The Asian Star January 11 2020

Vol 19 - Issue 50

Saturday, January 11, 2020

India slams Pakistan over desecration of Gurdwara Nankana Sahib and killing of a Sikh man India slammed Pakistan on Thursday over the desecration of Gurdwara Nankana Sahib, near Lahore, and the killing of a Sikh man, saying a nation that cannot take care of its minorities should not tell others how to do it. A mob attack reportedly took place on Friday at the shrine in Pakistan where the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev, was born and a 25-year-old Sikh man was also shot dead in the northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar last week.

“The incident at Nankana Sahib and the killing of the Sikh man are a mirror for them. It is a mirror for those who lecture others,” Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.

He also hit out at Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan for his reported remarks on protests in India, saying it was the habit of the politicians in the neighbouring country to neglect their own job and comment on things happening in India and other countries. “They should look within their country, their minorities, against whom atrocities are being committed.

Continued on page 6

Canada to move troops from Iraq to Kuwait among rising tenstion Some of the estimated 500 Canadian troops in Iraq will be moved temporarily to neighbouring Kuwait in the coming days to ensure their safety amid rising tensions in the region, a top Canadian military official said Tuesday. General Jonathan Vance, chief of defense staff, announced the “operational pause” in a letter posted on Twitter to families of deployed military personnel.

“Over the coming days, and as a result of Coalition and NATO planning, some of our people will be moved temporarily from Iraq to Kuwait,” he said. “Simply put, we are doing this to ensure their safety and security.”

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Snow fall hits Metro Vancovuer C ommuters across BC’s South Coast should brace for a potentially challenging day on the roads as snowfall piles up, particularly in higher areas, while wind has i nc ap a c it ate d parts of the the ferry system.

Environment Canada is warning those in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley to expect five to 25 centimetres of snow by noon Friday, raising potential for a messy afternoon commute. RCMP said the Alex Fraser Bridge, which carries Highway 91 over the Fraser River in Delta,

Continued on page 6

Women travelling to Canada to give birth strains the health-care system Women travelling to Canada to give birth to babies who will automatically become Canadian citizens are prompting concerns about the strain they may be putting on the health-care system, The Fifth Estate has found. Canada is one of fewer than three dozen countries that follow the practice of citizenship based on birthplace, regardless of parents’ nationality or status. At one British Columbia hospital with a high concentration of such deliveries, complaints have arisen that the influx of these non-resident patients — also known as birth tourists — has led to compromised care for local mothers-to-be and struggles for nursing staff. Some of these patients fail to pay hospital and doctors bills, leaving taxpayers and individual care providers on the hook.

Continued on page 7

Iranian missile shot down passenger plane Killing 176 people including 67 Canadians He declined to get into the specific Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau intelligence, but said it appeared it said Thursday evidence indicates an Iranian was a surface-to-air missile that struck missile downed a Ukrainian jetliner late the plane. “We have intelligence from Tuesday and that the strike “may have been multiple sources including our allies unintentional.” Trudeau says Canadian and and our own intelligence. allied intelligence supports that conclusion.

Continued on page 3

80 murders & 91 rapes a day in India in 2018

Happy Lohri

An average of 80 murders, 289 kidnappings and 91 rapes were reported every single day across the country in 2018, according to the latest data by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). Altogether, 50,74,634 cognizable crimes comprising 31,32,954 Indian Penal Code (IPC) crimes and 19,41,680

Special and Local Laws (SLL) crimes were registered in 2018, up from 50,07,044 in 2017, the data stated. A cognizable offence or case is defined as the one which an officer incharge of a police station may investigate without the order of a magistrate and effect arrest without on page 7

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Saturday, November 10, 2018

Vol 18 - Issue 50

Saturday, January 11, 2020

The Royal Couple look for a new home — maybe in BC The latest international jet-setters who appear to have fallen for our province’s charms are the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who spent Christmas on Vancouver Island.

After a few lovely walks and a bit of peace and tranquillity, Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, shocked the world by announcing they were stepping back from their “Royal duties” and looking to “balance” their time between the U.K. and North America. The British tabloids that seem to have driven them across the Atlantic are calling it Megxit. It’s such a big deal in England that it was on the front page of every tabloid newspaper Thursday, and even on the

From page 1

cover of “respectable” broadsheets like The Times and Daily Telegraph.

The funniest cover wasn’t in London, England, though. The New York Post also went with Megxit, with the kicker, “Meghan and Harry leave royals for ‘commoner’ life.”

The illustration features Harry and Meghan watching the telly in their undies, swilling Pabst Blue Ribbon beer. A vintage Canadian Pacific travel poster of a moose hangs in the background. Now I’ve been tasked with convincing the Royal couple to move to Vancouver. By my editors, not John Horgan nor Kennedy Stewart. The choice seems to be whether to live in Canada or Los Angeles.

Iranian missile shot down passenger plane

indicates that the plane was shot down by an Iranian surface-to-air missile,” Trudeau told a news conference. He added: “This may well have been unintentional.” Earlier, U.S. officials said it was “highly likely” that an Iranian anti-aircraft missile downed the jetliner, killing all 176 people on board. They suggested it could well have been a mistake.

At least 63 Canadians were on the plane. It crashed just a few hours after Iran launched a ballistic attack against Iraqi

military bases housing U.S. troops amid a confrontation with Washington over the U.S. drone strike that killed an Iranian Revolutionary Guard general. At least 62 Canadians were among the 176 dead. Asked by reporters if he thought the U.S. strike that killed the general is to blame Trudeau said: “I think it is too soon to be drawing conclusions or assigning blame or responsibility in whatever proportions.”

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OPINION

By Tegan Hill and Jake Fuss The Fraser Institute

The recently-released Economic and Fiscal Update demonstrates the federal government’s proclivity for marked increases in deficit-financed spending despite warning signs of a slowing economy.

New borrowing and a larger deficit increase the risk to federal finances should a recession occur.

The federal update pegs the deficit at $26.6 billion for 2019-20 – $6.8 billion more than originally planned for in the 2019 budget released last March. In 2020-21, the deficit is projected to be $28.1 billion – and that’s excluding several costly campaign promises.

The increased deficits largely reflect actuarial revaluations of employee pension and benefits, compensation to dairy farmers, and a revenue agreement for the Hibernia project in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Saturday, January 11, 2020

Federal finances on a razor’s edge It’s particularly concerning that higherthan-anticipated spending in areas such as employee pensions and benefits contributed to the larger deficit because it demonstrates that the government didn’t adequately account or prepare for changes in the economy (for example, lower interest rates), how those changes could affect its financing, and that it’s not positioned to absorb increases in spending.

This is worrying lapse should a recession occur.If a recession occurs next year, as some experts predict, the state of federal finances would be become much worse. Not only would spending automatically increase while revenues decrease (due to automatic stabilizers such as employment insurance) but the government would almost certainly increase spending in an attempt to stimulate the economy.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s mandate

letter to the minister of finance specifically requested that he retain “fiscal firepower” should it be needed to respond to an economic slowdown.

But according to a 2018 study, the federal deficit could have reached $42.7 billion in 2019 even if a mild recession (similar to 199192) occurred and the government responded in a similar way as it did then. If a deeper recession occurred, similar to 2008-09, the annual deficit could have skyrocketed to $120.5 billion. Remember, this is not a fouryear deficit, this is the deficit in a single year.

And yet, when presenting the update last month, Finance Minister Bill Morneau expressed no concern for continuing to run large deficits given the current economic outlook.

But concerns are valid. The latest forecasts from private-sector economists peg annual economic growth at only 1.7 per cent, according to the update. These forecasts are in fact more optimistic than the Bank of Canada, which estimates the economy will grow only 1.5 per cent.

In addition to the bleak economic forecasts, Statistics Canada’s recent monthly labour force survey estimated that the Canadian economy lost 71,200 jobs in November, the largest monthly job loss since the 2009 recession.

This news comes on top of continued trade disputes and lagging business investment, all signs that the economy is headed for a downturn. Clearly, the federal government can’t continue to ignore the warning signs of a slowing economy. It should limit discretionary spending now to lessen the risk of a serious deterioration in federal finances should a recession occur.

Tegan Hill and Jake Fuss are economists with the Fraser Institute. This op-ed was coauthored by Milagros Palacios, a Fraser Institute economist.

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6 From page 1 B.C., was shut down just after 10:30 a.m. PT due to falling ice. The weather system has also brought strong winds up to 80 km/h near the Strait of Georgia, prompting ferry cancellations between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland. Snowplows were busy clearing roads in areas such as Westwood Plateau in Coquitlam and SFU’s Burnaby Mountain campus overnight,

Saturday, January 11, 2020

Snow fall hits Metro Vancovuer while the City of Vancouver has been salting and brining streets to ease conditions.

Find Environment Canada weather warnings here There were no public school cancellations in effect in Metro Vancouver or the Fraser Valley.

Snow started falling at SFU’s Burnaby campus late Thursday night.

Snowfall warnings also cover much of northern B.C., from inland sections of the north and central coasts east to the Peace River region, as up to 20 centimetres snow is due by evening.

Along the boundary with Yukon and stretching into that territory, extreme cold warnings advise of wind chill values below –45 C, dropping to -50 C for parts of Yukon, with the deep freeze not expected to lift for several days.

Ferry cancellations High winds hampered ferry service Friday morning, while some cancellations have already been announced for the afterno As of 9 a.m. PT Friday, the following routes have been cancelled: 10:40 a.m. and 1 p.m. departures from both Horseshoe Bay and Departure Bay. 10:15 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. departures from both Tsawwassen and Duke Point.

9 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. departures from both Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay. 9:55 a.m. and 11:50 a.m. departures from Powell River to Comox.

India slams Pakistan over desecration fo Gurdwara Nankana Sahib protests in India, saying it was the habit of the politicians in the neighbouring country to neglect their own job and comment on things happening in India and other countries.

“They should look within their country, their minorities, against whom atrocities are being committed. They should take care of them, give justice to them,” Kumar said. Asked about Pakistan encouraging the separatist Khalistan agenda, he said it was destined to fail from the beginning. “As far as the (Nankana Sahib) incident is concerned, the country that cannot take care of its minorities, cannot take care of Sikhs, should not tell other nations how to do it,” Kumar said.

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Saturday, January 11, 2020 From page 1 “Most of them, they get the Canadian passport, and then they leave the country,” said Dr. Mudaffer Al-Mudaffer, a B.C. pediatrician and neonatologist who sees babies of nonresidents when they need critical care. “It affects the integrity of the fairness of the health system.”

No statistics are available regarding how many people are travelling to Canada specifically to ensure their child is born here and will have a Canadian passport.

But figures from the Canadian Institute for Health Information and several Quebec hospitals indicate there were about 5,000 non-resident births across the country in 2018, an increase of nearly 15 per cent over the previous year.

Nearly one-quarter of all births at the Richmond Hospital are to non-residents.

Insiders say it is having detrimental effects on the hospital and staff. (Annie Burns-Pieper) In the fall of 2019, Cathy Shi arrived in Richmond, B.C., from Shandong, on China’s east coast, to give birth to her third child. She said through a translator that she wanted her unborn child to have more opportunities.

“My concern is about their education, such as going to university. If the kid wants to live in Canada, it would be convenient for them if they’re born here.”

Handful of hospitals From page 1

Women travelling to Canada to give birth strains the health-care system At this point, the practice of birth tourism appears to be concentrated in a handful of hospitals in Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia. At the Richmond Hospital, south of Vancouver, non-residents make up nearly a quarter of all births, according to records obtained from Vancouver Coastal Health, the health authority which runs the hospital.

In many ways, that hospital can be seen as a test case for how this issue could play out elsewhere as numbers continue to climb.

The health authority declined a request for an interview with The Fifth Estate and issued a warning directing its staff not to speak to the media. Despite that, four current and two retired nurses shared their concerns, requesting that their identities be protected.

Since 2013/14, the number of non-resident births has tripled at the hospital. The patients — many from China — pay privately for their care, often in cash, may not speak English and are unfamiliar with the Canadian healthcare system. The nurses who spoke to The Fifth Estate say the influx has led to increased workloads and has compromised care.

Nurses at B.C.’s Richmond Hospital spoke out despite warnings from the hospital because they are concerned about the impact of birth tourism on the hospital. (Matt

80 murders & 91 rapes a day in India in 2018

warrant. A total of 29,017 cases of murder were registered during 2018, showing an increase of 1.3 per cent over 2017 (28,653 cases).

‘Disputes’ (9,623 cases) were the motive in highest number of murder cases during the year followed by ‘personal vendetta or enmity’ (3,875 cases) and ‘gain’ (2,995 cases), the data stated.

Kidnapping and abduction cases showed a jump of 10.3 per cent in 2018 when 1,05,734 FIRs were registered. In 2017, 95,893 such cases were registered, while the number stood at 88,008 in 2016, the NCRB said.

Rourke/The Associated Press) “There are times when ... the people living here don’t get the service that they need,” one nurse said. When the unit was very busy, one nurse said services like prenatal tests to check the baby’s health, labour inductions and other tests to check fetal and maternal risk factors would be delayed or cancelled.

“We would often have to decide whose need was greatest and abandon the rest for the next day where we would face the same situation again,” she said. “Our normal scheduled or add-on C-sections lie here all day and then they take the IV out, we send them home and say come back tomorrow. A private pay never goes home — she gets her C-section

that day,” said another nurse. “She will be fit in somewhere because nobody wants to lose that $5,000. But our normal people are lying there all day, no food or drink, waiting and nobody’s interested in moving them.” Some hospitals, like Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, have taken steps to limit the number of non-resident births in order to prioritize residents of their own communities.

That hospital says it won’t treat non-residents patients without Ontario Health Insurance Plan coverage.

‘It’s fraudulent’: Former immigration official says action needed on ‘passport babies’ When asked in an email why the Richmond Hospital doesn’t have a similar policy, Carrie Stefanson, a public affairs representative with Vancouver Coastal Health, said: “VCH cannot speak for other hospitals or health authorities. VCH will never deny urgent and emergent care based on ability to pay or where a patient is from.”

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Saturday, January 11, 2020 Hell and ice water:

Glacier melt threatens Pakistan’s future The villagers of Hassanabad live in constant fear. Above them the vast Shisper glacier dominates the landscape: A river of jagged black ice moving towards them at as much as four metres per day. Climate change is causing most glaciers worldwide to shrink, but due to a meteorological anomaly this is one of a few in the Karakoram mountain range in northern Pakistan that are surging.

This means hundreds of tonnes of ice and debris are pushing down the valley at ten times the normal rate or more, threatening the safety of the people and homes below.

