The Asian Star November 5 2022

Vol 21 - Issue 39

Saturday, November 5, 2022

Tel:604-591-5423

Oil companies report record-breaking profits as Canadians struggle just to get by Gas prices across Canada are spiking up again and it looks like global economic pressures may not be as much of a reason as gas companies would like you to believe. For months, Canadians have tried to navigate sky-high gas and grocery prices.

We know that the reasons for this include the war in Ukraine, a looming recession, and supply chain issues.

But things are no longer adding up.

Gas giants Chevron and ExxonMobil

have released their quarterly fiscal reports, which show record-breaking profits. “Sales and other operating revenues in third quarter 2022 were $64 billion, compared to $43 billion in the year-ago period,” reads Chevron’s third-quarter report, released Friday. Chevron’s total profits for the quarter amounted to a whopping US$11.2 billion.

Continued on page 6

Daylight saving time starts on Sunday, Nov 6, may end next year

Daylight saving 2022

Daylight Saving ends on Sunday, November 6, 2022, at 2:00 A.M. On Saturday night, clocks will set back an hour.

Canadian govt wants to welcome 500,000 immigrants per year by 2025 The federal government is planning a massive increase in the number of immigrants entering Canada, with a goal of bringing in 500,000 people in 2025.Immigration Minister Sean Fraser revealed the new targets Tuesday, saying the move is necessary to ensure Canada’s economic prosperity.The announcement signals a significant increase from the 405,000 immigrants that came to Canada last year and the 465,000 expected to arrive next year. Canadian industries are facing a significant labour shortage.

About one million jobs are vacant

across the country. The new plan puts an emphasis on increasing the number of immigrants who will be admitted based on their work skills or experience over the next three years. This news comes after new census figures released last month revealed that immigrants and permanent residents now account for 23 per cent of the population — an all-time high.

Statistics Canada said that recent immigrants — those who arrived between 2016 and 2021 — are younger on average than the rest of the Canadian population and have been critical to filling Continued on page 7

Defence presenting case in former Surrey Mayor McCallum’s public mischief trial Doug McCallum’s defence began its case Wednesday morning (Nov. 2) in Surrey provincial court with a declaration that Crown’s evidence falls “markedly short” of the criminal standard of proof for a public mischief charge.

Lawyer Eric Gottardi said evidence tendered by the defence will show McCallum’s foot was “in fact” run over by Deborah Johnstone’s tire on Sept. 4, 2021.

Continued on page 7

Vaccine-doubting South Asian doctor ordered to pay $1 million in legal costs When a host of doctors, academics and journalists criticized her COVID vaccine-doubting, anti-lockdown views, Dr. Kulvinder Kaur Gill struck back, filing a $12-million libel suit against them.

Amongst other charges, she accused her detractors of being a “pack of hyenas” bent on destroying her reputation. It has proven to be a very expensive counterattack. A judge this week ordered the pediatrician in Brampton, west of Toronto, Continued on page 7

MANMOHAN SEKHON M.Sc., M.Phill Life and Health insurance Advisor

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Saturday, November 5, 2022

BC says old-growth logging has reached record lows as critics call for greater transparency The B.C. government says old-growth logging has reached record lows, but one conservationist is decrying a lack of transparency from the province.

In a statement issued Wednesday, the province said logging of old growth has declined 42 per cent from an estimated 65,500 hectares in 2015 to 38,300 hectares in 2021, an area representing 0.3 per cent of the estimated 11.1 million hectares of old growth in the province.

It also said 0.23 per cent of priority at-risk old growth identified by an independent panel last November was logged in the past year.

“The latest numbers show that B.C. is

on the right track as we work to develop and implement new long-term solutions for better managing, preserving and sharing the benefits of our forests,” B.C.’s Minister of Forests Katrine Conroy said.

First Nations asked to reach ‘high bar’ of consensus before old-growth logging deferred on shared lands The statement came exactly one year after the province released the work of a technical advisory panel that mapped priority areas for logging deferrals and also announced plans to partner with First Nations to achieve the deferrals until a new long-term plan for forestry in the province is put in place.

50% of Metro Vancouver residents support amalgamation of cities: survey Half (50%) of Metro Vancouver residents support some form of amalgamation — full or partial — of the 21 municipal jurisdictions that make up the region.

Based on a brand new survey by Angus Reid Institute, only 8% believe all cities within Metro Vancouver should merge to become one mega city with a single municipal government, while 42% support some form of partial amalgamation into larger municipal units, resulting in fewer cities.

The support for the amalgamation of the Tri-Cities — Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody — is highest at 35%.

This is followed by 34% in support of merging the North Shore cities of North Vancouver City, North Vancouver District, and West Vancouver, and 31% for amalgamating Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge.

51% of Vancouver voters support amalgamating all Metro Vancouver

cities

into one mega-city: survey Nearly a quarter (23%) are in favour of amalgamating Langley City, Langley Township, and Surrey.

Almost one-in-six (17%) of respondents would like to see the amalgamation of Vancouver and Burnaby.

Three-in-ten (31%) suggest the current configuration and makeup of cities that form Metro Vancouver is fine.

A separate June 2022 survey by Research Co. that asked voters within the City of Vancouver whether they support the amalgamation of all of Metro Vancouver into one big city found 51% support.

Metro Vancouver sub-region map: Yellow – North Shore; Red – Burrard Peninsula; Green – South of Fraser West; Blue – South of Fraser East; Purple – Tri-Cities; Orange – North East. (Metro Vancouver Regional District)

Remembrance Day

NOVEMBER 11

Teachers and students honour the

the past and work

future.

A message from the Surrey Teachers’ Association

Local / National

Saturday, November 5, 2022

What fireworks ban? Residents complain of sleepless Halloween night in Metro Vancouver Metro Vancouver residents might be feeling a bit sleepy this morning following a loud night of fireworks.

The majority of which were set off illegally as Vancouver enacted a fireworks ban in 2021, forbidding the sale and launching of fireworks except by certified fireworks technicians.

“Our Fire Prevention Inspectors and fire crews will be out tonight responding to 311 complaints, patrolling neighbourhoods, and issuing fines for people using fireworks in Vancouver,” Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services tweeted Halloween night.

Our Fire Prevention Inspectors and fire crews will be out tonight responding to 311 complaints, patrolling neighbourhoods and issuing fines for people using fireworks in Vancouver. No permits have been applied for, so all fireworks are illegal.

Fireworks have been a tradition for many Lower Mainlanders on Halloween.

However, in recent years, many municipalities have made changes to the rules, with pyrotechnics now limited to professionals only in most areas.

The use of fireworks in a municipality that has banned them could come with a fine, while other cities require you to have a permit to be able to set off your own sparklers.

Here’s a list of each municipality’s rules for fireworks use: Abbotsford: The City of Abbotsford has banned the sale, purchase, and use of fireworks.

Burnaby: People in Burnaby wishing to use fireworks on private properties can only do so on Oct. 31.

Those looking to use public property will need a permit from the Burnaby fire chief. You cannot buy fireworks in the city, and firecrackers are banned.

Chilliwack: People in Chilliwack need a permit to use fireworks, which takes 10 days to be approved.

That permit is for events only, and consumer fireworks are not allowed.

25-year-old man injured in Surrey shooting Wednesday afternoon Surrey RCMP said officers are still investigating a shooting in the Whalley area that left one man with serious injuries.

Police said they were called at 5 p.m. on Wednesday to a report of shots fired in the 13500 block of 89 Avenue.

They found a 25-year-old man suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to hospital, where he remains in stable condition.

Police were then called early Thursday morning to a report of a vehicle fire in the 13300 block of 88 Avenue.

Officers said this appears to have been a stolen vehicle that fled the area after the shooting on Wednesday.

The motive for the shooting remains unclear, police added.

Investigators are seeking anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage near the 13500 block of 89 Avenue between 4 and 5 p.m. on Wednesday.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 or Crime Stoppers.

City of North Vancouver: The City of North Vancouver is only allowing fireworks for public displays. No private use is allowed.

In order to hold a public display, you need to be certified as a “Fireworks Supervisor.”

Coquitlam: A permit is needed to use fireworks in Coquitlam.

The sale, purchase, or use of fireworks is otherwise illegal without a permit from the fire department.

Delta: A permit is also needed to set off fireworks in Delta.

That permit takes 10 days to be approved and costs $200.

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12% drop in gas prices predicted Gas prices in Metro Vancouver are predicted to see a significant drop Thursday.

According to gasprice prediction website Gas Wizard, drivers could see prices decrease from 198.9 cents per litre on Wednesday to 186.9 cents per litre.

While the dip will provide some savings for drivers in the region, prices remain significantly higher than in other major cities, such as Calgary where filling up costs 156.9 cents per litre and Toronto where it costs 168.9.

Local gas prices took a dramatic fall in the middle of October when they went from 227.9 to 192.9 overnight.

Analysts explained that major shift was due to a pipeline and a refinery on the West Coast coming back online after undergoing maintenance.

Over the past week, however, prices have crept back up – hovering around $2 per litre.

While gas companies making more money than ever before, B.C. drivers are still paying the steepest gas prices across Canada.

ExxonMobile and Chevron, the two latest gas companies to post their quarterly numbers, show they’re raking in record profits.

Exxon posted a $19.66 billion profit for the quarter, while Chevron posted an $11.2 billion profit.

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OPINION

By Sylvain Charlebois

Saturday, November 5, 2022

Many dairy products have been priced out of the market

The Canadian Dairy Commission has just released its recommendations for 2023.

Unlike last year’s shocking 8.4 per cent, which was almost double the previous record, the increase won’t be as dramatic.

As of February 1, 2023, most farmers in Canada will get about 2.2 per cent more for their milk. Provincial boards

have the final say, but it looks like, next year, the dairy section won’t see the price increases we have all seen in 2022.

