The Asian Star December 22 2018

www.theasianstar.com Vol 17 - Issue 47

British Columbians reject proportional representation in referendum British Columbians have voted against changing the province’s electoral system. In a province-wide referendum, 61.3 per cent of voters cast a ballot against proportional representation, with 38.7 per cent of voters voting in favour of changing the electoral system.

Less than half of eligible voters cast a ballot with turnout at 42 per cent.

Liberal leader Andrew Wilkinson says the result was a clear message from voters. “This was a flawed process from the beginning as the NDP stacked the deck to satisfy the Green Party and remain in power. This was never been about improving our democracy, it was always about power and control,�

Wilkinson said. “The rejection of Proportional Representation by the people of British Columbia demonstrates a clear desire to keep political power in the hands of voters.�

This is the third time in the last 15 years that British Columbians have voted down changing the electoral system in province-wide referendums.

A referendum on the future of how British Columbians vote was part of the confidence and supply agreement signed between the B.C. Greens and the B.C. NDP. The two parties had been campaigning in favour of changing the electoral system, while the B.C. Liberals had been campaigning against it. “People took part in the largest public engagement in B.C.’s history and gathered in communities around B.C. for town halls and discussions about how we vote in our province,� premier John Horgan said. “British Columbians have now spoken and chosen to stick with the Continued on page 7

Saturday, December 22, 2018

Tel:604-591-5423

Ministers Sohi and Hussen voted worst performers Canadians appear to be throwing their support behind Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland after the sealing of a new trade deal with the U.S., but rebuking the ministers of energy and immigration, according to a new survey assessing the performance of Liberal cabinet members. A poll by the Angus Reid Institute found that Freeland received the highest approval rating of any minister in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet, with a score of +20 (derived by subtracting the percentage

of respondents who said her performance was “bad� from the percentage who said she had a “good� performance over the last year). The next-highest score was awarded to Transportation Minister Marc Garneau, at +16. Natural Resources Minister Amarjeet Sohi, who has overseen the contentious Trans Mountain pipeline file, received the lowest approval rating of any minister at -36. The minister of immigration, Continued on page 6

Severe windstorm pummels Metro Vancouver One dead and thousands without power ‘for days’

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One of the thousands of trees uprooted in the storm.

One person has been confirmed dead after of their injuries was not released. A a severe windstorm hammered BC’s South worker is also recovering after being hit Coast on Thursday. RCMP said a woman was by a falling tree near Pacific Academy killed when a tree fell on her tent in Duncan, school in Surrey on Thursday.

The storm brought trees down across on Vancouver Island, just before 11:30am. A statement posted Friday said four other people the region throughout the day, knocking were also inside the tent. Two of them were out power to more than 330,000 people injured and hospitalized, though the extent at its peak and Continued on page 6

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Saturday, December 22, 2018

Man rescued from collapsed BC pier says he wants to apologize for ‘foolishness’

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he man who ended up on the wrong side of a crumbling pier during a “devastating,” deadly windstorm on Thursday says he wants to apologize for his “foolishness.” Oren Perry, 42, was caught on the far end of the pier in White Rock, B.C., after it collapsed in the early afternoon. Waves churned by 90 km/h winds had ripped nearby boats from their moorings and sent them crashing into the century-old pier, beating against the wooden beams until they cracked apart.

Other people on the pier ran back to safety at the first signs of collapse, but Perry says he didn’t feel safe.

“Embarrassing. That’s about it,” he said of being the only one caught on the wrong side.

The mayor of White Rock said Thursday’s windstorm was the worst he’s seen in his 50 years as a city resident. Gales led to fallen trees across the province’s South Coast, killing one woman on Vancouver Island and knocking out power to tens of thousands of homes over the course of the day.

Perry went to the beach with his wife and son around noon Thursday. They were stormwatching from the beach promenade, but Perry’s wife and son went inside a restaurant for a break when the weather worsened.

“The waves were a little bit too big for my son, who’s two, and he was nervous,” Perry said over the phone Friday.

Alone, he decided to walk down the pier to join the crowd watching the waves and boats

— “the excitement of the storm,” he said, adding that he’s watched storms from the pier before.

Perry said it took a few “tries” before boats started to break through the beams holding up the 104-year-old pier.

“At first, I was stuck with some other people and it didn’t seem like it was safe enough to cross, and I thought, ‘Well,

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the storm is going to die down in about an hour and we’ll just wait it out,’” Perry said. He said he walked further out to get away from the break. Meanwhile, RCMP were onshore shouting for people on the pier to sprint to safety.

“I guess the police showed up to encourage the other people to run through, but I didn’t know ... then I wasn’t close enough to make it a make across in time,” he said. “It didn’t seem like it was safe enough to cross.”

Eventually, a section of the pier tore away from the rest and left a gap over the ocean.

A boat is battered by waves and is slammed into the White Rock pier, which was severely damaged during a windstorm on Thursday. Perry said he hoped to wait out the storm on the far end of the pier, but a Royal Canadian Air Force helicopter from Vancouver Island lifted him to shore just after 3:30 p.m.

RCMP looking for witnesses in Richmond shooting

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Richmond RCMP are looking for witnesses in an early morning shooting Friday near Lansdowne Centre.

Police were called to the 5300-block of No. 3 Road around 7:30 a.m. to assist paramedics with a man who had sustained gunshot wounds.

The victim was transported to hospital in serious condition, police said. “This investigation is in the early stages and details surrounding the incident have not been determined at this time,” Sgt. Kyle Simpson of the Richmond RCMP said in a news release. “The parking lot at the shopping centre, starting at Home Sense and extending to the north of the mall, is currently cordoned off while the investigation is ongoing.”

Police are in the evidencegathering stage and do not have a timeline as to when the areas around the mall will reopen.

Anyone who may have witnessed the event and has not already spoken to the police is asked to call 604-278-1212 and cite file 2018-41056.

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www.theasianstar.com Vol 17 - Issue 47

Saturday, December 22, 2018

Semi driver charged in Humboldt Broncos crash granted adjournment to new year Jaskirat Singh Sidhu, the semi truck driver charged in the Humboldt Broncos bus crash, was not in court on Tuesday as the judge granted another adjournment in the case.

Sidhu is facing 16 charges of dangerous driving causing death and 13 of dangerous driving causing bodily harm in the April 6 crash.

Sixteen people, including 10 players, were killed and 13 injured when the Humboldt Broncos team bus and a semi collided at an intersection in eastern Saskatchewan.

Sidhu’s lawyer appeared by telephone and asked for more time to review disclosure received from the Crown in the last few days.

The Crown said the details come from a government report.

The most recent document released by the Saskatchewan government is a study by an engineering firm on the geometric, collision, traffic, and human characteristics of the intersection.

The judge granted the adjournment and the case will be back in court on Jan. 8, 2019. It is the fifth adjournment in the matter.

It is not clear when Sidhu will enter a plea.

Sidhu, 30, was charged exactly three months after the crash.

Dangerous driving causing death carries a maximum sentence of 14 years, while dangerous driving causing bodily harm has a maximum sentence of 10 years.

Sidhu has been out on $1,000 bail since July with a number of conditions.

South Asian employer who assaulted teen accuses victim’s family of attempted extortion An Edmonton employer convicted of assaulting a 17-year-old boy last year at a remote worksite is accusing the victim and his parents of attempted extortion and forcing him into a false confession.

In recently filed court documents, Kamaljit Bhalla denies assaulting the teen and uttering threats against him, though he pleaded guilty to the criminal offences earlier this year. Bhalla is seeking $500,000 in damages in a counter lawsuit, filed in response to a civil claim launched by the teen following the criminal trial.

Edmonton teen sues employer who assaulted him on remote worksite Edmonton teens recall employer’s abuse at remote worksite The identity of the teen, or his younger friend, who Bhalla was also convicted of assaulting is not revealed, because they were minors at that time. In a statement

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of defence and counterclaim filed on Nov. 23, Bhalla accuses the 17-year-old and his parents of scheming to bring about “false

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Jagmeet Singh rejects his own MP’s call to halt extradition of Huawei executive to USA NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is rejecting a suggestion by one of his MPs that the arrest in Vancouver of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou was politically motivated — and Canada should not extradite her to the U.S. NDP MP Don Davies, who represents the B.C riding of Vancouver Kingsway, published on his personal website Tuesday a post arguing it’s “very clear” that the U.S. requested Meng’s arrest for political reasons and that Canada should not be “manipulated by Donald Trump.”

The post has since been taken down.

The same day, he called a news conference to repeat his argument — a move that put him offside with his party’s position on the case.

“We now have strong evidence that this is a political issue, disguised as a legal one,” Davies said Tuesday. “We know that our own prime minister was notified of her arrest, which is a highly unusual political

step, not taken in the ordinary course of a typical extradition case. “More troubling, we have confirmation from the head of state from the country seeking extradition that he’s prepared to use an individual as a bargaining chip in a larger geopolitical trade dispute involving a third country.”

After Meng’s arrest, U.S. President Donald Trump openly mused about intervening in the case if it would help his country’s security or its trading relationship with China. In an interview on CBC News Network’s Power & Politics Today, Singh rejected Davies’ argument, saying his party supports following the rule of law.

“No, we’ve made our position clear in terms of following the rule of law, and any time we’re in these circumstances we should follow the right practices when it comes to following through on all procedures and due process,” Singh told host Vassy Kapelos.

“He’s, I think, expressing frustrations around Mr. Trump, but I’ve given you our Continued on page 7

US Sikhs thank PM Modi for Kartarpur corridor

criminal charges” to extort money from him.

Threatened with physical harm

Continued on page 6

The American Sikh community has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the laying of the foundation stone for the Kartarpur corridor in Punjab. “We the Sikh diaspora are thankful to Narendra Modi and his government for realising the long-cherished dream of Sikhs in India and abroad and laying the foundation stone for the Kartarpur corridor on November 26, 2018,” the ‘Sikhs of America’ organisation said in a resolution addressed to the prime minister.

“Since the foundation stone was laid on the Pakistan side also, Sikhs across the globe

are looking forward to the much-anticipated pilgrimage,” said the resolution. A copy of the resolution was presented to senior officials of the Indian Embassy here at an event organised by Sikhs of America in the Maryland suburb of Washington. The much-awaited corridor will connect Darbar Sahib in Pakistan’s Kartarpur - the final resting place of the Sikh faith’s founder Guru Nanak - with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India’s Gurdaspur district and facilitate visa-free movement of Indian Sikh pilgrims, who will only have to obtain a permit to visit Kartarpur Sahib, established in 1522 by Guru Nanak.

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OPINION

By Brian Geisbrecht Senior Fellow Frontier Centre for Public Policy

Saturday, December 22, 2018

One set of laws for all the only way to end racism in Canada

In his new book There Is No Difference, Ontario lawyer Peter Best begins a longrepressed national conversation about Canada’s legal and social relations with its Indigenous people. Best asks: Why can’t Nelson Mandela’s goal and vision of one set of laws for all be the goal in Canada? Why keep and even extend the demonstrably-failing separate but equal, apartheid-like status quo?

Best would rather see complete legal equality for all Canadians. Best makes a strong case for Canada to not just talk like Nelson Mandela, but to emulate him. There Is No Difference makes a compelling argument that the ill-conceived and harmfully interpreted Section 35 of Canada’s Constitution, which protects “existing Aboriginal rights,” should be legally curtailed. This would take back the Crown sovereignty that the Supreme Court, with its “consult and accommodate” rulings, recklessly devolved onto Indian bands.

The result has been the economic carnage of failed pipelines and communities. Best convincingly argues that, with his proposed change in place, Indigenous reserves, the Indian Act and all other race-based special rights and entitlements would be phased out.

His argument revisits Pierre Trudeau’s 1969 White Paper, updated cogently. Canada’s Indigenous, as a group, are at the bottom of every performance-measuring social and economic indicator. The suicide rate, the poverty rate, the rates of alcoholism and drug dependency, the rates of criminality and incarceration, the rates of educational and economic achievement, the rates of incest and child neglect - all such grim measurements of human health and welfare clearly show that the status quo, which is centred on the reserve system, inflicts Indigenous Canadians with a tragic and unconscionable amount of suffering. As Best writes, non-Indigenous elites appear to be prepared to continue to drive by this ongoing car crash and look the other

way. At the same time, Canada’s Indigenous elites are unable to meaningfully respond to the urgent needs of their people. Best asserts that Indigenous elites are, generally, shortsighted leaders who can’t or won’t address the tragedy of their people and the tasks facing them. Best notes that whether locked in their urban offices, one of their newly-franchised marijuana plantations or on a road blockade, the leaders of “sovereign nations” do nothing but talk, accusing everyone but themselves.

Meanwhile, their people, often on remote, violence-prone reserves, suffer and die.

Best observes that Mandela was not the only inspired and courageous leader who saw clearly and advocated strongly that all citizens of a nation should have exactly the same set of rights and responsibilities. Think of Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, as Best writes. And ponder the life of Saskatchewan’s pioneer moral hero, Indigenous lawyer and Assembly of First Nations co-founder William Wuttunee.

Wuttunee’s brave 1971 book, Ruffled Feathers, advocated the way forward for his people could be found in Trudeau’s White Paper and Mandela’s words. In apartheid South Africa, citizens carried status cards denoting their race. Mandela campaigned for years from inside his jail cell against these loathsome, racist symbols. Eventually, the western world responded and recognized the moral truth of what he was saying. Status cards, and the entire rotten regime they represented, came tumbling down. Canada’s political leaders, including AFN leader Shawn Atleo, all honouring what Mandela stood for, travelled to his funeral. Yet these same leaders, back in Canada, continue to insist that Indian Act status cards, which serve essentially the same illiberal function as those in South African, remain. And Canada’s Supreme Court, in the recent Daniels case, piled on with more unintentionally racist reasoning - adding 600,000 Metis as new candidates for these purely race-based, dependency-assuring status cards.

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Saturday, December 22, 2018

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Saturday, December 22, 2018 From page 1

Ministers Sohi and Hussen voted worst performers refugees and citizenship, Ahmed Hussen, received the second-lowest rating at -26.

The Angus Reid poll heard from 1,800 Canadian respondents through an online survey between November 28 and December 6. The results fall within a margin of error of two percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

It found Canadians’ recognition of cabinet ministers has improved since 2017, when

six out of every 10 Canadians said they could not name more than five cabinet ministers.

The same poll this year found the same ratio of people could now name 11. (Each participant in the poll was shown either 11 or 12 photos of ministers, along with their name and title, and asked whether they thought that minister was doing a good job, a bad job, or whether they didn’t recognize the minister in question or know enough about their performance to form an opinion.)

Severe windstorm pummels Metro Vancouver and compromising some water supply on Vancouver Island. Environment Canada said gusts hit 128 km/h across Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island and the Fraser Valley. The strongest winds were clocked at 144 km/h on a small island near Tofino.

As of 5 p.m. Friday, BC Hydro says about 115,000 customers in the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, Sunshine Coast, Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands remained without power, with Vancouver Island being the hardest hit region.

The utility called it “one of the most severe storms BC Hydro has experienced in years,” adding that it could be days before power is fully restored to everybody. Many will certainly be in the dark overnight. “The damage we’ve seen, the pictures that have come in, it’s pretty devastating in some areas,” said Ted Olynyk, a spokesperson on Vancouver Island, which saw the brunt of the damage.

“It’s quite shocking.” More than 100,000 people in two island communities have had their water supply compromised after the storm damaged infrastructure. People living in Nanaimo have been told not to use their water whatsoever, to conserve supply for emergencies only. The water is safe, but the city said it can’t sustain water production as power outages created mechanical problems at its treatment plant. Meanwhile, people on Salt Spring Island have reduced or no water

service due to damage at the plant from fallen trees. In White Rock, about 50 kilometres from Vancouver, the city’s landmark pier was partly destroyed after powerful waves threw boats against the wooden structure. In White Rock, about 50 kilometres from Vancouver, the city’s landmark pier was partly destroyed after powerful waves threw boats against the wooden structure.

Video from the shoreline show a large section of the 104-year-old wooden structure tearing off, leaving a man trapped on the far end. He was later rescued by helicopter.

Nearly two dozen boats were clobbered by the waves, crashing into each other and washing up onshore. The long beach promenade — a well-known tourist hotspot in the summer — was littered with debris. “I’ve lived here 50 years,” said White Rock Mayor Darryl Walker on Friday. “I’ve never seen a storm like this. I’ve never seen devastation like this.” He added: “Trust me, our pier will be restored.” The waves in White Rock also cut rail service that runs along its shoreline.

Amtrak passenger service to Seattle has been cancelled, along with up to 17 freight trains that run along that route every day.

A spokesperson for Burlington Northern railway, which owns and maintains the line, said crews worked overnight to stabilize the storm-damaged rail bed in hopes of reopening Friday.

From page 3

South Asian employer who assaulted teen accuses victim’s family of attempted extortion He says they made a “false complaint” of physical and sexual assault to Valleyview RCMP in April 2017.

Bhalla was “induced to enter a guilty plea” after someone acting on behalf of the family threatened to physically harm him, the court documents state.

But in a plea deal reached on Feb. 8, Bhalla admitted to abusing the teens over a three-day period at a remote worksite in Valleyview, 350 kilometres northwest of Edmonton. He was sentenced to 15 months of house arrest and banned from hiring minors. In September, the older teen filed a lawsuit against Bhalla seeking $500,000 in damages plus future loss of income and cost

of future care.

In his statement of claim, the youth says he was repeatedly slapped, punched and kicked by Bhalla, who also conducted an intimate search of his body.

The teen says he was left with post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and an inability to work or attend school, court documents state.

The lawsuit accuses Bhalla of fraudulently transferring more than $1.1 million in assets to his wife to protect them from any potential award of damages in a civil claim. \In his response, Bhalla denies the allegations of fraud and injuries suffered by the teen.