“People’s lives, properties and animals are in danger,” warns villager Basir Ali. Flash floods caused by glacial lakes, ice and rock falls, and a lack of clean and accessible water are all serious risks for those close to its path. “When a glacial lake bursts there is an enormous amount of not only ice, water and debris that falls through, but also mud

and this has devastating effects, it basically destroys everything that comes in its way,” said Ignacio Artaza of UNDP Pakistan.

But repercussions of the Shisper glacier surge extend far beyond its path: The mighty Indus river is reliant on seasonal melt for more than half of its flow and changes in Pakistan’s ice fields affect this.

That has implications not just for those living in its basin, but for the whole nation, which relies on it for much of its food.

Shifting water levels also have implications for the fragile relationship between nucleararmed neighbours Pakistan and India.

Already ranked among the planet’s most water-stressed nations according to the World Resources Institute, both need the Indus and its tributaries. Their access to the water is governed by the 1960 Indus Water Treaty, which aims for fair usage. The Karakoram, which contains some of the world’s tallest mountains including K2, is just one of the mountain ranges that criss-cross the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region. Sometimes called The Third Pole, the region holds more ice than anywhere other than the Arctic or Antartica.

But a third of the glaciers here are expected to melt by 2100, endangering the lives of hundreds of millions, according to this year’s Hindu Kush-Himalaya Assessment Report.

Rising in Tibet, the Indus crosses through India and Pakistan fed by a multitude of tributaries before it reaches the Arabian Sea. The waterway’s basin produces 90 per cent of Pakistan’s food, according to the UN, and agriculture is dependent on irrigation from the river, which heavily relies on meltwater from the ice sheets. With its surging population experts warn the nation faces “absolute water scarcity” by 2025, with the loss of the Himalayan glaciers a key threat.

While scientists cite climate change and topography, it’s not clear exactly what causes the Karakoram anomaly where glaciers are surging and in some cases growing.

But many say these changes will also impact the Indus because they alter meltwater patterns, causing flash flooding or water shortages that are difficult to predict and manage. “The Shisper glacier is increasing its length and width, furthermore it is also moving downhill,” explained Shehzad Baig of the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority.

He warned climate change meant there was heavier snowfall during the winters and warmer temperatures in the summers, leading to the ice mass producing more meltwater, swelling the Hunza river, a churning mountain tributary of the Indus. “This may cause harm to the local community and deprive the people of the Indus basin blocking or disturbing drinking water and irrigation channels,” Baig warned, adding that changing weather patterns were also creating more glacial lakes. The UNDP estimates that more than 3,000 glacial lakes have been formed in the region, with 33 posing an imminent threat of ‘outburst floods’, known as GLOFs that could impact as many as seven million people. Last year the surging Shisper glacier effectively dammed a meltwater stream from a neighbouring glacier creating a large lake. Authorites were forced to issue safety warnings to Hassanabad and local villages before the water was drained. But satellite data show the lake is already reforming, leaving residents fearing not only the progression of the crushing ice sheet but that they will be swept to their deaths in flash floods.

“This whole area will be devastated...the whole population and people’s properties will go into river,” cautions villager Didar Karim.

Saturday, January 11, 2020

Surrey RCMP warn of discount airfare scam on WhatsApp Surrey police are warning people of a new scam that offers discount airfares to India on WhatsApp. According to Surrey RCMP, in recent weeks at least two separate victims reported having their credit-card information stolen after trying to book what they believed were low-cost airline tickets using the messaging application WhatsApp. In both cases, the victims saw advertising on Punjabi TV and newspapers offering lowcost flights between Vancouver and India.

Interested individuals were then directed to post personal and credit-card information on WhatsApp to make the booking.

“These incidents are actively being investigated and police are currently looking to identify the individuals involved,” said

RCMP Cpl. Dan Klassen. “This is a new trend of note and we are bringing the details to light so that the public are aware of the scam and can take steps to protect themselves.”

Police are reminding the public to never provide personal or credit-card information over smartphone apps to an unknown party.

Travellers should always book their airline tickets through a secure booking website, licensed travel agent or directly with the airline.

Anyone with information about this scam, or who believes they may have fallen victim to this scam, is asked to contact Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502.

RCMP launches criminal investigation after ‘traps’ & fuel-soaked rags’ found on road leading to Coastal GasLink project Tensions are rising further in northern British Columbia after the RCMP opened a criminal investigation after discovering “traps” and gasoline-soaked rags in the blockade by a breakaway First Nations group against the $6.6-billion Coastal GasLink pipeline.

RCMP officers on patrol this week along the pipeline blockade found three stacks of tires covered by tarps and trees and were staged along with multiple jugs of gasoline, diesel, oil and kindling as well as “bags full of fuel-soaked rags.” In a release late Wednesday, the police said they had found the tires and fire-starting equipment on the Morice West Forest Service Road, which leads into a Coastal GasLink pipeline work camp. Dozens of trees had also been felled along the road and other trees were partially cut, in preparation for felling, which

the RCMP said created a dangerous hazard.

“These concerning items have been brought to the attention of the Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs. They have also been advised that the RCMP has entered into a criminal investigation under Section 247 of the Criminal Code for Traps Likely to Cause Bodily Harm,” the release stated. Coastal GasLink, a natural gas pipeline project that stretches from Dawson Creek, B.C. to the under-construction $40-billion LNG Canada project in Kitimat, won a interlocutory court injunction against the protestors in the area and an enforcement order from the Supreme Court of British Columbia last week.

The enforcement order gives the RCMP “a mandate” to get involved.

Surrey RCMP looking to identify suspect in four alleged robberies Surrey RCMP is asking for the public’s help in identifying a possible suspect in four alleged robberies over five days.

The incidents, police said in a release Friday (Jan. 10), happened in Guildford, Newton and Whalley / City Centre between Jan. 3 and 8. Surrey RCMP said in each incident, the suspect entered a business, “brandished a knife and demanded money from employees.”

No employees were injured during the incidents, police said. Surrey RCMP said the suspect is described as Caucasian, in

his early to mid-twenties and about six feet tall. He was seen wearing a blue jacket, with a fur-lined hood in each incident.

“Having this person involved in multiple incidents within such a short period of time is concerning,” said Constable Brad Kelsey. “We are asking the public to help us identify this suspect so we can locate him as soon as possible.”

Anyone that can identify the person in the photos is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502.

LOCAL

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LOCAL / NATIONAL

The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms says it has been retained to defend She Point Beauty Studio, which operates in Surrey and Vancouver, against a new human rights complaint filed by transgender activist Jessica Yaniv. A press release posted on Tuesday by the Calgary-based JCCF, under the heading “Yaniv targets another East Indian beauty salon in new waxing complaint” states the “serial complainant” has male genitalia butself-identifies as female.

Last October, the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal dismissedcomplaints Yaniv lodged against Blue Heaven Beauty Lounge and SandeepBenipal, Suhki Hehar and Sukhi Beauty Dream Salon, Marcia DaSilva, Hina Moin, Pam Dulay, Judy Tran and Merle Norman, claiming discrimination based on gender identity and expression for refusing to provide waxing services. “In five cases, Yaniv she requested waxing of her scrotum,” Tribunal Member Devyn Cousineau noted in

Saturday, January 11, 2020

Transgender activist again targets South Asian small business owners her Oct. 22, 2019 reasons for decision. “In two, she requested waxing of her arms or legs.”

Cousineau found that scrotum waxing “was not a service customarily provided by the respondents. As such, they did not deny Ms. Yaniv a service and did not discriminate against her.” She concluded Yaniv “engaged in a pattern of filing human rights complaints which target small businesses for personal financial gain and/or to punish certain ethnic groups which she perceives as hostile tothe rights of LGBTQ+ people.” Cousineau ordered Yaniv, 32, to pay the respondents at total of $6,000, which she said “strikes the right balance in expressing the Tribunal’s condemnation of Mr. Yaniv’s conduct while not exacting too harsh apunishment on her.”

The respondents, however, maintained $15,000 to be “an appropriate amount.” In this latest complaint, according to the JCCF, a hearing date has not yet been set but it’s

anticipated it will proceed this year. “Women have a constitutional right not to be compelled to touch biological males in an intimate or highly personal manner if they are not comfortable doing so,” said Jay Cameron, a

lawyer and JCCF’s litigation manager. “Like male genital waxing, our client does not offer male leg waxing services to the public, and we intend to vigorously defend against this targeted harassment on behalf of our client.”

Mandatory anti-money laundering course rolls out for BC realtors The Real Estate Council of British Columbia (RECBC) launched a mandatory course on money laundering Thursday in a bid to help stem some of the billions of dollars in dirty money flowing through the industry. The online course teaches realtors how to identify red flags for money laundering and what steps to take to report suspicious transactions. All professional realtors must pass the course in order to renew their licenses as of April 1.

More than $5 billion in dirty money was laundered through real estate transactions in B.C. in 2018, according to a report for the B.C. government released last May. But identifying money launderers can be complicated, said Erin Seeley, chief executive officer at RECBC. “It’s not just about cash,” said Seeley on CBC’s The Early Edition on Thursday.

“In most transactions the money flows through a financial institution and is being integrated back into the economy.”

Seeley said red flags realtors should be on the look out for include the use of unregulated lenders; purchasing without a mortgage; and nominee owners, who are individuals given legal ownership rights on behalf of the true owner. “We do believe real estate professionals are complying,

but we would like them to look at the more complex transactions that aren’t as obvious,” said Seeley. The course launched the same day a B.C. commission charged with looking into the province’s moneylaundering problem confirmed dates for its public hearings. The commission will begin hearing opening statements in the Federal Court of Canada in February. The commission was announced in May 2019

by Premier John Horgan after a series of reports revealed the scale of the problem in the province. Altogether, dirty money in the real estate market accounted for an estimated 72 per cent of the $7.4 billion that the experts believe was laundered in total in B.C.in 2018. “This is a provincial issue we need to take seriously,” said Seeley.

“Real estate agents are critical and closely positioned to be able to deter money laundering.” Real estate agents are required to report suspicious transactions within 30 days to the Financial Transactions Reports and Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC).

Agents must also report to FINTRAC within 15 days if they receive $10,000 or more in cash, either in a single or multiple transactions, within 24 hours.

British Columbia makes regulatory change in battle against money laundering

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Saturday, January 11, 2020

Khalsa Business Centre

128th Street, 84th Ave., Surrey, BC

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LOCAL / NATIONAL

Saturday, January 11, 2020

BC residents are Canada’s top drinkers, but few know it can cause cancer: Fraser Health Did you know regular, heavy drinking could lead to a higher chance of cancer after 50?

If you didn’t, you’re not alone – and that has the Fraser Health Authority worried.

Medical health officer Dr. Ingrid Tyler said 25 per cent of people don’t know that drinking alcohol increases the chance of getting cancer later in life.

“It’s becoming an increasingly concerning health issue that people are consuming large amounts of alcohol,” Tyler said.

“British Columbia consumes more alcohol than any other Canadian province, above national average.”

Last year, drinking led to 450 preventable cancer deaths in B.C., 250 of which were in Fraser Health’s region. Canadawide, about 3,000 people died because of preventable cancers caused by drinking.

That could be because the shortterm risks of excessive drinking, such as impairment while driving, are more well known than long-term risks.

Alcohol consumption has been linked to a variety of cancers, including oral, larynx, stomach, liver and breast cancers.

Howmuchcanyoudrinksafely?Tylersaid studies have suggested no amount is safe.

“The most up-to-date guidelines around drinking… from the UK… suggest that six standard drinks a week is a reasonable risk.”

It doesn’t help that most drinks served at bars and pubs are usually much bigger than the “standard.”

For example, researchers consider one “standard” serving of wine to be 2.6 oz – much smaller, Tyler said, than the six or nine ounces many restaurants serve.

Man charged after driving impaired with two children in vehicle in Burnaby Mounties in Burnaby are thanking a Good Samaritan for helping catch a man allegedly driving impaired with two young children in his vehicle and preventing a potentially serious collision.

Police said in a news release Thursday that the Good Samaritan called 911 to report that an allegedly impaired man had driven into a ditch near the intersection of Cariboo Road and Gaglardi Way just before 5 p.m. on Jan. 2.

The caller had first noticed the driver’s behaviour while heading west along Highway 1 near Langley, and followed him into Burnaby while providing timely and accurate updates to dispatchers along the way, police said.

Officers on patrol nearby were able to find the driver, at Eastlake Drive and Beaverbrook Drive,

where he had allegedly just been involved in a rear end collision with another vehicle.

Police attempted to initiate a traffic stop but the man allegedly continued driving before stopping in a cul de sac at Eastlake Drive. He stepped out of his vehicle and was immediately taken into custody, police said.

The children were cared for by Burnaby RCMP’s Victim Services Unit and were picked up by another family member.

“We are very thankful to the citizen who did not try to get involved or stop the vehicle himself but instead ensured that we had accurate information on where the vehicle was going,” Cpl. Mike Kalanj said.

VPD sergeant ordered dismissed after ‘inappropriate’ relationship with junior officer concerned with the events A senior Vancouver Police leading up to her death.

Department sergeant has “The termination of Sgt. been ordered dismissed after a Van Patten represents one lengthy investigation into his step in our ongoing efforts relationship with a junior officer. to get justice for Nicole.

The investigation, undertaken More needs to be done to by the Office of the Police hold those who abused Complaint Commissioner, found their power accountable, that Sgt. David Van Patten was in and for Nicole’s friends and an “inappropriate” relationship family, this issue is far from with Const.

Nicole Chan.

Nicole Chan resolved,” read a statement The investigation into the officer from her sister, Jenn Chan. was launched in April, 2019, according to Deputy Records of full investigation into disgraced Police Complaint Commissioner Andrea Spindler.

Investigators substantiated three allegations detective won’t be disclosed, court rules Vancouver police Const. Tania Visintin of discreditable conduct levied against Van Patten. He has been ordered dismissed. said in a statement the department respects Van Patten can appeal the the police complaint commissioner and the final outcome. decision through a public hearing. process “We continue to grieve the loss of Nicole Chan tragically took her own life in January, 2019, following her relationship Const. Chan and provide support to our with senior VPD sergeant David Van Patten. membership as needed. The Vancouver In a statement, Chan’s family members said police will continue to be in touch with they were satisfied with the decision but are still Const. Chan’s family,” said Visintin.

Surrey man charged in Campbell River RCMP drug sting, along with nine others An “extensive” two-month operation

by Campbell River RCMP has so far resulted in drug charges against 10 people, including a man from Surrey.