According to Statistics Canada, food prices overall are up 10.3 per cent over last year, and dairy products are now 9.7 per cent more expensive compared to last year.

The attention grabber in the dairy section was butter. In many parts of the country, butter is 20 per cent more expensive than last year. Many people have just given up on the product and are now opting for nondairy alternatives. The Canadian Dairy Commission’s work has priced many dairy products out of the market, impacting demand for many products. And once you lose consumers, it may be for good.

While dairy farmers want a fair price for their work, many others, mostly in the western part of the country, including southern Ontario where farms are larger and more technologically focused, concerns about losing market share are looming.

Prices need to be kept under control as much as possible. In Eastern Canada, which includes eastern Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic, retail prices aren’t even discussed. It’s all about prices on the farm.

Last year, that group won, which is why we saw farm milk prices increase by more than 11 per cent. This year, the strategy appears to be about market retention while covering rising production costs.

This year’s recommendation is more balanced. The dairy industry needs to be taken care of while ensuring food remains affordable for all Canadians.

Unlike in other years, the Canadian Dairy Commission actually invited the media to a press conference to announce price hikes and answer questions. Such an approach was very refreshing. Typically, the Commission would just post a brief, 200word abstract on its website, announcing the increase. It was simply insulting.

Last year’s 8.4 per cent increase was a complete disaster, undermining consumer trust. Social media massacred the Commission due to its lack of compassion or sincerity. Many were left wondering how a Crown corporation could be so opaque and closed off to the public.

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LOCAL / NATIONAL

Saturday, November 5, 2022

Foreign students accuse Canada of exploiting them for ‘cheap labour’ Some foreign students are accusing the Canadian government of using them as a cheap source of labor and discarding them once they’re no longer needed.

Last year, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government allowed about 50,000 foreign students to stay for 18 months after graduation to seek employment, during a time when the economy was reopening from Covid shutdowns and companies needed to hire.

The government sold the permit extension as a way to “help more graduates fill pressing needs” in key sectors and allow them to gain the work experience needed to immigrate permanently. But a year and half later, some of these permanent-resident hopefuls were left without status to work or remain in the country.

“I’m basically sitting at home and living off of my savings and not knowing how long I’d have to do that,” Daniel D’Souza, an accountant and former student at Seneca College near Toronto, said in an interview.

“I regret choosing Canada as a country to immigrate to, to study and to live in. Canada should appreciate foreign students more,

not just use them as a form of cheap labor.”

Immigration Minister Sean Fraser’s department said it’s considering ways to better support those who want to settle in the country permanently. The government “recognizes the tremendous social, cultural and economic benefits” that foreign students bring, spokesperson Jeffrey MacDonald said in an emailed statement.

Like many graduates who were part of the 2021 program, D’Souza’s career is now paused and his future uncertain. These former students -- many from India and the Philippines -- had to leave their jobs when their work permits expired with no guarantee they’ll gain permanent residency.

Even if their applications are eventually successful, they face months in limbo with no job, income, or health and social benefits.

“When they needed us, they exploited us. But when we need their help or support, nobody shows up,” said Anshdeep Bindra, a former consultant at Ernst & Young in Toronto. “We pay fees and taxes and aren’t getting anything in return.

Several injured, one seriously, as hundreds attend Halloween mayhem in Delta One teenager is recovering from burns and several others, including two police officers, were hurt during Halloween night mayhem in Delta, B.C.. A statement from Delta police says as many as 400 people gathered at South Delta Secondary School and a neighbouring park in what they describe as a “deliberate attempt to damage property, cause disruption, and impact public safety.” The statement says several assaults occurred over the four hour disturbance and fireworks were deliberately aimed at

youth, bystanders and first responders.

The injured teen suffered burns to her arm and shoulder when her jacket was set ablaze, the two officers received minor injuries and firefighters had to douse several bush and dumpster fires.

Police are working with the Delta School District and City of Delta to investigate and identify participants, including the person who aimed the firework at the injured girl.

Officers are urging anyone with video of the disturbance to send it to investigators.

BC will spend $8,800 per person on health care in 2022: Report Health care spending is expected to grow again in 2022, but not like the double-digit growth seen during the COVID-19 years . Health care spending in B.C. is expected to grow 3.4 per cent in 2022, a significant drop from double-digit growth during the height of COVID-19, according to the Canadian Institute for Health Information.

Nationally, the unprecedented rise in health care costs due to COVID is expected to slow as the pandemic threat recedes. In 2020, health care spending jumped by 13 per cent followed by a 7.6 per cent increase in 2021. This year, growth in spending is projected to slow to 0.8 per cent. Before the pandemic, growth

averaged about four per cent annually.

B.C.’s projected growth rate of 3.4 per cent is higher than the national average.

Chris Kuchciak, manager of health expenditures at CIHI, said variations across provinces are normal as many factors including delivery of care, compensation of the workforce, demographics and COVID responses varied between provinces and territories.

But B.C. mirrors the overall trend of a dramatic decrease in spending this year compared with the previous years. In 2020, health care spending in B.C. rose by 11 per cent, then increased by 10 per cent in 2021.

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Vancouver officers who shot and killed armed suspect testify they had ‘no other option’ Two officers who fired shots that wounded and then killed Peter Rintoul at an East Vancouver Canadian Tire six years ago have testified that they believed he was an immediate threat to their lives.

Constables Gary Li and Josh Wong were among four Vancouver police officers who gave their evidence Wednesday at the coroners’ inquest into the shooting of 38-year-old Rintoul, who was killed Nov. 10, 2016 in the parking lot of the store at Grandview Highway and Bentall Street.

The coroners’ jury heard earlier in the day that in the minutes before Rintoul died, he had attempted to rob the store’s gun section, slashed a store employee

with a knife, taken an elderly customer hostage and then stabbed a police officer.

Li, who fired at Rintoul four times, testified that he had no choice but to shoot.

“I believed that he was going to attack me or kill me or attack others behind me. …

There was no other option,” the officer said.

Li and his partner were the first officers on the scene, and he described a chaotic struggle with Rintoul in the store’s parking lot.

He told the jury that Rintoul used bear spray on him and Const. Justin Fraser immediately after they arrived. In response, Li deployed his Taser, bringing Rintoul to the ground, where the two officers tried to wrestle him into control.

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Saturday, November 5, 2022

VPD releases top 10 most wanted from PNE riot The Vancouver Police Department has issued a “Breakout Riot Top 10” list of people wanted for their actions during a chaotic disturbance at the PNE on Sept. 19. Angry concertgoers trashed the PNE amphitheatre after Lil Baby, the headliner of the Breakout music festival, cancelled his performance.

Damages exceeded $300,000 and seven people were arrested that night.

The police have combed t h r o u g h social media and cellphone footage to come up with 10 more men who allegedly did some of the damage. The VPD has posted photos of the 10 on its website at https://vpd.ca/top-10/.

Police put out a public request for images of the Breakout riot after the incident. At a media conference Tuesday, VPD Insp. Dale Weidman of the Major Crime Section said “we had well over 40 submissions” which helped to gather evidence.

The VPD is calling for people who know any of the rioters to contact the police. “We believe that these people will be known,” said Weidman. “They’ll be neighbours, they’ll be classmates, friends, ex-friends, ex-boyfriends and whatnot. We’re confident that people know who these people are.”

There is a form on the Vancouver police website where people can fill out information, and Weidman said “they can be anonymous if that’s what they wish to do.”

“We’re not naïve. We appreciate there are people who don’t want to turn their friend or boyfriend in, whatever their relationship would be,” he said.

“Sometimes doing the right thing is hard, we know that, but it’s an important thing to do.”Each person in the Top 10 is a young man, and looks to be in their late teens or early 20s. Some of the images are clear, others are a bit blurry.

Snowfall warnings issued for BC highways, Interior & North Environment Canada has issued snowfall warnings for much of B.C.’s Interior and Northern region as an atmospheric river is expected to bring up to 30 centimetres of snow in some places.

Flurries are expected to hit around noon on Thursday, lasting until Friday morning. As temperatures warm on Friday, that snow will likely become rainfall.

Drivers planning to take Highway 97, Highway 3 and the Coquihalla Highway on Thursday are being asked to plan ahead, as visibility will be limited due to blowing snow and weather could change suddenly.

Environment Canada says rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult.

Next atmospheric river on its way to B.C., bringing heavy rain

and hope to drought-stricken areas Anyone planning to travel on Thursday is advised to check DriveBC, the province’s online transportation tool, for information about their route.

The Okanagan Valley, StuartNechako, Prince George, Cariboo and 100 Mile areas can expect about 15 to 20 centimetres of snow, but the weather agency says up to 30 centimetres could fall in the Cariboo Mountains.

Gusting winds of up to 60 km/h, blowing around fresh snow in some areas, will cause reduced visibility, Environment Canada says.

Williston and the B.C. Peace River region will likely get a bit of a break, with 10

Oil companies report record-breaking profits as Canadians struggle just to get by From page 1

The number nearly doubled from last year’s US$6.1 billion. All three quarters of this year combined brought Chevron’s profits to US$29.1 billion, compared to US$10.5 billion last year.

If those numbers sound bonkers, wait until you hear about ExxonMobil.

The gas company made US$19.7 billion in the last quarter alone — a US$1.8 billion rise from the second quarter of 2022 and an extra US$13 billion compared to Q3 of 2021.

“Our strong third-quarter results reflect the hard work of our people to invest in

and build businesses critical to meeting the demand we see today,” said ExxonMobil Chairperson and CEO Darren Woods.

“We all understand how important our role is in producing the energy and products the world needs, and third-quarter results reflect our commitment to that objective.”

But buyers worry that the third-quarter results Woods is referring to also reflect something else — immense corporate greed.

