from Gujarat, the marathon will invite professional participants from across the country and abroad. The Pro International Category for both men and women will have international runners vying for glory. 2016: MAKING A DIFFERENCE The Vadodara International Half Marathon believes in giving back to the city the same support it has received from its citizens. It has been our custom to associate with issues dealing with social welfare of the city. This year too, the VIHM2016 pledges to spread awareness and support for such community initiatives. The VIHM 2016 pledges support to the Hon. Prime Ministerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision of a Swacch Bharat by year 2019. We join hands with VMSS to take forward the Swacch Vadodara mission in our city. The VIHM 2016 supports the cause of women empowerment through IT

Skill Development initiatives in an around Vadodara city. Vadodara Traffic Education Trust, which educates traffic volunteers to assist and provide service to Vadodara Traffic police is being supported by the VIHM 2016. VIHM supports individual pledges for associate Supporting Charities and NGOs. 2016: RUN UP &7&/54 t.BSBUIPO 'JUOFTT $MJOJDT 'JUOFTT clinics will be conducted by trainers and yoga gurus every weekend across the city. These clinics will train participants in marathon exercises, running techniques and diet. t5XFFUBUIPO Ä&#x2021;F MPOHFTU DIBJO PG UXFFUT XJMM be made to build up the participation of the Vadodara International Half Marathon. t'MBTI .PCT 'MBTI .PCT XJMM QFSGPSN BU various popular spots in the city to encourage participation in the VIHM 2016 t4XBDDI #IBSBU 8JUI UIF 4XBDDI #IBSBU mission being closest to our hearts, our activities will be centered to promote the message through the spirit of running. t2VFFO T 3VO A7BEPEBSB JT B TBGF DJUZ GPS women.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;- This unique run for women will once again highlight the cause of women empowerment and create awareness on Breast Cancer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This year VIHM is more focused on fitness instead of entertainment. We want Baroda to be fit. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s VIHM is not only for social causes but for self-interest, taking responsibility for the city,â&#x20AC;? said Miss. Tejal Amin, Chairperson - Organizing Committee. The mission of VIHM 2016 includes: t4XBUDIIUB "CIJZBO .Z $MFBO $JUZ .Z .BSBUIPO t8PNFO FNQPXFSNFOU .Z 1SJEF .Z .BSBUIPO t7Bdodara Traffic education trust - My Safety, My Marathon. t*5 TLJMM EFWFMPQNFOU .Z %FWFMPQNFOU .Z Marathon. Moreover, VIHM aims at getting more youngsters run in the marathon, instilling a sense of pride and belonging to the city and also improving fitness levels of people across all age groups. Like the previous years, the 5th edition of the VIHM will also be flagged off by the Hon. Chief Minister of Gujarat. We are happy that the first woman Chief Minister of our state Smt. Anandiben Patel has given her consent to flag off this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event. The 5th edition of VIHM carries total prize money of Rs. 24 Lakhs spread across various categories as highlighted in the attached sheets.

REGISTERING AND RUNNING The Vadodara International Half Marathon is a test of a runnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s competitive spirit and physical endurance. We welcome all athletes, professional and amateur to vie for a place in racing glory.

Registration fees for VIHM 2016 are as folMPXT "QQSPYJNBUFMZ t 3T GPS ,NT Half Marathon CAD $21 t 3T GPS ,NT 3VO $"% t 3T GPS ,NT 4XBDIDIUB 3VO $"% $10 â&#x20AC;&#x153;This year the Non Resident Indians (NRIs) to register and sponsor for their city as a gesture of giving back to the city. Doing something in the spirit of betterment of their home town.

Above mentioned are the causes we want to work on,â&#x20AC;? appeals Miss Amin. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This year one of our citizen is running with an individual pledge - for every Kilometer he runs he has a sponsor who will donate things to the needy,â&#x20AC;? adds Miss Amin, with sincere compassion for Vadodara.

VIHM 2016 seeks your participation and you can register at the Vadodara Marathon office or online at www.vadodaramarathon.com or http://in.bookmyshow.com/sports/vadodarainternational-half-marathon/ Registrations will close on 28th January, 2016.

For more information on registration or sponsorship package or media interviews please contact MUKTA Advertising at info@m-a.ca or call +1.416.71MUKTA (716.8582).

From page 1

Pixarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s desi star who may win an Oscar

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tar Pixar animator Sanjay Patelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s animated film Sanjayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Super Team has been nominated for the 88th Annual Academy Awards.

Sanjay tells the back story behind his film, which features Hanuman, Vishnu and Durga as superheroes. Sanjay Patel is a star animator at Pixar. The 41 year old was handpicked from the California Institute of Arts after recruiters from Pixar saw his student film Cactus Cooler. At Pixar, Patel has worked on some of the studioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s celebrated films -- Toy Story 2, Toy Story 3, A Bugâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Life, Monsters, Inc., The Incredibles and Cars.

Patel has also written books that explore his fascination with Hindu mythology. His first book, The Little Book of Hindu Deities: From the Goddess of Wealth to the Sacred Cow, was published in 2006. That was followed by Ramayana: Divine

Loophole in 2010. The next year he published The Big Poster Book of Hindu Deities. And then a childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book, Ganeshaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sweet Tooth, that he co-authored with Emily Haynes.

Patel has now come up with his most ambitious project -- a sevenminute animation film, Sanjayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Super Team. It is a personal film, where young Sanjay recalls his father forcing him pray to Hindu gods and goddesses. And all Sanjay wanted was to watch cartoons on television. In the film young Sanjay imagines Hanuman, Vishnu and Durga as superheroes who fight evil.

The delightful film was commissioned by Pixar and has a strong chance at winning an Oscar. Patel has already shown the film at the prestigious Annecy International

Spinach and Feta Pasta Ingredients :

Recipe

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riginal recipe makes 4 servings, 1 (8 ounce) packagepenne pasta, 2 tablespoonsolive oil, 1/2 cupchopped onion, 1 clovegarlic, minced, 3 cupschopped tomatoes, 1 cupsliced fresh mushrooms, 2 cupsspinach leaves, packed, salt and pepper to taste, 1 pinchred pepper flakes, 8 ouncesfeta cheese, crumbled

Method: 1.Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta in

boiling water until al dente; drain.

2.Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add onion and garlic, and cook until golden brown. Mix in tomatoes, mushrooms, and spinach. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook 2 minutes more, until tomatoes are heated through and spinach is wilted. Reduce heat to medium, stir in pasta and feta cheese, and

8 L Saturday, January 16, 2016

AUTO

Honda, Volvo take top awards at North American International Auto Show

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he Honda Civic has been named North American Car of the Year. The truck of the year is the Volvo XC90.

The press preview days for the North American International Auto Show officially kick off with the awards. The announcements came Monday morning at Cobo Center in Detroit. Chrysler’s new 2017 minivan to be called Pacifica 7 buzz-worthy cars and trucks at the Detroit auto show 5 things to know about the 2016 North American International Auto Show Detroit Auto Show 2016: Expect ‘major’ driverless car news The other finalists in the car category were the Chevrolet Malibu and Mazda Volvo Car USA Senior Vice-President Americas President and CEO Lex Kerssemakers stands next to the Volvo XC90 after winning the truck/ utility of the year at the North American International Auto Show

John W. Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., poses with the Honda Civic, winner of the North American Car of the Year award.

U

S safety regulators have determined that only Fiat Chrysler radios have a security flaw that allowed friendly hackers to take control of a Jeep last year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in documents posted online Saturday that it’s ending a five-month investigation into the vulnerabilities of automotive radios. Hackers kill engine

MX-5 Miata. The Nissan Titan XD and Honda Pilot also vied for the truck award. About 55 automotive journalists vote on winners from the list of finalists. A vehicle must be all new or substantially changed for eligibility.

This is the 23rd year for the awards. Organizers accept no advertising, though carmakers try to capitalize on the marketing value of the honours.

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Toyota is back in the Super Bowl for Prius

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angs of men have attacked and injured two Pakistanis and a Syrian man in Cologne, Germany, in the aftermath of an unprecedented wave of mob sex assaults on women in the city on New Year’s Eve. Cologne police said a gang of 20 men attacked at least six Pakistani nationals Sunday, with two of the victims hospitalized. Five men later ter attacked and injured d a man of Syrian descent, police said.

Two men have been detained following the assaults on the men, which occurred as Germany grapples with the New Year’s Eve attacks on women in Cologne.

Large numbers of women reported being sexually assaulted or robbed by gangs of men of Arab or North African appearance during New Year’s celebrations in the city center, with some victims saying they feared for their lives.

The reported assaults have sparked fierce public debate about the wisdom of German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s liberal policies toward migrants and have unleashed a wave of anger toward au-

Only Fiat Chrysler vehicles had flaw behind Jeep hack of moving Jeep on highway Car hacker sought by Canadian military The agency also said last summer’s recall of 1.4 million Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge and Ram vehicles closed the opening that allowed hackers to remotely take over a Jeep Cherokee. The hack by security experts Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek touched off the investi-

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gation in July and raised fears that millions of cars and trucks could be vulnerable.

They were able to change the Cherokee’s speed and control the brakes, radio, windshield wipers and transmission through the Uconnect infotainment system. The hackers informed Fiat Chrysler of their findings and detailed them at a cyber

thorities for their response to the attacks.

Sunday marked the first time anger surrounding the incident has boiled over into reported assaults on minority groups.

The number of criminal charges stemming from the crime wave on New Year’s Eve has risen to 516 -- 40% of which relate to sexual assaults, Cologne police said.