Operation E-Parody was conducted by the Campbell River Street Crimes Unit in November and December 2019, according to a Jan. 9 RCMP news release.

The Vancouver Island operation investigated drug trafficking in the Campbell River area.

Drugs seized included fentanyl, carfentanil, heroin, morphine, cocaine and methamphetamine.

So far, 10 people have been charged with trafficking in a controlled substance and/or possession for the purpose of trafficking and charges have been recommended against an additional 10 people, the release stated.

Surrey’s Jasondeep Johal is charged with trafficking cocaine and possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine and fentanyl.

Also charged are Joseph Tweet, Joseph Russell, Tanya Newell, Preston Jaramillo, Mickey Balla, Sandra Robinson/Burridge, Rae-Anne Gillespie, Lauren Drake and Barbara Norris, all of Campbell River.

LOCAL

Saturday, January 11, 2020

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CMHC reports annual pace of housing starts in Canada slowed in December Developers started building fewer homes than expected in December, mostly because of a decline in multi-unit projects, Canada’s housing agency said Thursday.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. said the seasonally adjusted annual rate

of housing starts came in at 197,329 in December, down from 204,320 in November.

Analysts on average had expected an annual rate of 210,000 for December, according to financial markets data firm Refinitiv.

Watchdog probes Surrey crash where police say driver wouldn’t pull over B.C.’s police watchdog is investigating a dramatic crash in Guildford to determine if the “actions or inactions” of Surrey RCMP played a role.

The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. is looking into the crash that happened on Jan. 7 around 9:30 p.m. near 104th Avenue and 160th Street, according to a release from BC RCMP Thursday (Jan. 9).

Dawn Roberts, BC RCMP communications, said a Surrey RCMP officer was trying to pull the driver over after he “saw a vehicle committing what they believed to be a number of Motor Vehicle Act infractions” while driving eastbound on 104th Avenue. Roberts said the vehicle wouldn’t stop, and went

through an intersection before losing control and flipping multiple times. The driver, the lone occupant, was taken to hospital with “serious injuries,” Roberts said.

IIO is investigating to determine whether police “actions or inactions are linked to the driver’s injuries.”

Roberts said now that the matter is under investigation, no more information will be released by police.

The Surrey RCMP Criminal Collision Investigation Team is also conducting its own investigation.

IIO, bound by the Police Act, investigates incidents where there is “serious harm or death as a result of police action.” It operates out of Bing Thom’s Central City tower in Whalley and reports to B.C.’s attorney general.

Prince Harry’s wife Meghan returns to Canada as royal courtiers chart path for independence Meghan, the wife of Prince Harry, has gone back to Canada to be with their son after the couple provoked a rift with the Royal Family by unexpectedly announcing they would be stepping back from their roles as senior members and would spend more time in North America.

Queen Elizabeth and other senior royals were said to be trying to calm the crisis by thrashing out a plan for Harry and Meghan after the couple went public with their announcement this week.

The monarch, who is at her Sandringham estate in eastern England, held a conference call to discuss the issue with her son Prince Charles and grandsons Prince William and

Prince Harry, British media reported Friday.

The couple spent six weeks in Canada at the end of last year before returning to England, and their first official engagement of 2020 was to visit Canada House to say thank you for what they said had been an “unbelievable” welcome.

Their baby son, Archie, remained in Canada as Harry and Meghan returned to announce earlier this week that they would step back from royal duties and build a more “progressive” role for themselves.

The former actress is American, but has longstanding ties to Canada, having lived in Toronto for years while filming the TV legal drama Suits.

Surrey RCMP seek witnesses to shooting between 2 vehicles Surrey RCMP are hoping to speak to anyone who may have heard or seen a shooting Thursday night near Green Timbers.

Mounties said they received a report of gunfire between two vehicles near 96 Avenue and 148 Street around 5:30 p.m.

The two vehicles are described as a white Ford Expedition and what looked

like either a white Lexus or Infiniti vehicle. They were last seen driving north at a high rate of speed on 148 Street.

There are no reports of any injuries or damage to property as a result of the shooting.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or may have dashcam footage is asked to contact Surrey RCMP.

Bob Dugan, CMHC’s chief economist, said multi-family starts in Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa were the main drags on starts, but stable activity in Vancouver and significant growth in Calgary helped offset those declines.

Starts in multi-unit dwellings in urban areas fell five per cent from November, including a 17 per cent decline in Ontario, while urban starts of single-

detached homes edged up one per cent.

The six-month moving average of the overall monthly seasonally adjusted rate was 212,160 units in December, down from 219,921 in November.

“Housing starts lost a bit of steam toward the end of last year,” said RBC senior economist Josh Nye in a note.

BC teacher suspended for copying provincial exams, lying to school officials A Vernon teacher served a threeday suspension before the Christmas break for copying restricted provincial exam material, providing it to his students and lying to school officials.

According to a decision by the British Columbia Commission for Teacher Regulation, Jay Alexander Kohlman was in the practice of creating sample English 12 provincial exams using questions he obtained from previous provincial exams, which were deemed “secure” by the ministry of education.

The ministry does not release secure exam material to be used as study or practice questions because it re-uses readings and questions.

Copying, storing or sharing secure material is considered a direct violation of the ministry’s exam security policy, something Kohlman admitted he was aware of.

B.C. teacher disciplined for saying he’d use a student to beat 2 others to death

An investigation found that in January 2018, Kohlman had asked to see the English 12 provincial exam, but instead made a copy.

When asked directly by the school’s viceprincipal if he had made a copy, he denied it.

Kohlman was also found to have lied when he denied using the secure exam material to prepare his students for the provincial exam.

He was suspended without pay by the district for one day at the start of the school year in September 2018.

He was suspended a further three days, from Dec. 18 to Dec. 20, after agreeing to a consent resolution agreement with the Commissioner for Teacher Regulation in early December 2019.

In the decision posted online earlier this week, commissioner Howard Kushner called the suspension “an appropriate consequence” because: Kohlman obtained copies of secure exams inappropriately, in one instance by misleading school administration.

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LOCAL

Saturday, January 11, 2020

Island man pleads guilty to imprisoning & beating woman A Vancouver Island man has pleaded guilty to holding a woman captive in his home for four days in April 2017 and badly beating her.

Kehar Garry Sangha, who was 52 at the time of the attack, admitted to the charges of aggravated assault and forcible confinement.

He was sentenced in Duncan Provincial Court on Monday to just over five years on each of the two counts, to be served at the same time.

The victim had been violently held against her will on his rural property in North Cowichan.

According to the RCMP, she was viciously beaten with a bat — sustaining

serious facial injuries — before she managed to escape to a neighbour’s home.

Sangha was arrested a day later and his property was searched by police.

He has been in custody ever since.

With credit for 1,500 days of pre-trial custody, Sangha will be behind bars for another 416 days, followed by two years probation.

Once he’s released, he will not be allowed any contact with the victim or to possess firearms for 10 years. He’s prohibited from possessing restricted firearms for life.

RCMP seeking to resolve Coastal GasLink pipeline crisis without resorting to ‘police enforcement’ Senior RCMP officers are in contact with First Nations protestors opposed to the $6.6-billion Coastal GasLink pipeline, trying to negotiate a way for construction work on the natural gas pipeline to resume in north-central British Columbia.

“Or priority is to engage with CGL, Indigenous communities and government to facilitate a resolution without police enforcement,” RCMP Cpl. Madonna Saunderson said in an emailed statement, adding that the force’s senior commander “has already been in direct contact with representatives of all these stakeholder groups, including the Hereditary Chiefs.”

Over the weekend, a breakaway group of hereditary Wet’suwet’en chiefs that oppose the natural gas pipeline asked the RCMP to “refrain from interference” in the dispute over the project that will link gas fields near Dawson Creek to the $40-billion LNG Canada export project in the coastal community of Kitimat.

Coastal GasLink said Monday that trees had been felled along the forestry access road leading to a pipeline work camp in contravention of the order, but the company said it didn’t know who cut the trees. Asked how access had been restricted, the company provided aerial photos to the Financial Post that were taken Monday showing dozens of trees along the road in the contested area.

Aerial photo taken by Coastal GasLink on Monday along the Morice Forest River Service Road show dozens of trees have been felled and are blocking the road, which leads to a Coastal GasLink work camp, an hour from Houston, B.C. Coastal GasLink

The standoff has escalated tensions between the pipeline company, the protestors and highlighted divisions between elected and hereditary chiefs in British Columbia. All 20 elected band councils along the route have signed benefits agreements with the pipeline and connected $40-billion LNG Canada project, but a group of hereditary chiefs of the Wet’suwet’en Nation bands are looking to prevent work in the middle of the route.

Even though elected Wet’suwet’en chiefs and band councils have signed onto support the project, the hereditary chiefs issued TC Energy Corp., the company building the pipeline, an eviction order over the weekend.

In a press conference Tuesday, Wet’suwet’en hereditary chief Na’moks said there will be no access to the First Nation territories without consent from the hereditary chiefs, demanding that the province stop construction of the pipeline and that the RCMP withdraw from their lands.

The hereditary chiefs said they were acting in accordance with their laws on behalf of the five clans of the Wet’suwet’en nation.

“The province has proclaimed they will implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which includes free, prior and informed consent, but has failed to intervene in this issue,” the chiefs said in a statement.

The Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs were not available for an interview Tuesday.Suzanne Wilton, a spokesperson for Calgary-based TC Energy, said the company is in the process of remobilizing 1,000 workers along the pipeline route through BC.

Private Vancouver - Victoria passenger ferry goes out of business

A private company running a passenger ferry shuttle service between Vancouver and Victoria has announced there will be no more sailings, effective immediately.

The luxury transportation company, V2V Vacations, owned by an Australian marine company, launched three years ago in 2017. It had offered daily sailings between March and October, in a self-described “premium cruise experience” between the two downtown cores.

Julian Wright, the general manager for the company, said the ferry service was not able to break even fast enough.

“Unfortunately whilst we had some wonderful financial gains last year ... and wonderful guest feedback on the product, [the board] saw it as not enough of a gain or an improvement in position to justify continued investment in the service,” Wright said.

The service had faltered soon after opening in 2017, when its ship ran into mechanical problems. The catamaran then spent several months on blocks in a Victoria shipyard waiting for new engines.

The decision to close down comes

despite double-digit growth in passenger numbers last year, according to Wright.

The sailings had originally been marketed as a tourist experience but, starting in 2019, B.C. residents were given a discount on the sailings.

Wright said part of the problem was people weren’t aware of the service.

“I think that we were just getting just getting to a point where people could name us and knew what we did and were very familiar with the product. Unfortunately that just wasn’t fast enough,” he said.

He said the company is not planning on returning, and thanked their local business partners for their support over the past few years.

“If it was purely on our emotion or our sentiment for investing in this business, we would be here for forever and a day,” he said.

High-speed ferry for Victoria-Vancouver route has arrived — getting makeover Travellers who have already bought tickets for next season will be reimbursed, the company confirmed.

Further details on reimbursement are available on their website: v2vvacations.com.

West Vancouver man who killed, dismembered business partner convicted of manslaughter A West Vancouver man has been convicted of manslaughter and interference with a body in the 2015 killing of his business partner.

Li Zhao was originally charged with second-degree murder in the death of 42-year-old Gang Yuan.

The court heard that Zhao fatally shot Yuan, but the judge ruled that the two men had argued and that there was reasonable doubt whether his intent had been to kill.

Defence argued that Zhao had grabbed the rifle used in the shooting in self defence, after Yuan had picked up a hammer during the altercation.

However, evidence suggests that at least one of the shots was fired at point-blank range.

Yuan, a multi-millionaire, was found dead in a $5 million mansion that the two men shared in West Vancouver’s British Properties in May, 2015.

The court heard that Zhao dragged Yuan’s body into the home’s garage where he dismembered it.

His body was cut into more than 100 pieces, according to West Vancouver police.

Millionaire murder trial hears grisly evidence Crown also argued that Zhao went about a methodical cleaning process afterward, cleaning all of the tools, hosing down the home’s driveway and taking a shower.

At the time of the killing his family made a point of saying Yuan was a successful businessman, and that his assets and investments were not connected to the government of China.

The alleged killer’s daughter, Yi Ming Zhao, had previously appeared on the reality show Ultra Rich Asian Girls.

In many scenes, Zhao pretends to own some of the victim’s assets–an island, a Rolls-Royce and a house in an exclusive Vancouver neighbourhood.

Zhao is due back in court for sentencing next Wednesday.

Driver who ran over two flaggers found not criminally responsible A woman charged with running over two Burnaby construction flaggers with her SUV more than two years ago has been found not criminally responsible.

A Dec 17, 2019, decision found that 38-year-old Brenda Ouma Aregay would not be able to stand trial due to mental disorder.

The case will now go before the BC Review Board panel for a disposition hearing.

The disturbing 2017 incident was caught on camera.

A video taken June 28 of that year shows a motorist aggressively merging into a lane, striking and running over a construction flagger who was managing the traffic. The flagger was sent to hospital with head injuries. A second flagger was hit a short time later but sustained only minor injuries.

According to police at the time, after the hit and run Aregay was also involved in an assault on two children related to her, although police did not comment on the nature of their relationship.

‘This is such a victory’: charges laid in flagger hit and run In an email, B.C. Prosecution Service spokesman Dan McLaughlin said the original charges against Aregay included dangerous driving causing bodily harm and assault with a weapon.

In cases where a person is found not criminally responsible, the verdict does not constitute an acquittal.

LOCAL

Saturday, January 11, 2020

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BC residents still owe $422 million in medical premiums B.C.’s long experiment with charging Medical Services Plan fees to help pay for health care is far from over, with a mountain of overdue bills remaining after the final ones were sent out in December.

The B.C. finance ministry says that as of Dec. 31, individuals and businesses still owe $422 million in overdue MSP fees, accumulated over years of government struggles to track

and enforce the payments. That’s more than three times the total revenue the province expects from the entire forest industry this year.

“This is similar to the amount in previous years, as it is the historical outstanding debt, not necessarily debt owed from the latest fiscal years,” the ministry said in a statement to Black Press. “MSP premiums,

First responders pull person from crashed car submerged in Surrey ditch: RCMP occupant before they One person is in hospital after car’s being rescued from a car that were taken to hospital. Their became submerged in a water-filled condition is unknown at this time.

Collision investigators had the ditch in Surrey, B.C., police say. intersection shut down for most of Two members of a police roadthe night as they gathered evidence. safety unit came across the scene of an accident on Highway 10 near 168 Street on Tuesday night, Surrey RCMP said in a statement. A vehicle had gone off the road into a waterfilled ditch and become fully submerged.