Just yesterday, gas prices in Metro Vancouver once again peaked over $2 per litre for regular, just days after a drop was predicted.

Judge rejects bid by Fairy Creek protesters for hearing on alleged RCMP misconduct A judge has dismissed a bid by more than 100 Fairy Creek old-growth logging protesters for a joint hearing on alleged RCMP misconduct. Since about May 2021 more than 1,200 people protesting old-growth logging have been arrested at the Vancouver Island protest site with the Crown charging 400 of the protesters with criminal contempt of court for violating a court injunction banning blockades.

To date, about 100 of the people charged with criminal contempt have had their matters dealt with in court, primarily by guilty pleas. Most of those individuals received non-custodial sentences with a small minority getting jail time.

Another 121 of the protesters who have not yet gone to trial applied in court for permission to have a joint hearing at which they would be entitled to argue for a stay-of-proceedings on the grounds that the RCMP engaged in

an abuse-of-process when they enforced the injunction. In September 2021, a judge found that the court’s reputation had been “depreciated” by the manner in which the police carried out the arrests.

B.C. Supreme Court Justice Douglas Thompson referred to disquieting lapses in reasonable crowd control, unnecessary force used to subdue protesters and the establishment of unlawfully expansive exclusion zones and checkpoints. On the basis of his findings, the judge declined to renew or extend the court injunction but, on appeal, the B.C. Court of Appeal overturned the ruling and the injunction was extended.

The province’s highest court focused on what it considered to be the concerted, organized, well-funded and aggressively illegal conduct of the protesters and said it was an error of the judge to conclude the court’s reputation could be tarnished by the conduct of police.

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Saturday, November 5, 2022 From page 1 Vaccine-doubting South Asian doctor ordered to pay $1 million

in legal costs

Toronto, to pay the defendants as much as $1.1 million in legal costs after her lawsuit was struck down earlier this year as a potential curb on important public debate.

Part of the costs were assigned to a fellow plaintiff, Dr. Ashvinder Kaur Lambda, who sued only two of the 23 defendants, but Gill is on the hook for the bulk of the hefty award.

Justice Elizabeth Stewart said the cost sum was appropriate, noting that the damages sought by the two physicians in their suit was “a considerable sum by any calculation and of understandably great concern” to the people they sued.

“Although the individual … plaintiffs are not substantial corporations or institutions,

they are educated persons who were represented by counsel throughout,” she added. Jeff Saikaley, Gill’s lawyer, said neither he nor his client would comment as she is appealing both this week’s decision on costs, and the ruling in February that dismissed the lawsuit.

Meanwhile, the doctor faces more legal trouble at Ontario’s College of Physicians and Surgeons. After cautioning Gill last year over some of her COVID statements, the regulator ordered her earlier this month to appear on similar charges before a discipline tribunal, a sort of trial where a guilty verdict could

Defence presenting case in former Surrey Mayor McCallum’s public mischief trial Surrey mayor is charged with one count of public mischief, stemming from an encounter on Sept. 4, 2021 between himself and a group of volunteers that was gathering petition signatures outside the South Point Save-OnFoods store in South Surrey for a referendum on the policing transition. He is accused of misleading police. The first of two expert witnesses the defence called Wednesday was Dennis Chimich, a biomechanical engineer and expert in injury causation.

Chimich told the court Johnstone’s Mustang was moving slowly through the parking lot and he determined there was a mass of 413 kilograms over her right rear wheel. He submitted a report on the matter on Oct. 17, 2022, the court heard.

Chimich testified the vehicle “rolled over” his foot while McCallum was “relatively” standing still and that feet can be run over by vehicle tires resulting in no fractures.

“Bone injuries are not to be expected at low speed,” he said. The absense of fractures in McCallum’s case “does not mean that his foot was not run over.”

Canadian govt wants to welcome 500,000 immigrants per year jobs in the Canadian labour market.

From 2016 to 2021, immigrants accounted for four-fifths of Canada’s labour force growth. A large share of recent immigrants were selected for their ability to contribute to Canada’s economy.

More than half of recent immigrants — 748,120 of the 1.3 million admitted to Canada between 2016 and 2021 — entered Canada under the economic category.

The labour shortage The Business Council of Canada (BCC) welcomed the federal government’s announcement, saying that employers across the country are struggling to fill jobs.

The BCC said in a media statement that it wants to see the number of immigrants admitted under the economic category increase from just over half to 65 per cent of the total.

“Every job that is not filled represents one less person contributing to Canada’s economic growth and one less person paying taxes to support Canada’s social infrastructure,” said BCC president and CEO Goldy Hyder in a media statement.

A hiring sign in a business window.

A hiring sign in a business window in Ottawa on July 12, 2022. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press)

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LOCAL / NATIONAL

Saturday, November 5, 2022

Surrey teachers call for more staff, specialists to deal with ‘impossible workload’ Teachers in Surrey, BC are calling on the local school district, federal politicians and school administrators to help recruit more subject teachers to improve classroom working conditions and provide student services.

The BC Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) on Monday struck a tentative contract agreement that offers significant salary increases and other important benefits.

But the president of the Surrey Teachers’ Association says the new agreement is not enough to address the “impossible workload” teachers are currently facing, particularly when it comes to providing services to students with behavioral problems.

“When subject teachers are absent and programs and services cannot be maintained, there are more opportunities for students to become dysregulated,” Jatinder Bir said in a written statement Monday.

The Surrey School District has more than 78,000 students and 13,000 staff and is the largest and fastest growing district in BC Bir said teachers have made emergency calls to the union over overcrowded classrooms and downtime because there are not enough staff or specialists such as school counselors, psychologists and speech therapists. Some teachers have taken early retirement, others have taken medical leave.

“New and experienced teachers are looking for opportunities to leave the profession.”

Specialists are not immediately replaced Lizanne Foster, first vice-president of the Surrey Teachers’ Association, says subject teachers will not be replaced from the first day of their absence and some staff will not be replaced until the new school year.

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LOCAL / NATIONAL

Saturday, November 5, 2022

Dozens of recommendations in overdose and drug toxicity report by B.C. MLAs An all-party committee at British Columbia’s legislature has released a report on drug toxicity and overdose deaths that calls for dozens of urgent steps from the province to address the deadly crisis.

The more than three dozen recommendations include ensuring continuity of care for at-risk people, expanding a take-home naloxone program, and engaging with healthcare providers to reduce barriers in prescribing a safe supply of drugs.

The report also seeks a “substantial increase” in funding for recovery and detox programs, while recommending overdose and mental health calls be redirected from police to more specialized responders whenever possible.

The committee says since beginning work

in April, it heard stories of “agony, frustration and hope” from almost 1,000 oral and written submissions, and that the crisis represents a “staggering loss.” The report notes several organizations and individuals, including provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, believed the government could “scale-up” its response to the heartbreaking emergency.

The committee was formed months after Green party leader Sonia Furstenau called for a deeper dive into the devastating overdose crisis. It took almost a year before Premier John Horgan agreed to that request. Now, as a final report is being made public, Furstenau called the recommendations “timid.”

Furstenau told reporters bolder action around providing safer supply should’ve topped the list of recommendations, in order to save lives.

Fireworks, noise complaints reported to police in Surrey and White Rock on Halloween It was a relatively quiet Halloween in Surrey and White Rock Monday night, with no serious incidents reported to either police department.

Halloween night is a typically a busy time for police officers, and patrols are increased accordingly. However, this year did not bring in anything too spooky or unsettling in either city.

According to Surrey RCMP reports, officers responded to more than 400 calls in the city from 5:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.

There were 277 calls to 911 in Surrey, with 233 of them being classified as routine. Of the 400-plus calls, 80 were diverted to Surrey bylaw.

Some of the calls to Surrey detachment were about family disputes that “required multiple members to respond,” Sangha said. Others were about missing people,

fireworks and general noise complaints.

Lastyear’sHalloweensawofficersfromSurrey respond to 363 calls and divert 268 to bylaw.

Where this year saw zero, last year there were six files related to fire and property damage in the city caused by fireworks.

Things were even quieter in White Rock.

“There were two incidents of individuals breaking into construction sites that were foiled by real-time site surveillance,” Staff Sgt. Kale Pauls told PAN. Police were successful in arresting a repeat property offender with a warrant on Monday night also. One impaired driver was stopped in White Rock.

Other “steady calls” to White Rock RCMP included the expected calls about fireworks, in addition to some wellness checks and a few calls regarding suspicious people

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NDP’s Diwali celebrations in Surrey

Surrey-Delta MLAs, led by NDP caucus chair Jagrup Brar (second from right ) light diyas to celebrate Diwali at joint celebrations in Surrey last Saturday.

Bank of Canada sets out path for regulating digital payment providers The Bank of Canada on Wednesday said it would take a flexible, risk-based approach in its nascent role as a digital payment regulator, aiming to ensure confidence in the safety and reliability of the fastgrowing electronic payment segment.

The central bank became the regulator for payment service providers (PSPs) like card networks, digital wallets and money transfer services under Canadian law last year. It is now working with the federal government on setting out how that supervision will work. “We’re not going to use a blanket supervisory approach to the task at hand,” Rob Morrow, Bank of Canada’s executive director of Retail Payments Supervision, said in a prepared

3211 - 152 st., Unit 205, Surrey, BC, V3S 3M1

speech. “We will take a risk-based approach that will focus on end-user impacts and the efficiency of payment services.”

The level of regulatory oversight will be guided by how much risk a given PSP brings to consumers and the payment ecosystem, said Morrow, speaking at an event in Toronto.

The Bank of Canada estimates more than 2,500 entities will fall under its supervision once the rules come into force. PSPs include big names like Block Inc’s (SQ.N) Square payment system and privately held Stripe Inc. All domestic and foreign PSPs that operate in Canada will be required to register with the central bank, likely starting in 2024, said Morrow, adding that timing will ultimately come down to the federal government.