Other European cities experienced similar rashes of sex crime res ports from New Year’s Eve, p with more than 50 simw ilar incidents reported in the northern German city of Hamburg.

Cologne police have said 31 people, most from North African or Middle Eastern countries, have been charged so far in the attacks. Of those, 18 have been identified as asylum seekers.

On Saturday, protesters from groups opposed to immigration from Muslim countries took to the streets of Cologne, where they were met with left-wing counter-protests.

“Where were you on New Year’s Eve?” one protester yelled at police. “Why didn’t you protect those women?”

Right-wing groups threw beer bottles, firecrackers and stones at officers conference, triggering the investigation.

Volkswagen, Audi, Bentley safe But the fear of widespread vulnerability to hackers appears to be unfounded.

NHTSA investigators said in documents that similar radios made by Harman International went to Volkswagen, Audi and Bentley, but that those vehicles have safety systems that would stop hackers.

20 L Saturday, January 16, 2016

NATIONAL

Spousal sponsorship pilot program extended for 1 year

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he federal government has extended for one year a pilot program to help the spouses of Canadians already in the country but living in limbo while waiting for permanent residency.

The one-year pilot was launched in December 2014.

Thousands of applicants like Hacche found themselves unable to work and without health coverage while the government processed their sponsorship applications.

The pilot program launched under the Conservatives was extended last month without much fanfare except for a notice posted on the Immigration Department’s website.

“Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship Canada has extended the pilot program which gives open work permits to eligible spouses

or partners in Canada whose in-Canada sponsorship applications have already been submitted, giving them the freedom to work while their applications for permanent residence are being processed,” Nancy Caron, a spokeswoman for the department, said.

“This pilot program ensures applicants are able to work, provide for their families and contribute to the Canadian economy while waiting for their applications to be processed.”

Nearly 7,600 work permits were issued between the launch of the program on Dec. 22, 2014, and Oct. 31, Caron said.

The current wait time for sponsoring a spouse or common-law partner who is already in Canada is over two years, according to the latest data posted on the federal government website.

Germany has lost control of the refugee crisis amid public anger over Cologne sex attacks: German Chancellor

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ngela Merkel said Monday over New Year’s attacks in Cologne : police night that Europe had lost conLeonid Bershidsky: After Cotrol of the refugee crisis, as logne assaults, Germany facshe confronts public anger over the es the end of hands-off policing New Year’s Eve sex attacks in Cologne.

Rex Murphy: Every major authority in Co“All of a sudden we are facing the challogne — police, officialdom, press — failed lenge that refugees are coming to Europe . “Both witness accounts and police reand we are vulnerable, as we see, because ports indicate that people of an almost we do not yet have the order, the control exclusively immigrant background were that we would like to have,” the chancelthe perpetrators of these crimes,” Ralf lor told a meeting of business leaders.

Jager, the state interior minister, told the Her comments came state parliament as he after authorities in Copresented the report. logne confirmed for “After they were intoxthe first time that the icated with drugs and attacks were “almost alcohol came violence. exclusively” carried It culminated in the actout by men “of an iming out of fantasies of migrant background.” sexual power. That must Police have idenbe severely punished.” tified 19 suspects Fourteen of the 19 susso far, including 10 who are in the pects come from Morocco and Algeria. country as registered asylum seekers.

Aside from the 10 asylum seekers, two There are growing fears of a backlash suspects are unaccompanied minors and against immigrants after 11 people were seven are believed to be in Germany illebadly beaten in apparent revenge attacks gally. Four have been arrested in connecin Cologne. Monday night, rioting reporttion with other crimes and are in custody. edly broke out among far-Right protestSome 516 criminal complaints have been ers in Leipzig, where a march by the city’s filed over the events of New Year’s Eve, 40 branch of the anti-Islam movement Pegiper cent of them for sexual da was taking place.

“As disgusting as assault, according to police.

“As disgusting as the crimes in Co- Police say they have found no the crimes in Cologne and other evidence to back suspicions logne and other citcities were, one voiced by Maas at the weekies were, one thing is clear: there is no thing is clear: there is no justi- end that the sex attacks may justification for a gen- fication for a general agitation have been planned in advance.

The authorities warned of eral agitation against against foreigners,” a possible backlash against foreigners,” said Heiko said Heiko Maas, immigrants after 11 people Maas, the justice min- the justice minister. were beaten in Cologne on ister. Some people Sunday evening. Six Paki“appear to have just stanis, three Guineans and been waiting for what happened,” he said. two Syrians were among 11 people atMerkel’s government has come under tacked in four incidents that took place heavy criticism for her “open door” refugee within 45 minutes in a small area close to policy since it emerged in a series of pothe scene of the New Year’s Eve assaults. lice leaks that asylum seekers were among Turkey plans to offer Syrian refugees those suspected of the sexual assaults. work permits to encourage fewer of The findings of a report by the state governthem to move to Europe. Volkan Bozment of North Rhine-Westphalia released kir, the minister for European affairs, yesterday are likely to add to the pressure. announced the move after meeting Matthew Fisher: Abhorrent bethe European Commission vice-presihaviour by some refugees in Codent, Frans Timmermans, who said the logne could poison the well for others EU was far from happy with efforts to More than 500 complaints have been filed prevent migrants crossing to Greece.

POLITICS

Saturday, January 16, 2016 L 21

Trudeau will reimburse government for (some of the) costs of family tion of seven beachfront villas that come with travel to exclusive Caribbean resort their own personal butler and, apparently,

J

ustin Trudeau will reimburse taxpayers for part of the costs of taking his family on a government jet for a Caribbean get-away over the holidays. The Prime Minister’s Office said on Sunday that Trudeau will pay the government for the equivalent economy-class flights for himself and wife and kids to travel to the tiny island of Nevis, where he spent 10 nights at an exclusive resort. Like all prime ministers, Trudeau cannot fly on commercial airlines for security reasons and must instead travel on Department of National Defence Challenger jets, which cost about

$10,000 per flying hour to operate.

Trudeau condemns Vancouver pepper spray attack on Syrian refugees: ‘This isn’t who we are’ It’s a necessary upgrade on his past travel. In a 2013 interview with the Citizen, Trudeau said other passengers were often surprised to see him and his family flying to Florida on discount charter airlines.

His predecessor, Conservative PM Stephen Harper, did on occasion reimburse DND for flights, but in amounts that appeared to

Express entry, foreign worker reforms attract ‘fewer’ skilled workers, says Canadian Chamber of Commerce

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anada risks losing its competitive edge because of immigration reforms brought in under the previous Conservative government for political expediency, says a new report by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

The report is critical of the Express Entry immigration system launched one year ago and reforms to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program made in June 2014 following a series of stories published by CBC’s Go Public team alleging abuse of the program.

The chamber calls on the federal government to conduct an immediate review before things get worse. Express Entry was launched in 2015 to attract what the Conservative government called “the best and brightest” highly-skilled workers from around the world in an effort to meet the country’s labour needs.

But employers looking for software engineers, family physicians or university academics got lumped in the same category as

workers with less specialized skills. “In an atmosphere of hyper-political reaction over temporary foreign workers, the government made policy choices that ultimately sacrificed the effectiveness of Express Entry,” the report says of changes brought in by the business-friendly Conservatives. In a phone interview with CBC News, Perrin Beatty, president and CEO of the chamber, said “It was a political response to a political problem, but with significant economic consequences for Canadian businesses.” Canada appears to have attracted “fewer” high skilled foreign workers since June 2014 when the Conservatives announced the last set of reforms to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, raising serious concerns for the chamber, which represents some 200,000 businesses across the country. ‘Policy approaches that were born of suspicion, negativity and reprisal were applied to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and then similarly and inappropriately applied to Express Entry’

Lawyers who fought Nadon’s Supreme Court appointment want $50,000

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he lawyers who challenged the Harper government’s ultimately aborted appointment of Justice Marc Nadon to the Supreme Court of Canada go before a court on Monday to argue they should be fully reimbursed for their efforts.

In filings with the Federal Court of Appeal, Rocco Galati argues he deserves to be compensated for what he calls his “exceptional” battle to defend the integrity of the country’s Constitution and judicial system. Citizens have a constitutional entitlement to legal-cost awards if they successfully challenge legislation or government action that goes to the “architecture of the Constitution” and where they derive no personal benefit, Mr. Galati says. Denying an award in such circumstances would amount to a “denial to the constitutional right not only to a fair and independent judiciary but also access to a fair and independent judiciary,” he argues.

In 2013, the former Conservative government under then-prime minister Stephen Harper appointed Justice Nadon to the country’s top court. Mr. Galati challenged the eligibility of the Federal Court of Appeal judge to fill one of the three high-court seats reserved for Quebec. However, he agreed to put his challenge on hold when the government referred the issue to the Supreme Court, which then scuttled Justice Nadon’s appointment, rendering Mr. Galati’s fight moot. For his efforts, Mr. Galati asked for $51,706.54 – based on a charge of $800 an hour he says is reasonable for a lawyer with his experience. Lawyer Paul Slansky wanted $16,769.20 for work he did for the Constitutional Rights Centre in helping Mr. Galati fight Justice Nadon’s appointment. Instead, in December, 2014, Federal Court Justice Russel Zinn awarded the two lawyers a total of $5,000 to be split be-

tween them. Justice Zinn found Mr. Galati’s challenge, while important and potentially complicated, had been short-circuited by the Supreme Court reference – a position taken by the federal government.

represent the lowest possible economy fare prices. In Nevis, the Trudeaus stayed at the Paradise Beach Resort, a brand new collec-

monkeys. Celebrity gossip site TMZ reported that Trudeau paid $2,500 US a night for a 3,400-square-foot villa.