Surrey RCMP asks for witnesses to crash in Newton Surrey RCMP is asking for the public’s help in finding witnesses to a crash in Newton on Nov. 18. Police are looking for anyone who witnessed to the collision in the 6900-block of King George Boulevard around 5 p.m. on Nov. 18. RCMP said early indications are that “a red Sukuzi motorcycle was travelling southbound on King George Boulevard when a grey Lexus SUV turned out of a parking lot in front of the motorcycle.” “The motorcyclist applied his brakes which caused the motorcycle to lose balance, slide and collide into the SUV,” the release reads. The 65-year-old motorcyclist, said police, was taken to hospital with “serious injuries,” and he remains in hospital.

The 28-year-old driver of the SUV “did not sustain any injuries,” and she remained on scene and “co-operated with police,” according to the release.

Surrey RCMP said the Criminal Collision Investigation Team is in charge of the investigation.

Investigators are asking anyone who was a witness to this incident who has not yet spoken with police, or anyone who may have dash cam, or any other video which could assist in this investigation to please contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-5990502. If they wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or solvecrime.ca.

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Saturday, December 22, 2018

Horgan government’s position more ‘precarious’ after referendum vote: expert The results of the referendum on proportional representation show that Nanaimo, like most of the ridings in the province, voted to keep the current electoral system, although the contest was a little closer than the provincial average, with 45.9 per cent in favour of a change compared to 38.7 per cent across the province. Normally, Nanaimo results would hold little interest outside Nanaimo. But with the provincial government’s balance of power dependant on the results of the coming Nanaimo byelection, all eyes are on the riding, with many wondering if the referendum results could hold a clue to the outcome.

Not unexpectedly, the candidates viewed the results — and what they could mean for their own political aspirations, not to mention the B.C. government — very differently.

NDP candidate Sheila Malcolmson, who has a slight edge going into next month’s byelection, according to at least one political observer contacted by Postmedia, remained confident in the NDP’s chances and “proud” that her party kept its promise to hold a referendum. “The voters have spoken,” she said. “We are moving on.”

Malcomson, a federal MP who will resign on Jan. 2 in order to run in the byelection, admitted she was worried that after a series of recent elections, including the provincial and municipal votes, as well as the electoral reform referendum, people would “sit it out in the New Year.”

But she has encountered the opposite on the campaign trail, she said, with many people approaching her to ask how they can help.

From page 3

Jagmeet Singh rejects his own MP’s call to halt extradition of Huawei executive to USA official position.” Canada has faced a wave of criticism from Chinese officials and state media since Meng, a top executive with China-based telecom giant Huawei, was arrested in Vancouver earlier this month. Meng was arrested at the request of U.S. officials — who accuse her of violating trade sanctions on Iran — and released on bail pending extradition proceedings. Not long after Meng’s arrest, Chinese officials confirmed that two Canadian men had been detained in China on national security concerns.

One of the two men, Michael Kovrig, served as a diplomat with GAC but was on leave to work with the International Crisis Group, a nongovernmental organization, at the time of his arrest in China. The other, Michael Spavor, is a businessman who arranges tours of North Korea.

More recently, Alberta teacher Sarah McIver was sentenced to what Chinese authorities call “administrative punishment” for working illegally in the country.

“People know how high the stakes are, and they’ve seen the impact this new government has already had. So I’m confident we’re going to be able to hold the seat.”

Vancouver Island University political science professor Alexander Netherton said Malcomson remains the candidate to beat. The NDP has held the riding in 11 of the last 12 general elections, often winning by a substantial margin. In 2017, the NDP candidate, now mayor, Leonard Krog bested the Liberal candidate by 3,800 votes.

Holding the seat is critical for the NDP. If it goes to the Liberals, who currently have 42 seats in the legislature, the opposition party would hold the same number of seats as the NDP-Green alliance.

From page 1

British Columbians reject proportional representation current voting system. This referendum was held because we believe that this decision needed to be up to people, not politicians.

While many people, myself included, are disappointed in the outcome, we respect people’s decision. Throughout the campaign there has been widespread criticism of the way the referendum was organized by the provincial government. The B.C. Liberals criticized the NDP for making the ballot complicated by having two questions and three possible proportional systems. The official ‘no’ side also campaigned heavily on the fears that proportional representation would lead to fringe parties with extreme views and that rural communities would be under-represented under a new system.

Green Party leader Andrew Weaver’s

party would have benefited the most from a change to PR. The Greens won 3 seats with 16.8 per cent of the votes province wide in the 2017 provincial election. “We campaigned on proportional representation because representative democracy is one of the 6 core principles of the B.C. Green Party,” Weaver said. “While we are disappointed with this result, we respect British Columbians’ decision to retain the current First Past the Post system. Over the course of the referendum, I had the opportunity to speak with countless British Columbians about their democracy.

I was inspired to meet so many citizens who care deeply about modernizing our system of governance so it better reflects the will of the people. I thank everyone who volunteered, voted and worked on the campaign.”

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Saturday, December 22, 2018

There is a story that is commonly told in Britain that the colonisation of India - as horrible as it may have been - was not of any major economic benefit to Britain itself. If anything, the administration of India was a cost to Britain. So the fact that the empire was sustained for so long - the story goes was a gesture of Britain’s benevolence.

New research by the renowned economist Utsa Patnaik - just published by Columbia University Press - deals a crushing blow to this narrative. Drawing on nearly two centuries of detailed data on tax and trade, Patnaik calculated that Britain drained a total of nearly $45 trillion from India during the period 1765 to 1938.

How Britain stole $45 trillion from India And lied about it.

It’s a staggering sum. For perspective, $45 trillion is 17 times more than the total annual gross domestic product of the United Kingdom today. How did this come about? It happened through the trade system. Prior to the colonial period, Britain bought goods like textiles and rice from Indian producers and paid for them in the normal way - mostly with silver - as they did with any other country. But something changed in 1765, shortly after the East India Company took control of the subcontinent and established a monopoly over Indian trade. Here’s how it worked.

The East India Company began collecting taxes in India, and then cleverly used a portion of those revenues (about a third) to fund the purchase of Indian goods for British use. In other words, instead of paying for Indian goods out of their own pocket, British traders acquired them for free, “buying” from peasants and weavers using money that had just been taken from them. It was a scam - theft on a grand scale. Yet most Indians were unaware of what was going on because the agent who collected the taxes was not the same

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as the one who showed up to buy their goods. Had it been the same person, they surely would have smelled a rat. Some of the stolen goods were consumed in Britain, and the rest were re-exported elsewhere.

The re-export system allowed Britain to finance a flow of imports from Europe, including strategic materials like iron, tar and timber, which were essential to Britain’s industrialisation. Indeed, the Industrial Revolution depended in large part on this systematic theft from India.

On top of this, the British were able to sell the stolen goods to other countries for much more than they “bought” them for in the first place, pocketing not only 100 percent of the original value of the goods but also the markup.

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In Andhra Pradesh, the local government has enlisted Norman Foster to help redesign the capital city, Amaravati.

Skyscrapers, high-rise apartments, neon signs and congested roads. These are a few things that might spring to mind when you think about a modern city.

Many of the world’s major conurbations are organically grown sprawls – think of London, Tokyo, New York or Mexico City – and face challenges including air pollution, traffic jams, waste disposal and homelessness.

So what if you could start from scratch and try to create utopia? And what if one of the world’s leading architects designed the centre?

That’s happening in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, where the local government has enlisted Norman Foster to help redesign the capital city for the province, Amaravati.

Singapore-based urban consultants Surbana Jurong are also involved in the planning, which aims to create jobs and homes for all, a world-class infrastructure, a green city and efficient resource management.

Foster’s team is designing the central focus of the 217-square-km city, including the Legislature Assembly and High Court Complex, and according to the architect, the design will incorporate “decades-long research into sustainable cities” as well as the latest technologies being developed in India.

Large shaded walkways to encourage people to walk through the city, lots of green spaces, widespread use of solar energy and a transportation strategy that includes electric vehicles, water taxis, and dedicated cycle routes characterize the plans, which are set to be realized within 25 years.

The plans could help illustrate how to address the challenges faced by other cities around the world and those discussed by the World Economic Forum Council on Cities and Urbanization. This will become more important as the planet becomes increasingly urban, with around 70% of the world’s population forecast to live in cities by 2050.

Saturday, December 22, 2018

Nanaimo’s 105,000 residents told not to use water after storm knocks out treatment plant Residents in Nanaimo, are being told not to use water after a powerful storm caused widespread damage Thursday. The City of Nanaimo says the windstorm and power outages knocked out its water treatment plant so it couldn’t produce water. Staff said Friday afternoon the facility has begun to produce some water but not enough to meet normal demand. Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog said a generator at the plant failed. Crews were able to restore power, but are still dealing with mechanical issues — first a broken fan belt, and then faults with the generator’s electrical circuits. “This is a major issue for the city and its citizens,� Krog said. “We know that many Aboriginal communities across this country face that on a constant basis and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.� Nanaimo has a population of 105,000. The city is asking residents to curtail all water use, including laundry, showers, bathing, washing cars, running

dishwashers and other non-essential uses. “We’re asking people not to use water until further notice,� Krog said. “No flushing or anything.� The city says the water is safe to drink, but has to be conserved for firefighting.

It’s not yet known when the generator will be restored. City pools and arenas are closed until further notice. The city says the pool’s showers and bathrooms aren’t useable and that arena staff aren’t able to clean the ice. “It’s going to be enormously difficult for businesses for families, for care facilities, for all of the people who rely on the safe clean water,�

Krog said. “It’s pretty hard to tell people to shut down their businesses when it’s often the most beneficial time to be in business.�

A tree leans against a home in Nanaimo, B.C. after a severe windstorm hit Vancouver Island on Thursday. The city has been asked to conserve water as a power outage has damaged the local supply plant.

ICBC says there are 35 crashes every hour over the holidays The Insurance Corp. of B.C. has released some sobering statistics in hopes that British Columbians will take precautions and stay safe on the roads this holiday season.

ICBC says on average 510 people are injured and two people are killed in 1,890 crashes that occur during the Christmas holidays and New Year’s every year in B.C. The statistics, based on five years (20132017) of ICBC data, show that on average 510 people are injured and two people are killed in 1,890 crashes that occur during the Christmas holidays (Christmas Eve to Boxing Day) and New Year’s every year in B.C. That’s 35 crashes and nine people injured every hour.

ICBC losses worse than expected this fiscal year, at $890 million t 0O BWFSBHF POF QFSTPO JT LJMMFE BOE people are injured in 1,200 crashes in B.C. every year.

t 0O BWFSBHF QFPQMF BSF JOKVSFE JO crashes in the Lower Mainland every year. t 0O BWFSBHF QFPQMF BSF JOKVSFE JO crashes on Vancouver Island every year. t 0O BWFSBHF QFPQMF BSF JOKVSFE JO crashes in the Southern Interior every year. t 0O BWFSBHF QFPQMF BSF JOKVSFE JO crashes in the North Central region every year.

New Year’s (New Year’s Eve and New Year’s %BZ TUBUJTUJDT t 0O BWFSBHF POF QFSTPO JT killed and 170 people are injured in 690 crashes JO # $ t 0O BWFSBHF QFPQMF BSF JOKVSFE JO 460 crashes in the Lower Mainland. t 0O BWFSBHF QFPQMF BSF JOKVSFE JO DSBTIFT PO 7BODPVWFS *TMBOE t 0O BWFSBHF people are injured in 92 crashes in the Southern *OUFSJPS t 0O BWFSBHF QFPQMF BSF JOKVSFE JO 48 crashes in the North Central region.

ICBC reminds drivers that posted speed limits are for idea conditions only. Slow down in winter driving conditions.

Fraser Health opens three new opioid treatment centres Fraser Health has opened three new clinics to treat opioid addiction. The opioid agonist treatment (OAT) centres are located in Port Moody, White Rock and Langley, and provide first-line treatment with medications like suboxone and methadone. Fraser Health says the three OAT clinics will add to the eight that are already operating throughout Fraser Health in Abbotsford, Burnaby, Maple Ridge, Chilliwack, Mission, and Surrey.

Two of the new clinics opened a couple of months ago, while the third opened Dec. 11.

Health officials say OAT helps those with opioid addiction manage symptoms and cravings so that a person can then better receive counselling and other support.

Fraser Health says evidence has shown that the OAT system decreases the risk that a person will use illicit substances, and decreases a person’s risk of acquiring HIV and overdosing.

Sharon Vipler, Fraser Health’s incoming division lead for addiction medicine, said these clinics help people access evidencebased treatment for opioid use disorder.

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LOCAL / NATIONAL

Saturday, December 22, 2018

Canadians bought $43M worth of marijuana in the first 2 weeks after legalization Statistics Canada says sales at cannabis stores in the two weeks after legalization totalled $43 million. The agency started collecting data for in-store and online sales from cannabis retailers as of Oct. 17, when fresh or dried bud, oil, plants and seeds became legal for recreational use in the country.

Expect cannabis to be ‘sold out’ across the country, says Aphria The first set of data released Friday as part of the agency’s An Edmonton judge has denied former Guantanamo Bay detainee Omar Khadr’s request to have his bail conditions eased.

There’s no evidence of hardship or that the conditions are needlessly onerous, Court of Queen’s Bench Justice June Ross said Friday.

She said nothing has really changed since the last time Khadr asked for changes to his bail conditions and the restrictions he faces are “reasonable” and “standard.” Ross said

broader monthly retail trade figures only encompassed two weeks, but will reflect a complete reference month in the future.

Statistics Canada says different retail structures in each province and territory affected cannabis availability across the country Supply shortages a problem

The agency says retail figures will vary as new stores continue to come online and the marketplace evolves.

Ontario led the way with more than $11 million in sales, with Quebec just behind at more than $10 million. After that: Alberta: $5.6 million. Nova Scotia: $4.5 million.British Columbia: $2.3 million.

Omar Khadr’s request for eased bail conditions denied by judge her decision is not etched in stone and conditions could change in the future.

“Based on all of the evidence I have seen, Mr. Khadr is not a flight risk or a risk to public safety,” Ross said. “Nonetheless, it seems to me it’s reasonable to make sure the courts are kept up to date on his whereabouts and activities.

“The public would expect we have up-

to-date information about his whereabouts,” Ross added. “They would expect reasonable travel restrictions.” Khadr, 32, has been on bail since May 2015 pending an appeal of his

New Brunswick: $2.1 million. Newfoundland and Labrador: $1.7 million. Prince Edward Island: $1.4 million.Saskatchewan: $341,000.

Data for Nunavut was unavailable, and figures for Manitoba, Yukon and Northwest Territories were withheld, citing privacy concerns. Despite its small population, P.E.I. sold more pot per capita than any other province, with more than $8 worth of marijuana sold in those two weeks for every person in the province. conviction by a U.S. military commission on alleged war crimes. The appeal has stalled, so Khadr has no idea how long he will be on bail.

Khadr didn’t speak to reporters after Friday’s ruling.

Federal budget won’t be balanced until 2040, Finance Department projects A balanced federal budget won’t land until at least 2040 — five years earlier than the government predicted last year — if there aren’t any major economic shocks or new government spending the federal Finance Department says in a new report.

Long-term budgetary projections released Friday morning estimate that by the end of fiscal year 2040-2041, federal books will be in surplus by $1.7 billion, based on current assumptions for how the economy will grow — and expectations that promised Liberal programs to help boost business investment will yield a financial windfall for the country and then for federal coffers.

The annual update on the long-term outlook for federal finances says that if things go better than expected, the budget will be balanced or almost so by 2024.

But if things go poorly, and the economy doesn’t grow as fast as federal officials

predict, then the deficit could get worse until 2034. The Trudeau Liberals promised during the 2015 election to balance the books by the end of their mandate — 2019 — after running small deficits.

The government’s February budget predicted a deficit of $18.1 billion for the current 2018-19 fiscal year, which ends in March.

The report says federal finances appear sustainable over the long term, with the Liberals’ favoured fiscal number, the federal debt as a percentage of gross domestic product, expected to decline over time.

That’s a way of measuring how heavy the debt burden is compared with the size of the national economy rather than just tallying the total the federal government owes.

Canada’s robust credit rating should calm unease about federal deficits: Trudeau

LOCAL / NATIONAL

Saturday, December 22, 2018 New impaired driving laws are among the toughest in the world, according to federal government. new impaired driving laws, which allow cops to pull over Canadians and demand breath samples for no reason, kick in today.

Under Bill C-46, the federal government granted police officers a swath of new powers purportedly to cut down on drug and alcohol impaired driving. However, the new laws have been criticized by lawyers who believe some of them are unconstitutional and overly broad.

Here are some of the key points: Random breath testing Police officers are now allowed to pull over any driver and demand they blow into a breathalyzer. Officers no longer need to be suspicious that the driver is impaired in order to make that demand. Drivers who refuse to blow will be charged, and if convicted, will receive a criminal record and a mandatory minimum fine of $2,000 for a first offence— or 120 days in jail for a third offence.

New tough impaired driving laws in effect Police can now pull you over and breathalyze you without cause “How many people are going to refuse to blow because they don’t think they should be asked to blow for no reason? A lot of those people are going to get criminal record and be completely sober at the time that they were dealing with police,” lawyer Kyla Lee, who specializes in impaired driving cases, said. “It’s a law that I think is designed to punish the innocent.” She said she is planning to launch a constitutional challenge of this law as soon as she gets an opportunity.

With the new laws come a number of tougher punishments, such as mandatory minimum penalties for impaired driving. The penalties now include: Mandatory minimum fines of $1,000, $1,500, and $2,500 for first offences of having blood alcohol content of 80 mg or more, 120 mg or more, and 160 mg or more, respectively impaired driving causing no bodily harm can mean up to two years in jail for a summary

RCMP bosses talk about future of Surrey policing With 2018 nearly in the rear-view mirror, BC RCMP’s leadership team reached out to media providing their perspective on the year that was.