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Saturday, November 5, 2022

Canada ran a $90.2 billion deficit last year The final figures are in, and Canada ran a $90.2 billion deficit for the 2021/2022 fiscal year. While it’s smaller than what anyone was projecting — and much smaller than the bankbreaking deficits Canada posted at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic — it’s still one of the largest peacetime budget deficits in Canadian history. The $90.2 billion was contained in the latest edition of the Public Accounts of Canada, the final version of which was just tabled to the House of Commons last week.

From April 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022, the Government of Canada took in $413.3 billion in revenue and spent $493.3 billion. This worked out to a total shortfall of $90,212,000,000.

The deficit is equivalent to $2.373.68 per Canadian. Put another way, the federal government accumulated $171,613.39 of new debt for every single minute of the 2021/2022

fiscal year. It also means that Canada’s total debt now stands well north of $1 trillion. As of March 31, the Government of Canada had an “accumulated deficit” of $1.13 trillion.

For context, on the eve of the COVID-19 pandemic, total federal debt was at about $765 billion. When the current Liberal government was first elected in 2015, it stood at about $616 billion.

This ever-increasing debt is one of the reasons why public debt charges are now one of the largest single line items in the federal budget. For 2021/2022, it cost Canada $24.5 billion just to pay the interest on its federal debt — a figure that is expected to grow considerably as interest rates as expected to continue their climb from the rock-bottom figures that have dominated for much of the last decade.

BC Ferries to transition Metro Vancouver-based ships to partial biodiesel next year BC Ferries has announced it is in the process of transitioning all of its vessels based in Metro Vancouver that currently use conventional diesel fuel to a comparatively greener fuel called B20.

B20 is a fuel mix that contains at least 20% biodiesel, which is made from vegetable oils or animal fats. It is a clean burning diesel replacement compared to traditional diesel fuels made from the conventional fossil fuel manufacturing process.

The Queen of Oak Bay, a 41-year-old vessel, first switched to B20 in October 2021. This fuel source is a step up from BC Ferries’ existing practice of running its fleet on ultra-low sulphur diesel containing B5 or at least 5% biodiesel.

According to BC Ferries, they have not seen any difference in the operation of the machineries and propulsion system of the Queen of Oak Bay from its use of B20.

B20 is the greenest biodiesel fuel used to date. BC Ferries is hoping to further test the limits by exploring opportunities to increase the biodiesel content to 100% or B100.

Additionally, the ferry corporation has also been testing renewable diesel on the Queen of Surrey. While it comes from a similar feedstock as biodiesel, it is chemically identical to conventional diesel and can be used in existing systems without any modifications. By using renewable diesel, greenhouse gas emissions are cut down by up to 75% compared to traditional diesel fuels.

B.C. government says family doctors will be paid $385K a year to help health crisis Family doctors in British Columbia are getting a significant raise under the province’s new compensation model as part of a plan to address the crisis in the health care system.

The provincial government says a full-time family doctor will be paid about $385,000 a year, up from the current $250,000, under the new three-year Physician Master Agreement reached with Doctors of BC last week.

The new salary is up from the current $250,000, under the new threeyear Physician Master Agreement reached with Doctors of BC last week Currently, family doctors are paid through a fee-for-service model and the government

says the new plan will also pay them for hours worked, the number and complexity of patients and administrative costs.

One if five B.C. residents don’t have a family doctor and the compensation model aims to recruit and retain more family doctors.

The new master agreement, which must be ratified by physicians, was developed between the Doctors of BC, the province and BC Family Doctors and will start in February next year.

In addition to pay increases, the government says the funds will also cover income disparities and new hourly premiums for after-hours services.

Conservatives to make the case for calling in the auditor general to probe ‘all aspects’ of ArriveCan app After failing to muster the necessary support from their Bloc Québécois and New Democrat colleagues to force through their non-binding calls for the government to drop its plan to “triple the carbon tax” — or remove it from home heating fuel and other necessities — the Conservatives will use their fourth designated supply day of the fall sitting to make the case for calling in the federal auditor general to investigate “all aspects” of

the much-criticized ArriveCAN vaccine screening app.

The motion, which stands in the name of Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, contends that the “cost of government is driving up the cost of living,” making it “more important than ever … to respect taxpayer dollars and eliminate wasteful spending.” It proposes that the auditor general “conduct a performance audit” that would include going through the fine print of “payments, contracts and sub-contracts” for the app.

Saturday, November 5, 2022

Over half of Greater Victoria’s population isn’t actually from BC: Statistics Canada Greater Victoria is more of a melting pot than some may have thought.

A recently released report by Statistics Canada based on a 2021 census shows that only 48.4% of Greater Victoria’s population is made up of people born in BC. People born in other provinces of Canada account for 28.7% of the population and people born in other countries make up 22.9%.

Ontario and Alberta have the highest number of transplants within Canada at 38,040 and 30,210 people respectively.

The next highest number of out of province born British Columbians belongs to Saskatchewan with 12,425.

Could it be the lack of

snow that brought them here?

For out of country originating residents, the United Kingdom has the highest population in Victoria with 16,560 residents, or 4.3% of our cumulative population.

Probably the reason there are so many fish ‘n chips restaurants in town.

According to Statistics Canada, Greater Victoria’s population was 397,237 based on a 2021 census, the average age in Victoria is 44-years-old and the median total income in 2020 for individuals was $45,600.

Some consider Victoria to be a retirement town, and for others it’s a college city. It turns out Victoria is entirely right down the middle on matters of average income and age.

Trustee-elect on Vancouver School Board deemed ‘ineligible individual’ by Canada Revenue Agency A man recently elected as a school trustee in Vancouver has a long history of problems with the Canada Revenue Agency related to his work as a director or executive at a number of different charities that have been sanctioned by the federal agency.

Most recently, The Headwaters Foundation, which lists Christopher Richardson as a director, had its charitable status revoked.

In its decision, the CRA wrote “it was found that the Foundation failed to devote resources to a charitable purpose, failed to meet its disbursement quota, and failed to file an information return as and when

required.”The agency questioned whether the foundation was involved in any charitable work at all. “It is our position that the Foundation was operated for the non-charitable purpose of facilitating a private tax planning arrangement, similar to the situation in Prescient Foundation v MNR where the court held that ‘these transactions amounted to participating in a tax planning arrangement for the private benefit of others and, as such, were not entered into for charitable purposes,’” the CRA said.

The CRA also noted Richardson was previously listed as a director of a charity called Theanon Foundation, which had its registration revoked in February 2018.

Obituary Muneshwar (Munna) Prasad With sadness in our hearts, we A founding member of Fiji Canada announce the passing of Muneshwar Association, he was recently awarded (Munna) Prasad, a loving husband, an honourary lifetime membership. father, grandfather, son, and brother. This year, the Federal Government Munna passed peacefully on October presented Munna with the Queen’s 27, 2022 at the age of 82. Munna is Platinum Jubilee Pin for his lifetime survived by his beloved wife Peggy, of service to his community. He his daughters Donella and Sonia, served on the board of the PNE, the his grandsons Colton and Erik, board of Sunset Community Centre, his brother Suresh (Suzanne), and the Medical Appeals Board, and his sister Anita; he is predeceased several others. by his sister Amla After retiring and his parents as a Trial Ram and Savitri.

C oordinator Munna was born and Justice on August 1, 1940 of the Peace, in Suva, Fiji. In his he went on to younger years he was spread joy to a devoted Boy Scout many families and earned the Duke as a marriage of Edinburgh award, commissioner. which was presented Munna was

by Prince Philip. a rock for all In Fiji he started members of out working at the his family, law courts, a career always there he would continue in Canada. for those he loved, especially his Munna made the most of wife and daughters. Papa-DaddyIsland life. He could be found Munna will be deeply missed. traveling the islands for work and Join us to celebrate his life at out on the town with his friends. Hamilton Harron Funeral Home on Ever the adventurer, in 1967 November 10th at 11:00 am. For those Munna emigrated to Vancouver unable to attend the funeral service, the where he settled and raised his family. family invites you to view by livestream A family man through and through, through the following link: https:// Munna sponsored his family to funeraweb.tv/diffusions/63229 move to Canada in the late 1960s.

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Surrey Board of Trade pushes for Pattullo Bridge expansion to be six lanes The Surrey Board of Trade is asking for the capacity of the Pattullo Bridge reconstruction to be increased to six lanes.

In a letter to Transportation Minister Rob Fleming, the board is asking the ministry why the bridge isn’t being expanded, saying that the need is there.

It adds the bridge needs to have six lanes, instead of the four lanes currently planned.

“Surrey, and the south Fraser economic region, have been compromised in the lack of transportation investments that we need. We are growing by 1,200 to

1,400 people a month. We need to have additional transportation infrastructure,” President and CEO Anita Huberman said.

Huberman says that because of the continued population growth, and limited transit options in the area, the bridge needs to be expanded and not just replaced.

“The Ministry has indicated that the bridge will not open with six lanes, and that four lanes will suffice for the time being,” Huberman said in a statment.

She says simply replacing the bridge is not the answer, as the population continues to rise.

Canadian government makes student loan repayment assistance plan more flexible The Canadian government on Tuesday announced enhancements to the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program’s repayment assistance plan, bringing more flexibility for student and apprentice loan borrowers.

As of Nov. 1, the zero-payment income threshold has increased by $15,000 to $40,000, up from $25,000, for single-person households. That means repayment will not be required until borrowers are earning at least $40,000 per year. The threshold will increase based on the size of the household.

Additionally, the cap on monthly affordable payments also decreased from 20 per cent to 10 per cent of a borrower’s household income, a move the government says is designed to ensure that no borrower has to pay

more than they can reasonably afford.