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CLASSIFIEDS

Saturday, January 16, 2016

C JOBS “Mobile Zone Communication Inc., located at 123-9855 Austin Road, Burnaby, BC V3J1N4, has immediate 2 vacancies for Cell phone Technician for two different locations. One vacancy for 123-9855 Austin Road, Burnaby BC V3J 1N4 and one vacancy for Brentwood Town Centre 4567 Lougheed Hwy, Burnaby, BC V5C 3Z6. Full time, permanent positions with 35-40 hours per week, $31/hour.

Job Duties include: Perform Inspection,Testing, Diagnose and Troubleshoot smart phone and other mobile devices; Disassemble the device to install, remove, repair or replace defective parts; Perform high quality repairs and refurbishment of phones/cell phones/tablets; Ensure all repair meets quality standards; Monitor parts inventory and inform management of status; Accurately document repairs and parts information on repair tracking document; Maintaining and using tools and equipment properly; Interact with customer as needed, providing exceptional customer service.

Employment Requirements: Completion of Secondary School with 2-3 years of experience or Completion of 3-4 years apprenticeship training program or Trade certification with several months of on-job training.

If interested please send resume at mobilezonecommunicationinc@gmail.com”

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JOBS

JOBS

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35 to 40 hours per week.

Job Duties includes Read & interpret drawings & sketches to determine specifications; Estimate height, width, length, & other proportions; Measure, cut, shape, & assemble materials using woodworking machines, power tools and hand tools; Build exterior doors, interior doors, custom doors with jams; Install hardware such as hinges, handles, catches using hand tools and power tools; Repair doors & replace panels of doors.

Job requirement: High school with 2-3 years of experience. Trade certificate will be considered as an asset. If interested send resumes by email at westerndoormanufacturing@gmail.com ------------- September 5, 2015

Vacancy for In-home Caregiver Balwinder Singh Singhmaar, resident of 15095 92Ave, Surrey, BC V3R 5V8 has a vacancy for Inhome Child caregiver for infant child and 9 years old son. Full Time, $11 / hour, 40 hrs/week.

Applicant must have high school with minimum of one year of related experience within last three years or six months of full time training in caregiving.

Job Duties includes Supervise and care for children, prepare formulas and change diaper of infant, feeding, bathing, dressing, prepare children for rest period, escort child to school, prepare and serve nutritious meal and snacks, accompany to and from activities & appointments, light housekeeping, laundry, maintain safe environment at home, keep record of day-to-day activities, health and progress of children.

Send resumes by email at balwinderssinghmaar@gmail.com -------------- Oct 31 2015

Western door manufacturing Ltd. located at #109-8250 124Street, Surrey BC V3W 3X9, has an immediate vacancy of Carpenter. We design and manufacture high end solid wood exterior doors, solid wood interior doors and custom doors.

Full time permanent job position with wages of $25per hour.

Jun13_155 Long Haul Truck Drivers Reqd. Sal:$23.00/hr, 40hr/wk, +1yr exp. & Class A 0r 1 license reqd., FT/PT Duties: Operate, drive straight or articulated trucks to transport goods & materials on local routes or over long distances.Plan trip logistics & obtain required documentation to transport goods.Perform pre-trip & post-trip inspection of vehicle systems.Record cargo information, hours of service, distance travelled & fuel consumption.

May perform emergency roadside repairs. Lang: English. Work at various location in Canada & USA. Contact: Balwinder from Metro Transport ltd.12772 82nd Ave, Surrey, V3W 3G1 E-mail your resume at metro_transport@ yahoo.ca.

------------------------------Jun13_15

1 Optical Frame Fitter Reqd.

Sal: $22.00/hr, 40hr/wk, +1yrs exp. or certification reqd., FT/ PT Duties: Obtain specifications for eyeglasses or contact lenses from a prescription. Assist clients in selecting eyeglasses. Grinding & polishing of lenses. Cut & edge lenses & fit lenses into frames. May supervise or manage activities of other opticians. Lang: English. Location: 12841 96 Avenue, Surrey, BC, V3V 6V9 Contact: Imran from Eye See 2020 Optical

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JOBS at opt_eyesee@yahoo.ca.

------------------------------Jun 06_15 Dosa Corner Restaurant Ltd in Vancouver Looking to hire an authentic south indian chef .

This is a full time permanent position. $18.50/hr. 40hrs/week.

Must have at least 3-5yrs experience in south indian cuisine & specialized knowledge in Dosas.

Duties include Prepare & cook meals.kitchen management. Plan menus & quality. Orders food supplies.

Mail your resume to selvamm164@gmail.com or apply by person at DosaCorner Vancouver. 110-8248 Fraser Street.

Vancouver. B.C.. V5X 3X6 Ph: 604-324-3672.

-----------------------------------Seamstress required Seamstress (Tailor) needed Foam & Décor is looking for Full Time or Part Time Seamstress ( tailor) for drapery in Surrey.

Salary will be provided @ 12 per hour. Please call 604-594-1882 Mayuri Indian foods inc is looking to hire an Ethnic Food Cook in Surrey BC. F/T & Perm.$17/hr.

Must have at least 2-3 yrs experience in South Indian cuisine & specialized knowledge in Indian spicing. Duties: Prepare & Cook meals; Supervise Kitchen helpers; Plan menus; Ensure quality & determine food proportions; Monitor & order food supplies; Set up & oversee buffets; Manage kitchen operation. Mail resume or apply by person Mayuri indian cuisine , Unit 102A,12677 80th Ave., Surrey BC V3W 3A6 Fax: 604-572-3281 ------------------------------------English Classes for Adults Register for classes September 2-8 For more information,Visit: www. victoryesl.com Call: 604.755.7976 E-mail: victoryesl1@gmail.com ---------------------------Cook Require Curry junction Restaurant in White Rock need cook immediately, This is a full time permanent position for a experi-

S Basement for Rent One bed room basement suite is available for rent from 1st of January 2016. Rent $ 600 including utility & internet .

Walking distance to Bell Centre, Elementary & High School and Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib. Call 778-628-4473 enced person, Depending on experience salary will be upto $21 per hr. with other benefits. Call:604-729-6741 or 604-385-1558 ---------------------------Transworld Security located at 2nd Floor, 5050, Kingsway, Burnaby BC V5H 4H2 is looking for a Static Guard, Static Guard Supervisor, Mobile Supervisor and Field Manager.

These are permanent full-time positions. Static Guard pay rate is $13.00 per hour plus vacation pay. You would be required to patrol industrial and commercial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of doors, windows and gates. Answer alarms and investigate disturbances. Monitor and authorize entrance and departure of employees, visitors and guests.

Call police or fire departments in cases of emergency. Circulate among visitors, patrons and employees to preserve order and protect property.

Static Guard Supervisor pay rate is $14.00 per hour plus vacation pay.

You would be required to oversee and supervise Static Guards. You will need to ensure the duties of the Static Guards you supervise are being completed and the client’s needs are being met.

Field Manager pay rate is $18.00 per hour plus vacation pay. You would be required to report to

To PLACE YOUR AD IN THE ASIAN STAR CLASSIFIEDS Section Please

Call: 604-591-5423

COMMUNITY Mosaic Networking Are you new to the country/ looking to meet new friends or seeking networking opportunities? You are invited!

Refreshments will be served!

Mosaic Church meets on Saturday evening 6:30 pm in Surrey/Abbotsford.

Surrey: 12150-92 Avenue; Abbotsford: 2940 Clearbrook Road For more info call Dave at 604 897-4224 or email dmclauren@gmail.com ---------------------------------------------------PICS Entrepreneurship Program â&#x20AC;&#x201C; New Session Begins January 27th, 2016 PICS is currently accepting applications for itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s PICS Entrepreneurship Program, a nine week training course which will teach you all the ropes of how to start a successful business. Classes include helping you develop a business plan and

plan. The training is followed by sixteen weeks of mentorship and consultation as well.

New session begins on January 27, 2016 in Vancouver. Participants will be recruited from the following groups: Youth (15 to 29 years), or Aboriginals, or Persons with Disabilities (self-identi

Potential participants may contact Deshpal Grewal at PICS at 604-596-7722 ext. 126 and register for the next information session sched

"# % " # '* + '8<= > @ = KL"#Q + "U"Q X 80th Ave, Surrey, BC) January 20, 2016 at 2:30 PM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PICS * ! + /<=>> Q XZ[\ Main Street, Vancouver, BC) ------------------------------------------Local Church Announces Saturday Service to Accommodate Young Families David McLauren and Mosaic Community Church announced a new Saturday service today to accommodate the demanding schedules of the local community.

Did you know that the Lower Mainland is one of the most diverse regions of the North America, with over 100 different spoken languages? Our communities are being joined by thousands of people from nearly every nation, culture, and ethnic group of the world.

The Lower Mainland is increasingly becoming a multicultural mosaic; however, over 90% of churches in the area have church services only on Sunday morning.

Mosaic Community Church is a new missional church in the Lower Mainland. ] = ^ ^ people in the community who: * are newcomers to the community * are looking for networking opportunities * want to add some color to their church experience * canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait till Sunday * are looking for something to do on a Saturday night * prefer to sleep on Sundays Mosaic Community Church meets Saturday evenings at 6:30 PM in Surrey.