The two officers jumped into the First responders pull person from crashed car submerged in water and pulled the Surrey ditch: RCMP lone occupant out of the car, police said.

Anyone with information Paramedics arrived shortly after.

CPR was performed on the about the incident is asked to contact Surrey RCMP.

Surrey dad accused of punching mom during kids’ soccer game avoids trial As tensions escalated, Griffith was From the soccer pitch to the courtroom, two parents were set to square off punched in the jaw. She also alleges Ali against each other Monday morning began swearing at her 16-year-old daughter, in North Vancouver Provincial Court, as she rushed to her mother’s defence. but a last minute time out between the Crown and defence saw it called down.

On March 16, 2019, 42-year-old Jan Nizaar Ali of Surrey was arrested and charged with assault after allegedly punching 45-year old Stephanie Griffith of North Vancouver in the face.

But after some back and forth in the hallways of the North Vancouver courthouse Monday, the two sides came to a compromise of sorts.

Ali has entered into a peace bond to keep the peace and be of good behaviour for three months and the original assault charge was withdrawn.

Ali and Griffith were at Ambleside Park in West Vancouver watching their sons play soccer last March.

Griffith’s son plays for the West Vancouver FCs while Ali’s son plays for Surrey’s B.C. Tigers.

According to West Vancouver police, the spat erupted after a parent picked up a game ball that had rolled out of bounds.

A player on the opposing team alleged the parent was holding on to the ball to run out the game clock, police said.

At the time of the spat, the game had two minutes left and the Surrey Tigers were winning the match 2-0.

billed to individuals and businesses, have always been difficult to administer across the province, which can lead to high arrears.”

Besides using private management contractors and collection agencies, the province calls on the Canada Revenue Agency to collect its MSP debts. The federal tax agency is currently sending out letters to B.C. residents and

businesses warning them to pay the province or have the overdue amount deducted from tax credits or refunds they may be eligible for. “[Revenue Services of B.C.] has asked the Canada Revenue Agency to apply your tax refunds and certain tax credits against a debt you owe them,” the form letter states. “This is allowed under subsection 164(2) of the Income Tax Act.”

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Saturday, January 11, 2020

Can I still make an ICBC claim if I wasn’t wearing a seatbelt at the time of my car accident?

By Mel Chaudhary

If you are injured as a result of a motor vehicle accident in BC, but you were not wearing your seatbelt when the accident occurred, can you still make an ICBC claim?

The lawyers at Simspon, Thomas & Associates are frequently asked this. The answer is yes.

In fact, you may still be able to make two types of ICBC claims even if you were not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.

Two types of ICBC claims When you are injured in a BC motor vehicle accident, you generally have two claims: 1. a tort claim against whoever caused the accident; and

2. a no-fault benefit claim against ICBC (also referred to as a Part 7 benefit claim).

Why failure to wear a seatbelt is not relevant to Part 7 benefit claim Generally speaking, Part 7 benefits are available to a person who is injured as a result of a BC motor vehicle accident, regardless of who is at fault for the accident (which is why Part 7 benefits are also known as “No-Fault” benefits). If you qualify for this type of benefit claim, it does not matter if you were not wearing a seatbelt because Part 7 benefits are paid regardless of fault.

Failure to wear a seatbelt does not preclude a tort claim You are still able to commence a tort claim for personal injury compensation even if you were not wearing a seatbelt when the motor

vehicle accident occurred. However, if you were not wearing a seatbelt, ICBC will raise the defence of contributory negligence, arguing that you failed to take reasonable care for your own safety by not wearing a seatbelt (or by accepting a ride in a vehicle not equipped with seatbelts). It is important to emphasize that contributory negligence is not established by the simple fact that you were not wearing a seatbelt. The defendant must prove that it was unreasonable in the circumstances for you to not wear a seatbelt, and that your injuries would have been prevented or lessened had you been wearing a seat belt (for example, by way of an expert report that provides an opinion as to the effect of not wearing a seatbelt on your injuries). If the defendant does not provide such evidence, the defence of contributory

negligence will not succeed, and your personal injury compensation will not be reduced for failing to wear or properly use a seatbelt.

Free legal advice If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident but were not wearing a seatbelt when the collision occurred, it is still possible to bring a Part 7 claim and a tort claim for personal injury compensation.

Contact Simpson, Thomas & Associates to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our team of experienced personal injury lawyers in Surrey (Vancouver, Delta, and Burnaby office appointments are available).

We can guide you through the Part 7 claims process and we have successfully opposed the defence of contributory negligence in countless cases for our clients. Call us on 604689-8888 to schedule your free consultation.

Vancouver residents sleeping outside urged to visit Powell Street Getaway or extreme weather response shelters As temperatures drop this week, Powell Street Getaway – next to Oppenheimer Park - continues to open as a warming centre to ensure people have an option to come inside from the cold. Due to increased City of Vancouver funding, Powell Street Getaway has been open more frequently this winter, opening when the weather is 0 degrees instead of the previous threshold of -5 degrees. The Province, in conjunction with Homelessness Services Association of BC and community organizations, also opens additional shelter

spaces when extreme weather alerts are issued on evenings such as tonight when the temperature is 0 degrees or feels like 0. Details on these shelters are attached.

Additional warming centres open from January 12 Warming centres will be activated from Sunday, January 12th to Wednesday, January 15th. All are welcome and people can bring their carts and pets. People with their own bedding may choose to sleep at the centres and hot drinks and snacks are available.

Warming centre locations include:

January 12 - 14 Britannia Community Centre (Hours: 9 pm to 8:30 am) Vancouver Aquatic Centre (Hours: 10 pm to 6 am) Overdose Prevention Society (Hours: 11 pm to 8 am) January 15 Britannia Community Centre (Hours: 9 pm to 8:30 am) Overdose Prevention Society (Hours: 11 pm to 8 am ) The City urges anyone who is sleeping outside on a cold night to make use of facilities such as Powell Street Getaway or to call 2-1-1 to find out about available shelter spaces. Since the start of winter, warming centres including Powell Street Getaway have been open on 23 nights, with more than 2,600 visits. Are you concerned about someone sleeping outside? If residents are concerned

about an individual, they’re encouraged to check in with the person safely to see whether they want help, then direct them to a warming centre or EWR shelter (details at Vancouver.ca), or call 2-1-1. Members of the public who would like to donate warm clothing such as new socks, toques or gloves can call 2-1-1 to find out how. During the day, those in need can also access low-cost meals and free shower and laundry facilities at Carnegie, Evelyne Saller and Gathering Place community centres. These locations and other public buildings, such as libraries and community centres, are also available during their opening hours as spaces to warm up during extreme weather conditions

Loaded pistol seized by Surrey Gang Enforcement Team Surrey RCMP’s Gang Enforcement Team (SGET) has seized a firearm as a result of on-going strategic targeted enforcement.

This pistol is the fourth firearm the Surrey RCMP has successfully taken off the street in the past 30 days.

Members of SGET are deployed on every shift to look for vehicles and individuals who may be connected to the illicit drug trade or

gang activity. They also investigate suspicious activity strategically, in areas where drug and gang activity has occurred in the city.

On January 6, 2020, shortly after 9:00 pm, SGET investigators conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of 104 Avenue and 146 Street, in the Guildford area when a 29-year-old male passenger fled from the vehicle on foot.

Help identify assault suspect Surrey RCMP are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect in an assault with a weapon that occurred at a

residence in the Whalley area. On December 19, 2019, police responded to the report of an assault with pepper spray at a residence in the 13800-block of 102 Avenue. At approximately 8:30 pm, a male suspect knocked on the door of a residence and, when the door was opened, sprayed the resident with pepper spray and entered the home. The suspect then fled after very brief contact with the home’s occupants.

Investigators believe that the suspect may have intended to target a different residence.

Five people were at home at the time of the assault, three were treated for exposure to pepper spray. No serious injuries were reported.

The Surrey RCMP General Investigation Unit has taken conduct of the investigation and is releasing a composite sketch of the suspect, who is described as a South Asian male, 6ft tall, medium build, wearing a black hoodie. “Tips from the public can make a significant difference in the outcome of an investigation,” says Staff Sergeant Kirk Duncan, General Investigation Unit Commander. “We are asking everyone to look at this composite sketch and contact Surrey RCMP if they have information that can help

Saturday, January 28, 11, 2019 2020 Saturday, December

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Witty, grounded streak in the 100-crore club —“Airlift” in (nine-yards)’ Maharashtrian spoken Marathi in a film? but also about how people “baanj” (barren) obsolet’ . andI am candid, readyKumar to do chats a role up with just five years.

We had women, January 2016 began a flop-free phase that saree. She has been specializing in that A: I think it is! Q: What made you will take it?an excellent team, about howscenes the film has shaped three if they are fantastic has continued till “Housefull 4” this year, for 50 years now from the era of blackaccept this abbreviated role? Just the we have shown a goof-up that can outscenes! and hisQ:career in general and the phase will continue with “Good Was there any special Mickey Contractor Yes, and-white movies, and even does it for fact that it was your home production? in a candid interview at the Akshay replied, ‘like with happen in a blue moon. But look at Newwz” releasing in Christmas week. prep you did for this role? for the make-up, Nachiket Barve the stagesonce shows A (Chortles): I like that word— Dharma Productions office. those films, we have again how rare that is. and lavani programs.

But for “Pad-Man” in the beginning A: Just that I got married 20 years back of 2018, which was a success but did not touch that figure, Kumar’s other films have all been 100 crore-plus in India, Hrithik ’s” amazing with “Mission Mangal, one of his many home productions in the list, opening his transformation 200 crore account. “Good Neewz,” (also a co-production) is likely journey to reach from that Hrithik Roshan’s effortlessly as well. real-life Bihari mathematician Anand Today, has30” thetohighest number KumarKumar in “Super crack espionage of agent films gone in this club next to Salman bad, Kabir, in “War, ” told Khan is fast catching up.has Candid by and the he man himself.

2019 been incredible for Roshan with two back-toVidya Balan withjourney back successes.

It was a difficult for the actor to ace the role of a Bihari different cuts for “Super 30” and then immediately get into the skin of Kabir for “War.” With her very first film, “Parineeta,” Vidya Balan showed that there was space in the industry for a homely girl whose forte was acting and not glamour. Fourteen years later, after playing roles as varied as a housewife, a ruthless femme fatale, a brothel-owner, sister to a murder victim, lady detective and an RJ, she has shown that she is a star with a difference.

Roshan took to his social media and shared a video giving us an insight into his journey of transformation with the caption, “The other side of K.A.B.I.R Behind the scenes.”

“It all began in September 2018,” he states in the video. “The transformation was the hardest thing I had to go through and the only person I had to blame was myself! That was the toss Admittedly, she 30.has floundered over after Super ” With the back in injury manyas aa hindrance, case, notably in fairly the superstar had recent a longfilms way tolike go to“Kahaani achieve his2” goaland and the tenure there was extremely “Begum Jaan,to” reach but the triumphs have short. these failures – people still outclassed “War” her has path-breaking become a record-breaker remember turns in with its box-office and movies like “The Dirtycollections Picture” and fans cannot stop gushing over his “Kahaani” among others. We begin our perfect body, his dance moves and, conversation on this note as we meet his of tremendous up most on the importantly, eve of the release “Mission performance.

Mangal,” in which she essays a scientist.

‘I Am Comfortable Acting in All Genres’ - Akshay Kumar

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Bollywood Twitter battle rages over boycotting Deepika’s latest film ‘Chhapaak’

A day after Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone visited JNU to express solidarity with the students who were attacked by a mob, a controversy erupted with #boycottchhapaak trending on Twitter and even a BJP MP calling for boycotting her latest film.

‘Chhapaak’ is the upcoming movie of Padukone based on an acid attack survivor.

South Delhi BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri on Wednesday asked people to boycott ‘Chhapaak’ for her support to the “tukde-tukde gang”. Bidhuri said a Bollywood star is supposed to give a From page 17

“positive message” to youth in the country through movies instead of being seen with those who are against the country.

Padukone on Tuesday visited JNU and met students who were injured in an attack by masked men and women on Sunday last.

Meanwhile, Union minister Prakash Javadekar said not only artistes, even a common man can go anywhere to express his opinion and there cannot be any objection over it.

‘I Would Like to Play Krishna’ - says Kajol

She draped my sarees so well. The navvari saree alters your entire personality.

Your posture, walk and even climbing stairs, everything changes as your foot has to move to avoid the ‘pallu’—no man will understand this. A navvari is way different from a regular saree or a salwar-kameez.

I would like to wear one on a red-carpet sometime! Q: Did you give any inputs to your character?

A: Her character is quite clear. I had only limited space to build on it. She does not have any unusual mannerisms, and the complete look and walk are part of her persona, as is even her hair. Savitri is

a complete character and a solid one—you can never say that she was also there in the film. All I had to think was whether the feel was right for that era alongside the sets and the look. I was never sure until I watched the film when I dubbed for it, and would keep asking Ajay if I was looking as if I should be wearing track pants on the sets!

Q: How are you at History? A: I love History and mythology and I have devoured all stories of Amar Chitra Katha and know all the stories and the characters. But if you ask me things like dates and all, I will fail! (Laughs) Q: So is there any historical or mythological character you would like to play? A: Krishna, of course, but unfortunately he is a male!

Saturday, January 11, 2020

Did the makers of ‘Chhapaak’ change villain’s name to Rajesh?

A day after Deepikae visited the JNU campus to express solidarity with students who had been attacked, her film “Chhapaak” made another splash over the name of its antagonist. While Deepika was the focus of many a discussion on social media and beyond for showing up at a public meeting in the university, the film, based on the life of acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal, was also making news for quite another reason.

In what could well be a storm in a ‘Twitter cup’, “Nadeem Khan” and “Rajesh” began trending on the microblogging site after a magazine article claimed the name of the antagonist had been changed.

By 4 pm, ‘Nadeem Khan’ clocked close to 60,000 tweets and ‘Rajesh’ close behind with 50,000. In 2005, Laxmi was disfigured for life when a man called Nadeem Khan and three others allegedly hurled acid at her in Delhi’s upscale Khan Market.

In the film based on her life, the narrative remains the same but the names have been changed. So, Laxmi is ‘Malti’ Agarwal and Nadeem becomes ‘Babboo’ aka ‘Bashir Khan’. On Wednesday, Swarajya magazine wrote an article headlined, “The Ways Of Bollywood: In Deepika Padukone-Starer Chhapaak, Acid

Attacker Naeem Khan Becomes ‘Rajesh’.”