“Starting today, more graduates can focus on building their careers instead of worrying about student loans. This is so important. A strong, skilled workforce depends on affordable, accessible education, and this change will ensure more Canadians have more flexibility when paying for school” Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, said in a news release.

During the last federal election, the Liberal Party promised to increase the income threshold to $50,000 for single Canadians. Tuesday’s announcement falls short of that promise, but still represents a significant change for students.

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Community news South Asian Adults & Seniors Bingo on the House & In Person Yoga Classes at Shanti Niketan hall, Bingo on Nov. 6th 2022, In Person Yoga classes on 7th & 10th Nov. 2022 from 10.00 am to 11.15 am.

Pure Vegetarian lunch will be served in the dining hall to all seniors who attend Yoga on Thursdays.

------------------------------Live Certificates will be issued to all retirees from India on November 13th 2022 (Sunday) at Lakshmi Narayan Temple Surrey BC, 8321 - 140th street Surrey BC.

The officials from Consulate General of India Vancouver will be present to check the forms are correctly filled and sign it, they will be there from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. The Retirees are required to bring the original Passport, one photocopy of passport page with photograph and the details of Bank where the pension is being deposited. Pure vegetarian lunch will be served to everyone present there.

For more info call: 604 - 507 - 9945 for registration or further details.

72 Senior members flying on Nov. 17th 2022 to Istanbul (Turkey) & flying back to Vancouver on Dec. 1st 2022

Shashi Kapoor Shashi Kapoor was born as Balbir Raj Kapoor to Prithviraj Kapoor in Calcutta, on March 18, 1938. He was youngest brother of Raj Kapoor and Shammi Kapoor.

Shashi got an opportunity to work as an assistant director in the film Post Box 999, the debut film of Sunil Dutt, and worked as an assistant director to Ravindra Dave in Guest House (1959), which was followed by movies such as Dulha Dulhan and Shriman Satyawadi, where Raj Kapoor was the lead hero.

Shashi Kapoor made his debut as a leading man in the 1961 film Dharmputra and went on to appear in 116 Hindi films, including 61 films as the solo lead hero and 55 multi star-cast films, 21 films as supporting actor and special appearances in 7 films. He was very popular actor in Bollywood

during the 60s, 70s and until the mid-80s. Since 1961, he started acting in English films, which include The Householder and ShakespeareWallah. He was one of first actors to go international fame.

Actress Nanda, who was an established star at her time, citation needed signed 8 Hindi films with Shashi Kapoor, as she believed that he could deliver good performances.

Their first two films as a pair were the critically acclaimed romantic film Char Diwari (1961) and Mehndi Lagi Mere Haath (1962).

In the 1960s, Kapoor acted in several romantic films opposite Nanda, including Mohabbat Isko Kahete Hain (1965), Jab Jab Phool Khile (1965), Neend Hamari Khwab Tumhare (1966), Raja Saab (1969) and Rootha Na Karo (1970).[5] In an interview in the 1990s, Kapoor declared that Nanda was his favorite actress and that he regarded her as one of his mentors.

Disha Patani keeps her step forward

Disha Patani’s style game is always on point. The actor never fails to impress with her sartorial choices — no matter what the occasion is, and what outfit she chooses to wear. From flowy gowns, and bodycon dresses, to traditional wear, the Malang actor can effortlessly carry it all. So, if you are also a fan of her impeccable choices, we’ve got you covered with some of her best style moments.

First up is Disha acing the all-black look in a satin dress that featured a sweetheart-halter neckline and high thigh slit. Needless to say, the actor was a sight to behold as she carried off the look with oodles of elegance and confidence. Disha channelled her inner diva as she completed the look with short

curled hairstyle, and accessorised it with black stilettoes and a silver handbag that added an element of bling. Not to miss, the red vibrant lip shade and a set of emerald-

coloured earrings added the perfect finishing touches along with her contoured face and black eyeliner. Prior to this, Disha was seen in a strapless red body-fit gown during the promotions of her film, Ek Villain Returns.

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Saturday, November 5, 2022

Much-awaited teaser of ‘Pathaan’ released Shah Rukh Khan fans and also the industry and trade, at large, heaved sigh of relief as much-awaited teaser of ‘Pathaan’ finally dropped on November 2 by Yash Raj Films (YRF).

The date was chosen as it was the 57th birthday of lead actor Shah Rukh Khan.

As expected, the teaser broke the internet as it promised that it’ll be a slick entertainer. What has also upped the excitement is that it is a part of the spy universe of YRF. Hence, Salman Khan will have a cameo in the film, wherein he’ll reprise his role as Tiger. Interestingly, Kabir, the character played by Hrithik Roshan in War (2019), is also said to be a part of this universe.

Meanwhile, a dialogue in the teaser of Pathaan has given rise to an interesting

fan theory and a possible and direct connection of this film with that of War. In War, Kabir in a scene tells his boss Colonel Sunil Luthra (Ashutosh Rana) that Khalid’s (Tiger Shroff) father Major Abdur Rehmani had become a traitor and had killed his ‘buddy’ and ‘partner’.

On the other hand, the o p e n i n g dialogues of Pathaan indicate that the lead c h a r a c t e r, played by Shah Rukh Khan, was presumed dead. This has led several netizens to speculate that the buddy and partner Kabir referred to was none other than Pathaan. Besides superstar Shah Rukh Khan, Pathaan also starring Deepika Padukone and John Abraham. The film will be released for cinemas on January 23, 2023.

What Katrina says about SRK? Katrina Kaif, who will next be seen in Phone Bhoot, recently opened up about Shah Rukh Khan.

Katrina said that Shah Rukh is “incredibly intelligent” and “knowledgeable”.

In an interview with Pinkvilla, the actor said about SRK, “Always informative. Like always knowledgeable.

I don’t know if that’s correct grammar but he is always knowledgeable.

Talking to him is like intellectual. We will always leave knowing more. He is incredibly intelligent.”

Also Read |Exclusive | Atul Kulkarni on Laal Singh Chaddha, Aamir Khan’s performance and film’s messaging: ‘Disruptions due to religion in India needed to be addressed’ Katrina Kaif was last seen with Shah Rukh Khan in the film Zero. Although the movie

was a debacle, Katrina’s portrayal of Babita Kumari was lauded by the audience. On working again with Shah Rukh, the actor had said that she is waiting for the right script. Katrina had said in interview with India Today, “He is a fantastic actor and if there is a right script, then why not.” Shah Rukh and Katrina share a special bond and the duo has maintained a cordial relationship over the years. SRK even welcomed Katrina on Instagram and dedicated a post for her. Shah Rukh Khan will make a comeback to movies after a gap of four years. The actor’s jaw-dropping looks from the movie Pathaan have already created a buzz on the internet. Apart from Pathaan, the actor has Dunki and Jawan in the pipeline.

A Bollywood song has become a zero-COVID protest anthem on Chinese TikTok In the videos, Chinese social media users dance with empty bowls to “Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy Aaja,” a song that featured the lead character of the movie, Jimmy, played

by Bollywood star Mithun Chakraborty.

When transliterated into Mandarin, the chorus’ lyrics sounds like “jie mi” or “borrow rice” — a reference to residents being barred from leaving their homes to buy food during the strict COVID lockdowns. sUsers interpreted the sound of the Hindi lyrics as: “Can I borrow rice? Which home has any? My home doesn’t have rice. Does your home have rice? Take less, you don’t need a lot.” It appears that the

videos on Douyin — China’s version of TikTok — originally evaded censorship, but online monitors began removing uploads after the trend became more popular, according to The Hindustan Times.

Xi Jinping has vowed to continue imposing lockdowns nationwide despite growing anger and frustration from residents. In Zhengzhou this weekend, video captured employees at a Foxconn factory escaping the facility after authorities appeared to have ordered workers to quarantine in place. Officials also suddenly closed down Shanghai’s Disneyland, prohibiting visitors from leaving until they produced a negative COVID test.

Dharmendra still young at heart Dharmendra, Dharam Singh the act of this actor.

Deol, for him, it can be said that Cycling, wearing ‘Age is just a number’. The fitness tracksuit and and vivacity of Bollywood’s a cap, Dharmendra Veteran actor remains intact has reminded the fans even at this young age of 86. of the past movies Dharam pa ji is still young at such as Sholay. The heart. Dharmendra takes care caption with the video of his health and he is very read ‘Cycling, cycling, active at social media as well. cycling and grinding He does not let his fans miss mill…and grinding… any chance to get entertained. and grinding.. haha’.

By sharing the news on social Seeing Dharmendra media, Dharmendra fulfilled the doing workouts as well as proverb of ‘Ek Panth Do Kaaj’. grinding wheat, the fans The video of Dharam Pa ji once again came down shared on Instagram in which in praise of him. One wrote ’86 years old young He is seen cycling and grinding wheat at boy… Yeh hai garam dharam’ and the other wrote the same time. The fans are once stunned by ‘You are very down to earth’. May God give you a

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Saturday, November 5, 2022

Burnaby housing prices continuing to drop, report says Burnaby’s housing prices are continuing to fall as interest rates are still on the rise.

According to the Real Estate of Greater Vancouver’s October report, residential housing sales in the region were 1,903 last month which equated to a 45.5 per cent decrease compared to October of 2021 when 3,494 homes were sold.

However, last month’s numbers were a 12.8 per cent increase compared to the 1,687 homes sold in September this year.

“Inflation and rising interest rates continue to dominate headlines, leading many buyers and sellers to assess how these factors impact their housing options,” REBGV’s director of economics and data analysis said in a news release.

“With sales remaining near historic lows, the number of active listings continues to inch upward, causing home prices to recede from the record highs set in the spring of 2022.”

As of last month, Burnaby East saw

a benchmark price of $1,125,900 (+1.1 per cent compared to September of this year) for residental/composite homes.