Mosaic Community Church Surrey: 12150 - 90 Avenue, Surrey ------------------------------------------------------Emotional Health & Stress Management Workshop Christmas and holiday season is a time for family and friendsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; gathering. For new immigrants, it is exciting to celebrate the festivals in Canada, but it may be stressful as they are

away from their home country. This workshop will provide information about how to manage your mood with limited winter daylight hours, maintain good health and make friends so that we can move forward in 2016 ---------------------------------------------January 6, 10amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;12pm New Westminster Public Library Main Branch, 716â&#x20AC;&#x201C;6th Ave Angel 604 438 8214 ext 104 ---------------------------------------------Legal Information Workshops: WorkSafe Standards Learn about workplace safety and protecting

]

`

` ` q>*8=` personal protective equipment (PPE); road safety; mental health in the workplace; violence prevention.

For adults: January 10, 1:30â&#x20AC;&#x201C;3:30pm For youth: January 23, 1:30â&#x20AC;&#x201C;3:30pm

Saturday, January 16, 2016 L 23

Starting January 22, Fridays, 10:30amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;12pm _ ` ! ` / Beginners): Starting January 22, Fridays, 12:30â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2:30pm ----------------------------------------------Vancouver: 1720 Grant St || 604 254 9626 ext 273 Priority for Permanent Residents.

English Conversation Circle (Lower Begin = ~ ] # + 12pm English Conversation Circle (Beginners): = ~ ] "+" English Conversation Circle (Upper Begin = ~ ] "+~

---------------------------------------------MOSAIC Burnaby Centre for Immigrants, 5902 Kingsway 604 438 8214 ext 211 Canadian Citizenship Preparation January 18 & 19, 5:30â&#x20AC;&#x201C;8:30pm Tommy Douglas Burnaby Public Library, 7311 Kingsway Angel 604 438 8214 ext 104 ---------------------------------------------English Conversation Circle for Newcomers Tuesdays, 1â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2:30pm, January 19â&#x20AC;&#x201C;February 23 MOSAIC Vancouver Language Centre, 304â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2730 Commercial Dr Paeony 604 254 9626 ext 288 ---------------------------------------------Public Service Announcement Registrations start now for MOSAIC Seniors Club Winter Term.

MOSAIC Seniors Club provides free activities for immigrant seniors age 55 and above. We also provide workshops and individual support on topics relevant to seniors including. We run activities such as English Conversation Circles and Taichi class. Come make new friends, practice English, get information and have fun!

Burnaby South: 5902 Kingsway 604 438 8214 ----------------------------------------------_ ` ! ` /{ |} Starting January 18, Mondays, 9:30â&#x20AC;&#x201C;11:30am English Conversation Circle (Upper Beginners): Starting January 18, * | #+ # Knitting Circle: Starting January 19, ] "+ # ----------------------------------------------Burnaby North: 2055 Rosser Avenue || 604 292 3907 English Conversation Circle (Beginners): = "# q | #+ # Wai Dan Gong Exercise: Starting January 22, Fridays, 9â&#x20AC;&#x201C;10am Taichi:

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Wai Dan Gongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; exercise: Starting January 22, Fridays, 11amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;12pm ------------------------------------------------------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 fun and make some new friends, on November 22nd 2015( 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 Surendra Handa Coordinator at 604 - 507 - 9945 for further details.

-----------------------------------LCA of BC Celebrates Jalaram Jayanti in Burnaby and Surrey Z Â&#x20AC; Â Â&#x201A; Â&#x192; /{ Jewellers) cordially invites all to 216th Jalaram Jayanti celebrations with bhajans and kirtans on Saturday November 21, 2015 at VHP Temple, 3885 Albert Street, Burnaby.

Priti Bhojan 5.30pm Bhajan\Satang program 7.00pm For Further Information Please Contact: Kaushikaben Pabari: 604 945 5640 VHP Temple: 604 299 5922 -----------------------------------------------------------Hetsi and Keshvi Vithlani & FAMILY cordially invites all to 216th Jalaram Jayanti Celebrations with Bhajans and Kirtan on Sunday November 22, 2015 at 10.30 am at Laxminarayan Temple, 8321 140th Street, Surrey. Bhajan Program will be Presented by Highly Talented Local Group.

Priti Bhojan After Arti.

For Further Information Please Contact: Â&#x2020; /Â&#x2021;>Â&#x2C6;| [ZX"Z[[Â&#x2030;

----------------------------------------------------------Secret Asian Super Singer to Support S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Seniors Service S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Multi-Level Care Society Goodwill Ambassador Charity Night will be held at 6:00 pm , Monday, November 2, 2015 at the River Rock Show Theatre, Richmond.

The event aims to raise $ 110,000 to support the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Seniors Care Home expansion and maintenance project. The festivities include a VIP reception, an exclusive dinner, entertainment and fundraising karaoke. The night will feature an acclaimed popular artist from Hong Kong as a secret guest performer.

A group of artists from AM1320 will present a mini concert and a Beijing Opera from Sun-

shine Troupe Association will perform as well. The Honourable Judith Guichon, Lieutenant Governor of British ` join the event. The Goodwill Ambassador Council is a group of passionate volunteers of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Multi-Level Care Society.

Established in 2006, the Council hosts fundraising events every 2 years to support the Society to improve the quality of life for the seniors. Incorporated in 1995, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Multi-Level Care Society was established to provide linguistically and culturally appropriate care for seniors in our community.

------------------------------------------------------ " ) Â&#x2039;

& Dipression Dr. Pargat Bhurji - Nov. 15th 2015 - 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm.

Vedic Senior Parivar Centre of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society Surrey invites South Asian Adults/ Senior members and also non members X 8

Â&#x20AC; Dipression - by Dr. Pargat Bhurji a Pediatrician and a well known Person in the South Asian Community, on November 15th 2015 ( Sunday ) from 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm at Shanti Niketan hall of Lakshmi Narayan Hindu Temple 8321 140th Street Surrey BC. Dr. Pargat Bhurji will answer your health related questions, tea and light snacks will be served after the presentation.

Please contact Surendra Handa Coordinator Tel. 604 - 507 - 9945 for further details.

-----------------------------------The Global Hindu Foundation with support of SMH will celebrate Diwali -the Festival of Lightson November 9,2015 at Main Cafeteria from 1.00-2.30 PM. The guests will be served with sweets and snacks. This celebration is in the true spirit of multiculturalism and interfaith of Canada. ALL ARE WELCOME. For further information call to Acharya Dwivedi-604 507 3099 or Deepa Sharma 778 388 9024 ------------------------------South Asian Seniors - Clinical Prevention Workshop, 8th Nov. 2015, 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm.

Vedic Seniors Parivar Centre of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society Surrey invites South Asian Adults/ Senior members as well as non members to attend Clinical Prevention Workshop presented by Dr. Virendra Sharma MD, MPH, Project Coordinator with Fraser Health Authority on November 8th 2015 ( Sunday ) from 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm at Shanti Niketan hall of Lakshmi Narayan Hindu Temple 8321 - 140th street Surrey BC. There will be questions & Answers session after the workshop and you can ask questions about Clinical Prevention. Tea and light snacks will be served after the workshop is over. Please contact Surendra Handa Coordinator Tel. 604 - 507 - 9945 for further information.

-------------------------------

Public Notice All foreign governments may deny visa or entry into country on Non-machine readable passportsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; with effect from 24.11.2015 because of the International Civil Aviation Organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s(ICAO) decision to entirely phase out all â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Non-machine readable passportsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; by 24.11.2015.

Accordingly, Indian citizens residing in India and abroad with handwritten passports as well as 20 year validity passports, valid beyond 24.11.2015 are advised to apply for re-issue of passports in order to obtain â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Machine readable passports (MRPs) before 24.11.2015 to avoid any inconveniences in obtaining foreign visa or

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Saturday, January 16, 2016

China open to historic free-trade deal with Canada under certain conditions

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hina wants to forge a historic free-trade deal with Canada, but a senior Chinese official said this will require Canadian concessions on investment restrictions and a commitment to build an energy pipeline to the coast.China sent its Vice-Minister of Financial and Economic Affairs to Ottawa this week for discussions with senior bureaucrats about the prospect of negotiating its first free-trade deal with any North American country.

The visit comes months before the Prime Minister is expected to lead a trade mission to China and India, with a particular focus on opening wide-ranging free-trade talks with Beijing.

“During the term of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau there are rare, historical opportunities between China and Canada,” Han Jun told The Globe and Mail.

He said a free-trade agreement would be good for both Canada and China.

“What is China most in need of? We have a shortage of agricultural products.

China is the biggest importer of agricultural products in the world and, also, we are one of the countries with the highest dependency on imported energy from other countries,” Mr. Han said.

“If there is an FTA arrangement between China and Canada, you can see a flooding of potash, agricultural products and energy products from Canada to the market of China.”

Business / Finance

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Finance Minister says he’s ‘optimistic’ about Canadian economy

inance Minister Bill Morneau is that they will enable Canadian companies talking up the economy in the face and organizations to be confident enough to of warnings that trouble is expandinvest. I’m confident and I’m optimistic that ing beyond the commodities sector as comthese will make a difference and they will panies scale back their hiring plans. The help our economy significantly,” he said. minister is touring the country this week The Bank of Canada’s quarterly business for prebudget consultations, outlook survey, released Monday, starting with a speech Monshowed hiring and investment plans day in Halifax where he later of business leaders are at their lowtook questions from reportest levels since the 2009 recession. ers. “I’d like to start by sayThe survey report did note however ing I’m optimistic,” he said that companies that are not connectin reference to the recent ed to the resource sector are seeing flurry of reports suggesting strengthening demand, particularly the Canadian economy is in among manufacturers exporting to for slower growth than exthe U.S. Mr. Morneau also confirmed pected in 2016. “The good that the Liberal government supports news is we have a plan.”