Deputy Commissioner Brenda Butterworth-Carr said she wanted to take the opportunity to reflect on the force’s successes and challenges as well as to highlight the complexity of some of the operations that RCMP officers faced in the past year.

Among the accomplishments the deputy commissioner wanted to highlight was the technological advancement the force has been taking on. “We’ll be piloting digital evidence, continuing to advance our interactions with Crown…those are things

where we can take advantage of modern technologies that are available to us,” she said.

The conversation quickly veered towards one of the biggest stories the B.C. RCMP faced in 2018: the public inquest into the suicide of Sgt. Pierre Lemaitre.

Lemaitre was the force’s spokesperson during the fallout from the Tasering death of Robert Dziekanski at Vancouver International Airport in 2007. The inquest found Lemaitre was traumatized after being forced by his superiors to lie about the circumstances that led to Dziekanski’s death; Lemaitre took his own life in 2013.

conviction (up from 18 months) or up to 10 years in jail for an indictable offence (up from five years) impaired driving causing bodily harm can mean up to two years in jail for a summary conviction or up to 14 years in jail for an indictable offence (up from 10 years) dangerous driving causing death can lead to a maximum of life in jail (up from 14 years) “This is a government that campaigned on eliminating mandatory minimums and they have nothing towards doing that and instead with this legislation have increased the mandatory minimum penalties for many impaired driving offences,” said Lee. The new laws also take aim at typical defences used in impaired driving cases.

Increased time limit for taking a sample Cops can take a sample within three hours of when a person was last driving and their blood-alcohol reading will be considered the same as when they were driving; previously the sample needed to be taken within two hours.

New provision for extrapolating bloodalcohol content The government has also created a provision through which a driver’s blood sample can be taken any time after they were driving and cops can use a formula to determine how much alcohol was in their blood when they were driving.

“If they take your blood or breath sample 10 hours after you were driving, as long as there’s a minimum of 20 milligrams of alcohol in your blood, they can add 10 mg of alcohol for every

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hour to determine what your blood-alcohol level was when you were driving,” said Lee. They don’t have to account for things that affect a person’s elimination or absorption of booze, including drugs, disease, emotional state, food intake, smoking, when the person stopped drinking, etc.

Previously, if the samples were outside the two-hour window, the Crown had to call an expert witness to attempt to justify the readings.

“It was often unsuccessful and the Crown would lose the case as a result,” said Lee. Drug impaired driving laws under C-46 already came into effect to tackle THC impairment in light of recreational cannabis legalization. Those laws are also controversial, in part because there is no science to definitively link THC levels in the blood with impairment, and because the oral testing devices approved by the federal government have received dubious reviews.

Under those laws: Having between two to five nanograms of THC per millilitre of blood within two hours of driving would be punishable by a $1,000 fine.

Having five or more nanograms per millilitre of blood within two hours of driving could be considered a summary or indictable offence, punishable by a fine of $1,000 on the lower end to a maximum of 10 years in jail for repeat offenders.

Having booze and THC in your system would also be a hybrid offence (indictable or summary) and would again be punishable by a fine of $1,000 on the lower end to a maximum of 10 years in jail for repeat offenders.

Toronto and Vancouver most ‘vulnerable’ to interest rate hikes: CMHC Canadians living in two of the country’s largest cities may find themselves more “vulnerable” to interest rate increases as personal debt levels in Toronto and Vancouver continue to hit record-levels, warns a report by Canada Mortgage Housing Corp.

The housing agency says the debt-toincome (DTI) ratio for those living in Vancouver climbed to 242 per cent in the second quarter, which ended June 30.

That means that for every $1 of disposable income, $2.42 is owed. It was similarly high in Toronto, where the DTI is at 208 per cent.

This is the highest ratio recorded for both cities for any second quarter since 2015.

Nationally, the DTI ratio is 171 per cent.

A major contributor to increasing levels of indebtedness is mortgage debt,

which accounts for two-thirds of all outstanding household debt in Canada.

CMHC says those with elevated debt levels could see their budgets stretched if interest rates continue to rise.

“While households may be able to service their debt during periods of low interest rates, some may face challenges when rates rise,” it said in the report. “Highly indebted households have usually few debt consolidation options to respond to increasing debt service costs.”

The report noted that higher interest rates means that households could see an increase in the amount required for debt repayment, which could exceed their original budgets.

“The increased debt payment burden may come at the cost of reduced consumption,

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LOCAL / NATIONAL

Saturday, December 22, 2018

Latest polls show Andrew Scheer would make the best PM Move over Justin Trudeau, it’s Andrew Scheer’s time to shine.

A new Angus Reid poll shows that for the first time since he won the election in 2015, Trudeau is not considered the best federal leader to run the country. Conservative Leader Scheer now holds that honour — with 33% of respondents choosing him and 27% picking Trudeau. Green Party Leader Elizabeth May came in third with 7% and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh got a dismal 6%. (The other 26% didn’t know.)

The poll also shows the Liberal prime minister’s popularity has taken a hit. His approval rating has sunk to 35%, compared to 46% this time last year. His disapproval rating now sits at a whopping 58%, which is the highest of all four of the party leaders.

Even younger Canadians appear to have become somewhat disillusioned. Now only

42% of 18-to-35-year-olds approve of the job Trudeau is doing, down from 52% last December.

The poll points to Trudeau’s “problem-plagued� India trip, irregular border crossings and the Trans Mountain pipeline debacle as some of the reasons for his decline.

The Angus Reid Institute conducted an online survey of 3,239 Canadian adults between Dec. 1218. It is accurate to within +/- 1.4 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

When it comes to premiers, Francois Legault takes the crown as the most popular, according to a separate Dart Insight poll, rating nine of Canada’s provincial leaders.

(P.E.I. and the territories are not included.)

After winning the Quebec election in October, the CAQ leader’s popularity is

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at 61%, according to the poll. The only other premier above 50% is Saskatchewan Party’s Scott Moe (56%, up one point from September).

Newfoundland-Labrador Liberal Premier Dwight Ball and NDP Alberta Premier Rachel Notley suffered the hardest falls. Ball dropped nine points from 42% to 33% and Notley went from 41% to 34%, which

comes after her frustration with Ottawa over a stalled pipeline and equalization payments.

However, the least popular premier is Nova Scotia Liberal Premier Stephen McNeil who, despite gaining four points, has only 30% support.

Ontario Conservative Premier Doug Ford’s approval has slipped slightly.

He is down two points at 35%. In Manitoba, Conservative Premier Brian Pallister’s support stands pat at 43%.

Canada Post declares its operations back to normal just days before Christmas Canada Post says its operations are back to normal across the country, less than four weeks after its striking employees were forced back to work by federal legislation.

The Crown corporation says it is restoring its delivery service guarantees across the country, now that its Vancouver operations have caught up on a backlog of parcels that it said had built up at its main western sorting plant.

On Tuesday, the national mail carrier announced that service guarantees were being put back in place everywhere except Vancouver for the first time since Nov. 13, when rotating strikes caused parcel logjams at most of its distribution centres.

The rotating walkouts started Oct. 22 to pressure Canada Post into accepting contract demands from the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, and ended once a back-to-work

bill was passed in Ottawa on Nov. 27. Efforts to mediate an end to the labour dispute under that legislation failed on Tuesday with arbitrator Elizabeth MacPherson declaring Canada Post and CUPW too far apart to continue negotiating.

Both sides are to begin an arbitration process next month that’s expected to result in a contract being imposed on the corporation and its 50,000 unionized employees. CUPW has said it will challenge the Trudeau government’s back-to-work legislation in court.

Meanwhile, the union announced Thursday that rural and suburban mail carriers, or RSMCs, will see pay raises of up to 25 per cent and other benefit improvements in late January, thanks to a separate arbitrator’s ruling on a pay-equity dispute issued earlier this year.

LOCAL

Saturday, December 22, 2018

A simple pro-rep question could have won, poll finds British Columbians are strongly in favour of an electoral system that better represents the intentions of voters and they might well have voted for one, according to a post-mortem poll Voters strongly rejected pro-rep in the mail-in referendum, but a simpler question could have gone the other way.

When pollster Research Co. asked respondents whether they favour a system to better reflect the diversity of political views designed by an independent panel, 41 per cent favoured pro-rep while 36 per cent supported the current first past the post system.

“We do see a lot of people saying, yes, we want a fairer system, yes, make sure the number of votes accurately represents the number of seats,” said Research Co. president Mario Canseco. “But when you look at how they voted, they didn’t like the process and they were confused by the options in the second question.”

A majority of respondents also favour reforms such as more choice among candidates, MLAs being elected in close proportion to electoral results in each region and vote transfers so minority votes aren’t ignored.

Respondents also said a party

should only win majority power with a majority of votes (70 per cent).

However, putting Attorney General David Eby in charge of the referendum process may have been a fatal error on the part of Premier John Horgan.

B.C. is hungry for change, but they don’t want politicians in charge of the process, said Canseco.

Voters from both the pro-rep and FPTP camps strongly believe (78 per cent) that politicians are in a conflict of interest on electoral reform and want an independent, non-partisan citizens’ body put in charge.

The referendum results bring sharp relief to the polarization of B.C. politics.

FPTP was favoured by people over 55 and found strong support among B.C. Liberal voters, according to the Angus Reid Institute. Pro-rep found strong support among supporters of the Green Party and the NDP and especially among people under 35.

British Columbians are equally split on whether the referendum was a useful exercise. About 69 per cent of FPTP voters say it was a bad idea, while 77 per cent of pro-rep voters say it was a good one.

Man arrested after five people injured in hit-and-runs in Langley and Abbotsford RCMP say five people were injured after a series of hit-and-runs in Langley and Abbotsford on Wednesday night.

None of the injuries are considered lifethreatening, and the RCMP say many

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A 24-year-old man from Abbotsford has been arrested by police, who allege he was in breach of a recognizance over a condition that he was not be in a vehicle without the registered owner.

The first incident was reported just after 8 p.m. involving a small pickup truck that police say was stolen in neighbouring Abbotsford.

of those who were taken to hospital for treatment have been released.

The RCMP is asking for anyone with dashboard cameras to review their footage to see if they may have recorded the pickup truck.

The RCMP is asking for anyone with dashboard cameras to review their footage to see if they may have recorded the pickup truck.

They say it was found on fire about 1/2 hours later on Highway 1.

Shortly after, police say a car was stolen and the suspect was arrested in that vehicle.

The RCMP is asking for anyone with dashboard cameras to review their footage to see if they may have recorded the pickup truck.

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Canada among targets of alleged Chinese hacking campaign Companies in Canada were among the targets of two Chinese citizens charged with waging an extensive hacking campaign to steal valuable data over many years, U.S. authorities say.

In an indictment unsealed Thursday, prosecutors say Zhu Hua and Zhang Shilong were acting on behalf of China’s main intelligence agency to pilfer information from several countries.

Beginning about four years ago, Zhu and Zhang waged an intrusion campaign to gain access to computers and networks of “managed service providers” for businesses and governments around the world, the indictment says.

Such providers are private firms that manage clients’ information by furnishing servers, storage, networking, consulting and information-technology support.

Breaking into one such computer system can provide a route into multiple customers’ data; the hackers breached the computers of enterprises involved in activities ranging from banking and telecommunications to mining and health care, say the papers filed in U.S. District Court.

The indictment says Zhu and Zhang are members of a group operating in China known as Advanced Persistent Threat 10. They purportedly broke into computers belonging to — or providing services to — companies in at least 12 countries, including Canada.

How? According to the indictment, they used forged emails to get unwitting recipients

to open files impregnated with securitybreaching malware, a technique called “spear-phishing.” The two suspects, who worked for Huaying Haital Science and Technology Development Co. in Tianjin, are accused of acting in association with the Chinese Ministry of State Security’s Tianjin State Security Bureau.

Canada’s Communications Security Establishment issued a statement supporting the U.S. allegations a few hours after the American announcement.

“Today, many of Canada’s allies and partners have made statements concerning the compromise of several Managed Service Providers. CSE also assesses that it is almost certain that actors likely associated with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) Ministry of State Security (MSS) are responsible for the compromise of several Managed Service Providers (MSP), beginning as early as 2016,” it said. The statement said Canadian authorities detected the threat at the time and warned businesses in general terms about good security habits in dealing with these providers. The CSE sent out a more detailed bulletin after Thursday’s indictments, advocating practices such as “multifactor authentication,” which requires people to sign into computers in more than one way, and running background monitoring software that sends up an alert when an apparently legitimate user starts doing unusual things on a company network.

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LOCAL

Saturday, December 22, 2018

BC gov’t files forfeiture claim in money laundering case The B.C. government has filed a civil forfeiture claim in a bid to seize millions of dollars in cash, property and other assets linked to a massive money laundering case.

In the claim filed this week in B.C. Supreme Court, the B.C. Civil Forfeiture Office seeks more than $2 million in cash, $17,800 in casino chips and nearly $10,000 in Visa, MasterCard, and Vanilla gift cards, as well as property on Burquitlam Drive.

The claim names the owners of the property, Caiman Qin and Jian Jun Zhu, as well as Silver Investment Ltd. and The Style Travel Inc. In October 2017, Qin, Zhu, and Silver International were charged with laundering proceeds of a crime, possession of property obtained by crime, and failing to ascertain the identity of a client.

The charges have since been stayed.

B.C. Attorney General David Eby has expressed concern about the stay and has said he will ask for more information

from the RCMP and the federal Crown.

The forfeiture claim argues the property, money, casino chips, gift cards and miscellaneous property are proceeds of crime, and/or in breach of the Income Tax Act, and seeks to have them forfeited to the government of B.C. Silver International is a money-transfer business that RCMP allege was involved in money laundering, had ties to underground banking, and used suspected drug cash to fund Chinese VIP gamblers in B.C. casinos.

During the RCMP’s Project E-Pirate probe, Mounties allege they uncovered more than $500 million from a Richmond money-laundering service they said handled up to $1.5 million a day.

A lawyer for Qin, Matthew Nathanson, argued that his client is entitled to the $2 million seized during the E-Pirate investigation. He claimed earlier this month that the federal prosecutor was delaying the return of his client’s money so the government could file a forfeiture claim.

Emergency task force calls for safe supply of drugs in Vancouver to prevent ODs Vancouver’s mayor says he will direct staff to look for a site where drug users can get safe opioids to prevent overdoses as part of a plan recommended by an emergency task force calling for more services for people who are dying alone.

Kennedy Stewart said the number of overdose deaths has remained about the same as last year despite the best efforts of front-line workers, first responders and health professionals who seem to be fighting a losing battle.

“A long-standing mental health and addictions crisis combined with an increasingly potent drug supply means that unless we take urgent and bold action now, our friends, family and neighbours will continue to die,” Stewart told a news conference Tuesday.

He said he discussed Vancouver’s overdose crisis with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about six weeks ago and he seemed to be sympathetic but the federal government

must now provide some funding.

The B.C. Coroners Service recorded 369 deaths in Vancouver last year and by September this year, 297 people had died.

Stewart struck the task force last month shortly after taking office and it includes an addictions physician, housing advocates, first responders, First Nations and drug users’ groups.

Its recommendations include a new outdoor inhalation overdose prevention site, which Stewart said is essential because 40 per cent of overdoses are due to people inhaling drugs.

There will be “no end in sight” to the overdose crisis if the toxic drug supply, often tainted with fentanyl, is not addressed, Stewart said, adding the city would provide a site so a federally funded and approved research project headed by the B.C. Centre for Disease Control can go forward. The report says a location should be identified by April.

Two-year-old boy suffers minor injuries after encounter with a cougar in Mission A two-year-old boy has minor injuries after an encounter with a cougar in a park in Mission, B.C., on Monday.

Sgt. Todd Hunter with the B.C. Conservation Officer Service says the boy was with an adult and other children walking in Cascade Falls Trail.

Hunter says the boy has a puncture wound to his arm and some minor scratches on his back.

He says officers responded to the area to ensure all others in the group weren’t hurt.

The service says the park will remain closed until officers can determine its safe to use the area again.

Time is running out for BC Lotto 6/49 winner to collect $1 million Somewhere out there — maybe in a glove box, a jacket pocket or perhaps crumpled and forgotten inside a desk drawer — is an unclaimed Lotto 6/49 $1-million winning ticket purchased in Victoria that will soon be worthless.

The ticket was a 10-digit match (18923844-07) in the Jan. 3 Lotto 6/49 Guaranteed Prize Draw.

Since lottery winners have 52 weeks from the draw date printed on their ticket to claim their prize, the ticketholder has until the end of the business day on Jan. 3, 2019, to collect their winnings or say goodbye to $1 million.

“It’s really rare for the large prizes to go unclaimed,” said B.C. Lottery Corporation spokesman Evan Kelly.

Kelly said although most unclaimed prizes are for small amounts, such as a few dollars, there have been nine major prizes — worth a combined $5.2 million — that have gone unclaimed in B.C. during the past 10 years.

That includes four different prizes of $1

million each, from Lotto Max and 6/49 draws, which are the largest unclaimed prize amounts from the last decade.

Unclaimed money from national lotteries, such as Lotto 6/49 and Lotto Max, is returned to the prize pool for future promotions and is managed by the Interprovincial Lottery Corporation.

Meanwhile, unclaimed prizes from BCLC-operated games, like BC/49, end up in the provincial government coffers.

The BCLC is encouraging players to look anywhere they might keep a lottery ticket to see if they are B.C.’s newest millionaire.

The $1-million prize can be claimed at either one of the BCLC corporate offices in Vancouver (2940 Virtual Way) or Kamloops (74 West Seymour St.).

Lotto prizes under $10,000 can be paid out at one of BCLC’s 21 regional prize locations.