Burnaby North recorded a benchmark price of $994,400 (-0.3 per cent compared to September of this year) while Burnaby South had a benchmark price of $1,064,300 (-0.3 per cent compared to September of this year).

Burnaby North saw a benchmark price of $1,946,300 in October (-0.6 per cent compared to September of this year) for single-family detached homes.

Burnaby South was over two million at $2,067,300 (-0.6 per cent compared to September of this year) and Burnaby East’s benchpark price was $1,826,700 (+2.3 per cent compared to September of this year).

Townhomes also saw drops in all three Burnaby regions with Burnaby South at a benchmark price of $942,300 (-1.3 per cent compared to September of this year).

Homeowners are locked in by their low mortgage rate Homebuyers who were able to buy over the past years or owners who locked in dramatically low mortgage rates by refinancing are not selling as those same rates climb.

“That’s going to continue likely for the rest of this year, as affordability challenges really reign [over] buyers’ budgets and sellers’ decisions on whether or not to list their homes,” Zillow Economist Nicole Bachaud told Yahoo Finance Live (video above).

The housing market is in the midst of a major shift as the Federal Reserve continues to hike its benchmark interest rate to tame inflation. The Federal Reserve’s actions don’t move mortgage rates directly, but these rates tend to move in lockstep with the 10-year treasury yield.

The central bank’s swift moves has pushed the 30-year fixed mortgage rate over 7%, according to Freddie Mac, crushing demand as housing affordability sinks to its worst level in over three decades.

Higher rates continue to be a burden for first-time homebuyers as they pay significantly more to get a mortgage on a

median-priced home. The rapid ascent in demand has driven home sales for new singlefamily homes to a new low, the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Census Bureau reported Tuesday.

The slowdown in new home sales underscores how quickly both demand from buyers and sellers has withered following the pandemic-induced frenzy.

While prices are still up year over year, they’re slowing at a record pace.

The average sales price was $517,700, down from $521,800 reported in August, according to the Census Bureau. The number of existing homes for sale dwindled to an annualized pace of 4.71 million, data from the National Association of Realtors showed.

“Now that affordability has started to hit both buyers and sellers, we’re seeing a lot of existing homeowners locked into their current interest rates,” Bachaud said.

BUCKINGHAM, PA - AUGUST 24: An unfinished home sits on a lot at the Windsor Square development August 24, 2006 in Buckingham, Pennsylvania.

New home sales dropped 4.3 percent

Vancouver home sales down 46% from last year, 13% from September: board The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver says home sales continued to plunge in October, falling 45.5 per cent from the year before and 12.8 per cent from September.

Last month sales totalled 1,903 and were 33.3 per cent below the 10-year October sales average.

The board attributed the slowdown’s continuation to inflation and rising interest rates, which have led many buyers and sellers to reassess purchasing or listing a home.

But as sales remain near historic lows, the board says the number of listings is on the rise, causing home prices to recede from the record highs reached in the spring of 2022.

The composite benchmark price for

Metro Vancouver sat at $1,148,900, up 2.1 per cent from October 2021, but down 0.6 per cent from September and 9.2 per cent over the last six months.

There were 4,033 new listings in the market last month, a 0.4 per cent decrease from October 2021 and a 4.6 per cent drop from September 2022.

“Recent years have been characterized by a frenetic pace of sales amplified by scarce listings on the market to choose from,” said Andrew Lis, the board’s director of economics and data analytics, in a written statement.

“Today’s market cycle is a marked departure, with a slower pace of sales and more selection to choose from.”

How Canada’s new immigration targets will help housing recover — and push prices higher long-term Canada’s new immigration targets will bring in 465,000 new permanent residents next year, 485,000 in 2024 and 500,000 in 2025. Economists say that will help us build more houses and recover from the current slump.

But Canada’s already strained housing stock will struggle to keep pace with swelling demand., which will see Canada welcome 465,000 new permanent residents next year, 485,000 in 2024 and 500,000 in 2025.

A revamped skilled-immigration system will help target candidates with

the required skills and qualifications in sectors facing acute labour shortages — such as health care, manufacturing, building trades and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math).

Ricardo Tranjan, senior researcher at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, agreed that immigration is necessary to generate economic growth, which can be done by building more homes.Often,But in the near term, the housing market is still absorbing the Bank of Canada’s rapid interest rate hikes.

Saturday, November 5, 2022

Real Estate

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2-storey rental housing building proposed near West Pender & Richards in downtown A mid-block site on the south side of West Pender Street between Homer and Richards streets in downtown Vancouver could become a 12-storey mixed-use building with rental housing. A new rezoning application has been submitted for 430-440 West Pender Street, which is currently occupied by lowstorey structures built in 1909 and 1913.

A new 115-ft-tall building will rise from the site while retaining and preserving the heritage facades, including the Tiedemann Block, which is under the Vancouver Heritage Registrar’s Class B designation.

The design is by local firm Architectural Collective. There will be a total of 80 secured purpose-built market rental homes, with a size mix of 60 studio and 20 two-bedroom units. Indoor and outdoor amenities for residents will be situated on the top floor, including a 1,300 sq ft artist studio.

passenger parking stall and two car share stalls in the laneway. A single underground level and a portion of the rear of the first level will be used for 159 secured bike parking spaces and resident storage.

This project is wedged by two Onni Group development sites — 424 West Pender Street immediately to the east and 510 West Pender Street on the former parking lot at the corner with Richards Street.

Both Onni projects began construction

On the ground level, two retail/restaurant units will carry a combined total of about 2,000 sq ft of commercial space. The total floor area will reach 51,200 sq ft, establishing a floor area ratio density of a floor area that is 8.2 times larger than the size of the 6,240 sq ft lot.

Due to the small and narrow lot size and the need to incorporate heritage retention, there will be zero vehicle parking provided — apart from one

earlier this year, entailing a pair of 11-storey buildings with a combined total of about 140 secured market rental homes above ground-level retail/restaurant uses.

All three market rental housing projects are immediately adjacent to social/ supportive housing buildings, including Hotel Canada to the southwest behind the laneway, and Central City Lodge, Atira’s Hutchinson Block, and the former Ramada Hotel, which was converted into supportive housing from the provincial government’s acquisition during the pandemic.

In late 2021, the parkade and low-storey commercial structures at the southwest corner of the intersection of Richards and West Pender streets were acquired in a deal worth $56 million for their redevelopment potential.

First time in months, Greater Victoria real estate sales have gone up An increase in sales numbers has buoyed Greater Victoria’s real estate market as it weathers the current financial uncertainty.

For the first time since May, the number of month-over-month sales has increased, board president Karen Dinnie-Smyth said Tuesday as statistics for October were released.

Last month, real estate agents “felt that uptick happening,” she said.

There’s a bit more optimism in the market from buyers, she said.

“November, typically, we start to slow down going into December and Christmas. But certainly the momentum on the ground is there.”

October had more sales, with some homes selling through multiple offers, said DinnieSmyth, who added that buyers were trying

to get into the market before the next interest rate increase.

In all, 480 properties were sold last month — up 17 per cent from S e p t e m b e r, but 35.6 per cent below October 2021, when 745 properties changed hands.

Single-family home sales through the board increased to 230 in October from 221

in September. They were, however, down from 339 in October 2021.Condominium sales climbed to 152 last month, from 126 in September. But they, too, were down from 249 year-overyear.The number of properties for sale was at 2,192 at the end of October. That’s a drop of 4.7 per cent from September, but more than double what was available in October 2021.

The benchmark price for a single-family home in the core was $1.341 million in October,

#106 - 7565 132 St. Surrey, BC 604.572.3005

down from September’s $1.364 million. In October of last year, it was $1.27 million.

The benchmark price for condominiums was $602,700 in October, down from September at $617,400. A year ago, the benchmark was at $524,500.

Looking forward, “prices will definitely be tied to interest rates,” Dinnie-Smyth said.

As far as the province’s new threeday right of rescission (which allows a buyer to cancel a contract) coming into effect in January, Dinnie-Smyth does not expect it to have an impact on the market.

Even though there are still multiple offers made on certain homes, the “vast majority” of offers come with subject-to clauses, which can be seven to 10 days.

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Saturday, November 5, 2022

India abstains on Russia-sponsored UNSC resolution involving Ukraine India has abstained on yet another resolution involving Ukraine, this time a motion sponsored by Russia at the UN Security Council (UNSC).

Only China voted with Russia on Wednesday on the resolution calling for an inquiry into what Moscow alleged was a joint bio-warfare programme run by the US and Ukraine in violation of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) All the 10 non-permanent members abstained and the only negative votes from the US, Britain and France did not amount to vetoes because the resolution automatically failed without getting the minimum of nine votes.

Explaining India’s abstention, Counsellor Asokan Amarnath cited the absence of “an effective, universal and nondiscriminatory verification mechanism” for implementing the provisions of the BWC. He told the Council that developing such a verification mechanism “is necessary to strengthen the BWC and its implementation”.

“We hope the current situation will provide an impetus for early consideration and negotiation of such a Protocol” for verification, he added.

India is one of the 184 signatories to the convention that bans the use, manufacture, distribution and stockpiling of biological weapons.

This was at least the 11th time India had abstained on a substantive resolution at the Security Council and the General Assembly involving Ukraine.

Amarnath emphasised the importance of the BWC’s Article X which gives nations the right to participate in research and share biological information, materials and equipment for peaceful purposes.

India “underlines that biological-related activities for peaceful purposes that are fully consistent with the Convention’s obligations should not be undermined”, he added.

The US has dismissed Russia’s allegations about the bioweapons programme saying that under its Cooperative Biological Threat Reduction programme it had only

assisted Ukraine in destroying any material left in that country by the Soviet Union when that country became independent.