Bill Morneau plans put forward by Ottawa under Rather than forcing a the Conservatives for a national sechange in direction, Mr. Morneau said the curities regulator, even though not all provcurrent situation reinforces the need for inces support the idea. “We do favour a colOttawa to deliver on promises made by laborative national securities regulator,” he the Liberals during last year’s election camsaid in response to a question. “Our message paign, including lower taxes for the middle to all provinces is we respect their decisions class, enhanced child-benefit payments to and we will work together with the provinces parents and $60-billion in increased infrathat are willing, to form a collaborative capistructure spending over the next 10 years. tal markets regulator.”

“We do believe that these measures taken The government has not yet set a date for together will make an important difference when it will release its first budget. on growth in this country and we believe

Businesses outside oil patch now feel sting of commodities price rout: BoC

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he fallout from the commodities price collapse is now spreading far beyond the oil patch, souring the mood of Canadian businesses and derailing their plans to hire and invest. The Bank of Canada’s closely watched quarterly business outlook survey, released Monday, shows hiring and investment plans at their lowest levels since the aftermath of the last recession in 2009. “The negative effects of the oil price shock are increasingly spreading beyond the energy-producing regions and sectors,” the bank said in the survey.

The bank said weak commodity prices “poses significant challenges for many businesses.” The report reinforces the gloomy economic environment so far in 2106 marked by depressed oil prices, the weak Canadian dollar, slowing global growth and falling stock markets. The results mirror the Conference Board of Canada’s monthly index of consumer confidence, also released Monday, which fell to its lowest level in two years in December. In a speech last

week, Bank of Canada Governor Stephen Poloz characterized the commodities price rout as a “seismic shift” that could last up to five years and drain $50-billion a year from the Canadian economy. Most economists expect the central bank to keep its already-low key interest at 0.5 per cent at its next rate-setting meeting Jan. 20, upping pressure on the federal Liberal government to get on with its plan to stimulate growth with billions of dollars of new infrastructure spending. Finance Minister Bill Morneau is expected to talk about Ottawa’s plan in a speech Monday.

Investors are still anticipating another central bank rate cut some time this year. A roughly equal number of respondents in the central bank’s survey reported higher and lower sales in the past 12 months. A slight majority of companies anticipate higher sales in the year ahead. The one bright spot in the business outlook comes from exporters who are not connected to the resource sector. These companies, particularly manufacturers, report that they are benefiting from strengthening demand,

Business / Finance

Loonie set for unprecedented plunge to 59 cents U.S., top forecaster warns

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he top forecaster of the Canadian dollar said the currency will fall to a record 59 U.S. cents by the end of the year as further weakness in the energy sector saps growth in an economy already stretched by a heavily indebted consumer and the Bank of Canada cuts interest rates for a third time. Who wins, and who loses, from the loonie’s nosedive The call from Macquarie Group Ltd.’s David Doyle, the top-ranked forecaster for the U.S. versus Canadian dollar exchange rate last year according to Bloomberg rankings, comes as the currency fell below 70 U.S. cents Tuesday for the first time in almost 13 years.

The currency’s tumble to levels last seen in the late 1990s came as crude continued to reach multiyear lows.

“You could imagine the situation is worse today than in the 1990s,” Doyle said.. “We’re much more dependent on oil now than we were in the past.”

Macquarie was among the first major forecasters to predict the currency would hit these levels. A 59 U.S. cent Canadian dollar would mean one U.S. dollar buys C$1.6949.

The currency fell as much as 0.6 per cent to 69.90 U.S. cents Tuesday in Toronto,, the first time it touched that level since May 2003, as crude oil fell to a 12-year low of US$29.93 per barrel in New York.

The first time the Canadian dollar weakened below 70 U.S. cents was 1997, before

the country’s oil industry took off and when its government was wrestling with a budget deficit. It mostly traded below 70 U.S. cents between 1997 and 2003, a period when manufacturing made up a larger part of exports than oil. It’s all-time low was 61.76 U.S. cents in 2002.

Canada’s newly elected Liberal government has pledged to run deficits to help stimulate an economy hindered by the collapse in prices for crude, until last year the country’s biggest export, and consumer spending held back by near-record debt levels.

Even though Doyle predicted Canada’s central bank will cut its benchmark rate to a record low 0.25 per cent on Jan. 20, a weakened manufacturing sector and more competition from Mexico in the U.S. market, Canada’s largest trading partner, mean it will take longer for the country to see an economic benefit with oil prices still depressed. Once the loonie reaches its record low, it will stay depressed through the end of 2018, Doyle said.

“Manufacturing and non-energy exports have far less ability to propel the economic outlook than they have in the past,” Doyle said. “Many of our oil and oil-related sectors have grown, and a lot of our manufacturing sectors have not grown and remained low.”

Economy needs bigger deficit spending, David Rosenberg advises Ottawa

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ttawa should not be afraid to spend bank may do the same next week, and a lot of money it doesn’t have quick- move its key lending rate to 0.25 per cent. ly in order to give the economy a That may marginally help some needy parts shot in the arm, an influential economist says. of the economy, but simultaneously spurring That was the gist of a note Thursday more consumer debt. That’s why Rosenfrom David Rosenberg, the chief econ- berg says it’s the politicians’ turn to act now. omist and strategist at Toronto-based “My message to the new government is money manager Gluskin Sheff Inc. to begin to fight the economic forces with During the recent election campaign, fiscal policy and stop this multi-year stratthe Liberals ran on a pledge to run “mod- egy of having the Bank of Canada shoulder est” deficits in the $10-bilall the responsibility via Ottawa is also in lion range for the next the currency, which is much better shape tofew years, in an attempt a double-edged sword.” day, he says, because if to stimulate the economy.

Deficits have interest payments are But Rosenberg says more worked before stripped drastic measures are warThere’s historical out, Ottawa actuallyy ranted, noting that Ottaprecedent for his ratiohas a primary budget wa could run deficits of nale. Rosenberg credsurplus of $28 billion. up to $24 billion a year its the Mulroney govall the way until 2020 and ernment in 1986 with still be below the average 70 per cent debt- allowing the annual deficit to rise to $36 to-GDP ratio among OECD nations. billion with setting the table for the ecoCanada’s debt-to-GDP ratio currently nomic expansion that followed. “Fiscal stands at 31 per cent. “What is Ottawa policy under the Mulroney regime was apwaiting for?” Rosenberg wrote. “If the propriately loose and helped pave the way government wasn’t spending years strengthfor the boom in the late 1980s,” he said. ening our nation’s balance sheet to use it as a Ottawa is also in much better shape toweapon against downside economic risks as day, he says, because if interest payments is the case today, then what was the point of are stripped out, Ottawa actually has a it all?” Rosenberg says it is time for the fedprimary budget surplus of $28 billion. eral government to get off the sidelines and In 1985, that was a deficit of $12 billion. start “fighting the economic forces” instead And back then, Ottawa was spending of leaving the heavy lifting to the Bank of nearly 20 per cent more on programs (exCanada, in the form of monetary policy. cluding interest) than it earned in revenues Twice last year, Canada’s central bank from the economy. Today, Ottawa only cut its benchmark interest rate in an at- spends 90 cents of every dollar it brings tempt to stimulate the economy. A grow- in from revenues on programs (again, ing number of economists think the when interest payments are stripped out.)

Saturday, January 16, 2016 L 25

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Saturday, January 16, 2016

Captain Amrinder targets Kejriwal as SAD fade

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unjab Congress president Capt Amarinder Singh today appealed to people to be cautious while voting during the next Assembly elections and asked them to forbid their youngsters not to waste their precious time with the “non-serious” Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). “We have already been pushed 10 years back under the Akali rule. Another political mistake would be nothing short of suicidal,” he said.

Addressing a gathering at the party’s Maghi Mela rally, Amarinder said: “Kejriwal often blames hindrances created by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his non-performance in Delhi. What could he deliver in Punjab under the same government at the Centre.” Poking fun at his inability to even converse in Punjabi, the former CM said: “Being a Haryanvi he worked against the interests of our state. In his capacity as Delhi CM he demanded water from us. Kejriwal had no credibility here.

They claim themselves commoners, but are spending huge money on organising rallies.”

Former PPCC president Partap Bajwa said: “The people of the state have suffered enough in the hands of a rogue leadership. They cannot commit another blunder by choosing an inexperienced party. AAP has named six CM candidates for Punjab. In contrast, the Congress is united under Capt Amarinder Singh.

He is our leader and we will work together for overthrowing the corrupt Akali Dal.” President of the Indian Youth Congress Amrinder Singh Raja Warring called AAP leader Bhagwant Mann “a roadside performer who performs best when drunk.” MLA Sadhu Singh Dharmsot called Kejriwal an opportunist who “dumped an able leader like Anna Hazare after using him”.

Senior Congress leader Jagmeet Brar said rising incidents of suicide by farmers were a blot on the state that once remained on the top in terms of food production and benefits to farmers. “The hands that gave food to the country for years have been dumped as unwanted by the state and the Centre,” he said.