Lottery retailers must pay prizes up to $200 and have the ability to pay prizes up to $2,000.

Government of Canada protects two new areas off the coast of BC for Resident Killer Whales The Government of Canada is protecting and recovering the iconic and culturally important Southern and Northern Resident Killer Whales. These whales hold a special significance to Canadians, and Indigenous Peoples and play an important role as apex predators in our oceans ecosystem.

Today, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, is announcing he has created two new areas of critical habitat for iconic Resident Killer Whales. These

new areas build on existing critical habitat established in 2009 to protect the marine ecosystem that is necessary for the survival and recovery of the Resident Killer Whales.

This announcement builds on the $167 million Whales Initiative announced in 2018 and the October 2018 investment of $61.5 million targeting key threats faced by the Southern Resident Killer Whale, including: Specific measures already introduced to protect this endangered species include expanding vessel slowdowns, enhancing regulatory controls on contaminants and investments aimed at protecting and recovering Chinook salmon stocks.

The newly identified areas of critical habitat announced today are located in the waters off the coast of southwestern Vancouver Island, including Swiftsure and La Pérouse Banks, and in western Dixon Entrance, all of which are key foraging areas for both Resident Killer Whales. These new zones will increase the area of critical habitat for endangered killer whales by approximately 6,419 square kilometers to an area of approximately 10,714 square kilometres of Canadian waters. Designating these areas as “critical habitat” ensures they are legally protected against destruction that could hinder survival or recovery of the whales.

The Government of Canada thanks all stakeholders for their commitment to working together to ensure the survival and recover of these iconic endangered whales.

“The Government of Canada is moving quickly to protect Southern and Northern Resident Killer Whales and to help the population recover.

LOCAL / NATIONAL

Saturday, December 22, 2018

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Fentanyl overdose death leaves Kamloops parents devastated

Welfare couple were entrapped by RCMP in courtroom BC’s Appeal Court has upheld a ruling marginalized, vulnerable people, and that gave a couple convicted of planting suddenly their life was turned into this fantasy explosive devices on the grounds of world,” said Scott Wright, Korody’s lawyer.

“It’s something they hope to move on from, the legislature their freedom in 2016.

In a unanimous decision released but that’s not going to be easy or quick for them.”

A jury convicted Nuttall, 44, and Korody, Wednesday morning, the Appeal Court sided with a B.C. Supreme Court judge 35, of terrorism-related offences in 2015, but who stayed proceedings in the terrorism Bruce stayed proceedings on the grounds that police trial of John Nuttall had entrapped and Amanda Korody the pair in an on the grounds that the investigation that police investigation was a “travesty of justice.” amounted to an abuse of process.

Nuttall and Korody The two had were found guilty of been accused terrorism offences in June 2015. (RCMP) of plotting to plant pressure While the 141-page cooker bombs judgment faults Justice on the grounds Catherine Bruce’s findings in a number of areas, the of the provincial legislature Appeal Court found that Amanda Korody, (left) and John Nuttall in Victoria the RCMP may have been right to launch an undercover operation with the aim of murdering tourists against the Surrey, B.C., couple — but they during Canada Day festivities in 2013.

Bruce found that police did not have went “far beyond investigating a crime.”

“They pushed and pushed and reasonable suspicion to start an investigation pushed the two defendants to come up against the two after their initial inquiries with a workable plan,” read the ruling, following a complaint from a member of written by Justice Elizabeth Bennett the public who claimed Nuttall had been and handed down in Vancouver. espousing violent views at local mosques.

The justice also found that police “The police did everything necessary to facilitate the plan.” essentially directed the couple on how to Lawyers for Nuttall and Korody said their commit the crime because they weren’t clients were pleased with the ruling and a capable of figuring it out for themselves.

Nuttall and Korody embrace at B.C. finding that the kind of police investigation they were subjected to is unacceptable. Supreme Court after the judge stayed “Amanda and John were somewhat proceedings against them in July 2016.

Serial robber arrested and charged after week-long spree A 50-year-old Vancouver man is facing one count of robbery and likely many more after a week-long crime spree that saw 10

banks targeted in Vancouver alone.

Darwin McGrath was arrested at 2 p.m.

Dec. 16 after a pair of plainclothes officers saw him enter a bank and commit a robbery.

He was arrested with an undisclosed amount of cash on his person.

“They caught him in the act. That’s very rare to happen but it does happen and that’s good, head’s up police work,” Vancouver Police Department Sgt. Jason Robillard told reporters Dec. 18.

Robillard noted that McGrath has previous convictions on his record for similar crimes. The provincial court registry shows numerous robberies dating back to 2012 linked to a person with the same name.

VPD investigators are now gathering evidence that could link McGrath to nine other bank robberies in Vancouver and one in Surrey over a seven-day span.

“There is sufficient evidence, from my understanding right now, that they are able to say they suspect he committed all of these,” Robillard said. No weapon was seen or used in Sunday’s robbery, nor was anyone injured in the 11 incidents allegedly linked to

McGrath. He remains in custody.

The VPD’s victims’ services team offers support and resources for victims of crime, witnesses and their families. Referrals are typically made by the officer on scene, though individuals can self-refer to the program by contacting 604-717-2737.

The 38-year-old met a woman, found faith, planned to attend culinary school and passed on his passion for skateboarding to his girlfriend’s son.

“The last time I talked to him, he was on Cloud 9,” mom Karen Juergens said. “He was just so thrilled he finally found somebody who cares for him and all this, right? When I think what probably happened was it was just one more time to celebrate life.

That’s all it took, was that one more time.”

Robinson — a father, boyfriend and former NorKam Secondary student best known for kick-flips, grilling steaks and his sense of humour — died from a fentanyl overdose on Nov. 21 at the McArthur Island skateboard park.

His family wanted to pay tribute to his life, put face to statistics and caution others that it only takes that one time.

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Saturday, December 22, 2018

South Asian man ‘not criminally responsible’ for killing wife A Burnaby man who called 911 and admitted he stabbed his wife with a machete has been found not criminally responsible for killing her because of the serious mental illness he was suffering from at the time. BC Supreme Court Justice Mike Tammen ruled Friday that Parveen Maan had no ability to control his actions because of the powerful voices in his head telling him to kill his wife Goldie in February 2017. “This case is both tragic and troubling — tragic because it concerns the death of the mother of two young children at the hands of her husband, the father of those children,” Tammen said. “The most troubling aspect of the case is the fact that the accused at the time he took his wife’s life was almost certainly suffering from a serious mental illness and likely in the throes of a psychotic episode of some severity.” Tammen noted that two psychiatrists who testified as experts for both the Crown and the defence agreed that Maan, 48, suffered from mental illness for years prior to the slaying and that he was

hearing voices.

But they disagreed on whether he fully understood that what he was doing was morally wrong when he attacked Goldie in their Burnaby home and stabbed her more than 135 times. Maan called 911 in the early afternoon asking police to come to the family home in the 7900-block of 18th Ave. His two kids were at school at the time. When asked by the operator what had happened, he said “Ah, ah frankly, I kill my wife.” He said that his wife was getting violent and using bad language, “So I kill.” Tammen said that despite Maan’s apparently calm demeanour during the call and while he was taken into police custody, there was ample evidence of his mental illness dating back years. Maan testified that he had been hospitalized in India and prescribed anti-psychotics in 1998, years before immigrating to Canada. He told a close friend in the weeks before the slaying that he was hearing voices.

New rules for abandoned property owners in Surrey result in fewer fires A city policy in Surrey, B.C., has drastically reduced the number of fires in abandoned buildings. For years, unoccupied buildings have been a breeding ground for illegal activities that often led to fires. An abandoned motel and adjacent RV park caught fire just two weeks ago. But in January, fire chief Len Garis launched a new program to pressure owners to take responsibility for their properties. “They have a choice — they can secure it, they can demolish it, or they can reinvest in it and bring it back into the housing market,” Garis said.

The city gives property owners a limited amount of time to comply And if they don’t, fire crews do it for them. The city has identified 407 at-risk properties, mapped out across Surrey. “All of our fire crews are assigned a

list within their parishes. Weekly, they go out and they inspect these properties that have been secured,” he said. “Some of them we’ve been to 55 times. So what we’re doing now is we’re only going one time, and after that we’re going to start fees associated with providing the service.” In the last year, almost half of 407 buildings have been demolished and a quarter have been fixed up and put back onto the housing market.

“On average, we were looking at about 16 to 18 abandoned property house fires per year. In the first half of this year there was 13 and in the second half there’s only been one,” Garis said. The fire department has prepared a report to present to council. Garis says it highlights the program’s success, even though it comes at no additional cost to the city.

Massey tunnel option now include 8-lane bridge or a new tunnel British Columbia’s government is considering a new eight-lane bridge or a new tunnel as part of a feasibility study on the best option for replacing the aging Massey Tunnel.

A technical review of the project released Monday found that a 10-lane bridge planned under the BC Liberals might be more than what’s needed for the region. “It left out a number of key considerations like community alignment, livability and cost,” Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Claire Trevena told reporters. “We heard that loud and clear from Metro Vancouver mayors.”

The BC NDP put the original plans to replace the 59-year-old tunnel on hold back in September 2017. An independent review is now recommending the province consider a new tunnel or a bridge with up to eight lanes to connect Richmond and Delta across the Fraser River. Trevena said the province will also look at retrofitting the existing tunnel to use alongside either option.

“We need to take a look at those options that will have the same benefit in cutting congestion as well as fitting the region’s needs,”

Trevena said. According to the minister, the province will begin consultations with Metro Vancouver municipalities and First Nations, and $5 million has been set aside for further engineering work. The province said Monday a new business case for the tunnel replacement project will be developed by fall 2020.

In the meantime, Trevena said the government is “aggressively and immediately pursuing congestion relief on both sides of the river,” as well spending an estimated $40 million on upgrades including lighting and drainage. “These improvements will help people keep moving safely while we work with the communities on selecting the best option for a new crossing,” she said.

The minister said she understands the frustrations of those who live and work in the region affected by congestion in the Massey Tunnel, but deflected blame to the former government for what will likely be years before drivers have another way to get across the Fraser. “Had the former government full and objectively, we wouldn’t be in this situation,” she said.

Vancouver mayor warns illegal pot shops to legalize or ‘move along’ Vancouver’s mayor says he’s giving the city’s 28 illegal cannabis dispensaries time to transition after a B.C. Supreme Court ordered them to cease operations on Friday.

But Mayor Kennedy Stewart emphasized the decision makes it clear to those operating illegally that it’s time to move on — and the city has the legal authority to force them to.

“We were really waiting for this court case to reach its conclusion,” Stewart said from his home Sunday.

“We’re just hoping people are going to move along and move into the more mainstream licensed retail business.”

However, Stewart said the city has no desire to send police to shut them down, and he wouldn’t give a definitive time of when city police might do so.

Instead, he’s hoping the illegal shops will realize “the jig is up” and will either legalize or close.

Since legalization on Oct. 17, pot shops in Vancouver require a development permit, a provincial retail licence and a new municipal business licence to legally stay open.

But the province has only approved a handful of cannabis retailers across B.C. so far — none of them in Vancouver.

Meanwhile, some of the city’s pot shops have been operating illegally for years.

The number of illegal cannabis shops grew to the point that the city introduced its own regulations and fees in 2016 to control where medical pot dispensaries could operate.

Still, some chose to ignore the city’s bylaws.

Injunctions were filed on May 31, 2016.

Trusted caregiver jailed for stealing $260K from elderly Coquitlam couple A former caregiver who gradually stole $260,000 from an elderly Coquitlam, B.C., couple over a period of 16 months

has been sentenced to a year in jail.

Fifty-year-old Antonette Dizon of Burnaby

pleaded guilty earlier this year to a single count of fraud over $5,000, admitting that she

regularly withdrew $1,000 in cash a day from the couple’s chequing and savings accounts.

Quebec man jailed for more than 8 years for smuggling cocaine in Australia A Quebec man has been sentenced to eight years and five months in prison for his involvement in an international drug smuggling operation, after he was arrested in 2016 along with two young Quebec women posing as travellers.

André Tamine, 65, was convicted Monday for bringing several suitcases of cocaine into Australia on a luxury cruise ship.

Judge Catherine Traill of the Australian District Court of New South Wales revealed that Tamine had been offered €100,000, about CAN $150,000, to participate in the smuggling.

He was arrested on that ship, the MS Sea Princess, after being found with over 65 kilograms of cocaine once the ship had docked in Sydney in August of 2016.

Tamine was arrested along with fellow Quebecers Mélina Roberge and Isabelle Lagacé, two young women who made headlines around the world for posing as travellers on a luxury cruise, when in reality they were involved in an international drug-smuggling operation.

‘Shah Rukh Khan is the most giving actor I’ve ever worked with’ - Anuskha coincidence” that “Zero” is for her. “I realised this very recently and I had to put it out. I started my career with you Shah Rukh and it’s really beautiful that on my tenth anniversary as an actor, we are releasing our fourth film together,” Sharma wrote. The actress had started her film career with Shah Rukh-starrer “Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi” and has featured with

Anushka’s fourth film with Shah Rukh Khan is ‘Zero’. And she says that he (SRK) is the most giving artiste and that she has done some

of her most challenging roles with him.

In a social media post on Dec. 20, Anushka Sharma recounted the “beautiful

him in “Jab Tak Hai Jaan” and “Jab Harry Met Sejal.” In a message to SRK, she said: “I would like to say that you are the most giving actor that I have worked with. It is strange and beautiful that I have done some of my most challenging works with you. “In the journey of our four films, I have seen myself grow and I have seen you being there and showing the same enthusiasm and support for me to shine.”

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Saturday, December 22, 2018

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Saturday, December 22, 2018

HOROSCOPE Aries March 21 - April 20 This could be a week of impromptu trips, longer journeys, or visits to relatives for the holiday week. Unexpected encounters and fascinating conversations could fuel opportunities for new developments.

As the week gets underway, you may also have a strong urge to show your compassionate side and enjoy getting involved in spiritual or religious events.

Taurus April 21 - May 20 You could sense that it’s time for change, and you might be tempted to spontaneously leave a limiting situation. While it may be wiser to think this move through beforehand, a positive aspect between the sun and energetic Uranus suggests it could all work out in your favor anyway. There could be romantic overtones that contribute to some wonderful date nights. Whether solo or spoken for, you might enjoy a night out with your partner or love interest.

Gemini May 20 - June 21 An unexpected invitation could be the catalyst that encourages you to get to know someone better. There could be an instant attraction between you, but this relationship might need some nurturing if you want it to continue. Later in the week, a merger between chatty Mercury and expansive Jupiter could leave you excited by a conversation and the wonderful ideas discussed.

Cancer June 22 - July 23 Opportunity knocks this week, so be alert for news that could lead to a job or business idea. If you’ve been looking for ways to improve your lifestyle, a chance remark could provide you with helpful solutions.

The focus is on getting the most of your days and enjoying your work and routines. If you can do this, your energy level could be consistently high.

Libra Sept. 24 - Oct 22 An encounter or chance conversation could inspire you if it leads to an opportunity or gives you vital information. Stay alert midweek for such an occurrence because something good can come of it.

With sweet Venus, your ruler, angling toward nebulous Neptune on Friday, your charitable nature could come very much to the fore.

Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 22 There might be an unexpected chance to earn some extra cash. Even though this might only be a small amount, it could still put a smile on your face. You could also receive a gift from someone who never usually bothers.

It might be a signal that they’re eager to get to know you better.

The end of the week can be particularly upbeat for more than one reason.

Sagitarius Nov 23 - Dec 22 Expect the unexpected midweek as a surprise invitation or even a visit boosts your spirits. You might enjoy a reunion with an old friend, and it’s sure to leave you feeling happier.

The focus shifts somewhat this week as the sun moves out of your sign and into Capricorn and your personal money zone on Friday. This can be a chance to take stock and consider how you can improve matters and get your money to work harder for you.

Capricorn Dec 23 - Jan 20 If aspects of your life have seemed out of control, this can all change this week as the sun moves into your sign. But before it does, it makes a positive angle with rebellious Uranus in a more personal sector. You might feel like

need some “me� time, Thursday might be your best day. A very heartwarming encounter could brighten the end of the week, and it might be because you invite a friend out for a meal

Aquarius Jan 21 - Feb 19

Leo June 24 - August 23 You could be somewhat restless midweek as the sun, your guardian planet, aspects edgy Uranus. This is a positive transit, though, suggesting that your search for something interesting could lead to a sparkling discovery, one you’ll use to your advantage.

There are also deeper currents at work that hint at family discussions around money, property, and deeply personal issues.

This week brings surprises and positive social events, which could be engaging and even inspiring to you. The continued focus on your social sector hints at events and opportunities for connecting with others. One encounter could take your breath away - for all the right reasons.

The sense of fun continues through the week with a positive aspect between chatty Mercury and lucky Jupiter on Friday bringing some good news.

Pisces Virgo Home and family matters continue to be emphasised this week. There might be an unexpected visitor on your doorstep midweek as the sun aligns with unpredictable Uranus, or another surprise could come your way that adds a little sparkle to the days ahead.

Solo? A lovely tie between delectable Venus and ethereal Neptune in your relationship zone hints at the potential for a blossoming romance.

Feb 20 - March 20 You might be doing a grand job of organizing events for your community or workplace and bringing them to a successful conclusion. This

business meetings, and similar occasions. As you network, be on the alert for an opportunity that comes out of the blue. It won’t be around for very long, so you might need to snap it up while you can. Toward the end of the week, there could be an encounter with someone you don’t see very often, and this could be a very heartwarming occasion.

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Saturday, December 22, 2018

The BC India Business Network celebrated 3rd anniversary

The BC India Business Network celebrated its 3rd Anniversary at the Fairmont Waterfront hotel on Friday Dec 14th. It is one of the fastest growing bilateral trade organizations in Canada, and members gathered to network and share experiences over the very impressive lunch served up by the expert Indian chefs at the Fairmont.