Russia has claimed that biological weapons were being developed in Ukrainian

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Chennai’s second airport to be ready in 8 years to help TN achieve $1 trillion economy by 2030

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second airport for Chennai is necessary for Tamil Nadu to achieve its goal of becoming a $-1 trillion economy by 2030, said Thangam Tennarasu, the state’s minister for industries, investment, promotion and commerce.

He was speaking on Wednesday at a conference titled, “Greenfield Airport: Timely Initiative to Fast Track TN’s Growth” jointly organised by the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation Limited and the Madras Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

The aim is to also complete the second airport to come up in Parandhur, 70 km away from Chennai, by 2030.

“So when we speak of a $-1 trillion

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economy, we need to get $100 billion in exports and when we look at the infrastructure, we realise that in Tamil Nadu, specifically in Chennai, we need a new airport. This will be important for us to reach a $-1 trillion economy,” the minister said.

Chennai’s existing airport in Meenambakkam will coexist with the new airport to come up and operate simultaneously. “The existing airport (within the city) is not equipped to cater to our growing demands in the future so we certainly need a new greenfield airport which will take care of the future demands,” the minister said. He explained that the existing airport cannot be expanded as it has its own challenges of not having space and being surrounded by a river, hills,

In a few days, the Congress’s Bharat Jodo Yatra will enter the northern precincts of India where the grand-old party will face stiff resistance from the hegemonic Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Since its beginning around two months ago, the Yatra spearheaded by Rahul Gandhi has had a comfortable run in the southern states, garnering widespread support and welcome. But it may be a different ball game in the northern states where BJP has been a dominant force not just electorally but also ideologically.

However, the Congress workers feel that the Yatra has the potential to draw in even larger crowds than in the South, especially since these states are affected the most by Hindutva-driven social polarisation – a

phenomenon that the Yatra aims to counter.

A large number of party workers were initially unsure about the Yatra’s potential to benefit the Congress electorally. But over the past two months, many have come to believe that the long march will surely impact the current political environment significantly. “‘Where is the opposition?’ is a question that the Congress has been facing for a long time. The Yatra is an answer to that question – the Congress is on the road with a leader who wants to unify India,” says Anshul Trivedi, a Madhya Pradesh-based Congress worker who has been participating in the Yatra for over two months.

He felt that the Yatra may also benefit the party in Madhya Pradesh, where assembly polls are scheduled next year.

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40 down and counting: Forces on the verge of wiping out Pakistani terrorists in Valley Jammu and Kashmir Police has said that 40 foreign terrorists have been killed in the Kashmir region in 2022 so far. Most of these terrorists belonged to either Lashkar-e-Taiba or Jaish-e-Mohammad terror outfits. The director-general of Jammu and Kashmir Police said that most of the leadership of these terror outfits has been wiped out.

He also said that there has been an evident drop in the terror outfit recruitments in the Kashmir Valley. And there is a leadership crisis among these terror groups in the Valley.

“We have managed to destroy the structure of these terror outfits. Pakistan always wants foreign terrorists to hold command of outfits like Lashkar and Jaish.

But we have had successful operations this

year in which around 40 foreign Pakistani terrorists have been neutralised in various operations. Pakistan is still trying to infiltrate more terrorists into the region and some of these attempts have been successful and we are keeping an eye on that too and soon they will be dismantled too,” said J&K DGP Dilbagh Singh.

The DGP also said that since the winter is approaching, there would be more attempts by Pakistan to send across foreign terrorists into the Kashmir Valley.

“The terrorists from across the border will try to infiltrate before the winter and snowfall. But the counter-infiltration grid has been made stronger and no such attempt would be successful,” said the DGP.

No one has guts to attack India’: Union minister replies to question on China Praising the prime minister, Union minister of state for defence Ajay Bhatt said India has emerged as a leader in every sphere, including the water, land, and air, under the guidance of Narendra Modi.

Indian army officer Capt Soiba Maningba Rangnamei of 16 Bihar Regiment during the clash with Chinese soldiers in the Galwan valley, Ladakh in June 2020. (ANI) Union minister of state (MoS) for defence Ajay Bhatt on Wednesday said no one has the guts to cast an (evil) eye on India since the country is capable of giving an immediate response. Bhatt was responding to a query about China’s belligerence

in Ladakh, reported news agency PTI. “No one has guts to cast an (evil) eye on us because if anyone dares so, we are capable of giving an immediate response,” Bhatt told reporters after inaugurating the ‘Global Meet on Defence, Transportation and Energy’.

He, however, didn’t give a direct reply to the question on China, saying he was not authorised to speak on some issues.

Praising the prime minister, Bhatt said India has emerged as a leader in every sphere, including the water, land, and air, under the guidance of Narendra Modi.

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Russia is now India’s top oil supplier Russia has become India’s top oil supplier, edging past the traditionally dominant suppliers Saudi Arabia and Iraq, according to the energy cargo tracker Vortexa.

Russia supplied 946,000 barrels per day of crude to India in October, the highest ever in a month. It accounted for 22% of India’s total crude imports, ahead of Iraq’s 20.5% and Saudi Arabia’s 16%. Compared to September, overall crude import went up 5% in October and that from Russia rose 8%.

Russia has surpassed Saudi Arabia to become India’s second-largest oil supplier, as refiners buy up Russian crude oil offered at a great discount following the conflict in Ukraine, according to international media outlets on Tuesday.

Since the outbreak of the RussiaUkraine war, the world’s third largest oil importer India has taken a firm stance on its insistence on buying Russian oil despite the EU ban as Russia is selling its oil with almost 30% discount.

According to a detailed tracker of Russian oil, gas and coal shipments and pipeline exports by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), India became a significant importer of Russian crude oil, buying 18% of the country’s exports.

Indian refineries have become key importers of Russian crude oil, with India accounting for a growing share of Russia’s overall crude exports. It increased from roughly 1% prior to the invasion to 18% in May.

Reserve Bank of India introduces first project about digital Rupee India’s first Digital Rupee pilot project commences. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will launch the pilot for central-bank-backed digital rupee for the wholesale segment today, November 1. “...the first pilot in the Digital Rupee - Wholesale segment shall commence on November 1, 2022,” the RBI said in a statement on ‘Operationalisation of Central Bank Digital Currency-Wholesale (e ₹-W) Pilot’. It also announced that the first pilot in Digital Rupee - Retail segment is planned for launch within a month in select locations in closed user groups comprising customers and merchants. 9 banks identified for participation in digital rupee’s wholesale pilot The nine banks are State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Union Bank of India, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Yes Bank, IDFC First

Bank and HSBC, the RBI said in a release.

What is Digital Rupee?

A Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) or Digital Rupee is a digital form of currency notes issued by a central bank. Digital currency or rupee is an electronic form of money, that can be used in contactless transactions.

Presenting Union Budget 2022, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) would be rolling out its digital currency soon.

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Difference between digital rupee and cryptocurrency

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Saturday, November 5, 2022

Modi dedicates two railway projects worth Rs2,900 crores to the nation Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday dedicated two railway projects worth Rs. 2,900 crores to the nation at Asarwa, Ahmedabad.

Addressing the occasion, the Prime Minister said that the entire route is rejuvenated and the meter gauge line from Asarwa to Udaipur via Himmatnagar is converted into a broad gauge. “This part of Gujarat will now be connected directly with the neighboring state of Rajasthan as well as the whole country. The gauge conversion work done between LunidharJetalsar will also ease rail connectivity in this area and trains originating from here will be able to go to any part of the country.”

He added that when the meter gauge line on a route is changed to broad gauge, it brings with it many new possibilities. “With the conversion of the 300 km long rail line from Asarwa to Udaipur into broad gauge, the tribal areas of Gujarat and Rajasthan will be connected to Delhi and North India. The conversion of this railway line to broad gauge has also made an alternate route available for Ahmedabad and Delhi. Now, direct rail connectivity has also been established between the tourist places of Kutch and the tourist places of Udaipur. This will give a big boost to the tourist places of Kutch, Udaipur, Chittorgarh and Nathdwara.”

India’s first fully solar village lights up the lives of poor residents Kesa Bhai Prajapati beams with a smile as he moulds blocks of clay into jugs and vases on a potter’s wheel.

These days, Prajapati, 68, from the village of Modhera in western India’s Gujarat state, has doubled the amount of earthenware he makes compared to a few months ago since he no longer has to turn the wheel manually as he could not then afford high

electricity bill that were up to 1,500 Indian rupees ($18.19) a month. Now, however, his machine moves on solar power as earlier this month Prajapati’s village of around 6,500 residents, consisting mainly of potters, tailors, farmers and shoemakers, was declared India’s first village to run entirely on solar energy all the time.

India to become third-largest country in market capitalization: Report India has the potential to drive a fifth of the global growth over the next decade, with market capitalization likely to grow by over 11% annually to $10 trillion, according to global investment bank Morgan Stanley.

Offshoring, investment in manufacturing, and energy transition will lead to an economic boom in India, and these drivers will make it the world’s third-largest economy and stock market before the end of the decade, the investment bank said in its report.

According to the bank, the four global trends of demographics,

digitalization, decarbonization and deglobalization are favouring “New India”.

India’s GDP is likely to surpass $7.5 trillion by 2031, more than double the current levels, making it the third-largest economy, adding about $500 billion per annum on an incremental basis over the decade, Morgan Stanley said.

The government’s thrust to push local manufacturing through Make in India is likely to see manufacturing’s share of GDP rise to 21% by 2031, implying an incremental $1 trillion of manufacturing opportunity.

‘Will not look back once given orders’: Army Commander says after Rajnath Singh’s comment over Gilgit-Baltistan Days after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hinted at retriving Pakistanoccupied Kashmir, Chinar Corps Commander Lieutenant General ADS Aujla said the Army is fully prepared to act on whatever orders are given to it.