“As part of a backlash against Padukone’s JNU ‘meet and greet’, social media users researched the names of the characters involved in the movie Chhapaak and conspicuously found the name of main perpetrator Naeem Khan absent,” the article alleged. But in the Meghna Gulzar directed film, there is no mention of any Nadeem or Naeem Khan.

Moreover, Rajesh is the name of Malti’s boyfriend.

Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Babul Supriyo jumped into the controversy, saying it was another example of “absolute hypocrisy”. “...

When you say all characters are fictitious and don’t have any resemblance with living beings and all of that, this is absolute hypocrisy. When you change the name which also changes the religion, it has been done very deliberately,” Supriyo told a TV channel when asked to comment on the controversy.

South Delhi BJP MP Ramesh Biduri also called for a boycott of the movie.

Rani Mukerji’s ‘Mardaani 2’

Rani Mukerji’s cop drama ‘Mardaani 2’ which released along with Hollywood’s fantasy adventure drama ‘Jumanji: The Next Level’ starring Dwayne Johnson and others, has finally managed to give a tough competition to its contemporary.

Johnson’s sequel which dominated the box office since the first day and an additional day due to paid reviews had a drop of nearly 25% on its first Monday. According to the latest report on Boxofficeindia.com, ‘Jumanji: The

Next Level’ minted Rs 2.75 crore which is equal to the collection of Rani Mukerji’s ‘Mardaani 2’. The audience was in for another epic clash after witnessing Kartik Aaryan’s ‘Pati Patni Aur Woh’ and Arjun Kapoor’s ‘Panipat’ last week. Apart from Rani’s stellar performance, a good word of mouth has also helped ‘Mardaani 2’ grow at the box office. While Johnson’s ‘Jumanji: The Next Level’ which also stars Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas and Awkwafina has reached a total of Rs 27 crore.

Saturday, January 11, 2020 When we ask Arjun Kapoor, who plays Sadashivrao, the Peshwa protagonist of “Panipat,” how much Marathi he knows, he replies, “Malaa Marathi yete (I know Marathi)! I can understand it completely, but I am hesitant to speak it, as any mistake might offend someone.” Reeling under several flops (his last hit was “2 States” way back in 2014), the son of Boney Kapoor is now adorned in a (real) moustache and has shaved his head (“On November 16, 2018!” he informs) for his role in the film. Now looking completely normal, the pleasant actor meets the media at the Hotel Sun’N’Sand. Q: What was the main challenge in doing this role? A: We

‘I just want this credible film to do incredible business!’

- says Arjun Kapoor have read about the Peshwas in history, but we forget that whatever else they were, they were human beings as well. We are consumed by the period films that we have watched and what we have been told, but we do not know exactly how they behaved and spoke.

Ashutosh Gowariker, my one-stop shop for the research—as he is like an encyclopedia— told me to be human like any of us.

So I had to unlearn that ‘period’ baggage, which was the biggest challenge. Just as any

Veteran painter Akbar Padamsee Dies at 91 Akbar Padamsee, one of India’s finest contemporary artists and the recipient of the Padma Bhushan honor, passed away in Coimbatore Jan. 6 evening at the age of 91.

A JJ School of Art alumnus, this Mumbai-based painter who also spent a considerable amount of time in Paris, was one of the pioneers of modern Indian art along with M.F. Husain and F.N. Souza and part of the Progressive Artists Group.

Born in 1928 in Mumbai, in an earlier interview to this correspondent, Padamsee stressed on the need for an artist to continuously reinvent himself.

“The one who creates cannot afford to be lazy. There is so much to explore, both outside and inside,” he said.

His famous paintings ‘Lovers -1’ and ‘Lovers-2’), the judge let go of him after M.F. Husain testified in his favor.

He, however, preferred to keep a low profile.

Working in diverse mediums, including oil, watercolor and computer graphics, Padamsee, who was also a sculptor, lithographer, filmmaker and photographer, set up the Vision Exchange Workshop for artists and filmmakers.

The artist, who was primarily interested in constructing form and took to drawing at the age of four, was well known for his metascapes (combining cityscapes and landscapes) and was not averse to using the latest technology. “I have always believed in continuously updating myself. There is little point in being averse to using latest tools.”

Born in an affluent business family, his father Hassan Padamsee owned several buildings and ran a glassware and furniture business.

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Bollywood

of us would behave differently in office, at home or with friends, Sadashivrao must have been different with the warriors, with his wife and with his friends. A man who leads his men to war must also be feeling vulnerable as well as their life is in his hands. But the great foundation—the sets, costumes and ambience, and no mobilephones were allowed—and finally the big Marathi actors whom I kept hearing throughout the day, created that feeling

for the era. Q: And what about the physical aspects? A: Armor pads, shin pads, metal over my forearms, shoulders, body—I am tired even telling you about it! It all weighed about 18 kilos, and with all that, I had to sit on a horse, because the director wanted real metal as the sun could glint on it! It took four men to make me mount and dismount the horse, and for some reason, they shot the battle-scenes in May! (Smiles) I could not even throw a spear properly as I could not move my arm freely. And I had to control my horse with all of this! I know all this sounds tough, but when I watched the film, it all seems worth it!

Horoscope Aries

March 21 - April 20 While fiery Mars continues its journey through your travel zone, a desire to get away from it all could increase. Still, this week may bring other concerns into the mix as a potent lineup of planets in your sector of goals and ambitions is very much to the fore.

With a lunar eclipse in Cancer on Friday acting as a catalyst, the coming days could bring a key issue to a head.

Taurus

April 21 - May 20 As the first week of 2020 gets underway, it comes with a powerful gift from the cosmos.

There’s a major focus on your sector of growth and travel, so you might have to let go of the old to embrace the new. Are you eager to explore new opportunities? You might need to expand your beliefs in order to leave your comfort zone. This is a time when you may become aware of old patterns and ways of thinking that have discouraged you from exploring your true potential.

Gemini

May 20 - June 21 Mars in your sector of relating can increase the pace of key interactions and enhance your social life, your focus may be on more pressing issues. With a lunar eclipse across your financial axis, and an intense SaturnPluto connection with other key planets, money matters could be very much to the fore.

You may be questioning your self-worth, as well as the value you give to the things and people in your life, including money. Dynamic focus can bring you face-to-face with defense

Cancer

June 22 - July 23

Relationships are very much to the fore this week and for some time to come. But this week is particularly special in that it sees a rare connection between prudent Saturn and volcanic Pluto in your relationship zone. What does this mean for you? It suggests that a key bond could come to a natural end, and that it might be time to turn over a new leaf. It’s also possible that a relationship could move to a new level of trust after a period of reflection.

Leo

June 24 - August 23 Your relationship to your work and health could be held up to the light this week, with key influences encouraging a process of change.

If you’ve felt suffocated by your job, this could be a time when you feel ready to try something new. It’s also possible that a job could come to an end, and this might inspire you to look for something that engages more of your natural skills and abilities. Friday’s lunar eclipse can highlight areas that are causing you stress, and it is these that you’ll want to look at.

Virgo

August 24 - Sept 24 As dynamic Mars journeys through your domestic sector, it’s a great opportunity for some decluttering. In fact, this week can be a time of clearing out and paring things back to the essentials. With a powerful lunar eclipse across your social axis, and a transformative Saturn-Pluto merger in your creative zone, you could be on the verge of a powerful shift. Where are you not being true to yourself? The answer could be revealing.

This week’s alignment encourages you to accept yourself, warts and all, because by doing so it will be easier to express your unique purpose.

Libra

Sept. 24 - Oct 22 Your domestic zone takes center stage this week with a powerful lineup here. It can mean that an issue that has been ongoing comes to a head, yet this is likely no surprise.

And with sobering Saturn linking to powerful Pluto, this may be a time of discovery that enables you to understand something about your history or heritage that proves empowering.

With a lunar eclipse in your sector of career on Friday, feelings about your work/life balance could also be particularly strong. You might be ready for a change.

Scorpio

Oct 23 - Nov 22

Your words might have more power than usual, so it would be wise to be careful about what you say. The intense focus on your sector of communication can be a call to change your mindset, particularly if negative thinking has held you back.

With a potent lunar eclipse across your communication access and a transformative Saturn-Pluto merger, it would be unwise to make promises that you can’t keep.

Sagitarius Nov 23 - Dec 22

Finances could keep you on your toes over this week because the focus is very much on this sector. Issues of self-worth may come to the surface, and if so, this can give you much food for thought. If you’ve had difficulties with money matters, it could be that deep down you don’t value yourself enough. This week, a powerful Saturn-Pluto merger in this zone could inspire you to do something about this. Working with a life coach or perhaps trying energy healing or EFT tapping can help shift those blocks and get you on the road to success.

Capricorn Dec 23 - Jan 20

You may need to face certain truths this week as sobering Saturn and dynamic Pluto merge in your sign. This can be a time of paring back your goals and ambitions and simplifying them as much as you can. If you’ve taken on too much, you might have felt the pressure for too long now, and events this week can push you do something about it. With dwarf planet Ceres involved in the mix, finding a level of activity that inspires and nurtures you can be the key

Aquarius

Jan 21 - Feb 19 You may have been working on your inner game for some time now, and this week things reach a new and empowering stage.

The potent blend of prudent Saturn and transformative Pluto can help you uncover your true purpose, making this a very powerful time for you. To do so, you might need to find closure on issues that have kept you hobbled for too long. And with a lunar eclipse in the cards, as well as a potent lineup, it could be essential to get help. Doing it alone might not be an option. This can be deep-seated stuff, and getting professional help could allow you to make a major shift that feels like a rebirth.

Pisces

Feb 20 - March 20 Get ready for a shift in your social scene, because powerful influences and aspects this week could change everything. You already have expansive Jupiter moving through this sector opening doors and bringing fresh possibilities your way.

This week could see you letting go of socalled “friends” who may not be doing you any favors. And if you’ve been involved in any toxic associations, you might be ready to jettison these as well.

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Saturday, January 11, 2020

TELUS puts students’ digital well-being first with new workshop The TELUS Wise happiness workshop gives young Canadians information and resources to help them build a healthy relationship with technology in our all-connected world As students embark on a new school year, TELUS is encouraging young Canadians to build and maintain a healthy relationship with technology with its latest TELUS Wise happiness workshop. Offered free-of-charge, the workshop equips teens in grades 9 through 12 with the necessary skills and best practices for ensuring mental resilience and well-being in our digital world. Additional tips offered in the workshop include taking occasional digital breaks, being aware of and limiting social comparisons that can get in the way of our happiness and practicing the Joy of Missing Out (JOMO) as opposed to the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO).

The happiness workshop, developed with input from expert psychologists, Joe Flanders, founder and director of MindSpace and assistant professor in the McGill University Psychology Department, and Laurie Santos, Professor of Psychology at Yale University, is available in English and French, and tackles relevant online issues facing youth such as excessive digital use and comparison to others.

The happiness workshop is available online and face to face, hosted inperson by a TELUS Wise Ambassador.

The online workshop can be completed

individually, or as a group, such as in a classroom setting.

“The recent launch of the TELUS Wise happiness workshop is a testament to TELUS’ ongoing commitment to empower Canadians of all ages to be safe and responsible online,” says Nimmi Kanji, Director, TELUS Wise. “The topic of online safety is an important conversation to have with youth on a regular basis, and this includes digital well-being.

It’s critical to engage them in these discussions and support them in being more mindful of their relationship with technology and the impact it can have on their happiness.”

“There is growing concern that children are increasingly living virtual lives through online technologies, which could potentially limit their learning and development in the real world,” said Joe Flanders, Assistant Professor (Professional), McGill University. “I’m thrilled to be a part of the TELUS Wise initiative, which I’m convinced will help children use technology judiciously, allowing them to enjoy the incredible benefits, without compromising their safety or connection to the present moment.”

As an industry-leading, digital literacy education program, TELUS Wise also offers a variety of additional workshops and resources, to further help Canadians of all ages have a positive experience as digital citizens.

Wise workshops and resources cover topics including protecting your online security, privacy and reputation, rising above cyberbullying, and using technology responsibly. To learn more about the TELUS Wise program, workshops and resources, visit telus.com/wise.

TELUS Wise is one of the many ways the company is leveraging the power of technology to ensure every Canadian is connected safely, reliably and responsibly while also reaching their full potential. Alongside TELUS’ Connecting for Good programs, and many other initiatives across the country, TELUS is helping to bridge the digital divide and ensure that all Canadians, regardless of their location or circumstance, have access to the technology and resources they need to navigate our

digital world with confidence. To learn more about how TELUS helps us stay All Connected for Good visit telus.com/community.

About TELUS TELUS (TSX: T, NYSE: TU) is a dynamic, world-leading communications and information technology company with $14.6 billion in annual revenue and 14.2 million customer connections spanning wireless, data, IP, voice, television, entertainment, video and security. We leverage our global-leading technology to enable remarkable human outcomes. Our longstanding commitment to putting our customers first fuels every aspect of our business, making us a distinct leader in customer service excellence and loyalty.

TELUS Health is Canada’s largest healthcare IT provider, and TELUS International delivers the most innovative business process solutions to some of the world’s most established brands.

Driven by our passionate social purpose to connect all Canadians for good, our deeply meaningful and enduring philosophy to give where we live has inspired our team members and retirees to contribute more than $700 million and 1.3 million days of service since 2000. This unprecedented generosity and unparalleled volunteerism have made TELUS the most giving company in the world.

For more information about TELUS, please visit telus.com, follow us @TELUSNews on Twitter and @Darren_Entwistle on Instagram.

Saturday, January 11, 2020

Bollywood

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Leader of of the the Official Official Opposition, Opposition, Andrew increased “It isis also also time when we we should should give give Leader “It aa time taxes. ” when John Horgan and the NDP continueAndrew to drive Wilkinson, released released the the following following statement statement thanks thanks for allnumbers we have have released and support support those Wilkinson, for all we and those The job today by B.C.’s economy in the wrong direction as more today for Christmas: “Today, millions of in need within our communities during Statistics Canada show a further decline in today for Christmas: “Today, millions of in need within our communities during job losses hit British Columbia. According to British Columbians and people around the these cold winter nights.

“As we look British Columbia’s once strong economy.

British Columbians and people around the these cold winter nights.

“As we look Statistics Canada, British Columbia has seen Meanwhile, John Horgan and NDP world will celebrate celebrate Christmas.

“The months, holiday forward forward to the the new year in in thethecoming coming world will “The holiday to new year the job losses in seven Christmas. of the last eight continue to do nothing. season is one of joy and togetherness.