PUNJAB

Manpreet Badal formally joins Congress Manpreet Badal formally joined the Congress after his party, the People’s Party of Punjab (PPP), merged with it on Friday. PPP chief Manpreet Singh Badal, the estranged nephew of Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, went to Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi’s house in New Delhi for the formal merger of the two parties.

Congress leaders Capt Amarinder Singh and Shakeel Ahmad were present on the occasion. “PPP under Manpreet Badal has merged with Congress in presence of Rahul Gandhi today,” Shakeel Ahmad,

Congress general secretary in charge of Punjab, said.

Manpreet Badal said PPP joined Congress unconditionally.

On Tuesday, Manpreet had said: “It (the merger) is required to get rid of the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal and the Badal family. Punjab needs to move beyond the personality-based politics.”

Manpreet had parted ways with the Akali Dal in 2010 and formed the PPP. However, no candidate from his party, including himself, could win the 2012 Assembly election.

Punjab sinking in Pak drugs worth Rs 7,500 crore per year: AIIMS

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t a time when the nexus between terrorists and drug smugglers in Pakistan has come under a harsh spotlight after the Pathankot airbase attack,

a new study by AIIMS has found that opioids worth Rs 7,500 crore are consumed in Punjab every year. Of these, heroin’s share is a massive Rs 6,500 crore. This is a startling revelation given that almost all the heroin that comes to Punjab is through the Pakistan border, pumped in by smugglers allegedly aided by ISI. It is this smuggler network that the terrorists who attacked the Pathankot airbase are believed to have used. Security agencies have so far insisted that Pakistani heroin is not consumed in Punjab; it merely passes through to bigger cities like Delhi.

But this study - a first of its kind survey by the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC) at AIIMS - busts the myth.

It says that in a population of around 2.77 crore people, there are more than 1.23 lakh heroin-dependent people. Based on the previous studies, Punjab’s opioid dependents are four times more than the global average. In effect, not only are the drug smugglers being used to push jihadis into India, they are also creating an army of heroin addicts in Punjab.

The study has found that 0.84% (around 2.3 lakh) of the entire state’s population is opioid dependent. It takes into account both opium derivatives as well as artificial substances that have the same effect as opiates on the nervous system. Previous studies conducted in select districts of Punjab had shown widespread use of synthetic or pharmaceutical opioid drugs.

80 percent of Punjab youth addicted to drugs says Baba Ramdev

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oga guru Ramdev, who is Haryana’s brand ambassador for promotion of Yoga and Ayurveda, on Friday claimed that 80 per cent of youths in Punjab have fallen prey to drug menace.

“Eighty per cent youths in Punjab have fallen in the trap of drug menace. Whenever I travel abroad, people keep telling me to do something about this and save Punjab,” Ramdev told a news conference here. The yoga guru, who was accompanied by his close aide Balkrishna, was speaking to reporters after a meeting with chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar, seniors ministers in the BJP government, besides top officials of the state government, in connection with promotion of yoga and ayurveda in Haryana. While speaking about plans to make Haryana “world capital” of yoga and ayurveda, he veered towards Punjab

Saturday, January 16, 2016 L 27

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Saturday, January 16, 2016

INDIA

Pakistan, India reschedule peace talks after Pathankot terror attacks

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ndia accused Pakistan-based group Jaish-e-Mohammad of carrying out the assault in which seven Indian troops and six militants were killed.On Wednesday, Pakistan said it had arrested several members of the group. On Thursday, India said arrangements were being made for a meeting between foreign secretaries of both countries.

Hopes for Delhi-Islamabad detente were raised in late December after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid an unexpected visit to his counterpart Nawaz Sharif on his way back from Afghanistan, and the two sides announced plans to resume peace talks.

The attack has set back the peace initiative.

But on Thursday, officials from both sides said the talks remained on the agenda.

Pakistan foreign office spokesperson Qazi Khalilullah said talks would not be held on Friday and that a new date was being considered.

His Indian counterpart Vikas Swarup said “both foreign secretaries [have] agreed to meet in the very near future”.

Mr Swarup said India was happy with the

steps Pakistan had taken so far to arrest some Jaish-e-Mohammad members. “The action against members of Jaish-e-Mohammed is a positive step. We welcome the step,” he said.

India has also agreed to host a team from Pakistan to investigate the Pathankot attacks.

“We look forward to the visit of Pakistan SIT [Special Investigation Team] and our investigative agencies will extend all necessary cooperation,” he said.

Both Mr Swarup and Mr Khalilullah did not confirm the arrest of Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Maulana Masood Azhar - a key demand from India.

Although Pakistan did not name those arrested on Wednesday, Indian and Pakistani media reports said Masood Azhar was among those detained. The BBC’s M Ilyas Khan in Islamabad says Mr Khalilullah’s announcement suggests that India may not have found the arrests announced by Pakistan adequate enough. But, continued engagement between the two sides indicates that India this time is willing to give time to Pakistan, instead of providing it with a chance to close its file on the matter, our correspondent adds.

Delhi ‘odd-even’ anti-pollution car rationing trial ends

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rivate cars with even and odd number plates were only allowed on alternate days during the experiment, which began on 1 January. The trial took more than a third of the city’s three million private cars off the road, easing congestion.

However, it is not clear whether it has helped to bring down pollution. Delhi has experienced hazardous levels of pollution this winter. The local government announced the scheme after a court ordered authorities to tackle pollution levels which stood at more than 10 times the World Health Organisation’s safe limits. Authorities said the trial had resulted in a “more than 50% drop in air pollution primarily caused by vehicular traffic”.

The government will hold a review meeting on Monday to debate whether the measures can be enforced in a second phase. But the state-run System of Air Quality Weather Forecasting and Research showed levels of PM 2.5 particulates -the most hazardous to health - hovering between “very poor” and “severe” between 1-15 January and well above the World Health Organisation’s safe limit.

Environmentalists attributed the continuing pollution to low winds and a fall in daytime temperatures. Correspondents say most drivers followed the restrictions and viewed the trial drive favourably. “Commuting wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be,” marketing executive Akshath Matharu,

Saturday, January 16, 2016 L 29

Real Canadian Superstore速 location is the convenient one-stop shopping solution for everyday needs and for special occasions. You'll find variety, value, and a wide range of South Asian specialities -- at great price!

350 SE Marine Drive, Vancouver T: (604) 322-3727 Fax: 604-322-3744 Store Hours: Monday to Friday 9:30AM-8:00PM Sat 9AM - 5PM & Sun 12PM - 5PM

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Saturday, January 16, 2016

INDIA

Home, Defence ministers review security after Pathankot attack

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ome Minister Rajnath Singh and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar met in the national capital on Friday to discuss progress on investigations into the recent attack on an Air Force base in Pathankot, review security and analyse intelligence reports ahead of Republic Day. NSA Ajit Doval and secretaries of Home and Defence were also present at the meeting. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In view of the continuing threats from hostile elements from across the border, the need to further upgrade both intelligence and preventive abilities specially in terms of technology was stressed.It was decided that the security audit of all vulnerable stations, of armed forces, para-military forces and police would be carried out within a given timeframe,â&#x20AC;? official sources said.

French President Francois Hollande will be chief guest at the main function for Republic Day. Intelligence reports suggest that 6â&#x20AC;&#x201C;10 Jaish-e-Mohammad militants had crossed over into India through Punjab recently. Six suspected JeM terrorists were killed in the Pathankot air base after three days of fierce

gun battle but sources suggest some may still be at large. Besides, according to an intelligence report by the Punjab Police, 15 militants may have crossed over into India from Pakistan. An additional 10,000 paramilitary soldiers have already been stationed at Delhi. Security has been also been steeped up at Delhiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s IGI airport after another intelligence input suggested a possible hostage situation.

Both domestic and international flights have been asked to upgrade security, with some passengers even being made to undergo â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;secondary ladder checkingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in some flights, conducted while entering the aircraft. Fridayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s meeting came a day after India and Pakistan deferred talks between foreign secretaries of the two countries and India gave a joint team from Pakistan permission to visit to investigate the Pathankot attack.

Army chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag had said on Wednesday that the security environment facing the nation was becoming more â&#x20AC;&#x153;complex and dynamicâ&#x20AC;? and that at least 17 militant training camps remained active in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, up from the 42 earlier.

Home Ministry questions legality of Pak teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s India visit

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ith Pakistan proposing to send its team to India to probe the Pathankot air base attack after it announced a crackdown on Jaish-e-Mohammad, officials in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) wondered if the neighbouring country has â&#x20AC;&#x153;registered any criminal caseâ&#x20AC;? against the alleged perpetrators. Noting that there is no word from Pakistan about any FIR registered in that country, a senior MHA official said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Why will they come? Will they come to investigate the case registered in India? If that is the case, then have Indian investigative agency sought any help from them in the case registered here?â&#x20AC;?

The official said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Since Pakistan has an-

nounced that several individuals belonging to the JeM have been apprehended, it should also disclose under which law it has started the probe or detained the suspects.â&#x20AC;?

Meanwhile, Punjab Police SP-rank officer Salwinder Singh was quizzed for the fourth day today by the NIA along with his cook Madan Gopal and the caretaker of Panj Peer Dargah Somraj, which the official had claimed to have visited before he was kidnapped by terrorists involved in the Pathankot attack. An MHA spokesperson said the sleuths probing the case had found similarities in the recent attacks on the Pathankot air base and a police station and some other targets in Dinanagar in Punjab.

Three former Suprem Court judges among 16 applicants for Lokpal post

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Three ex-Supreme Court judges, a former high court chief justice, one UGC member and an information commissioner are among 16 persons who have applied for the chairmanship of proposed anti-graft body Lokpal.