The keynote address was made by Dr. Lane Trotter, President and CEO of Langara College. He put up some amazing statistics on the sheer growth of students from India and the role that Langara was playing in it.

He was followed by our visitor from India, Mr. Naveen Gupta, President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants India. He aptly

described how the international marketplace was getting more and more organized and the role that Chartered accountants play in making the world a much easier place to do business.

Finally BCIBN member Ajit Thomas delivered a testimonial on how his business

got a kick start from networking at one such event and what he saw as a benefit to whomever becomes a member.

The meeting concluded with a presentation of a service award to Vivek Savkur by Acting President Catherine Sas. Bobby Pawar thank Vivek for his years of service and wished him well in his retirement.

Saturday, December 22, 2018

Bollywood

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Saturday, December 22, 2018

Saturday, December 22, 2018

BC Liberal motions that would provide transparency into how money is being spent by the Legislature. “This committee is turning into a farce and the NDP is writing the script,� says Opposition House Leader Mary Polak. “It was the Speaker himself who raised the

Legislature. For some reason, the NDP has repeatedly blocked British Columbians from learning the truth. “The NDP is either colluding with the Speaker or being willfully blind. This

Press release

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NDP says ‘no’ to transparency, seven times

Oppal to date, along with all written reports provided by Mr. Oppal, and that committee is not a rubber stamp for the to ensure any audit doesn’t impact any no more than $25,000 be provided in total NDP and the Speaker to spend taxpayer investigation 4. Asking the Auditor General compensation to Mr. Oppal without prior money without any transparency. The public to conduct an examination under Section approval by LAMC deserves to know what is happening, and 13 of the Auditor General Act 5. That 7.

That the Speaker detail any we will continue to ask these questions.�

!

! ‘investigations’ or ‘reviews’ conducted by Motions the NDP has voted against: " "$ %&

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" * the Speaker without prior approval of restrictions imposed by the Special 1.

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That the Speaker immediately Auditor General and LAMC that no other auditor to perform a forensic audit disclose the compensation paid to Wally &

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Wilkinson calls for open and transparent process in mountain caribou conservation agreement Leader of the Official Opposition Andrew Wilkinson is calling on the NDP to provide answers as they refuse to release their plan for the proposed mountain caribou conservation agreement. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I find it extremely disappointing that over the past nine months, British Columbians have been kept in the dark on what the NDP is planning for mountain caribou,â&#x20AC;? said Wilkinson. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The minister responsible is from rural British Columbia and has completely evaded the issue. Efforts to save remaining caribou populations could affect everything from industry to recreational activity and yet there is no information available for the public.

Everyone wants to protect caribou and their habitat, but we need discussions at the local level to come up with solutions that can

Ubed Singh Sidhu and his wife Nirmal Kaur Sidhu celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at a very well attended function at India Cultural Centre of Canada Gurdwara Nanak Niwas in Richmond. Their family, friends and well wishers wished them well. The Sidhu family hosted a Kirtan and Langar at the Gurdwara on December 14. On behalf of the Gurdwara Management Committee and the congregation Balwant Singh Sanghera congratulated both Ubed and Nirmal on this very special occasion. He also read letters of congratulations to Ubed and Nirmal from the Governor General of Canada, Julie Payett, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin, Premier John

work for all communities, and these just arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t happening.â&#x20AC;?

Sixteen BC Liberal MLAs from across the province wrote to Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, and George Heyman, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change Strategy, requesting that the government immediately starts a broad public consultation process on this issue. Local MLAs have been advocating for a meeting with Minister Donaldson for months to no avail. Wilkinson insists that First Nations, local governments and stakeholders in the resource and tourism industries should have the opportunity to voice their concerns and be a part of the caribou recovery process. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want a solution that is based on science

Horgan and Richmond MLA Teresa Wat. Ubed and Nirmal were married at Samabula Gurdwara in Fiji on December 14,1968. They moved to Canada in 1975 . Both of them ,along with their family-Danny, Kelly and Jaya -have been living in Richmond since 1975. Ubed and Nirmal are both active in serving at Gurdwara Nanak Niwas Sahib. Balwant Singh Sanghera

and takes into account all of the land uses that could be affected by a heavy-handed response by the NDP,â&#x20AC;? Wilkinson added. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Local governments have been calling for greater involvement since the UBCM

meeting last September and like local MLAs, have been ignored. The preservation and survival of caribou populations is important but the general public has to be a part of the solution.â&#x20AC;?

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Vol. 9 No. 47

Saturday, December 22, 2018

Saturday - December 22, 2018

In BCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rugged north as Royal Dutch Shell PLCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s $31 billion (US) liquefied natural gas project sparks an economic boom in the remote region. BCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s housing boom is set to shift to the BCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s North Coast, a sparsely populated region usually synonymous with untamed wilderness, black bears and glacial fjords â&#x20AC;&#x201D; is set for a turnaround as Shell and its four partners ramp up activity on Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest infrastructure project ever, according to

Tel: 604-591-5423

E-mail: ads@theasianstar.com

North of BC becoming real estate boom Bryan Yu, deputy chief economist at Central 1 Credit Union. Residential home prices in the North Coast are set to surge faster than any other region in the province through 2020 as the project in Kitimat prepares to employ as many as 7,500 people at its peak, according to forecasts from Yu. In contrast, prices in Vancouverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lower Mainland area â&#x20AC;&#x201D; once one of the hottest housing markets in North America â&#x20AC;&#x201D; will fall, keeping the overall

provincial median price flat. More broadly, the real estate slowdown in Greater Vancouver â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the provinceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest metropolitan area â&#x20AC;&#x201D; will dampen British Columbiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s overall prospects.

The provinceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual economic growth will slow to a range of about 2.5 per cent to 3 per cent through 2020, down from 3.8 per cent in 2017, Central 1 said in a report Tuesday.

That reflects a shift in fortunes. Three years ago when Vancouverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy was roaring

along as housing prices surged, the resourcedependent north was suffering a downturn.

Lumber exports were falling, mining projects faced dismal commodity prices, and more than a dozen LNG projects were stalled amid a global gas glut. In addition to the LNG project announced last month, the North Coast region is also benefiting from firmer demand for wood products and a booming port in nearby Prince Rupert, according to Central 1.

Falling real estate market projected to bring national home sales down to nearly 10-year low Falling home sales in B.C. are set to drag national sales down to lows not seen in nearly a decade, according to projections released by the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) on Monday.

The associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest quarterly forecast projects B.C.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s market to take another 5.2-per-cent hit in 2019, bringing home sales in the province down nearly 30 per cent since 2017, when sales exceeded 100,000 units.

Rising interest rates and strict mortgage stress-test rules are being blamed for the nationwide slump, which is expected to fall 0.5 per cent in 2019 to a nine-year low of 456,200 units sold, after dropping just over 11 per cent in 2018 to 458,200 units, which was

already a five-year low.

Nearly 4 in 10 in Metro Vancouver see real estate industry as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;extremely corruptâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; In the west, the CREA is holding B.C.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rising foreign buyers tax and oil price declines in Alberta responsible for falling sales there, which are expected to continue well into the new year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the Lower Mainland, we have a higher supply than weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve

seen in three or four years because everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been taking the waitand-see approach,â&#x20AC;? said Phil Moore, president of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The spring is usually a good time for people to buy so weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have to wait until then to see if weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to see sales numbers like this over the long term.â&#x20AC;?

The fall across Canada comes despite forecasted

gains in Quebec and Ontario next year, the latter of which the CREA says will rebound from slumping sales in 2018 that were largely felt in the Greater Toronto Area and which helped B.C. bring sales down across Canada.

Housing slowdown continues, says Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver Quebec has been on an upward swing recently, the CREA noted, while also calling sales in New Brunswick and the Maritimes â&#x20AC;&#x153;historically strong.â&#x20AC;?

The forecast from CREA, which represents 125,000 realtors across the country, also projects the average price for a home will climb yet again next year, this time by 1.7 per cent to $496,800.

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Saturday, December 22, 2018 The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver says home supply is rising and reaching levels not seen in roughly four years, even as the average price inches up year-over-year.

The board says the composite benchmark price for all homes was $1,062,100 in October -- up one per cent since October 2017, but down 3.3 per cent over the last three months.

Sales of all types of homes -- detached, townhomes and condos -- in October fell 34.9 per cent compared with the same month last year, dropping 26.8 per cent below the 10year October sales average.

Prices easing but Canada’s housing

Vancouver home sales drop below average last month market still ‘highly vulnerable’: CMHC Interest rates and anxiety on the rise in B.C. Meanwhile, nearly 4,900 new properties were listed for sale last month, up 7.4 per cent compared with October last year.

Nearly 13,000 homes are listed in Metro Vancouver or 42.1 per cent more than in October 2017. Board president Phil Moore says the additional supply gives home buyers more choice and home sellers more competition. Detached home sales fell 32.2 per cent in October compared with the same month last year, while the benchmark

Real estate market expected to mederate over next 2 years

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. says the country’s real estate market is expected to moderate over the next two years as the growth in housing prices is expected to slow to more in line with economic fundamentals.In its 2018 housing market outlook released today, the national housing agency projects housing starts and sales are both expected to decline

price fell to $1,524,000 marking a 5.1 per cent drop year-overyear and 3.9 per cent fall over the last three months.

Sales of townhomes declined 37.5 per cent and condos fell 35.7 per cent year-over-year.

The benchmark price for townhomes rose 4.4 per cent from last year to $829,200, while condo prices jumped 5.8 per cent to $683,500.

Over the past three months, townhome

in 2019 and 2020.It predicts housing starts for single and multi-unit starts will fall to between 193,700 and 204,500 in 2019, while sales are anticipated to be between 478,400 and 497,400 units. Prices are anticipated to range between $501,400 and $521,600.

CMHC says it expects economic indicators

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prices fell 2.8 per cent and condo prices dropped 3.1.

The threemonth price drop “is providing a little relief for those looking to buy compared to the all-time highs we’ve experienced over the last year,” says Moore.

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Saturday, December 22, 2018

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Saturday, December 22, 2018

Community news South Asian Seniors Christmas / Holiday Season 2018 Celebration. Saturday, December 22, 2018 at Shanti Niketan from 11.00 am to 1.30 pm.

Vedic Seniors Parivar Center of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society Surrey is going to celebrate Christmas/ Holiday Season 2018 on December 22nd 2018 (Saturday) from 11.00 am to 1.30 pm at Shanti Niketan Hall of Lakshmi Narayan Hindu Temple 8321 140th street Surrey BC. There will be snacks, Biscuits, Pop, Juice, Tea, pure vegetarian Pizza for lunch and Lindor Chocolate ball for all the participants. Registration required for joining South Asian Seniors - Antakshari Hindi Songs Competition Sunday, 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm at Shanti Niketan.

Vedic Seniors Parivar Center of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society Surrey invites South Asian Adults, Senior members & nonmembers also to join us for Antakshari Songs Competition with Hindi songs on Sunday from 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm at Shanti Niketan hall of Lakshmi Narayan Hindu Temple 8321 - 140th street Surrey BC. The participants will be divided in to two groups, could be male members against female members or combined both.

The game is of ending words of the song sung by the last singer, to be continued by the song by the next singer of the opposite group, if one group fails to sing for the last word of the song then the opponent can sing the song and the group who failed to sing is eliminated, No song is repeated in the game by both groups.

Tea & snacks will be served to all participants after the game is over. Project funded by Government of Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Horizons for Seniors Program for Hindi speaking seniors.

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

For more Updates, Visit our Website

Contact Brent or Wayne

604-377-5429 www.theasianstar.com

Email: fraservalleygolf@shaw.ca Video link: www.cotala.com/28804

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Saturday, December 22, 2018

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Saturday, December 22, 2018

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LOCAL / NATIONAL

Saturday, December 22, 2018

Federal Liberals looking at national basic income as way to help Canadians cope with job instability The Trudeau Liberals appear to be warming to the idea of a guaranteed national minimum income as they search for ways to help Canadian workers adapt to an unsteady labour market.

A guaranteed minimum income means different things to different people, but at its core is a no-strings-attached payment governments provide instead of an assortment of targeted benefits.

What it costs in additional spending, the thinking goes, it makes up in reduced bureaucracy for both the government and recipients.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Social Development Minister Jean-Yves Duclos have argued that the Liberal-created Canada Child

Benefit, among other measures, amounts to a guaranteed minimum income already.

But in an interview this week with The Canadian Press, Duclos said the current suite of federal programs could one day be enhanced to provide a minimum income of sorts to all Canadians, particularly those without children who aren’t eligible for federal benefits for families, seniors or the working poor.

“Whether this is going to be enhanced eventually to a broader guaranteed minimum income for all Canadians, including those without children that are not currently covered by a guaranteed minimum income at the federal level, I believe the answer is yes,” Duclos said.

Banning Huawei from building new 5G wireless network won’t really hurt Canada’s big telecom firms If the federal government moves to ban Huawei from working to build Canada’s new 5G network, it is unlikely to have a major financial impact on two of the country’s top communications companies who have partnered with the China-based firm, analysts say.

Huawei’s equipment is already used in telecommunications infrastructure run by Canada’s major cellphone carriers, namely BCE and Telus. Those two companies are currently in 5G pretrial stages with Huawei, a company some western intelligence officials consider a security risk due to its links with China’s government.

As the next-generation wireless

technology, 5G promises to deliver much faster internet download speeds — possibly up to 200 times faster than today’s LTE networks.

Desmond Lau, a telecommunications analyst with investment research firm Veritas, said BCE and Telus have not put a lot of capital into 5G trials, so the financial hit from a ban on Huawei’s participation wouldn’t be large.

“It doesn’t sound like all that much has been spent on 5G,” Lau said, adding that neither company has disclosed what they have spent so far.

“They also have Nokia as another 5G partner, so they could probably just switch all toward Nokia if they really needed to.”

BCE and Telus did not respond to inquiries from CBC News about their relationship with Huawei on building Canada’s 5G network.

The Sydney Morning Herald, an Australian newspaper, has reported that Ottawa could announce a formal ban on Huawei building the 5G network within weeks.

Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale has called those reports “speculation.”

According to a Scotiabank telecommunications report, both BCE and Telus use radio access networks (RANs), equipment located at the top and bottom of cell sites, produced by Huawei.

“To our knowledge, Huawei does not supply the network core, which is software based and considered to be the most sensitive part of the network from a privacy and security perspective,” the report states.

For years, Huawei has been a source of concern for Western security officials, particularly the U.S., which has tried to convince other countries not to buy equipment from the company.

Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Minister Ralph Goodale calls reports that Ottawa will ban Huawei from Canada’s 5G network ‘speculation.’

Critics pan federal plan to help Alberta’s oil and gas sector Critics say the federal government’s plan to help Alberta deal with a crisis in the energy sector largely by providing up to $1.6 billion in loans and export development assistance won’t address the root causes of the problem.

Natural Resources Minister Amarjeet Sohi and International Trade Diversification Minister Jim Carr were in Edmonton Tuesday morning to announce the funding: $1 billion in commercial loans available through Export Development Canada and $500 million in commercial loans through the Business Development Bank of Canada.

“Our focus is to make sure that Alberta’s oil and gas sector remains a source of wellpaying jobs for middle-class Canadians,” Sohi said. “When Alberta hurts, so does Canada.”

The larger fund will be available to all exporting companies in the oil and gas sector, the ministers said, while the smaller fund will be focused on helping smaller players in the industry.

The remainder of the funding is divided up among economic diversification and technological programs.

Sohi stressed that the measures announced Tuesday are meant to provide the province with short-term help and that pipelines are nonetheless the only longterm solution that makes sense for Alberta.

He pointed to his government’s purchase of Trans Mountain and commitment to building the Keystone XL pipeline as vital to the provincial and national interests.

“For the long-term success and growth of the oil sector, nothing is more important than building the pipeline capacity to expand to other, non-U.S., global markets,” he said.

LOCAL / NATIONAL

Saturday, December 22, 2018

Twenty homes for women & kids fleeing violence to be built in Burnaby Women and kids fleeing violence will have more places to go after the B.C. government announced it will create 20 new affordable rental homes in Burnaby.

“Women leaving abuse need a safe and supportive place to go, and that is exactly what these new homes will provide,” said Mitzi Dean, parliamentary secretary for gender equity. “We are working with non-profit partners all over the province to ensure many more women and children have places to go where they can find safety and a place to heal.”

The Dixon Transition Society’s project will be funded through the Building B.C.: Women’s Transition Fund, a $734-million investment over 10 years to build 1,500 transition housing, second-stage housing and long-term housing spaces for women and children leaving violence.

The first step of the fund will see 280 new homes through 12 projects

in

communities around the province.

“We know from our years of experience that lack of affordable and safe housing often leaves women faced with the impossible choice of returning to a violent home or risking homelessness,” said Pany Aghili, executive director of the Dixon Transition Society.

“This initiative will provide women and their children with safe housing and the opportunity to rebuild their lives.”

T h e construction schedule depends upon finding the appropriate location, as well as BC Housing’s development and approval process.

Other transition home projects approved by the province include a 10-bed transition house in Chilliwack, which began operating Oct. 1, and 10 Salvation Army beds in Vancouver for women who have experienced exploitation and human trafficking.

Nearly 4 in 10 in Metro Vancouver see real estate industry as ‘extremely corrupt’ Soaring property prices, reports of unethical realtor behaviour and new allegations of organized crime links to the real estate sector appear to have made their mark on Metro Vancouver.

A new survey by Canadian anticorruption organization Transparency International focuses on western Canadians’ perceptions of corruption, and the findings of the survey suggest a hefty portion of the region has concluded the real estate industry is facing serious problems.