“We are refining our conventional capabilities so that whenever it is required, there should be no looking back,” said the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 15 Corps during an interaction at the

corps headquarters in Srinagar. Earlier, talking about the human rights violations in PoK, the defence minister said, “We have just begun walking north, our journey will be complete when we implement the resolution passed unanimously by the Indian Parliament on February 22, 1994, by reaching Gilgit-Baltistan”.

The Corps Commander responsible for guarding the line of control (LOC) also stated that the overall defence preparedness of the Indian Army has received a huge impetus

India frowns at Colombo for mid-sea refuelling of Chinese warships Both US and India had clearly told Colombo not to allow docking of Chinese military vessels and strategic surveillance ships on its ports after the Ranil Wickremesinghe government allowed Chinese ballistic missile tracking ship Wang Yuan 5 to dock at Hambantota despite India red-flagging the move.

Chinese strategic surveillance and ballistic missile tracking ship Wang Yuan 5 at Hambantota Port in August 2022.Chinese strategic surveillance and

ballistic missile tracking ship Wang Yuan 5 at Hambantota Port in August 2022.

India has expressed serious concerns to Colombo for allowing surreptitious refueling of Chinese military vessels on high seas with Sri Lankan tankers picking up fuel from Chinese leased Hambantota seaport.

According to diplomats based in Colombo, New Delhi has asked Sri Lanka to come up with transparent standard operation procedures (SOPs) for refuelling and docking of ships and not allow Chinese

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Saturday, November 5, 2022

Punjab Australian govt announces Rs 5.3 crore reward for anyone giving information on Punjabi-origin man wanted for murder Australian High Commissioner to India Barry O’Farrell AO has noted the announcement by the Queensland government of an Australian 10 lakh dollars (about Rs 5.31 crore) reward for information leading to the location and arrest of Rajwinder Singh, 38, wanted for the murder of Toyah Cordingley.

Cordingley was reported missing on October 21, 2018, and her body was found the following morning at Wangetti Beach,

Queensland. This is the first time a reward of one million Australian dollars has been announced to “capture the attention of an international audience to reach this individual,” said a local police official.

India has already approved his extradition order in March last year.

Rajwinder Singh was born in Buttar Kalan in Moga district and is believed to be living in India, although his exact whereabouts are unknown.

Former Gurdwara in southern England to be converted into flats n abandoned building, which was once used as a gurdwara and saved from demolition two years ago in south-eastern England, will be converted into residential flats.

The proposal put forward for planning permission is for the former gurdwara at Clarence Place in Gravesend in the county of Kent to be turned into

14 residential apartments and have a library, cycle and bin storage facilities.

In 2020, Gravesham Borough Council voted against plans to flatten the structure.

As per the latest application, which was discussed at a council meeting last week, the latest scheme for the site provides for contributions to local infrastructure.

Huge fire breaks out at liquor factory in Chandigarh Massive fire broke out at a liquor factory in Industrial Area, Phase 1, in Chandigarh on Thursday. The fire engulfed all the three floors of the factory building.

Firemen have been trying to douse the flames for the last two hours. The

firemen said they are yet to find out whether someone is trapped inside or not. Though short-circuit is said to be the possible reason behind the fire, but the fire safety department is yet to ascertain it.

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif meets Chinese leadership in Beijing Pakistan’s interim Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Chinese leadership during his two days visit to China.

China will continue support Pakistan as it tries to stabilise its financial situation, state media quoted President Xi Jinping as saying on Wednesday, during a visit

by Pakistan’s prime minister to Beijing.

Pakistan had been struggling with a balance of payments crisis even before devastating floods hit the country this summer, causing it an estimated $30 billion or more in losses.

Pakistan was expected to seek debt relief from China, particularly the rolling over of bilateral debt of around $23 billion.

Former Prime Pinister Imran Khan survived a gun attack Former Prime Minister, Imran Khan survived a gun attack on him while he was travelling in convoy holding protest rally near city of Wazirabad, in northern Punjab.

He was injured in leg when a burst of gunfire hit him while he was standing in his large vehicle.

At least five people wounded, One person was killed.

There was no immediate official comment on the motive for the attack which

allies say it was an assassination attempt.

His political party demands early elections in the country.

Imran Khan was leading the protest march, which was meant to reach capital Islamabad in later days.

The former prime minister was taken to the hospital in Lahore. PTI party spokesman said.

He is in stable condition, said an official and former PTI health minister Dr Yasmeen Rashid.

Pakistan seeks explanation from Russia over senator’s remarks on Ukraine The Foreign Office has sought an explanation from Russia after its Senator Igor Morozov reportedly claimed that Pakistan and Ukraine recently held talks for developing nuclear weapons.

“We are surprised by such an unfounded and baseless statement,” said a statement

issued late Tuesday night from the office of FO spokesperson Asim Iftikhar Ahmed.

Indian media quoted a Russian state news agency report as saying that “Ukrainian specialists went to Pakistan and received a delegation from there to discuss technologies and know-how for creating nuclear weapons”.

Concerned over security of Chinese in Pakistan: Xi Jinping In another public knock on the knuckles by Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his “deep concern” over security of Chinese nationals working in Pakistan, on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.

In a meeting with Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, Xi sought “reliable and safe environment” for them.

“I am deeply concerned about the security of Chinese people in Pakistan and hope that Pakistan will provide a reliable and safe

FIJI Fijian labour market shows improvements Fiji’s labour market continues to progress towards pre-pandemic levels.

The Reserve Bank of Fiji said the number of jobs advertised up to September increased substantially by 186.1 per cent to 9435 as recruitment intentions increased across

most sectors, led by tourism-related ones.

The RBF released its Economic Review for October which highlights that domestically, the economy continues to benefit from the marked recovery in tourism, which recovered to almost 64.0

Fiji’s trade deficit widens to $2.6bn Increased re-exports of commodities such as mineral fuel and the domestic exports of sugar, mineral water, fresh fish and mahogany resulted in a 24.6 per cent increase in total exports for October.

In its October economic review, the Reserve Bank of Fiji said Fiji’s trade deficit (excluding aircraft) widened as the growth in imports outpaced that of

exports in the first eight months of 2022.

In the review month, the relatively higher import growth of 51.1 per cent reflected increased domestic demand as all import categories contributed to the growth with the major contributors being mineral fuel, machinery and transport, food and manufactured goods.

Nine police officers charged with murder Six police officers who allegedly assaulted a 27-year-old man for several hours, resulting in his death, have been charged with murder.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions highlighted this while releasing the number of formal indictments filed in the High Courts last month.

It says 49 people were charged with a

total of 48 counts of separate incidents in October and the offences include murder, manslaughter, aggravated robbery, attempted aggravated robbery, robbery, aggravated burglary, theft, receiving stolen properties, assault causing actual bodily harm, act with intent to cause grievous harm, arson, conspiracy to defraud, among others.

Chinese diplomat in spotlight after violence in Manchester A Chinese diplomat embroiled in a violent brawl with Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters in UK was also accused of attacking Taiwanese officials in Fiji two years ago.

Gao Lianjia is one of four Chinese diplomats who were filmed fighting with protesters outside China’s consulate in the city of Manchester last month.

Now the ABC has learned that Mr Gao was one of the two Chinese diplomats who created headlines in 2020 when they allegedly assaulted a Taiwanese representative outside the Grand Pacific Hotel in Fiji’s capital, Suva.

The details of both confrontations have been hotly contested by China.

22

Saturday, November 5, 2022 Press release

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Our team of government MLAs is excited to support David Eby as he transitions into his new role as Premier. On November 18, he will be officially sworn in and will be starting his first week in the Legislature as premier on November 21.

David will be getting to work right away to continue work to address the rising cost of living, improve health care services, make our communities safer, and keep building a strong economy.

While he prepares for this new role, David is already working with a diverse and impressive team to ensure a smooth transition to the Premier’s Office. Our work to deliver for British Columbians continues throughout this transition period – just this week we introduced legislation to give

Indigenous people jurisdiction over child and welfare services for their communities and debated legislation to provide more oversight over-regulated health professionals and provide better care and security for patients.

As we move forward under new leadership, I want to thank John Horgan for being an amazing leader and for always supporting our team. During a difficult few years, John brought us together and improved the lives of people all across BC. As always, if you have any questions or concerns about any provincial issue, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you and can be reached at 778-593-2262 or email at Jinny.Sims.MLA@leg.bc.ca Sincerely, Jinny Sims MLA | Surrey-Panorama

BC Liberals introduce bill to remove discriminatory covenants on land titles

Press release

BC Liberal MLA Karin Kirkpatrick has introduced a private member’s bill to remove discriminatory covenants in land title documents that restrict people of colour from purchasing or occupying land.

“Any document that is clearly discriminatory against a person based on race, ancestry or place of origin is not only exclusionary and offensive, it’s a violation of the Human Rights Code,” said Kirkpatrick, MLA for West Vancouver-Capilano. “It’s shameful that this decades-old and racially-charged language still persists on legal documents. Striking them out is not enough, as they are still visible and extremely hurtful to read. These covenants should be fully removed to rectify historical wrongs because no one should continue to experience bigotry and xenophobia today.”

Despite being void and unenforceable, racial covenants are still common across B.C. An example of such covenants reads, “no person of the African or Asiatic race or of African or Asiatic Descent (except servants of the occupier of the premises in residence) shall reside or be allowed to remain on the premises.” The Land Title Amendment Act, 2022 requires registrars to cancel and remove such discriminating covenants.

“Given the rise of hate crimes since the pandemic, it’s incumbent on our government to dismantle discrimination with all the tools it has,” added Teresa Wat, Opposition Critic for Multiculturalism. “Anti-racism shouldn’t be just a slogan. Removing these outdated and unlawful covenants is an important and necessary step in supporting a welcoming and inclusive British Columbia.”

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Saturday, November 5, 2022

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