The list of applicants, which was made public by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) following the intervention of Information Commissioner Sudhir Bhargava on RTI activist Subhash Agrawalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s application, mentions that the Supreme Court had nominated Justices Gyan Sudha Mishra, CK Prasad and Balbir Singh Chauhan, who have now retired, for the chairmanship of Lokpal. Retired Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court M Karpaga Vinayagam, former UGC member and former Information Commissioner MM Ansari, Information Commissioner Sridhar Acharyulu are also among those who have applied for the post directly.

In his directive for disclosure of names of applicants for various positions in Lokpal, advertised by the DoPT, Bhargava said the disclosure would enhance transparency and public confidence in the selection

process. The DoPT had sought applications for one post of Chairman and eight positions â&#x20AC;&#x201D; four each for judicial and non-judicial members â&#x20AC;&#x201D; in the anti-graft body on January 17, 2014. In response, 380 persons have applied for the post of non-judicial members of the proposed body. According to the details given under the RTI response, 23 persons have applied for the posts of judicial members. The Lokpal Act, 2013, provides for establishment of the anti-graft watchdog for the Union and Lokayuktas for the states to inquire into corruption complaints against public servants.

An amendment Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 18, 2014, after which it was referred to a parliamentary standing committee on December 22 which was asked to submit its report

by March 25, 2015. Congress MP EM Sudarsana Natchiappan, who heads the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice, is reported to have said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nothing is altered by the present amendment except the membership of the search committee. The committee may decide to consider those who have already applied or might call fresh applications.â&#x20AC;?

FIJI

BC ferry sold to Fijian company for $1.6M - after $15M upgrade

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he Queen of Chilliwack has a new ad- tion of the price they received it,” he said.

“It makes no sense at all. It’s mismanagedress and a new name. The Lomaiviti Princess 3 now plies the warm waters around Fiji.

The owner of the vessel is a former BC Ferries employee who set up his own ferry operation in the island nation.

The Queen of Chilliwack ran the central coast route, but was decommissioned during recent service cuts. Five years ago the vessel was given $15 million in Five years after it underwent $15 million in upgrades, BC upgrades. The province did not Ferries has sold the decommissioned Queen of disclose the sale price.

Chilliwack for $1.6 million.

But according to news reports in Fiji, Gondaur Shipping paid around 2.5 million Fijian dollars for the vessel, ment in the highest order.” The Queen of Chilliwack is not the first B.C. ferry to be sold at a which comes to less than $2 million CDN. NDP MLA Gary Holman wants to know discount. In the late ‘90s, the NDP government why the provincial government sold the vessel built three fast cat ferries at a cost of around for such a low price. “It appears to be willing to $450 million. They were later sold for around sell off a recently refitted ferry at a small frac- $20 million.

40 people arrested for operating illegal taxis

Illegal taxi drivers being questioned by police.

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bout 40 private car owners in Nadi will soon appear before the Land Transport Authority (LTA) CEO, Naisa Tuinaceva, to explain the use of their vehicles in illegal taxi operations. LTA media liaison officer Iliesa Sokia said the majority of those caught had previously been issued warning letters.

“We caught about 40 vehicles during an operation the LTA conducted in Nadi in December last year,” Mr Sokia said. “Now these vehicle owners will be summoned to appear before the CEO and to explain why they are operating private cars as taxis.

“During their audience with the CEO, they

will be given a chance to explain why their drivers licence should not be cancelled and their vehicle not to be de-registered. “This is called a show cause hearing and this is the second stage in a series of deterrents we have established to address the private taxi issue.

“If there is no justification, we have the power to de-register their vehicles.” Mr Sokia urged all those involved in the illegal transport service to cease acting outside the ambit of the law. “If there is a real need for transport services in areas that do not have it or where existing operators are incapable of providing service, then people need to justify this by writing to us with all the relevant documentation. “If the demand is there, the LTA will look into it.”

Saturday, January 16, 2016

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Health Ministry aims to improve service delivery

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ealth and Medical Services Minister Jone Usamate says improving the provision of medicinal products, equipment and infrastructure are some of the measures taken to strengthen the health system. Mr Usamate said the

ministry’s service delivery would be further supported through expanding primary health care services, improving the continuum of care, and improving quality and safety standards at health facilities. “These goals will be supported through health systems strengthening their initiatives

Drunk man arrested for burning down hotel

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he Mayas Hotel along the Nadi Back Road was allegedly set alight early Wednesday morning by a 40-yearold man who was allegedly drunk. Police

spokeswoman Ana Naisoro said the owner of the hotel received burns during the blaze. She said the suspect was caught by the injured man and a security guard. He has since been taken into police custody.

PAKISTAN

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President Hussain wants to expand ties with New Zealand

Barack Obama: Instability will continue for decades in Pakistan

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bserving that “instability will continue for decades” in many parts of the world including Afghanistan and Pakistan, US President Barack Obama on Wedensday said both al-Qaida and ISIS pose a direct threat to the US during his

final State of the Union Address to the Congress.

“Both al-Qaida and now ISIL pose a direct threat to our people, because in today’s world, even a handful of terrorists who place no value on human life, including their own, can do a lot of damage,” Obama said.

In his eight State of the Union Address, Obama said terrorist groups like al-Qaida and ISIL (also known as ISIS Islamic State militant group) use the internet to poison the minds of individuals inside the country; they undermine American allies.

“But as we focus on destroying ISIL, over-the-top claims that this is World War III just play into their hands. Masses of fighters on the back of pickup trucks and twisted souls plotting in apartments or garages pose an enormous danger to civilians and must be stopped. But they do not threaten our national existence,” Obama said. “That’s the story ISIL wants to tell; that’s the kind of propaganda they use to recruit,” he asserted. “We don’t need to build them up to show that we’re serious, nor do we need to push away vital allies in this fight by echoing the lie that ISIL is representative of one of the world’s largest religions. We just need to call them what they are - killers and fanatics who have to be rooted out, hunted down, and destroyed,” Obama said. That’s exactly what the US is doing, he said add-

ing that for more than a year, America has led a coalition of more than 60 countries to cut off ISIL’s financing, disrupt their plots, stop the flow of terrorist fighters, and stamp out their vicious ideology.

“With nearly 10,000 air strikes, we are taking out their leadership, their oil, their training camps, and their weapons. We are training, arming, and supporting forces who are steadily reclaiming territory in Iraq and Syria,” he said. “If this Congress is serious about winning this war, and wants to send a message to our troops and the world, you should finally authorise the use of military force against ISIL. Take a vote. But the American people should know that with or without Congressional action, ISIL will learn the same lessons as terrorists before them,” the President said.

During the address Obama further said: “If you doubt America’s commitment - or mine - to see that justice is done, ask Osama bin Laden. Ask the leader of al-Qaida in Yemen, who was taken out last year, or the perpetrator of the Benghazi attacks,

I

SLAMABAD: President Mamnoon by the latter to other countries.

Hussain on Wednesday underscored the The president advised the high commisneed for highlighting Pakistan’s liberal sioner-designate to focus on increasing coopinvestment policy and called for eration in the fields of education and efforts to convince New Zealand culture.He said Pakistani students companies to invest in sectors of studying in New Zealand can be a agriculture dairy livestock and bridge to further enhance bilateral renewable energy in Pakistan. relations. The president emphasized He was talking to Pakistan’s High on increase in exchange of trade and Commissioner-designate to New cultural delegations for furthering Zealand Afrasiab Mehdi Hashmi ties between the two countries. He who called on him here at the Aiadvised the high commissioner-desPresident Hussain wan-i-Sadr. The president called ignate to make efforts for opening of for expanding trade ties in diverse a resident mission in Islamabad by sectors as vast opportunities existNew Zealand to strengthen bilateral ed to realize the true potential. He asked the relations. He congratulated Mehdi on his apHigh Commissioner-designate to make efforts pointment and hoped that his appointment for early consideration of market access for will further strengthen Pakistan’s multifaceted Pakistani mangoes by New Zealand as granted relations with New Zealand.

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Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar under ‘protective custody’: Minister

akistan’s Punjab province law minister Rana Sanaullah today confirmed that banned Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar has been taken into “protective custody” along with his accomplices, but clarified he is “not arrested.” Earlier, the govern-

Pakistanis, Syrian attacked in Cologne amid tension over New Year’s assaults

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angs of men have attacked and injured two Pakistanis and a Syrian man in Cologne, Germany, in the aftermath of an unprecedented wave of mob sex assaults on women in the city on New Year’s Eve. Cologne police said a gang of 20 men attacked at least six Pakistani nationals Sunday, with two of the victims hospitalized.

Five men later attacked and injured a man of Syrian descent, police said.

Two men have been detained following the assaults on the men, which occurred as Germany grapples with the New Year’s Eve attacks on women in Cologne.

Large numbers of women reported being sexually assaulted or robbed by gangs of men of Arab or North African appearance during New Year’s celebrations in the city center, with some victims saying they feared for their lives.

ment chose not to confirm or deny the reports that Azhar has been taken into “protective custody”. “We have taken Maulana Azhar and his fellows under protective custody in connection with the Pathankot incident. However, we will arrest him if his involvement in the Pathankot attack is proved,” Sanaullah said.

He added that operation against banned outfits including JeM would continue under the National Action Programme. India has identified Azhar as the mastermind of the Pathankot attack on January 2. It has also blamed his brother Rauf and five others for carrying out the attack in which seven Indian soldiers were killed along with all the six terrorists. India has shared this information along with two Pakistani phone numbers that were made calls to by the terrorists. According to reports, security agencies have arrested 31 activists of JeM from different parts of the province.