In fact, a full 37 per cent of Greater Vancouver respondents described the sector as “extremely corrupt.” That’s compared to just 15 per cent of other western Canadians.

Secret police study finds crime networks could have laundered over $1B through Vancouver homes in 2016 “These prices created lucrative opportunities for unethical conduct by real estate agents, with conflicts of interest representing both buyers and sellers enabled by lax and ineffective regulation and a lack of transparency,” reads the report.

“While these practices have led to new rules and government regulation,

allegations of conflicts of interest continue to be made against Vancouver politicians and the real estate industry.”

Residents of the region aren’t the only ones who see corruption in the sector.

How organized crime groups launder suspected drug money in B.C. real estate It is believed those shady real estate transactions have further links to casino money laundering and the trafficking and import of fentanyl, which has helped drive B.C.’s opioid crisis.

The B.C. government has made investigating alleged links between money laundering and the real estate industry a priority this year, appointing former senior Mountie Peter German to lead a probe into the issue and launching an anonymous tip portal.

Among the report’s other conclusions was the fact that just 51 per cent of western Canadians viewed corruption as a significant issue, though most suggested they support some measures to fight it, such as reporting corruption or using social media to spread information.

The report also concluded that western Canadians tend to see provincial and

31 19

Oilers’ Jujhar Khaira suspended two games for cross-check The NHL has suspended Edmonton Oilers forward Jujhar Khaira two games for crosschecking St. Louis Blues defenceman Vince Dunn in a game Tuesday night at Rogers Place.

The incident occurred in the third period. After Khaira hit Dunn with a clean check, Dunn retaliated with a cross-check to Khaira’s head in front of the Blues’ goal.

Khaira responded with a forceful crosscheck to Dunn’s head and was assessed a major penalty and a game misconduct.

The NHL Department of Player

Safety said in a video announcing the suspension that while Dunn carried out the first illegal cross-check, Khaira’s retaliatory check was significantly harder.

Dunn was assessed a minor for cross-checking on the play. He was fined the maximum allowable amount of US$1,942 earlier Wednesday.

Khaira will forfeit US$7,258 in salary and will be eligible to return when the Oilers host San Jose on Dec. 29.

7 years jail for man who smuggled 25 guns into Canada A man who smuggled 25 firearms into Canada by sneaking on foot across the border near the Lacolle crossing told police he took the risk to settle debts with drug dealers who had advised him to shoot police officers if he was ever caught.

Thanh Viet Pham, 38, was sentenced earlier this week at the Montreal courthouse to an overall prison term of seven years for his attempt two years ago to sneak into Canada, through snow, while carrying a backpack full of guns and while carrying a loaded firearm.

When Quebec Court Judge Nathalie Fafard factored in the time Pham had already served behind bars since his arrest, he was left with a five-year term for having imported restricted and prohibited firearms. He also pleaded guilty to possessing 767 grams of ketamine in Toronto back in 2010. Pham was wanted on an outstanding warrant in the ketamine case when he was arrested with the firearms in 2016.

Fortunately for Pham, a resident of

Ontario and the father of three teenage daughters, he did not heed the advice of the people he was working for and did not try to shoot the officer who arrested him.

Instead, when the Mountie tried to question him, Pham bolted and tossed the loaded gun he was carrying into the snow. The officer located him a second time 15 minutes later.

According to a joint statements presented to Fafard when Pham pleaded guilty in September, early in the morning of Dec. 23, 2016, U.S. Border Patrol officers spotted Pham as he headed on foot toward the Canadian border. They notified their counterparts on the Canadian side and the RCMP officer spotted him shortly after he touched Canadian soil. =Pham also ditched his green backpack before he tried to make a run for it. When he was frisked, police officers found two cellphones, a phone charger and a key that opened a lock on the backpack.

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NATIONAL

Saturday, December 22, 2018

Poll shows Trudeau’s approval rating lowest since 2015 The new rules have worked.

So let’s get rid of the new rules.

That, in essence, is the argument coming from a growing number of real estate industry insiders who are calling on federal regulators to repeal the mortgage “stress test” partly credited with cooling Canada’s housing market this year.

The stress test “had a very targeted outcome,” said Brad Carr, CEO of Toronto-based Mattamy Homes, in an interview with Bloomberg. “It’s been achieved so it’s kind of overkill now.”

By that he means that the days of runaway price growth are over. Sales have slowed, and evidence suggests many speculators have exited the market. Bidding wars have cooled off, and many former “seller’s markets” are now in balanced territory.

But in the view of the industry, the stress test has also had some serious unintended consequences. For one, they argue it’s shutting many young people out of homeownership.

The stress test, in effect, reduces the maximum amount of mortgage you can borrow by roughly 20 per cent. This has the largest impact on younger, first-time buyers who are most likely to take on mortgage amounts close to their limit.

The industry has been so worried about the disappearance of younger buyers from the market that the Ontario Real Estate Association has described governments’ various new housing policies as “a war on first-time homebuyers.”

There is evidence that the new mortgage rules hit the wrong places.

Canada’s new mortgage rules are ‘Overkill,’ industry insiders say, but getting rid of them would be worse The new rules have worked.

So let’s get rid of the new rules.

That, in essence, is the argument coming from a growing number of real estate industry insiders who are calling on federal regulators to repeal the mortgage “stress test” partly credited with cooling Canada’s housing market this year.

The stress test “had a very targeted outcome,” said Brad Carr, CEO of Toronto-based Mattamy Homes, in an interview with Bloomberg. “It’s been achieved so it’s kind of overkill now.”

By that he means that the days of runaway price growth are over. Sales have slowed, and evidence suggests many speculators have exited the market. Bidding wars have cooled off, and many former “seller’s markets” are now in balanced territory.

But in the view of the industry, the stress test has also had some serious unintended consequences. For one, they argue it’s shutting many young people out of homeownership.

The stress test, in effect, reduces the maximum amount of mortgage you can

borrow by roughly 20 per cent. This has the largest impact on younger, first-time buyers who are most likely to take on mortgage amounts close to their limit.

The industry has been so worried about the disappearance of younger buyers from the market that the Ontario Real Estate Association has described governments’ various new housing policies as “a war on first-time homebuyers.”

There is evidence that the new mortgage rules hit the wrong places. Though they were targeted at the overheated markets in Toronto and Vancouver, they ended up taking a bite out of some of the country’s weaker housing markets, making things worse in places such as Atlantic Canada.

In Calgary, where home affordability is at normal levels, detached home sales fell to their lowest level since the 1990s this fall, and the average selling price is down 2.9 per cent in a year. Meanwhile, in Toronto, where affordability is at its worst in nearly 30 years, home prices are 3.5 per cent higher than a year ago.

If China is scrutinizing Canadians’ visas, then the feds should let people know: MP Chinese authorities have detained a third Canadian but Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says there’s no reason yet to believe the case is linked to the recent arrests of two other Canadians in the country.

Trudeau said Wednesday that the latest case, so far, doesn’t involve serious allegations related to China’s national security.

“These are two very different situations,” Trudeau told a news conference in Ottawa.

“There are tens of thousands of Canadians who live, travel, work in China in any given year — there are obviously regular situations where Canadians require consular assistance.”

Third detained Canadian is Alberta woman who was teaching in China, MP says He added that the government is taking the most recent case seriously and that it’s looking into details that don’t “seem to fit the pattern of the previous two.” He

raised visa issues as the sort of thing that might draw Chinese authorities’ attention.

The case involves an Alberta woman who has been teaching in China for months and has indeed been held over a visa irregularity, Conservative MP Erin O’Toole said Wednesday in an interview. Until her detention, he said, she hadn’t had any problems with her visa.

O’Toole said the woman’s case was brought to the attention of a Tory MP in Alberta; O’Toole is the party’s foreign-affairs critic so he relayed the information to Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland on Tuesday.

He declined to give any additional information about the woman, citing privacy concerns. O’Toole said he didn’t know whether the woman was still being detained by late Wednesday.

Judge rejects mandatory minimum sentence, gives human traffickers less time A London, Ont. judge refused to impose the mandatory minimum four-year sentence on two men who forced teenagers to sell sexual services in hotel rooms, instead agreeing with defence lawyers that such a penalty would amount to “cruel and unusual punishment.”

Nicholas Kulafofski and Minas Abara, both 20, had challenged the constitutionality of the mandatory minimum four-year sentence, saying it violated their Charter right to not be subjected to cruel and unusual punishment or treatment.

The pair from Kitchener, Ont. pleaded guilty to human trafficking and profiting from the sale of sexual services in June.

They’d been selling the sexual services of two girls, aged 14 and 17, in hotel rooms in Windsor, Ont. and London, Ont. in June 2017.

Justice Kevin McHugh told the court that although the “right-thinking Canadian” would not be outraged if both men went to prison for four years, the sentence was too excessive in the circumstances.

Instead, Abara will go to prison for three years and Kulafofski for just over two years. They will both be on the sex offender registry for 20 years.

Third co-accused got mandatory minimum Abara was given more time because

he exercised more control over the teens and put their pictures online. He was also involved in trafficking both teens, but Kulafofski only dealt with one of the teens.

A third co-accused, who didn’t challenge his mandatory minimum sentence, had also pleaded guilty and was sentenced to four years in prison.

The judge said Abara and Kulafofski were not as culpable as the third man, who was more the mastermind of the operation.

Human traffickers’ appeal of 4-year sentence revives mandatory minimum questions “The takeaway message here is, that sentencing needs to be proportionate but if you engage in sexual exploitation of people, that’s a serious offence,” said Frances Brennan, Kulafofski’s lawyer.

Brennan argued that her client is a first-time offender who is remorseful.

While his offences are serious, they do not warrant a four-year prison term, she said.

Mandatory minimum sentences tie judges’ hands and don’t allow for individual circumstances of an offence to be taken into consideration, she added.

“Our tradition of sentencing in Canada is very fact specific, specific to the facts of the case and the offender.

Saturday, December 22, 2018

New document reveal an extra $17,000 in catering costs for Trudeau’s India trip The federal government has revealed even more expenses from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s troubled trip to India, the Sun has learned. While the government last updated lawmakers and the public to the mounting tally of the February 2018 trip in September, the Department of National Defence has now revealed an additional $17,736.91 of catering expenses that was incurred on the PM’s round trip flight.

This figure is a completely separate expense from the previously reported similar sum of $17,044.21 that was paid to take Canadian celebrity chef Vikram Vij along on the trip.

The new funds, revealed in a response to a government order paper question put forward by Conservative MP Bob Saroya, were to cover food and beverages for the

return trip for the PM and those travelling with him. The services were provided by Gategourmet Catering, an international company known for providing airline food and beverage service. The Prime Minister’s Office did not immediately provide the Sun with a number of how many people the flight catering costs would have served.

In addition to the National Defence costs, Global Affairs Canada revealed a previously undisclosed $6,302.74. More than half of this was for accommodations at the 5-star Mumbai hotel The Oberoi. While there has never been a final total provided for costs related to the trip, when the last update was provided in September it became clear the full cost for the trip would exceed $1.5 million.] \

Trudeau vows no early elections Mark your calendars, and set those countdown clocks: Prime Minister Justin on Trudeau says that the next federal election will not be called early. “We will have an election on the fixed election date of October 21, I believe it is,” Trudeau said.

Almost as evergreen as the top of the Peace Tower, early election rumours ramp up once the next federal campaign is less than a year away. Though, with this pronouncement Trudeau seems certain that the election will happen as scheduled. To be seen is how long the campaign period will be. No early election: PM vows next federal vote to be held in October 2019

Almost as evergreen as the top of the Peace Tower, early election rumours ramp up once the next federal campaign is less than a year away. Though, with this pronouncement Trudeau seems certain that the election will happen as scheduled. To be seen is how long the campaign period will be. ‘It is fair to say there are some worries’: Singh prepares for challenging 2019 Under current federal election law, general elections are held on the third Monday of October, in the fourth year after the previous federal election.

New Trudeau adviser to make at least $1,250 a day Justin Trudeau’s newest adviser will take home more than $1,200 for each day he works in government, iPolitics has learned.

Serge Dupont, a former deputy clerk of the Privy Council Office (PCO), was named senior executive adviser to the prime minister in an order-in-council published on Dec. 6.

The order fixed his salary at $1,250 to $1,470 per day.

An order-in-council is the legal tool formalizing an appointment made by the Governor General on the advice of the prime minister and cabinet, collectively known as the Governor in Council. The Governor General must sign the order for it to go into effect.

A spokesperson for the PCO told iPolitics that Dupont had been appointed on a “parttime basis” to help with the government’s response to an August ruling by the Federal Court of Appeal that quashed Ottawa’s approval of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion.

Stéphane Shank said the former civil servant will support PCO with “policy coordination and oversight” of the response to ensure “coherence between officials across government.”

Dupont currently works as a senior adviser for international law firm Bennett Jones, in addition to serving as an executive fellow at the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy. He recently concluded a term on the board of the Public Policy Forum (PPF), a non-profit think tank.

In October 2017, Dupont and PFF president Edward Greenspon wrote an opinion piece in the Globe and Mail calling for a complete “reset” of the review process for resource projects in order to restore the trust of Canadians. They said the review process needs to be more inclusive and transparent, and ensure “scientific rigour and good-faith discussions within a predictable, reasonable time frame.”

Trudeau lashes out at Conservatives over migration ‘misinformation’ Warning against the “dangers of populism,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says using immigration as a wedge political issue puts Canada’s future at risk.

During a wide-ranging interview with The Canadian Press, Trudeau said he believes a broad Canadian consensus holds that immigration is good for the country, in the face of growing opposition to it in other places. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responds to a question during Question Period in the House of Commons Tuesday, December 11, 2018 in Ottawa.

During a wide-ranging interview with The Canadian Press, Trudeau said he believes

a broad Canadian consensus holds that immigration is good for the country, in the face of growing opposition to it in other places.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responds to a question during Question Period in the House of Commons Tuesday, December 11, 2018 in Ottawa. During a wide-ranging interview with The Canadian Press, Trudeau said he believes a broad Canadian consensus holds that immigration is good for the country, in the face of growing opposition to it in other places.

The Liberal leader’s line suggests a theme for next year’s election campaign.

NATIONAL

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INDIA

Saturday, December 22, 2018

Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel sworn in as chief minister of Chhattisgarh Bhupesh Baghel sworn in as chief minister of Chhattisgarh.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh were among the leaders from across the political spectrum who attended the event.

MLAs TS Singh Deo and Tamradhwaj Sahu, who were front-runners for the Chief Minister’s post, were sworn in as ministers. Governor Anandiben Patel administered the oath of office and secrecy to Baghel, 57, and the two during the swearing-in ceremony at the Balbeer Juneja Indoor Stadium.

Others present included AICC general secretary Mallikarjun Kharge, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, his deputy Sachin Pilot, Puducherry CM V Narayansamy, MP

Jyotiraditya Scindia, Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah and Loktantrik Janata Dal leader Sharad Yadav. Baghel’s predecessor Raman Singh was also present.

The Congress Sunday named Baghel, a five-time MLA from Patan, to head the state Congress Legislature Party. Baghel, who took charge as Congress state president Congress after 2013 assembly polls, was credited for the massive victory of the party in the recent Assembly polls where Congress won 68 seats in the 90-member House.

Congress gains 68 seats, while BJP, which was previously in power since 2003, bagged only 15.

Rajasthan Chief Minister in a major bureaucratic rejig transfers 40 IAS officers The newly elected Rajasthan government led by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot in its first bureaucratic reshuffle has transferred 40 IAS and 8 Rajasthan Administrative Service (RAS) officers on Tuesday evening.

According to the reports, IAS officer of 1994 batch Kuldeep Ranka, who was earlier the principal secretary for tourism and forest, has now been appointed as principal secretary to the chief minister. He has replaced Tanmay Kumar, who has been shunted out of chief minister’s office (CMO) and posted as Commissioner, command area development in Bikaner. Ashok Gehlot had frequently criticised Kumar by referring to him as the “de-facto chief minister” of the state.

Gehlot has also promoted four IAS to

secretaries and has appointed them in the CMO to assist him. Ranka would be assisted by secretary Ajitabh Sharma and two joint secretaries Arti Dogra and Rajan Vishal.

Eight RAS officers have also been brought to the CMO as joint secretaries and OSD. Ajitabh Sharma and Rajan Vishal have been appointed as secretary and joint secretary to the chief minister.

Addition to that, additional chief secretary, excise and taxation, Mukesh Sharma, has been appointed as chairman of the Revenue Board in Ajmer, and additional chief secretary Rajeeva Swarup, will be taking charge of the home department from the department of industries while Veenu Gupta is the new additional chief secretary, PWD.

Shiv Sena lashes out at BJP over Ram mandir issue The Shiv Sena targeted senior ally BJP over the Ayodhya issue, saying the construction of Ram temple at the disputed site had become another rhetoric (‘jumla’) for the party and it would lead to their ouster from power. The party said the BJP had not woken up despite its recent electoral defeats in three states and is not ready to learn from what RSS sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat had to say in the context of teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.There is pressure within the BJP to construct the Ram temple in Ayodhya, but when will “achhe din” (good days) come for Lord Ram, the Sena asked. “Shree (Mohan) Bhagwat, while citing the Bhagavad Gita says what is the use of the arrogance (by saying) what ‘I’ do is the best. ‘I’ did this. He has given a guiding principle for the BJP,” the Uddhav Thackeray-led party said.

“But what is the use? This government, like Kumbhakarna (the demon king Ravana’s brother known for sleeping for months at a stretch), is not ready to wake up even after

humiliating defeats in three states,” the Sena said in an editorial in party mouthpiece ‘Saamana’. The BJP recently lost power to the Congress in the three electorally important states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

The Sena said the whole country wanted the temple to be built and that was the reason it voted for the BJP in 2014.

