www.theasianstar.com
Vol 19 - Issue 17
Saturday, May 23, 2020
Andrew Scheer accuses Trudeau of letting COVID-19 money go to ‘fraudsters’ and ‘criminals’ Federal Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer is accusing the Liberal government of allowing “fraudsters” and “criminals” to abuse federal aid meant to support unemployed Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic. The outgoing opposition leader is once again calling on the Liberals to hold more frequent meetings in the House of Commons as COVID-19 continues to spread. Scheer suggested the current arrangement — two virtual meetings and one in-person session each week — is not sufficient for the opposition to hold the government to account. “Taxpayers deserve to know how the government is spending their money,” Scheer told reporters at a press conference in Ottawa Tuesday. “Especially since we recently learned that Justin Trudeau is allowing the (Canada Emergency Response Benefit) to be paid out to fraudsters each month. That money should be going to help Canadians who are legitimately struggling, not criminals and the people who are intentionally gaming the system.” Continued on page 6
BC Health Minister warns US border to be closed for ‘significant period of time’ As the federal government extends the ban on non-essential travel with the U.S. by another 30 days, British Columbia’s health minister has made it clear he doesn’t expect it to be reopened next month — likely even longer. Adrian Dix told reporters Tuesday that while he’s pleased with the federal government’s decision as they have jurisdiction over borders, he wouldn’t support reopening the borders to leisure travel on June 21 unless the United States makes great strides in its COVID-19
Tel:604-591-5423
COVID-19 update
BC confirms new outbreak at federal prison and 3 more deaths from COVID-19 Another 12 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in B.C., and three more people have died. Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced Thursday that B.C. has now confirmed 2,479 total cases of the novel coronavirus, including 152 people who have died. A total of 2,020 patients have recovered from their illness, which means there are now 307 active cases in the province. As of Thursday, there are 43 COVID-19 patients in hospital, including eight in intensive care. Henry said health officials have confirmed a new community outbreak at Matsqui Institution, a federal prison in Abbotsford, where one person has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Meanwhile, the outbreak at the United Poultry processing plant in Vancouver has
Continued on page 6
South Asian man covers first two months rent for Aldergrove food bank in new digs Volunteers arrived early, and by the dozen – all wearing masks – they hauled rooms full of food and supplies to their new unit at Countryside Shopping centre. Little did they know, an Aldergrove resident was going to pay them a surprise visit. Sunny Sharma, a realtor who owns several storefront units on the 27000-block of Fraser Highway and Alder Inn’s liquor store, brought the group a housewarming gift. With him was Sukh Mahil – Sharma’s friend since he was 10 years old and current co-worker. The two grew up together in Abbotsford, but now both live locally. Food bank managers Mary van Zuuk and Tannis Percival were elated to receive a $1,000 cheque from the pair. “This will cover two month’s rent for us,” Percival exclaimed, through the sounds of boxes being carried and shelving units being set-up in their new digs.
Continued on page 9
Continued on page 9
Sikh kitchens feed Delhi’s masses amid COVID-19 lockdown At first, the kitchen at the Bangla Sahib Gurdwara cooked 40,000 meals each day for the hungry who live on the streets of India’s capital city, or who have lost their livelihoods to the coronavirus lockdown. But the need was greater than that. So workers at the golden-domed temple in central New Delhi made 80,000
meals daily. Then 100,000. Soon, they expect to be making 300,000 -- all provided free to the growing ranks of the unfortunate. For centuries the faithful have flocked to the temple for its healing waters and a free meal at the community kitchen, the symbol of equality found at every Sikh temple complex and open to all visitors.
The Bangla Sahib Gurdwara has remained open through wars and plagues, serving millions of people simple vegetarian food on the cool marble floor of its enormous dining hall. But during India’s ongoing lockdown among the world’s most stringent religious congregations are banned.
Toronto based South Asian scientist believes he has found a cure for COVID-19 Sachdev Sidhu like to talk about what his team has accomplished in their lab at the University of Toronto’s Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research. A cure. For the coronavirus. For SARSCoV-2. For the COVID-19 disease that has
killed upwards of 320,000 people around the planet. “Yes, I believe ‘cure’ is the proper word,’’ the molecular engineer says, almost blandly. “They would no
longer be ill. They would no longer have the virus in their system. That’s a cure.’’ “Yes, I believe ‘cure’ is the proper word,’’ the molecular engineer says, almost blandly.
THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING YOUR HOME ??? RAJDEEP SINGHH SEKHON B.A. (Hons.), MA., LLB
778 320 5359 59 SRS Panorama Realty
Suite #103 - 12030, 80 Ave, Continued on page 8 Surrey, BC
BRING US ANY OFFER, BRING US ANY TRADE IN! NEW PATHFINDER AWD LEATHER
swfy kol koeI vI Aw&r ilAwE, koeI vI tRf y ilAwE!
NAVIGATION PLUS ALLPOWER & LUXURY OPTIONS,7 PASS
$ 36,988
3 ONLY
NEW QASHQAI SUV 4X4 Intelligent AWD Moonroof •••Alloy Wheels Transmission ••Auto Rear Camera And Much More! •
$ 24,988
NEW ROGUE SUV SAVE THOUSANDS
24,988
$
OVER 50 NEW & OVER 30 PRE-OWNED ROGUES ALL SALE PRICED!
GENUINE