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SOUTH ASIA

Nepal’s deposed king has not paid electricity dues for 10 years

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epal’s last monarch Gyanendra Shah has not paid his electricity dues for the last 10 years, the state-owned Nepal Electricity Authority said on Wednesday. Gyanendra, after vacating the Narayan Hiti Royal Palace here in 2008, has been living in Nagarjuna Palace, a royal property on the northern outskirts of the Kathmandu Valley.

He has not been paying the electricity dues for the Nagarjuna Palace which he has been occupying since he left the Narayan Hiti royal palace, a Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) official said. NEA assistant director Mukunda Man Chitrakar, who looks after auditing at the NEA, told media persons here that the staff at Nagarjuna Palace have repeatedly refused to acknowledge any letter sent by NEA raising the isue of unpaid power dues. The NEA, he said, has run up a loss of Rs 7 million in the

last 10 years. After the staff refused to receive NEA’s letters, the electricity authority knocked the doors of Nirmal Niwas, another palace in Kathmandu in which Gyanendra used to live as former royal highness until the infamous royal massacre in Nepal in 2001. Sagar Raj Timilsina, Gyanendra’s personal secretary, reportedly told the NEA officials that the liability comes under the Prime Minister’s Office not the Nagarjuna Palace. Until 2008, the PMO used to pay all the bills and tariffs incurred to the palaces belonging to the royals. According to the Electricity Act, if a consumer fails to pay electricity bills for two months, his/her power connection will be cut and if any consumer continuously fails to pay bills for another six month, a ban will be placed on sale of his/her private properties like land and house for the next three generations.

Sri Lankan government proposes new constitution to devolve power

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ri Lanka’s new government on Saturday presented its plan for a new constitution aimed at devolving power and preventing the sort of ethnic tensions that led to a long and bitter civil war that ended in 2009. The move comes as reformist President Maithripala Sirisena’s administration takes some steps to promote post-conflict reconciliation and address alleged war crimes committed during the 26-year conflict between government troops and Tamil Tiger rebels. Sirisena, who unseated former leader Mahinda Rajapaksa in a bitterly contested poll last year, promised a new constitution to strengthen democracy and fundamental rights. According to the document presented to parliament on Saturday, the government intends to strengthen democratic rights, promote national reconciliation and establish a political culture that respects the rule of law. The new constitution will also guarantee fundamental rights and freedoms that assure human dignity and promote responsible and accountable government, it said. “The main idea is to devolve power to the grassroots level and strengthen democracy in order to prevent another war,” a ruling party legislator who is close to the president told Reuters, asking not to be named.

Sirisena pardons former LTTE militant who tried to kill him

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arking his first year in office, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena today pardoned a former LTTE militant, who tried to assassinate him 10 years ago. Sirisena ordered Presidential Pardon for former LTTE cadre Sivaraja Jenivan, currently undergoing a 10-year rigourous imprisonment sentence, for trying to murder him in 2005 when he was serving as the country’s Minister of Mahaweli Development. Jenivan was arrested in 2006 inside a passenger bus leaving Sirisena’s hometown Polonnaruwa. He was sentenced to 10 years rigorous imprisonment by Polonnaruwa High Court last year, the Colombo Page reported. The pardon for 36-year-old Jenivan came on the day when Sirisena finished his first year in office after defeating Lanka’s former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa last year. Since becoming president, Sirisena has taken a number of steps to ensure reconciliation in the ethnically divided country, reeling under almost three decades of civil-war between armed forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants, which ended in 2009.

Saturday, January 16, 2016

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Afghan police chief says Pak military officers behind attack on Indian consulate

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akistani military officers were involved in the attack on the Indian consulate in Mazar-e- Sharif in which assailants attempted to storm the mission building, a senior Afghan police official said on Tuesday.

“We saw with our own eyes and I can say 99 per cent that those attackers were from Pakistani military and used special tactics while conducting their operation,” Sayed Kamal Sadat, police chief of the Balkh province, said of the attack that took place last week.

Sadat said the attackers -- officers from across the border -- were well-trained military men who fought Afghan security forces in the 25-hour siege. “The attackers were military personnel. They were educated and well prepared and had intelligence. They fought us and only by Allah’s grace were we able to control them and eliminate them,” Sadat was quoted as saying by Tolo News. The police official said efforts were underway to track down, identify

and detain those who assisted the attackers to gain access to the building that was opposite the Indian consulate. “We are jointly working with the NDS director and have spoken about this -- especially as they came here not able to speak in Dari or Pashtu but speaking in Urdu.

It means obviously there is someone who guided those attackers and helped the attackers,” Sadat said. An intense gun-battle between security forces and the attackers took place outside the Indian consulate in Mazar-e-Sharif after assailants attempted to storm the mission building on January 3.

The standoff ended on the night of January 4 after the attackers who entered the building opposite the Indian Consulate were killed. One police solider also lost his life and nine others including three civilians were wounded in the incident. As the consulate came under attack, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) guards deployed on the sentry post foiled their attempt by raining heavy fire on them.

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NRI

In response to Obama Nikki Haley defends immigrants

Man charged for vandalising Gurdwara in US

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21-year-old man has been charged for vandalising a Gurdwara with hateful anti-ISIS graffiti in a suburb in Los Angeles in December and faces maximum sentence of three years if found guilty.

Brodie Durazo has been charged with one felony count of vandalism of a religious property and two misdemeanor counts each of vandalism under US $400, according to the Orange County district attorney’s office, Los Angeles Times reported on Wednesday.

Gurdwara Singh Sabha’s board members and community members said in the early hours of December 6, the Gurdwara in Buena Park was vandalised with hateful anti-ISIS graffiti along with a community member’s truck in the parking lot, according to the Sikh Coalition.

The vandalism prompted an increase in police patrols near the religious center and sparked fear among members of the Sikh community.

Durazo is accused of spray-painting graffiti throughout a trailer park where he lives in Orangethorpe Avenue on December 6 and of then going into the property of the Gurdwara Singh Sabha Temple and spray-painting graffiti on a dividing wall between the trailer park and the temple, the report said. Durazo is scheduled to be indicted on February 8. If convicted, prosecutors said, he could face a maximum sentence of three years in state prison.

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overnor Nikki Haley used the formal Republican response to President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address on Tuesday to try softening the tough stance toward immigrants embraced by some of the party’s leading presidential candidates, urging Americans to resist “the siren call of the angriest voices.” Haley, herself the US-born daughter of Indian immigrants, said the country is facing the most dangerous security threat since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

That was a reference to the Islamic State group, which has taken credit for attacks in Paris and

elsewhere and may have inspired last month’s mass shooting in San Bernardino, California. “During anxious times, it can be tempting to follow the siren call of the angriest voices,” she said in her prepared remarks. “We must resist that temptation.” Haley did not mention the Republican presidential race. But the front-runner so far, real estate mogul Donald Trump, has called for deporting millions of immigrants in the US illegally. Two other contenders, Florida Senator Marco Rubio and Texas Senator Ted Cruz have battled over which of them has the tougher record on the issue.

Police officer acquitted in ‘assault’ on Indian grandfather Sureshbhai Patel

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udge Madeline Haikala threw out the case against Eric Parker after his two previous trials ended in hung juries.

CCTV footage last year showed a confrontation between 57-year-old Sureshbhai Patel and two officers in an Alabama suburb.

Mr Patel was thrown to the ground, an incident which he says left him partially paralysed. In her 92-page opinion District Judge Haikala said evidence presented during Madison police officer Eric Parker’s two trials did not eliminate the reasonable doubt that the policeman was guilty of a crime. “The court has no reason to expect a different result in a subsequent trial given the totality of the evidence that the parties have provided,” Ms Haikala wrote.

The footage from police cameras last February shows Mr Patel - who speaks no English - trying to walk away from the officers, who eventually shove him to the ground. Mr Parker had told jurors that Mr Patel’s actions and appearance were “in sequence’” with those of a burglar. He said Mr Patel tried walking away and wouldn’t answer questions when officers approached him, and that he was suspicious when the man reached for his pockets and when he pulled one of his hands free during a patdown. Mr Patel had recently arrived in the US to help care for his grandson, who was born prematurely, when the incident took place. He was walking outside his son’s home when police said they received a call from a neighbour about a suspicious person. According to the civil rights complaint filed in court, Mr Patel told the police officers who stopped him “no English, Indian”, and gave his son’s house number.

Five of NRI family die in Yamuna Expressway accident A picnic outing for an Agra-bound NRI family turned tragic on Sunday after five of them, including two teenage girls, died in a gruesome accident on the Yamuna Expressway. The incident occurred when a wheel of the speeding SUV in which they were travelling, burst, throwing the vehicle out of control, police said. The vehicle after striking safety guards, and then the divider, overturned on the other side of the road this afternoon at milestone number 79 on the highway, they said. “The deceased have been identified as Anamika (45) wife of one Rupendra Dutta, her daughters Pipasa (15) and Neetika (12), son Tirvijai (20) and her sister Sonia (25),” police said. Delhi-origin Dutta, who now runs a restaurant in Adelaide in Australia had come to India recently with his family.

He along with his father-in-law NK Paliwal and driver of the vehicle, Shambhu have been hospitalized”, SP (rural) Ajai Kumar said.

Saturday, January 16, 2016

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36 L Saturday, January 16, 2016