“However, as the issue too became another ‘jumla’ for the party, its journey for ‘wapsi’ (ouster from power) has begun,” the party said.

“When will ‘achhe din’ come for Lord Ram, who is living in an open tent for the last 25 years while those in power are warming their seats,” it said in sarcastic remarks.

However, on Wednesday, speaking at an event organised by the Republic TV, BJP chief Amit Shah said, “If the Supreme Court conducts daily hearings of the Babri demolition case, it will not take more than 10 days to get a verdict.”

Death toll reaches 8 in Mumbai hospital fire Death toll reaches eight, arlier it was reported that six people were killed including two-month old baby in major fire broke out in state-owned Hospital Mumbai on Monday. The death toll in hospital fire rose to eight, while 176 injured, including three firefighters, being treated in different hospitals, an official said. The deceased include a six-month-old girl. Among those admitted, almost 25 are reported to be critical while 26 were discharged after primary treatment, said the official of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) disaster management cell. The 325-bed ESIC (Employees State Insurance Scheme) Kamgar Hospital at Marol in suburban Andheri was constructed in 1970s. Police and hospital authorities have vacated the building, he added.

While six people had died in the blaze on Monday, two more succumbed to their

injuries later in different hospitals, the official said. Nearly 375 people, including patients and visitors, were in the five-floor hospital during visiting hours when fire and smoke were reported on its fourth floor around 4.03 pm on Monday, according to a fire brigade official.

“The fire was extinguished at 7.35 pm, and hospital authorities shut down the facility till further notice,” he said.

“Most of the deceased, including the sixmonth-old child, died due to suffocation,” he said. Several women who recently delivered babies managed to save their newborns by rushing out of the building while wrapping the children in their arms, he said.

The building’s glass facade posed a hindrance as it blocked air passage and firemen had to break the glasses on all the floors to evacuate those stranded inside, he said.

Software engineer who spent six years in Pakistan jail set free Software engineer Hamid Ansari, who had to spend six years in a Pakistani jail on espionage charges, returned to his hometown Mumbai on Thursday, refusing to “scratch old wounds” and vowing to move on with live.

Upon his arrival at the Mumbai airport to a cheering welcome by friends and relatives, Hamid Ansari said he would try to get a job and then find a suitable match for himself.

“I don’t want to recollect what happened with me in the past. I want to look at the future,” he said. “I have to find a job and after that I also have to find a woman to get married.”

Ansari was arrested in Pakistan in 2012 for allegedly entering that country from

Afghanistan reportedly to meet a woman he had befriended online. Pakistan slapped espionage charges against him. He was repatriated to India on Tuesday.

Two days after he was handed over to India at the Wagah-Attari border, Hamid Ansari, 33, and his parents left New Delhi in the morning in an Air India flight and arrived at the airport here around 9.30 am, his father Nihal Ansari said.

Relatives, friends and well-wishers greeted and cheered for him as he came out of the airport. The family then left for their residence in suburban Versova.

Mastercard will start deleting data of Indian cardholders Mastercard has proposed to the Reserve Bank a “certain” date from which it will start deleting data of Indian cardholders from global servers but warned that it would also mean weakening of “safety and security” over a period of time.

Mastercard, Visa and American Express defy India’s regulators over data rules Google and Mastercard cut a secret ad deal to track retail sales Move over, Mastercard, Visa: India’s UPI now almost half the value of debit, credit card swipes mastercard, data of indian cardholders, indian clients, data breach, safety security breach, debit card holders, data to be deleted from global servers, global news, indian express

Mastercard has proposed to the RBI that Indian data would be stored locally and nowhere else, shared an official. (AP Photo/File) Global card payments major Mastercard has proposed to the Reserve Bank a “certain” date from which it will start deleting data of Indian cardholders from global servers but warned that it would also mean weakening of “safety and security” over a period of time.

In an interaction with PTI, Porush Singh, India and Division President, South Asia, MasterCard, said the company is operating in over 200 countries, and nowhere else it has been asked to delete data from global servers.

PUNJAB

Saturday, December 22, 2018

Navjot Sidhu’s stuffed bird gift to CM creates controversy The Animal Welfare Board of India asked to keep a protected bird or its parts.

Chandigarh’s Environment Department to “If a person possesses these protected file a report within three days on a complaint animals or birds they must have proper against Navjot Singh papers.

Customs Sidhu for gifting clearance is very much Punjab Chief Minister required. I am not Captain Amarinder aware if the person has Singh a stuffed bird any certificate stating black partridge. the source of this “I have received a letter bird,” added Mr Dalai. from Animal Welfare On December Board and they have 14, a case was Navjot Sidhu gifted this bird, a stuffed black asked for a report on registered against Mr partridge to the Chief Minister of Punjab. it within three days in Sidhu for violating the matter,” confirmed Debendra Dalai, Chief Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 for allegedly Conservator of Forest and Chief Wildlife Warden. possessing a stuffed black partridge.

Punjab cabinet minister Navjot Sidhu had When Mr Sidhu handed Amarinder brought the bird from neighboring Pakistan. Singh his unusual gift from Pakistan, According to the Wildlife Protection the Chief Minister reportedly said he Act, 1972, it is mandatory to have proper would have to check if the law allowed documentation and customs clearance keeping protected species like this.

SGPC wants e-tailer to apologise to Sikhs SGPC has lodged a police complaint and sent a legal notice to e-tailer Amazon for images of the Golden Temple on doormats and rugs listed for sale on its website. It has demanded an apology from the company for hurting Sikh sentiments. Also, the committee has shot off a letter to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, seeking action against the company.

A prominent Sikh body in the US, the Sikh Coalition, said it had “contacted Amazon to remove the products while detailing the culturally insensitive problems” with the items being sold.

“The Golden Temple is not a doormat,” it tweeted. The organisation spokesperson said: “Using religious or spiritual imagery on products that come into contact with unhygienic surfaces is offensive to all faiths... The Golden Temple is no exception...Such items are deeply offensive to Sikhs everywhere.”

NGO United Sikhs too called on Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos to remove the items. “It’s shocking and extremely disappointing that Amazon offers these products for sale,” said United Sikhs operations manager Rajesh Singh. “The merchandise featuring the disrespectful placement of Darbar Sahib shows a total lack of understanding on behalf of Amazon and its employees.”

SUV driver drags cop on bonnet after he was stopped for driving on wrong side A driver of an SUV dragged a traffic police personnel for a few meters on the bonnet of his car after he was asked to stop his vehicle for driving on the wrong side.

A video of the incident released by the ANI on twitter showed the traffic police being driven away on the bonnet for a short distance.

The incident took place near the Signature Tower Chowk in Gurugram and was perhaps recorded by a witness crossing.

The video showed the driver reversing his car as the cop tried to stop him. As the cop approached, the driver sped away the car dragging him on the bonnet for a distance.

The video showed that the driver kept driving with the traffic police still on the bonnet until he stopped a distance away. The driver was later arrested and the car seized.

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Kartarpur corridor to cost Rs 100 crore, says Minister Kartarpur corridor from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district up to international border will cost Rs 85-Rs 100 crore, officials said on Wednesday.

The corridor will be built by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Vijay Inder Singla said: “A sum of Rs 85 crore to 100 crore is estimated to be spent on constructing the corridor.”

It would also involve the cost of land acquisition for the four-laned highway from Dera Baba Nanak up to the international border, he said.

The Union Cabinet had, on November 22, decided to develop and build the passage from Dera Baba Nanak to the Indo-Pak border.

Following this, the foundation stone

for the corridor was laid on November 26.

Pakistan government had opening ceremony of the corridor on November 28.

Kartarpur is located near Shakargarh in Narowal district Punjab, Pakistan.

The gurdwara is situated in Kartarpur located about 3-4 km from Indo-Pak border in Pakistan.

The state Cabinet had recently passed a resolution to set up a Dera Baba Nanak Development Authority for the development and beautification of the area in and around the historic town.

A Kartarpur gate has also been proposed to be set up on the Indian side of the international border which would stand out as a monumental symbol to commemorate the 550th Parkash Utsav of Guru Nanak Dev.

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INDIA

Saturday, December 22, 2018

Officials raised red flags, but Modi & Doval signed Rafale deal anyways Despite warnings from officials in its own government and the law ministry, Prime Minister Narendra Modi went on ahead to sign the Rafale Deal with the French government, back in 2016, an investigation by The Caravan has found, just days after the Supreme Court expressed its satisfaction with the pricing details of the Rafale Deal and dismissed all requests for a probe into the matter. The report also states, in detail, the significant role that National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, had to play in the signing of the deal, although his name is nowhere mentioned in the list of people making up the Indian negotiating team, that was submitted to the court, in an affidavit by the centre, on 10 October. In short, despite

objections – “the Indian government went ahead to sign the financial, security or legally enforceable guarantee for delivery from either the French government or the jets’ manufacturer, Dassault Aviation,” the report added. There were a series of loopholes in the intergovernmental draft agreement concerning the Rafale Deal, that was presented before India’s Defence Acquisition Council, led by then Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, and was discussed between 28 August and 1 September, 2015, the report stated.

For starters, Article 4 of the draft agreement stated that French government was to transfer its “obligations” (of seeing the deal through) onto Dassault under an agreement they were calling the “convention”, which would perform the maneuver with MBDA,

Sajjan Kumar gets life sentence in 1984 anti-Sikh riots case Bringing to justice the first-ever senior Congress functionary for his role in the 1984 Sikh carnage, the Delhi High Court today convicted former MP Sajjan Kumar of criminal conspiracy to murder five people of the minority community, sentencing him to imprisonment for the rest of his natural life.

Sajjan Kumar, 73, has been ordered to surrender by December 31, failing which he would be taken into custody. He also cannot leave Delhi. Reversing Sajjan Kumar’s acquittal by Delhi’s Karkardooma Courts on April 30, 2013, in the case pertaining to the killing of five members of a Sikh family in Delhi Cantonment’s Raj Nagar on November 1 and 2, 1984, the HC said the trial court

failed to address the charges of criminal conspiracy against Sajjan Kumar. Noting that the attackers adopted a two-pronged strategy in the wake of former PM Indira Gandhi’s assassination on October 31, 1984, the HC said, “The first strategy was to liquidate all Sikh males and the other was to destroy houses, leaving the women and children utterly destitute. The trial court completely omitted to address this charge of criminal conspiracy. The acquittal of Sajjan Kumar is set aside. He is convicted for criminal conspiracy, for abetting the commission of armed rioting and murders and for the offence of delivering provocative speeches instigating violence against Sikhs.”

Sajjan Kumar seeking more time to surrender Sajjan Kumar, convicted in 1984 anti-Sikh riots, has moved an application before the Delhi High Court seeking time to surrender till January 31, 2019. The 73-year-old told the court that he has three children and eight grandchildren and needs to settle matters related to his property.

Advocate Anil Sharma, who is representing Kumar, said they also need some more time to file an appeal before the Supreme Court challenging the high court’s verdict in which he was sentenced to life imprisonment. The court is likely to hear the application tomorrow.

Lawyer HS Phoolka, who is representing many

of the families of the riot victims, said they will oppose the application. “Sajjan Kumar has filed an application in Delhi High Court to give him a month to surrender. We will oppose that application tomorrow,” he said. Sajjan Kumar was found guilty in the case on Monday and sentenced to jail “for the remainder of his natural life” by the court, which cancelled an earlier court order acquitting him of charges in what the judges called “genocide”. He was convicted in the killing of five members of a family in Raj Nagar and the torching of a gurudwara in Delhi on November 1, 1984.

Man arrested with watches worth Rs 53 lakh at the airport An employee of a leading watch retailer arrested at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport Mumbai for allegedly trying to smuggle two Swiss-made wristwatches worth Rs 53 lakh.

Identified as Hatim Kothari, he was intercepted by the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Customs on the intervening night of December 11 and 12 on his arrival from Hong Kong. Officials said Kothari was an employee at the Bandra branch of Art of Time, a leading

retailer of branded watches. He arrived in Mumbai from Hong Kong on a Jet Airways flight and cleared the green channel at the airport. However, a physical search revealed two men’s wristwatches of Audemars Piguet, a premium watchmaker. “He was intercepted at Terminal 2 after he landed from Hong Kong and we have managed to recover two branded watches from him. The watches were manufactured by Audemars Piguet and are valued at Rs 52.97 lakh,” said an AIU official.

Saturday, December 22, 2018

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SOUTH ASIA

Saturday, December 22, 2018

US welcomes India ‘reinvigorating’ its ties with Maldives The Trump administration said it welcomes India’s “reinvigorating” ties with Maldives, two days after New Delhi announced a USD 1.4-billion financial assistance to the islandnation faced with a daunting challenge to fend off mounting Chinese debts. The statement from the Trump administration came as the newly elected President of Maldives, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, wrapped up his three-day visit to India. During the visit, Solih had called India his country’s closest friend and “largest trading partner”. The two countries have also agreed to remain mindful of each other’s concerns and aspirations for stability in the strategic Indian Ocean Region and boost maritime cooperation. “We welcome India reinvigorating its ties with Maldives and note the many positive announcements that came out of Prime Minister Solih’s recent visit to

US turned blind eye to Pakistan’s nuke programme in 70s

India,” Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia David Ranz told Indian reporters Wednesday. India, Ranz said, shares America’s view of Maldives’ critical role in the security of the Indo-Pacific and the importance of offering support during this transition period.

Solih’s visit to India within a month after taking charge of presidency is seen as an effort by his government to repair ties with India. The bilateral relations had strained during the rule of his predecessor Abdulla Yameen, who had developed increasingly closer ties with China.

During Solih’s visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said there are “infinite possibilities” between the two neighbours. “India will always stand by you in your government’s ambitious efforts to change the lives of the Maldivian people.

The US acceded to Pakistan’s demand to overlook its secretive nuclear weapons programme following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in the late 70s after Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping convinced Washington to support Islamabad for the “stability” in South

Bangladesh opposition goes underground as election threats grow Subrata Chowdhury, an opposition candidate in the looming Bangladesh election, is too scared to leave his party office as campaign deaths and threats mount. The Dhaka lawyer should be out on the streets handing out leaflets on meet-and-greets. But he says it is too dangerous while his party insists authorities are doing nothing to protect candidates.

“We were attacked by ruling party men as we tried to hang these posters,” said Chowdhury in his glum headquarters amid stacks of unused flyers and banners. “The police were just silent spectators, or actively supported them.” At least six people have been killed in campaign clashes between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ruling Awami League and the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

The Election Commission says it has taken steps to ensure a level playing field despite the overwhelming number of opposition candidates disqualified.

Asia, according to latest declassified State Department documents.

The documents reveal that the then Pakistani dictator General Zia-ul Haq and Chinese Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping were successful in extracting this price from the US in lieu of Islamabad’s support to America against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

Election authorities have deployed more than 20,000 paramilitary personnel across the country to boost security ahead of the December 30 vote. Army troops are due to join them. But the BNP is not reassured. It says at least four party activists have been killed including one who fell to his death from a Dhaka rooftop last week in suspicious circumstances and thousands hurt in the past week. The party claims that 152 out of 300 opposition candidates have been attacked while campaigning and more than 8,700 activists, including 14 candidates, have been detained in the past month. The opposition says its rallies have been broken up by police firing pellet guns and tear gas, terrifying voters turning out to show solidarity with the beleaguered movement. Candidates like Chowdhury, trying to boost their visibility, have been threatened on the campaign trail

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In addition to the US turning a blind eye to Pakistan’s nuclear weapons programme, Deng also convinced the US to start giving more military and financial aid to Pakistan, according to the US Foreign Relations 19771980 volume on Afghanistan.

The voluminous document indicates that both Zia and Deng successfully convinced the then Jimmy Carter administration that India under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi would be pro-Soviet.

“There are limits on our ability to aid Pakistan because of their nuclear explosive programme.

Although we still object to their doing so, we will now set that aside for the time being, to facilitate strengthening Pakistan against potential Soviet action,” the then US Defence Secretary Harold Brown said in a January 8, 1980 meeting with Deng.

The Chinese leader applauded the US decision as he was successfully able to convince the Carter administration on this issue.

“That is a very good approach. Pakistan has its own reasons for developing a nuclear

Iranian asylum seeker who raped a 17-year-old spared deportation An Iranian asylum seeker who raped a teenage girl has been spared deportation even though a judge believed his conversion to Christianity was a deliberate ploy to cheat the justice system.

The 38-year-old man, who arrived in the UK in 2006, was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment after raping the 17-year-old in 2012.

But after his release from prison, a judge ruled that his claim to be Christian meant his deportation to Iran would be a breach of his human rights.

The judge, who acknowledged that the man’s religious conversion was part of a ploy to avoid deportation, ruled that his 850 twitter posts quoting the Bible and Christian theology placed him at risk of persecution if he was sent back to Iran.

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SOUTH ASIA

Saturday, December 22, 2018

Three Sri Lanka lawmakers defect from President’s party to Prime Minister’s group after political dispute

Sri Lankan leaders appoint Cabinet after political crisis Sri Lanka’s president has appointed 28 lawmakers and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as Cabinet ministers after weeks of political crisis led to government dysfunction. President Maithripala Sirisena administered oaths Thursday in a private event.

Wickremesinghe’s reinstatement as prime minister earlier this week and the appointment of a new Cabinet will result in Sri Lanka’s government resuming functions that have been obstructed since October. But continued acrimony between Sirisena and Wickremesinghe

means the crisis is far from over. The crisis began when Sirisena sacked Wickremesinghe and appointed former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa in his place.

Wickremesinghe insisted he was sacked illegally while Rajapaksa failed to secure a majority support in Parliament. Sirisena dissolved Parliament and called for elections.

The Supreme Court declared the actions illegal, forcing the president to reappoint Wickremesinghe.