For days, on behalf of the entire BC Liberal season is one of joy and togetherness.

For days, on behalf of the entire BC Liberal losing 7,700 jobs in December and a total of “JohnII want Horgan andeveryone the NDP lost people of manysector backgrounds, the Christmas Caucus want to wish wish everyone Merry people many backgrounds, to aa Merry 32,400of private jobs overthe theChristmas course of Caucus more jobs than any other province in holidays are an opportunity to spend precious Christmas, a safe and happy holiday holidays are an opportunity 2019. “The holiday season to is spend behindprecious us and Christmas, a safe and happy holiday December, ” concluded Sturdy.

“This dotime with families and loved ones. season, and all the best in 2020!” time families and lovedare ones. morewith British Columbians out of work season, and all the best in 2020!” and fewer are even looking for a job as our nothing government under Horgan has population continues to grow,” said BC Liberal no plan and apparently no desire to get our economy back on track.” The NDP celluloid queen Jobs Critic and MLA for WestDeepika, Vancouver-Sea to Sky, Jordan Sturdy. “An actual jobs plan have never had a solid economic plan and Deepika might be been away more important as it is families and hard-working British for B.C. has never Deepika might be away from the celluloid celluloid after her her stunning stunning performance Columbians who pay the price in the end. from the after so many hard-working British performance Columbians in SanjaytoLeela Leela Bhansali’s periodic drama in Sanjay Bhansali’s periodic continue struggle to afford the cost ofdrama living British Columbians can’t afford any more ‘Padmaavat’ but the the and diva the all set to to19return return as of John Horgan and the NDP. ‘Padmaavat’ but diva isis all set as with John Horgan NDP’s new or

an acid acid attack attack survivor survivor in in Meghna Meghna Gulzar’s Gulzar’s film film an ‘Chhapaak’..

‘Chhapaak’ Discriminatory NDP policy costs British Columbians millions Well, that’s that’s not all all as as the the ‘Piku’ ‘Piku’ star recently Well, not star recently Surrey BC revealed about about her her next next dark dark project. project. Talking Talking revealed Liberal Critic for Labour John Martin and Delta South MLA Ian Paton are once again calling out the NDP for putting British Columbians on the hook for a massive project-cost increase after today’s VOTED BEST HEARING announcement that contractors have been CLINIC IN SURREY selected for the Pattullo Bridge replacement.

Call or or visit visit us us to to get get your your Call “Just three days into 2020 we are already FREE HEARING HEARING SCREENING SCREENING FREE being reminded of the NDP’s shady, Extended Health Health Care Care cards cards are are accepted accepted and and the the Extended taxpayer-bankrolled Community Benefits clinic is is DVA, DVA, Indian Indian Affairs Affairs and and BlueCross BlueCross approved approved clinic Agreement scheme,” said Martin, MLA for Chilliwack. “This project will cost British Columbians taxpayers an extra $100 million just so the NDP can pay off their union friends and insiders — that’s money that could have been spent on building affordable housing or providing childcare, to name a few unfulfilled promises the NDP has made about the project project at an an event event in Mumbai, Mumbai, about the at in Deepika said, “I have have found found film which am” to British Columbians in the lastwhich two years.

Deepika said, “I aa film II am likely to do do early next next year but but it’s it’sunion-only not light, light, Theto NDP’s handpicked likely early year not it’ll be quite quite dark dark but it’s it’s still in in the the romance it’ll be but still romance Community Benefits Agreement framework zone. ” Deepika & Ranveer, one of the most zone. ” Deepika & Ranveer, most is already responsible foronea of7%thebudget loved couples.

They have been giving us loved couples.

They have been giving us increase to the Pattullo Bridge replacement major relationship goals for a long time now. major relationship goals for a long time now. project before shovels have even broken Their Instagram feed proof that they are are Their Instagram isis proof they ground.

“Infeed addition tothat highlighting in love, truly madly madly deeply!

The duo duo will willthis be in truly The be thelove, NDP’s fiscal deeply! mismanagement, celebrating their first marriage anniversary celebrating marriage anniversary news oncetheir againfirst draws attention to this in November November this this year. year. And And during during aa recent in government’s complete failure to take recent action interview, the the actress opened opened up up about about her her interview, on replacing actress the George Massey Tunnel,” future kids. kids. future said Paton.

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Saturday, January 11, 2020

Vol. 10 No. 50

Saturday - January 11, 2020

Home sales in every BC region to recover in 2020 - a forecast. Total home transactions across province expected to rise 11 per cent versus 2019, with average sale prices also predicted to increase in every area.

Although every region in B.C. is expected to see lower home sales in 2019 than in 2018, sales will more than recover in 2020, according to a September 5 forecast by the

housing market to see modest price growth in 2020 and 2021, predicts CMHC

The Metro Vancouver housing market will remain “balanced” over the next two years with home prices expected to increase in line with population growth, according to the latest housing market outlook report from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Housing sales and prices have dipped recently as a result of multiple factors — including rising mortgage rates and new taxes — but the CMHC predicts that starting in 2020 and through 2021, there will be a modest increase both in prices and sales volume.

Attached homes, condos and apartments priced under $700,000 are expected to generate the strongest demand because “homes in this price range can be accessible to buyers making a purchase based on their income compared with properties requiring substantial equity for a down payment,” says the report. The report says housing starts are expected to remain high, especially multi-family homes, which currently account for 88 per cent of unit starts.

Tel: 604-591-5423

Housing market forecast through 2020

British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA).Overall in 2019, residential transactions across the province are predicted to be five per cent lower, at about 75,000 units, than the 78,505 sales of 2018.

Every one of B.C.’s 12 boards is expected to

report a year-over-year decline in total sales across 2019, with drops ranging from one to 14 per cent. However, BCREA forecasted that every board will see considerable sales jumps in 2020, totalling a province-wide increase of nearly 11 per cent to 82,700 homes — which

E-mail: ads@theasianstar.com the association said would be just below the 10-year annual average. “B.C. markets are showing signs of recovery after nearly a year and a half of policy-induced declines,” said Brendon Ogmundson, BCREA’s deputy chief economist. “We expect that recovery to continue into next year, with home sales

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Saturday, January 11, 2020

Residential property values down across Metro Vancouver

omeowners have started receiving notices of their property’s most current assessed value from BC Assessment, and while the number is down for nearly every property in the region, they’ll likely be paying more in property taxes anyway.

Both detached homes and strata properties are down as much as 16 per cent throughout Metro Vancouver, with some values holding steady without any change and the prices holding steadier the further a property is from the city of Vancouver.

West Vancouver and the University Endowment Lands saw the biggest drop at 16 per cent for detached homes, while the city of Vancouver is down 10 per cent overall and Surrey’s overall residential values are down

just four per cent. “Homes located in Whistler and Pemberton can expect a minimal increase in their assessments whereas the rest of the region will likely experience a reduced assessment value,” said BC Assessment Deputy Assessor, Brian Smith, in a press release. BC Assessment is responsible for determining the value of all properties in the province so that municipalities can determine the share of the property tax burden each owner must pay.

The provincial government is taking credit for the slump in values, insisting their policies are helping make the region more affordable.

“For too long, the previous government sat back and watched housing prices climb well out of the reach of average people,” said housing minister Selina Robinson.

“We are encouraged by signs that property

values are continuing to stabilize, giving more certainty for those investing in multifamily buildings, more stability for current homeowners and improved opportunity for those entering the market.”

BC Assessment But housing analyst and SFU urban planning professor, Andy Yan, believes policy implementations from all levels of government in addition to tougher mortgage requirements are all responsible for the slow and reasonable return to “normal.” “One has to really note the changes in terms of mortgage reforms as well as local and provincial taxation that really started three years ago and perhaps are coming into full play right now,” said Yan. While property values help determine a home’s property taxes, a lower value doesn’t mean you’ll be paying less in

property taxes. “As noted on your assessment notice, how your assessment changes relative to the average change in your community is what may affect your property taxes,” said Smith. Cities throughout the region finalized their budgets and their property tax rates last month and those budgets don’t change based on the value of their constituents’ properties, so the amount homeowners pay will be recalculated based on relative values.

For example, if the home values dropped 10 per cent in your community, but your home dropped by 13 per cent, it’s possible your tax bill could stay the same or even dip a little.

But considering the City of Vancouver alone has approved a seven per cent tax hike for 2020, the likelihood of paying less in property taxes this year is slim.

Anti-money-laundering course mandatory for real estate agents and property managers Real estate professionals will learn how to recognize red flags and be instructed on their obligations if they’re involved in a suspicious transaction. The regulatory agency for B.C.’s real estate professionals is launching a mandatory anti-money-laundering course to show real estate agents and strata and property managers how to recognize red flags and what steps they’re obligated to take to report suspected cases.

The course will provide “the information you need to understand why real estate is attractive to money launderers,” said the course outline on the website of the Real Estate Council of B.C., the self-regulatory body of the province’s 26,000 licensed real estate pros. Members will learn “how to recognize the risk signs and red flags associated with money laundering (and) review your obligations and the steps to take to report suspicious transactions,” it said.

The self-paced online course will “empower them (real estate pros) to actively contribute

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to preventing criminal activity in B.C. real estate markets” and support them to “comply with their federal reporting obligations,” spokesman Warren Mirko said in an emailed statement. “Real estate professionals work closely with their clients, so they are well positioned to identify suspicious transactions,” he said.

The announcement of the course requirement comes two months after the provincial government unveiled plans to create a new regulator for B.C.’s real estate sector by spring 2021. A single regulator for the sector was a key recommendation of recent reports aimed at cracking down on money laundering.

The three reports into money laundering since 2018 have revealed billions in proceeds-of-crime, and other questionable sources of income have been laundered for years through the real estate industry, as well as through other luxury purchases and through casinos.

The latest report, by Maureen Maloney in May, estimated up to $5 billion was funnelled through the B.C. property market in 2018

alone, likely increasing housing prices that year by five per cent.

Retired B.C. Supreme Court associate chief Justice Austin Cullen is in the middle of a yearlong public inquiry to investigate the causes, scope and impact of money laundering in the province.

Registration will open when the course is launched next week and it will be required for licence renewal beginning April 1.

“It will become part of the mandatory education that real estate professionals must take in order to maintain their licence to practise in B.C.,” said Mirko.

The B.C. Real Estate Association announced this week a new requirement of 18 hours of professional training every two years for its realtors (who make up 90 per cent of all real estate agents), but there was no reference to money laundering

Reasons why Canada’s apartment building owners are happy

ental apartment building market in Canada is trongest it’s ever been, especially from the perspective of apartment building owners.

Buildings are practically full across the country, rental rates are at or near 10-year highs in nearly every market, and average national rents have climbed 4.4 per cent annually over the last two years, according to a new report by commercial property brokerage house CBRE. This rapid rise of rental rates is earning more money for building owners. Total annualized returns for the Canadian multifamily sector were 9.8 per cent as of the first quarter of this year, just behind the industrial sector.

Canada’s national average rental apartment vacancy rate ended 2018 at 2.4 per cent, below the 10-year average of 2.6, CBRE said in its national multifamily mid-year update.

Investors are lining up to get into the market in most cities. Multifamily investment volume reached record levels for four consecutive years, including an alltime high of $8.3 billion in 2018.

Apartments are traditionally viewed as stable and defensive assets to own, said CBRE Canada vice-chairman Paul Morassutti. “(The asset class) never displays great amounts of volatility,” he told Postmedia

last week. “Very rarely would you have declines in rental rates or net operating income. Typically, things would go up in a slow and steady fashion and it was always a favoured asset class for all those reasons.”

Here are other main drivers that Morassutti and his firm believe will continue to stoke demand for apartment buildings in Canada.

Population growth: Canada’s population is expected to grow by nearly one per cent annually over the next four years, surpassing

growth in all other G7 countries, the report said. Much of this momentum is being fuelled by immigration, which accounted for 80.5 per cent of the country’s population growth last year. The government has a plan to welcome one million new immigrants between 2019 and 2021. Much of that new population is settling in the Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver regions, with Toronto and Vancouver experiencing the sharpest annual apartment rental price growth of 5.0 per cent and 7.1 per cent, respectively, over the past four years.

Shortage of new supply Canada’s big cities are not building enough new rental apartments to keep up with demand, when compared to global peers, the report said.

The largest rental market in Canada is Montreal with just under 600,000 units.

Toronto follows well behind with 313,000 units, and Vancouver trails with just 109,000 units. Units on the secondary market, including privately rented condos, do close the gap, but it’s clear that renters across the country need more options, or else rents will continue to climb.

While we are seeing increased construction of rental units more recently, the overall number remains relatively low, Morassutti said.

Rising cost of home ownership An expanding proportion of Canada’s big-city dwellers can’t afford to buy a home. This factor, above all others, is probably having the greatest effect on stoking apartment rental prices, while spurring investors to buy buildings, Morassutti said. “In Toronto, if you want to buy a detached house or semi-detached house, you need to have a household income of close to $200,000,” he said. “The average household income in Toronto I believe is something like $100,000.”

(According to the last Canadian census, the average household in the Greater Toronto Area earned $87,993 after tax.) That leaves residents with only a couple of choices.

25

Saturday, January 11, 2020

The mortgage stress test is making housing supply issues worse — and making homes even more unaffordable

C

anada is experiencing sustained economic and population growth.

Millennials and new Canadians are forming households and their desire for home ownership is very strong. Interest rates are low. In this environment, home sales should thrive and supply should rise alongside demand, keeping prices in check. Instead, our housing supply is lagging and prices have risen dramatically in key markets.

Governments bear much of the blame for this undesirable market imbalance, as a narrow focus on suppressing household debt has dominated the policy mix while the root causes of undersupply — including excessive red tape, fees, taxes and nimbyism — have gone largely unaddressed.

If we want to address housing affordability in Canada, governments need to redesign the policy mix to confront these factors. For its part, the federal government could start by developing a more nuanced mortgage “stress test.”

Ottawa’s stress test is demolishing Canadians’ housing dreams. Which party will rebuild them?

Why Ottawa’s attempts to help young Canadians afford housing simply won’t work The mortgage ‘stress test’ has started harming Canadians more than it helps

First, consider mortgage debt in the Canadian context.

Canadians have some of the highest rates of home ownership and mortgage borrowing in the world.

Evidence shows that Canadians use mortgage debt responsibly; in the majority of cases, we make additional payments or otherwise accelerate our repayments.

Equifax credit scores for first-time Canadian homebuyers are in the upper half of the range considered “very good,” and they typically continue to improve in the first, second and third years of home ownership.