Indian passport holders can travel visa-free to Thailand Indian passport holders you have one more reason to head to Thailand this holiday season, as the country just waived off its visa on arrival fees. In a move to increase traveller inflow in the country and boost tourism, Thailand’s cabinet recently approved a measure to waive off two months fees paid by visitors for visas on arrival.

The tropical island, which was favoured by tourists from around the world, had apparently witnessed a slump in tourism, especially from China.

In the new measure, tourist from 21 countries will not pay the visa fee of 2,000 baht (Rs 4,385) for the time period between December 1 and January 31 for travellers.

The countries who can take advantage of this waiver are India, China, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, Andora, Bulgaria, Bhutan, Cyprus, Ethiopia, Fiji, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Papua New Guinea, Romania, San Marino, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.

However, the duration of stay in the country

will remain fixed at 15 days.

The Thai government is expecting the visaon-arrival fee waiver to bump up tourism by at least 30 percent.

The drop in one of the most popular tourist destination of South East Asia came earlier

this year, after a boat accident in July killed over 40 Chinese tourists in Phuket.

Also, the island was struck by an ecological imbalance because of over-tourism. Now it seems like the country which was once overburdened by tourists, is now trying to woo them back.

Three lawmakers from Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena’s party defected to the government of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Tuesday after a dispute between the two leaders. The island nation was plunged into crisis in October after Sirisena replaced Wickremesinghe with expresident Mahinda Rajapaksa, without the backing of parliament, leading to protests and downgrades of Sri Lanka’s debt. Rajapaksa, best known for crushing a long-running insurgency in the north of the country and drawing Sri Lanka closer to China, failed to win a parliamentary majority and resigned on Saturday as a government shutdown loomed.

Wickremesinghe was then sworn in as prime minister for the fifth time in a remarkable

comeback. “We joined the government... as the party and the country have been dragged into a difficult position,” Vijith Wijayamuni Soysa, one of the three lawmakers told parliament.

With the latest defections, Wickremesinghe has the backing of 120 legislators in the 225-member parliament. Sirisena told a party gathering later on Tuesday that he would not allow any defector to be sworn in as a minister in Wickremesinghe’s cabinet, which is yet to be appointed. On Thursday Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court ruled that Sirisena’s decision to dissolve parliament before the end of its term was unconstitutional, a judgement that eventually led to the return of Wickremesinghe as prime minister.

How Pakistan’s ‘tree tsunami’ will revive their climate action At UN climate talks in Poland, Pakistan promised to move away from coal investment and ensure climate-resilient growth. This was a departure from the previous government’s preference for fossil fuel energy, and in line with the “green political will” of new Prime Minister Imran Khan, according to his climate change advisor Malik Amin Aslam.

At the COP24 negotiations, Pakistan also became one of the first developing countries to commit to reviewing its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to global climate action before the Paris Agreement starts in 2020. Announcing this at the talks, Aslam, head of Pakistan’s delegation, said the revised NDC would include measures the new government had initiated, which will strengthen Pakistan’s efforts to reduce planetwarming emissions. Its programmes include the “Billion Tree Tsunami Afforestation Project” that was designed by Aslam and first implemented in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

province. Now the federal government under Khan, who took office in August, has launched a nationwide 10 Billion Tree Tsunami project.

Aslam said Pakistan’s willingness to “develop along a different pathway and become an enabler of the new transition economy” was demonstrated by the $120 million it has spent on planting and protecting trees so far. It plans to use a further $1 billion of its domestic resources to expand forests over the next five years. Aslam said the current government is also committed to capitalising on Pakistan’s large potential for wind, solar and hydropower, as well as utilising nuclear energy. “More than 365 small run-of-theriver hydro projects have been set up in the north,” he said in his speech at COP24. “In the transport sector, with catalytic Green Climate Fund financing, Pakistan has finalised a multi-million-dollar zero emission bus metro system for the city of Karachi operating on cattle waste-generated biogas,” he added.

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FIJI

Saturday, December 22, 2018

World’s first child to be given vaccine delivered by drone in Vanuatu A one-month old baby in the Pacific island of Vanuatu became the first person in history to be given a vaccine delivered commercially by drone on Tuesday.

The drone travelled almost 25 miles to deliver medical equipment to the remote

area of Cook’s Bay, which is usually only accessible by foot or locally operated boats.

Thirteen children and five pregnant women were vaccinated in the area that lacks basic healthcare system. Tech from Australian firm Swoop Aero successfully delivered the vaccines to Cook’s Bay, marking the

first time a government has contracted a commercial drone company to transport vaccines to remote areas. Vanuatu’s government is looking to integrate drone delivery into its national immunization program and roll the technology out for wider distribution of medical supplies. Vaccines are difficult to transport as they must be stored at precise temperatures. Vanuatu is a particularly difficult location for vaccine delivery due to its warm climate and a limited number of roads across its 80 islands. Around one in five Vanuatuan children consequently miss out on essential childhood vaccinations.

“Today’s first-of-a-kind vaccine delivery has enormous potential not only for Vanuatu, but also for the thousands of children who are missing out on vaccines across the world,” Henrietta H. Fore, Unicef ’s executive director, said in a press release on Tuesday.

Rabuka says decision to withdraw election petition was not taken lightly SODELPA Leader Sitiveni Rabuka emphasizes that the decision to withdraw their election petition was not taken lightly.

Rabuka says a number of options were considered and in their view, all eight witnesses were necessary and crucial to establishing all the grounds of their petition.

He says therefore, they had no choice but to withdraw the petition since six of their key witnesses were not approved by the Court to be given the opportunity to provide oral evidence.

Two fraud case suspects get bail A Vodafone Fiji staff and a police office appeared at the Suva Magistrates court this afternoon charged with corruption related offences. Vodafone Fiji Specialist in Fraud, Risk and Corporate Security, Rajneal Rakesh Kumar is charged with two counts of bribery.

Police Sergeant Nilesh Kumar is charged with a count each of aiding and abetting

bribery and abuse of office.

It is alleged that Mr Rajneal Kumar without lawful authority solicited an advantage of $7000 from a person between July 1 and December 31, 2018 in Suva.

It is also alleged that he accepted an advantage of $4000 from two people in Nadi.

Two traders fined $10,000 each for breaching Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission Act 2010 The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission has fined two traders $10,000 each for failing to mark prices for displayed items, with one of the traders also fined for selling goods at an excessive price.

The Commission confirms that Tranx Service Limited was fined for one count of selling price controlled items at excessive prices and a second count of failing to mark prices on price controlled items.

They say that Rups Investment Limited was also fined for failing to mark prices on non-price controlled items.

Both traders were in direct breach of the provisions of the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission Act 2010.

The Commission CEO Joel Abraham has warned traders who engage in unethical practices and breaches of the law and says that traders must not take advantage of families, especially during this festive period.

He says that they will come down hard on any trader who is found breaching the law and engaging in unethical practices.

He says that unscrupulous traders who continue to engage in these practices will be found and the Commission will ensure that they are taken to task so that consumers and their families are protected, as is their right.

Speaker of parliament Dr Jiko Luveni passes away The Speaker of Parliament Dr Jiko Luveni has passed away.

Dr Luveni was 72 years of age and became Speaker when she was elected to the position on 6 October 2014.

Her appointment was a historic one as it was the first time in Fiji’s history that a woman was elected to the position of Speaker of Parliament.

During the 2014 General Elections, she was among eight women candidates who won seats in Fiji’s new Parliament.

Dr Luveni was re-elected again in Parliament on Monday 26 November this year, straight after the 2018 General Elections.

Luveni is from the village of Nukuni on the island of Ono-i-Lau. She graduated as the first woman dentist from the Fiji School of Medicine as well as from the University of Sydney. Dr Luveni served as a dentist in all Divisions in Fiji for 20 years with special interest in Public Health Dentistry.

She was also a tutor in Public Health Dentistry at the Fiji School of Medicine.

In 1988, she worked as a Program management officer for the United Nations Population Fund and for 15 years she served various Pacific island countries.

Dr Luveni worked as the HIV/AIDS Project Officer for the Ministry of Health for five years. In this role, she helped set up the organisation, Fiji Network for People Living with HIV and AIDS, that played an effective role in reducing fear and discrimination against people living with HIV and AIDS throughout Fiji.

She was also the Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation for 8 years before the General Elections in 2014.

A full statement is expected to be released by the Parliament Secretary General Viniana Namosimalua. Dr Jiko Fatafehi Luveni 1946 – 22 December 2018) Fijian politician and Speaker of the Parliament of Fiji. She was a member of the FijiFirst party before resigning her party membership in order to take up the position of Speaker.

PAKISTAN

Saturday, December 22, 2018

41

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government Govt to file reference seeking disqualification of former president Zardari requirement, he is not qualified to be a member on Thursday filed a disqualification reference the disqualification reference. According to the bank statements. Citing Article 62 and 63 of the Parliament. It is noted that the Federal against former President of Pakistan, Asif Ali sources, the reference states Asif Zardari’s of the Constitution the reference underscores Minister for Information Fawad Chaudhary Zardari before the Election Commission of concealment of an apartment in the US as its that each candidate is required to submit had made an announcement a day earlier Pakistan. basis. The reference text mentions that Asif complete asset details in the nomination regarding filing a disqualification reference Khurram Ser Zaman was tasked to file Zardari had not mentioned his apartment in papers and since Zardari failed to adhere to the against Zardari.

Two corruption cases against former PM Nawaz Sharif An anti-corruption court will deliver judgment on Monday, December 24 in two more corruption cases against former disqualified prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

Judge Arshad Malik of accountability court reserved the judgment after completion of hearing in the Flagship Investment and Al-Azizia cases against 68-year-old former PM Sharif.

The verdict will be announced on December 24, which is the revised deadline set by the Supreme Court to wrap up the remaining two corruption cases against Sharif.

If found guilty, Sharif can be sentenced up to 14 years in jail.

The accountability court had indicted Sharif for holding assets beyond his known sources of income in August 2017.

The judge also rejected application by Sharif ’s lawyer Khawaja Harris to provide one week time to submit more documents

but allowed him to provide any document

by Friday.

The judge also observed that the court was bound to follow December 24 final deadline set by the Supreme Court.

Three cases – Avenfield properties case, Flagship Investment case and Al-Azizia steel mills case - were launched by the National Accountability Bureau on September 8, 2017 following a judgment by the apex court that disqualified Sharif.

The apex court initially set six month deadline to conclude the cases but it was subsequently increase around eight times on the request of the accountability court.

Sharif was disqualified by the Supreme Court in the Panama Papers case in July, 2017. In July, 2018 Sharif, his daughter Maryam and son-in-law Safdar Awan were sentenced to 11 years, eight years and one year respectively in prison in the Avenfield properties case.

Punjab government lifts ban on Basant festival The government of Punjab on Tuesday announced its decision to lift ban imposed on celebrating Basant for last 12 years. Basant is the time which marks the arrival of Spring season.

Basant celebrsion start from February 14.

Information and Culture Minister Fayyazul Hassan Chohan announced while addressing a press conference in Lahore, the government’s decision to celebrate Basant after 12 years ban was imposed by the previous governments. Traditional kite-flying festival of Lahore is world famous. Chohan said a committee comprising the Punjab law minister, the provincial chief secretary, and

Pakistan government agrees to take new steps to avoid being blacklisted by FATF

PM Khan’s minister vowing to ‘protect’ Hafiz Saeed Exposing Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s seriousness on combating terrorism, his junior interior minister has vowed to “protect” Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed and his party in a leaked video. The leaked video showed Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Afridi talking to the Milli Muslim League (MML) leaders and when his attention was drawn towards non-registration of Saeed’s party by the Election Commission (ECP) as a political party due to the US pressure and the ECP’s plan to declare it a terrorist organisation,

the minister said: “We will not let this happen.”

“As long as we (the Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaaf) are in the government all those, including Hafiz Saeed, who are raising voice for Pakistan and righteousness, we are with them,” Afridi said, adding “this is our belief ”. “I request you to come to the National Assembly and see whether we are supporting those who on the right path or not,” he said. Hafiz Saeed was declared global terrorist by the US and the UN after the 2008 Mumbai attack and was put under house arrest in November 2008.

other administrative officials, will be formed to deliberate on the modalities about how the negative aspects of the festival can be avoided and overcome.

“This time Lahoris (Lahoriiets) will surely celebrate the Basant,” says the minister Fayyazul Hassan Chohan.

Provincial minister also said the committee would give its recommendations within a week.

Supreme Court in its order had clarified that there was no restriction on holding the Basant festival and that it should be celebrated while staying within the ambit of law, as well as the rules and regulations defined by the government, the minister said.

The government has agreed to take fresh steps to address the money laundering and terror-financing issues, in an effort to avoid being blacklisted by Financial Action Task Force (FATF) ahead its crucial meeting next month, officials said.

Currently placed on the Paris-based FATF’S ‘grey list’, Pakistan has been scrambling in recent months to avoid being added to a list of countries deemed non-compliant with anti-money laundering and terrorist financing regulations by the FATF, a measure

that officials here fear could further hurt its economy.

Finance Minister Asad Umar on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) on anti-money laundering, where a report titled ‘Terrorism Financing Risk Assessment’ was presented.

It was also the first comprehensive risk assessment report jointly prepared by the National Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta) and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

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Saturday, December 22, 2018 ‘Seriously’ considering running for presidency in 2020: Tulsi Gabbard Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu lawmaker in the US Congress, has said that she was “seriously” considering running for the White House in 2020. This is for the first time that the four-time Democratic lawmaker in the US house of Representatives from Hawaii has indicated that she may run for the presidency.

“I’m seriously considering it,” Ms Gabbard, 37, told MSNBC News on Wednesday in response to a question on her presidential aspirations.

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United states. And if elected in 2020, she could be the youngest ever and first woman to be elected as the US president. “I’m concerned about the direction of our country.

I’m thinking through it very carefully,” Ms Gabbard, an Iraq war veteran, said in response to a question on her presidential run. Before challenging President Donald Trump in the November 2020 elections, she would have to fight it against her own Democratic party colleagues in primary elections beginning early that year.

13-year-old Indian boy in Dubai owns software development company A 13-year-old Indian boy in Dubai, who developed his first mobile application four years ago, also owns a software development company, a media report said Sunday.

Aadithyan Rajesh, a student from Kerala, was only nine years old when he developed his first mobile application as a hobby to beat boredom and also has been designing logos and websites for clients. The tech wizard, who started using a computer when he turned five, has finally launched his own company ‘Trinet Solutions’ at the age of 13, the Khaleej Times reported.

“I was born in Thiruvilla, Kerala, and my

family moved here when I was five. The first website my dad showed me was BBC Typing, a website for kids where young students can learn typing,” he told the Dubai-based English daily. Trinet has a total of three employees, who are friends and students from Aadithyan’s school.

“I need to be over the age of 18 to actually become an established company owner.

However, we function like a company. We have worked with over 12 clients, and have given them our design and coding services entirely for free,” he said.

Indian techie sentenced to nine years in prison for sexual assault inside plane An Indian techie from Tamil Nadu was was announced. Ramamoorthy was convicted sentenced to nine years of imprisonment in August after a five-day trial that was on Thursday on charges of a “brazen sexual conducted before United States District assault” against a fellow female passenger Judge Terrence Berg. The jury deliberated inside a commercial airplane early approximately three-and-a-half hours this year. Prabhu Ramamoorthy, before returning the guilty verdict.

35, who came to the US on a H-1B visa in 2015, will be deported after According to the evidence he serves his sentence, a federal presented at the trial, on January court in Detroit said as it sentenced 3, Ramamoorthy had engaged in a the Indian national to nine years sexual act with a female, while she was of imprisonment. Judge Terrence Prabhu Ramamoorthy sleeping on a flight from Las Vegas Berge hoped it would be grave to Detroit. Ramamoorthy was seated enough to deter others from committing along with his wife, when he sexually assaulted similar crimes. Federal prosecutors had sought his co-passenger.

11 years of imprisonment for Ramamoorthy.

“Everyone has the right to be secure and safe During the trial, the government admitted when they travel on airplanes. We will not evidence demonstrating that Ramamoorthy tolerate the behaviour of anyone, who takes had digitally penetrated the woman sleeping advantage of victims who are in a vulnerable next to him during the overnight flight. The position. We appreciate the victim in this case sexual assault woke her up, she found her for her courage to speak out,” US Attorney pants unbuttoned and unzipped, and sought Matthew Schneider said after the sentencing help from the flight attendants.

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The UK government has released a White Paper on its post-Brexit visas and immigration strategy, which is expected to benefit Indian students and professionals as it focuses on skills rather than country of origin.

The UK’s future skills-based immigration system, tabled in the House of Commons on Wednesday by UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid, removes any cap on highly-skilled migrants from anywhere in the world and improves the post-study work offering for international students.

The proposals, set to be phased in from December 2021 after the proposed transition period for Britain’s exit from the European Union (EU), claim to level the country’s immigration playing field with the end of free movement for people from within the 28-member economic bloc.

“As we leave the European Union, free movement will end…This will be a system where it is workers’ skills that matter, not which country they come from,” British Prime Minister Theresa May said in her foreword to the strategy.

“We are taking a skills-based approach to ensure we can attract the brightest and best migrants to the UK,” added Javid, who made a reference to his own Pakistani origins as the “son of immigrant parents”.

Under the new proposals, an annual cap of 20,700 on the number of skilled work visas issued will be removed, likely to benefit doctors and IT professionals from India, among others.

There will also be a new 12-month visa route for workers at any skill level for a temporary period to allow businesses to hire the staff they need on a time-bound basis.

“People arriving on this route will not be able to bring family members with them, won’t accrue rights to settle in the UK and will have a 12-month cooling-off period once their visa expires,” the UK Home Office said.

The onerous requirements for labour market tests by employers wanting to sponsor an overseas skilled worker are also to be done away with.

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