Second, we have the indisputable finding, reproduced in dozens of independent surveys, that Canadians strongly value home ownership. It is overwhelmingly identified as a top priority across the age

spectrum, from millennials to baby boomers.

And the opportunity for home ownership here is a key attraction for immigrants, many of whom leave behind societies where it is rare.

Unfortunately, despite all the evidence that Canadians are committed and responsible

borrowers, would-be homebuyers are today restricted by a number of government policies that need redesign, most notably the mortgage stress test. To be clear: when applied selectively on mortgagors who are attempting to borrow significantly more than their annual income or who are carrying a heavy load of non-mortgage debt already, the stress test can be a useful tool. But there is reason to be concerned about the scope and duration of the test’s current application in Canada. While the government’s one-size-fits-all approach has helped cool overheated markets, it has also destabilized Prairie housing markets, which were already suffering from that region’s economic slowdown.

It has now been 23 months since the stress test was implemented. At that time, policy-makers wanted to ensure borrowers could service their debts when their mortgages came up for renewal — mainly because it was widely presumed rates would rise in the near term. But now, if anything, interest rates are expected to ease amid weakening economic growth, trade tensions and other factors. Given the current environment, we must ask if the marginal improvement in mortgage credit quality created by the stress test is worth the many unintended consequences it causes.

Condos, the ‘future of our communities,’ now cost more per square foot than a detached home Condominiums may be the “future of our communities” but per square foot, they are hardly a bargain. According to a Royal LePage report released today, aside from Vancouver and Calgary, every major city’s condo price per square foot has increased. With the exception of Vancouver, the median price per square foot of a condo is now higher than that of a single family detached home nationwide. Canadian home prices are up — but by the smallest amount in

a decade. Seven reasons Canada’s housing market is stronger than it looks Vancouver’s housing market is dismal — but you still need six-figure income to get your foot in the door “While condo units are smaller, they are the present and future of our communities. With more development opportunities, they can meet both the growing need for housing and lifestyle expectations of homebuyers,” said Phil Soper, the president of Royal LePage in a

press release. The Greater Ottawa condo price per square foot appreciated the fastest among the cities that were measured, rising 17.9 per cent year-over-year to $395, while the Greater Vancouver price actually declined the most by 8.3 per cent to $764. “We are seeing significant interest in Ottawa’s south and west ends from residents working in the nearby military and technology hubs,” said Kent Browne, broker

Over 11% of Vancouver condos have a non-resident owner, says new CMHC report

#106 - 7565 132 St. Surrey, BC 604.572.3005

Over 11 percent of Vancouver condos have at least one non-resident as an owner, a number that jumps to more than 19 per cent when it comes to newer built condos.

The information is contained in a Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation housing market insight report which also found that non-residents — defined as someone who

doesn’t have their principal residence in Canada — tend to own more expensive properties than residents, especially in Vancouver.

Some of the other findings: 7.2 per cent of all Vancouver properties have at least one non-resident owner.

Non-resident ownership is highest in

and owner of Royal LePage TEAM Realty. The city of Vancouver remains the most expensive condo market in the country, with homebuyers paying $1,044 per square foot for a condo and $1,279 per square foot for a single-family detached home. Greater Calgary offers the lowest condo price per square foot, with a fall of 6.7 per cent to $313.“For the fourth consecutive month, condo inventory in the region declined compared to last year.

26

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Saturday, January 11, 2020

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Matrimonial Parents are seeking suitable match for for their British born son of 31 year age, holding Master degree in Marketing and he is in Canada on work permit.

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South Asian Adults/Seniors - Playing Cards in Groups of Four, 12th January 2020 (Sunday) from 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm.

Vedic Seniors Parivar Center of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society Surrey invites South Asian Adults & Seniors to come & play cards in groups of four to help preserve mental health & positive changes to the brain (Memory) on 12th January 2020 (Sunday) from 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm at Shanti Niketan hall 8321 - 140th street Surrey BC. Tea & light snacks will be served after the game. Please contact Surendra Handa Coordinator Tel. 604 - 507 - 9945 for further information.

Child care provider required at a private home Location Surrey, BC - Salary $14.50 to $14.75 / Hour (To be negotiated) Permanent, Full time 40 Hours / Week Start date As soon as possible Job requirements Languages English Education College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma from a program of 1 year to 2 years Experience 1 year to less than 2 years Additional Skills Assume full responsibility for household in absence of parents, Perform light housekeeping and cleaning duties, Shop for food and household supplies, Travel with family on trips and assist with child supervision and housekeeping duties, Wash, iron and press clothing and household linens Children’s Ages School age (6 - 12 years), and 2 - 3 years Specific Skills Bathe,

dress and feed infants and children, Discipline children according to the methods requested by the parents, Prepare infants and children for rest periods, Keep records of daily activities and health information regarding children, Sterilize bottles, prepare formulas and change diapers for infants, Maintain a safe and healthy environment in the home, Take children to and from school and to appointments, Tend to emotional well-being of children, Instruct children in personal hygiene and social development, Organize, activities such as games and outings for children, Prepare and serve nutritious meals, Supervise and care for children, Help children with homework Work Setting Employer’s home How to apply By email: umendrasingh@hotmail.com By phone: 604-537-3551

Saturday, January 11, 2020

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Saturday, January 11, 2020 Saturday, Saturday, December December 14, 14, 2019 2019

Press Pressrelease release

1 in 5 homes bought by newcomers - survey Struggling forestry workers snubbed by John Horgan

snubbed bypeople JohnnewHorgan One inStruggling every five homesforestry in Canada isworkers bought number suggests to the country and the NDP by newcomers to the country, according to a contributing “significantly” to real estate and theareNDP The LePage BC Liberals once on again calling attention, Royal surveyare released Wednesday. have gathered outsideis demand,now he hundreds said.“We that Canada The BC Liberals are once again calling attention, now hundreds know have gathered outside on John Horgan andNewcomer the NDP 2019 to provide The Royal LePage Survey, of his office in Victoria and he still won’t even do country ofVictoria immigrants and we know that on John Horgan and the NDP to provide ofahis office in and he still won’t even do relief towas struggling coastal forestry workers which commissioned by the real estate so much as open the curtains to his office and newcomers to Canada are an important part relief to struggling coastal forestry workers so much as open the curtains to his office and after hundreds workers, contractors ” While Andrew and hisus company, foundof newcomers spend and about of them. our economic growth. Wilkinson What surprises after hundreds ofthat workers, contractors and face face them. ” While Andrew Wilkinson and his their families rallied outside the Legislative Liberal colleagues greeted and addressed theto three years in rallied Canadaoutside before the buying a home BC in the data is just how important they are their families Legislative BC Liberal colleagues greeted and addressed the Assembly ofper British earlier today Premier Horgan, his Forestry Minister and that 75 cent Columbia of newcomers arrive with crowd, Assembly of British Columbia earlier today Canada’s real estate market, ” Soper said on crowd, Premier Horgan, his Forestry Minister calling on intervene the Doug Donaldson, and NDP North Island MLA savings or government cash to helpto buy a home.in calling on government to intervene inAbout the Doug Tuesday.If current international migration Donaldson, and NDP North Island MLA strike that has dragged on for over five months. were behind doors and 1,500 people, all of whom Canada Claire strike that has dragged on forarrived over fiveinmonths. levelsTrevena are maintained, Royalclosed LePage estimates Claire Trevena were behind closed doors and “Hundreds of coastal forestry workers who shuttered curtains just meters away in the NDP within the last 10 years, were interviewed “Hundreds of coastal forestry workers whoby shuttered that newcomers are expected to buy 680,000 curtains just meters away in the NDP have been out of work for months came cabinet office. “All these workers came down have been out polling of workand for market monthsresearch came cabinet public opinion “All these homesoffice. in Canada over workers the nextcame five down years. here to the BC Legislature to demand action to Victoria on their own pockets, despite many here to theLeger BC Legislature to demand company for the survey andaction it was toThe Victoria on their own pockets, despite many projected home sales was calculated from John Horgan and the NDP so they can struggling to put food on their tables this holiday from John Horgan NDP so theySoper, can struggling conducted onlineandintheAugust.Phil to putmigration food on their tables thisStatistics holiday using historic levels from get back to work,” said BC Liberal Leader season, because they believed John Horgan get back and to work, ” of said BCLePage, Liberal said Leader president CEO Royal in an season, because they believed John Horgan Canada, ownership rate Andrew Wilkinson. “These people are losing would takethe the survey’s time to home hear their concerns.

Andrew Wilkinson.

“These people are losing would take the time toCanadian hear theirReal concerns. interview with CBC’s Radio-Canada of newcomers and Estate their homes, vehicles, and ability to feedthat theirthe Instead, they were snubbed by an out-of-touch their homes, vehicles, and ability to feed their they were by an out-of-touch survey found that newcomers represent about Instead, Association and” snubbed Canadian and families, all while John Horgan once again NDP government, added John Mortgage Rustad, MLA families, all while John Horgan once again NDP government, ” added John 21 per cent of all homebuyers in Canada.

That Housing Corporation unit salesRustad, data. MLA turns a blind eye to this crisis. In September, for Nechako Lakes. “The NDP government’s turns a blind eye to this crisis. In September, for Nechako Lakes. “The NDP government’s forestry workers brought over 250 logging response is absolutely unacceptable. forestry workers brought over market 250 loggingbouncing response isback, absolutely unacceptable. housing but not to boom trucks Canada into Vancouver to get the Premier’s trucks into Vancouver to get the Premier’s

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times: Reuters poll views since polling began for those periods Canada’s housing market has with turned NDP the rental All frustrated All sides sides frustrated with NDP rental housing housing performance performance

corner and prices will increase modestly faster BC Critic for Housing Todd over the coming few a Reuters poll of BCLiberal Liberal Critic foryears, Housing ToddStone Stone isiseconomists once again raising concerns about and property market analysts once again raising concerns about the the NDP’s multiple predicted, buthousing with no plan returnafter to boom times NDP’s rental rental housing plan after multiple reports have drawn attention to John any time soon.

After an eight-year period reports have drawn attention to John of Horgan and continued rising house prices that culminated in near Horgan and his his government’s government’s continued failure to deliver on their promises. double-digit gains in 2017, the market slowed failure to deliver on their promises.

“What we are now seeing is a widespread significantly, particularly in urban hotspots “What we are now seeing is a widespread consensus from people of Toronto and partly consensus fromVancouver, people on on all all sides sidesthanks of the the to political spectrum that this government isis government efforts that to curb inflation. political spectrum thisproperty government failing to live up to its promises on rental But to a live strong domestic economy, rising failing up to its promises on rental housing, ”” says “The Canadian Centre immigration and lower have housing, says Stone.

Stone.

“Themortgage Canadianrates Centre for Policy isis now helped the Alternatives housing market make areporting comeback for Policy Alternatives now reporting that the government missing mark in the half ofisis this year.the Nov. that thesecond government missing theThe mark on affordable housing to the tune of 10,000 4-20 Reuters poll of 18 economists predicted on affordable housing to the tune of 10,000 rental homes per With every that average national house prices beat rental homes per year. year.

With everytoday day thatthe goes by, we are seeing the NDP fall further current inflation rate of 1.9% and rise 3.0% goes by, we are seeing the NDP fall further behind on housing. ” Two recent reports — next year and 2.9% in 2021, a significant behind on housing.” Two recent reports — one from the for upgrade 1.8% and Centre 2.0% expected in an one fromfrom the Canadian Canadian Centre for Policy Policy August poll. Those were the most optimistic

early this year. “The pillars strongly supportive of housing and demand in Canada have remained Alternatives from Partners for Alternatives and another another from Partners for intact: remarkable job creation, superior Rental Housing, a coalition of organizations Rental Housing, a coalition of organizations wage growth and aofvery low interest rates supporting the rental in supporting thegrowth growth of rentalhousing housing inB.C. B.C. environment, ” said Sebastien Lavoie, chief — have stated that there is a growing deficit —economist have stated that there isBank. a growing deficit at Laurentian “The low and of rental units B.C. that the NDP plan ofstable rentalhousing units in instarts B.C. and and that the NDP plan to labour force increase isis failing to achieve its objectives.

It is evident failingis toone achieve its objectives.

It is evident ratio of many metricsitsindicating no that this government isisbreaking promise to that this government breaking its promise to risk of over-building and refuting overblown build 114,000 homes, nowhere near build 114,000about homes,delivering delivering nowhere near concerns the Canadian housing the needed units to keep up with population the needed units to keep up with population market.” “John OverHorgan 80% of poll his respondents who growth. growth.

“John Horgan and and his government government answered an additional question, 14 of 17, have repeatedly spoken about urgent need have repeatedly spokenactivity about an an urgent need said housing market was more likely to the housing affordability crisis totoaddress address the affordability crisis reboundB.C, thanhousing slowyetdown over thereports coming throughout and these new throughout B.C, and yet these new reports year.that “The same ingredientsdoing that were present show are very little show that they they are actually actually doing very little in some housing markets three years ago to improve the situation, ” concludes Stone.

“If to-improve the situation, ” concludes Stone.

“If namely strong underlying demand, tight John Horgan and the NDP truly want to take John Horgan and the NDP rates truly want take supply and low interest - are to present real action on affordability they need to get real action on affordability they need to get again,about ” saidincreasing Carolyn Wilkins, senior ”deputy serious housing supply. serious about increasing housing supply. ” governor of the Bank of Canada

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LOCAL / NATIONAL

Saturday, January 11, 2020

14 people with ties to BC confirmed dead in Iran plane crash

and she showed him a bracelet Canadians travelling a hygienist. Another couple Fourteen people with ties to she’d bought for his wife. to Iran, in the absence from North Vancouver, BC, including students, doctors, “The world is not going of direct flights, and Naser Pourshabanoshibi academics, couples and multiple to be the same, for me, carried a number of and Firouzeh Madani, members of the same families, without her,” Ahamadi said. students and academics were also on board the have been confirmed among The cause of the crash has not heading back to Canada flight. Both were in their those killed when their Ukrainian been determined. The Boeing after the winter break.

50s and worked as doctors.

Airlines flight crashed in Iran on 737 was three years old and was Dadashnejad, 26, had The family of three — Wednesday.

An international last serviced Jan. 6, according to been studying nutrition Ardalan Ebnoddin Hamidi, student, a professional couple, two the Kyiv-based carrier. It was at Langara College. Her his wife, Niloofar Razzaghi, doctors and three members of the the airline’s first fatal crash, and friend, Sia Ahmadi, and their teenage son, same family, all from BC, have it said it was doing everything said she had originally Kamyar Ebnoddin Hamidi Niloofar Razzaghi (left) and been confirmed among those killed possible to establish the cause. planned to fly home — were on their way home to Ardalan Hamidi (right) with Hossein (Daniel) Saket when their Ukrainian Airlines Delaram Dadashnejad, Debris and smoldering engine on Dec. 17, but missed Vancouver after a two-week their son Kamyar Hamidi. flight crashed in Iran on Wednesday. (right) and Fatemeh (Faye) 26, was heading home from parts from the plane were strewn that flight and booked holiday.

Kei Esmaeilpour, a All 176 people on board the Kazerani, left, also killed in Tehran where she was visiting Wednesday’s instead after her across a field, southwest of the Iranian capital, where family friend and head of the Boeing 737 died when the plane went plane crash. her family. student visa did not arrive on time. rescue workers in face masks laid out scores of body Civic Association of Iranian down shortly after take-off from In a statement, college president Lane Trotter bags in the aftermath of the crash. The plane went Canadians, confirmed the deaths. The airliner, Tehran, Iran’s capital. Sixty-three were Canadian. bound for the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, burst said he was “heartbroken” over Dadashnejad’s death down hours after Iran launched missiles at bases A North Vancouver couple in their 30s, Hossein into flames as it crashed into a field not far from and that the college would be offering support to housing U.S. forces in Iraq, and officials cautioned that (Daniel) Saket and Fatemeh (Faye) Kazerani, are Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport. students. Ahamadi last spoke with Dadashnejad speculation about what happened was premature. also among the dead. Saket worked as an engineer, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he The flight was a popular, lower-cost route for before she took off. He said they video-chatted according to a cousin, and Kazerani had worked as was “shocked and saddened” and said the

Canadian government “will continue to work closely with its international partners to ensure that this crash is thoroughly investigated, and that Canadians’ questions are answered.”

In a tweet, B.C. Premier Horgan said “our hearts and thoughts are with families and friends of loved ones lost and the Iranian-Canadian community in B.C.”

BC money laundering inquiry set to begin February A commission charged with looking into British Columbia’s money laundering problem has confirmed the dates for its public hearings.

In an email Thursday, the Cullen Commission of Inquiry into Money Laundering in British Columbia said it will begin hearing opening statements from stakeholders — participants granted formal standing at the hearings — over the course of four days beginning Feb. 24, at the Federal Court of Canada in Vancouver, B.C. Another five-week period, beginning May 25, will deal with an overview of money laundering and regulatory models, as well as the extent of illegal activity in the province.

Winning ticket for $70M Lotto Max jackpot sold in Brampton, Ontario A single winning ticket for Canada’s largest jackpot ever was sold in Brampton, and if claimed, one lucky person will be taking home $70 million.

The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) made the announcement Wednesday morning.

“Once the ticket holder(s) comes forward to claim their prize, this will be the biggest lottery prize ever awarded in Canadian history,” OLG said in a press release.

OLG app slammed by number of people checking Lotto Max tickets The winning numbers for last night’s $70-million Lotto Max jackpot draw were 03, 08, 12, 14, 17, 18, 29 + 11 bonus, according to OLG’s website.

The OLG also said last night’s draw saw other prize winners across the province.

Six Maxmillion tickets worth $1 million each were sold in Brampton, Hamilton, Niagara Region, Oshawa, Ottawa and Pickering.

Two Maxmillion tickets worth $500,000 each were sold in Niagara Falls and Perth County.

Saturday, January 11, 2020

27 Edmontonians killed in Tehran plane crash that claimed 176 lives: community leader Of the 63 Canadians killed in a plane crash near Tehran, Iran on Wednesday, 27 were from Edmonton, according to the former president of the Iranian Heritage Society of Edmonton.

Payman Parseyan said that number is roughly one per cent of Edmonton’s Iranian population, adding that many of the victims were family members, including a newlywed couple.

Parseyan said two University of Alberta professors, a doctor, a medical student and a clinical psych student were among the victims.

Paseyan said he knew many of the passengers.

“They leave behind families and people they love and they come to Canada and often they’re second guessing ‘should I leave my family behind to do this’?” Paseyan said. “Then they move here and they do all this, just to board a plane and have it all washed away. Paseyan said members of the Iranian-Canadian community learned of the crash while being glued to the news after Tuesday’s missile attacks in Iraq.

“Many were expecting their friends and families members to come back … (and) were well aware what flight they were on,” Paseyan told The Canadian Press.

Global News is working to independently confirm the identities of the victims.

Mayor Don Iveson issued the following statement on the plane crash in Iran: “I was heartbroken to hear this morning of the devastating news that many Canadians, including Edmontonians, have died in a fatal plane crash near Tehran, Iran. While no words can erase the pain this crash has caused, I, on behalf of Edmontonians and your City Council, would like to offer the families and friends who have lost a loved one in this tragedy our deepest condolences. The University of Alberta released a statement on Twitter, extending its deepest condolences to all those affected and thanking the public for its patience as the university “works to confirm the impact on our community.”

“We encourage you to reach out to the supports that you need during this time and be mindful of discussing this situation on social media out of respect for those involved.”

Premier Jason Kenney also expressed his condolences on social media.

Terrorism offence case for Ontario youth heading towards guilty plea: defence Following a court appearance in Belleville, Ont., on Monday, it looks like the Kingston teen charged with terrorism offences will be asking for a guilty plea. The case, which was originally being held in Kingston, Ont., had recently moved to Belleville, since the Quinte Courthouse had more rooms available and more security measures. On Monday, following pre-trial motions that took place in the judge’s chambers, Justice Stephen Hunter announced the case would be deferred to Feb. 5 for an anticipated guilty plea. The youth, who cannot be identified per the Youth Criminal Justice Act, was initially charged with knowingly facilitating terrorist activity and counselling someone to use an explosive or other lethal device to cause death or serious bodily injury.

This was following RCMP raids in Kingston in January, 2019.

Downtown Ottawa shooting leaves 1 dead, 3 in hospital One person was killed and three people were taken to hospital with serious injuries, including a 15-year-old boy, when they were shot Wednesday morning in a home on Ottawa’s Gilmour Street.

Police haven’t arrested the suspect, but they say the area is considered secure.

Paramedics said they were called to the area of Gilmour and Kent streets, about a kilometre south of Parliament Hill, at about 7:30 a.m. ET. “Every type of [emergency] vehicle pulled up, officers taped off the area — nobody was allowed to walk through,” said Kacey Griffiths, who lives on the block.

“I ran to my balcony to see what was going on,

and I saw them go into the house and make sure the area was safe. They came out with weapons down. [Then] three ambulances showed up … three people came out on stretchers, [looking] very injured.” Gilmour Street and neighbouring James Street were closed this morning between Kent and Lyon streets.

Police have been asking people to avoid the area. Its major crime unit is investigating.

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson said in a tweet he had been briefed on the situation and thanked first responders. The Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est, which operates French Catholic schools in the Ottawa area, placed four nearby schools in secure mode.

LOCAL / NATIONAL

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Woman ordered to pay ex-boyfriend massive sum for defaming him online A Canadian woman has been ordered to pay $200,000 Canadian dollars plus other fees to her ex-boyfriend for defaming him on Instagram and other outlets, according to reports.

Court materials showed that Vancouver resident Noelle Halcrow wrote more than 85 posts online claiming that her ex-boyfriend Brandon Rook spread sexually transmitted diseases, cheated and was an alcoholic.

BC Supreme Court Justice Elliot Myers wrote in his ruling that Halcrow had defamed Rook in a “relentless” and “malicious” campaign “out of spite,” CTV News reported.

Rook, a business consultant, reportedly met Halcrow in 2015. The pair had an on-again-offagain relationship through July 2016. Halcrow started the posts a month later, CBC reported.

The posts were listed in a timeline and appendix that took up the last 44 pages of the court’s ruling.

They originally had been posted on Instagram and various other websites under a pseudonym.

Halcrow, who represented herself in court, had argued that she never made any of the posts. She claimed her friends and other people published them.

In his ruling, Myers wrote that Halcrow “mounted a campaign against Mr. Rook that was as relentless as it was extensive.”

He added, “The courts have recognized that the Internet can be used as an exceedingly effective tool to harm reputation. This is one such case.”

Neither Halcrow nor Rook could not be reached for comment.

Canadian aid worker Peter Dalglish set to appeal child sex conviction in Nepal A prominent Canadian aid worker convicted of sexually assaulting two children in Nepal is set to argue he was the victim of a police conspiracy and unfair trial.

In legal materials ahead of his appeal, expected to be heard Jan. 7, Peter Dalglish alleges a host of problems with the investigation and court process he says led to his wrongful conviction and nine-year prison term.

“A conspiracy was created on the backs of youths who were enticed to lie and damage the reputation of an innocent man, who has spent his life helping those in need, particularly children and youths,” Dalglish’s lawyers argue in their appeal brief. “In doing

so, they have brought the rule of law and the justice system of Nepal into disrepute.”

Originally from London, Ont., Dalglish, 62, was convicted last June and later sentenced to nine years in prison. The Order of Canada recipient has denied any wrongdoing and has assembled a new legal team to fight his conviction. Nepalese police arrested him in the early hours of April 8, 2018, at his mountain home in the village of Kartike, east of the capital of Kathmandu.

Police alleged he had raped two Nepalese boys aged 11 and 14, who were in his home.

On appeal, Dalglish says the investigation was carried out jointly by Nepalese police and the organization Sathi.

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National / Finance

Saturday, January 11, 2020

Vancouver’s housing market cools, but rental market stays the same

In 2019, Metro Vancouver’s home ownership market saw a significant slowdown for the first time in years, and with it, decreases in property values of 15 per cent in some cases.

But it’s a different story in the rental market.

“It’s a combination of issues that need to get fixed — not just in Vancouver but a lot of other [surrounding] municipalities,” said David Hutniak, CEO of LandlordBC. Next week, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) will be releasing its annual rental report for all major Canadian cities. In October, it

forecasted a vacancy rate of 1.1 per cent for Metro Vancouver (up from 1.0 per cent in 2018) and a two-bedroom average rent of $1,715 (up from $1,649 in 2018).

A spokesperson for CMHC said it “remains confident” in that forecast, which would keep Metro Vancouver with the lowest vacancy rates and highest rents among Canada’s 10 largest metropolitan areas.

New councils, new direction To Hutniak, the problems facing the rental market come from a wide variety of sources — including increased insurance costs and

new energy regulations in buildings — but are mostly due to a lack of available rental units.

“I think the big elephant in the room here is, if we don’t start really building a ton to start addressing the low vacancy rates, it is going to get worse before it gets better, and that’s unnecessary and very unfortunate,” he said.

‘Less bad’ doesn’t mean good: What Vancouver’s housing market could hold in 2020 While the provincial government has encouraged municipalities to approve more housing, several new mayors and councillors have gone in a different direction, pushing

for more consultation and less dense developments — and projects that are being approved will take years to have an impact.

“Last election was definitely a sea change,” said Hutniak.

“The rental housing crisis doesn’t stop for [newly elected] officials. The fact of the matter is that we really don’t have the luxury of waiting to deal with the supply issue.”

Not everyone believes that adding more supply will create more affordable rentals.

“If it’s not the right kind of supply, then it’s not going to help the people that need it most,”

New Bank of Canada survey shows importance of consumer sentiment as business cycle reaches maturity The Bank of Canada is about to introduce an important new addition to Canada’s suite of economic indicators – one that focuses on the Canadian consumer at

what could be a key juncture for a huge and critical segment of the economy.

On Monday, the central bank will unveil the Canadian Survey of Consumer

Expectations (CSCE), a quarterly poll of 2,000 Canadian households. It will release the poll at the same time as the quarterly Business Outlook Survey, its long-standing

similar poll of business sentiment. The CSCE asks Canadians about their expectations on inflation, interest rates, jobs, wages, spending plans and local house prices.

Bank of Canada to make new $5 note, seeks public input on who should be on it Canada’s central bank is planning to release a new $5 note, and it wants input from Canadians on what it should look like.

Bank of Canada governor Stephen Poloz announced the revamp at the end of a speech to a business audience in Vancouver.

Poloz says the bank will launch public consultations for the design of the polymer note, similar to the ones “that led to the selection of Viola Desmond for the $10 note,” he said. “This time we will be asking all Canadians to nominate any historic Canadian — someone who is truly banknote-able.”

Desmond, a Nova Scotia civil rights pioneer and businesswoman, was selected by the finance minister to be on the $10 bill after an open call for nominations for iconic

women who could appear on a bank note. The new $10 note is also unique in that it is so far the only Canadian bill with a vertical design, as opposed to the conventional horizontal.

Currently, Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Canada’s first francophone prime minister who governed from 1896 to 1911, is featured on the $5 note.

Laurier has appeared on one side or the other of at least the past four versions of Canada’s $5 bill, dating back to the Scenes of Canada series which was released in 1969, through the Birds of Canada series launched in 1986, the Canadian Journey series launched in 2001, and the current Frontiers series polymer bill, which launched in 2011.

More details on the plan will be released at the end of the month, Poloz said.

Canada offers more aid for Australia as bushfires burn Nearly 100 Canadian fire experts have been sent to Australia to help in the fight against one of the worst wildfire seasons the country has ever seen, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told his Australian counterpart Wednesday that Canada is ready to do more.

In a phone conversation with Scott Morrison, Trudeau “expressed his condolences and sorrow on behalf of all Canadians for the deaths and destruction caused by the wildfires,” a statement from Trudeau’s office said afterward, and for “the major loss of wildlife and natural devastation.

“He recalled Australia’s past generous assistance to Canadian firefighters when wildfires spread through Canadian communities,” the statement said. A spokesperson for Foreign Affairs Minister François-Philippe Champagne said all Australia has requested so far is more people.

Canada has offered money and equipment to aid other countries in the past, including $15-million in cash and temporary use of some water bombers when the Amazon Rainforest was on fire in Brazil and Bolivia last summer. Global Affairs Canada has not yet said whether any of that money flowed or if the water bombers were deployed.

Karen Hodges, a University of British Columbia biology professor, said it is common for the international firefighting community to share resources and expertise in times of need.

“Whenever there are catastrophic wildfires, other countries are willing to help,” she said.

Australian firefighters, alongside Americans, Mexicans and New Zealanders, came to Canada in 2018 to help British Columbia beat back the worst fire season that province has ever seen.

The Australian national council for fire and emergencies said Wednesday 97 Canadians have deployed to Australia to help this season along with 159 Americans and others from New Zealand. One group of Canadians arrived to cheers and applause as they pushed through the doors into the airport arrivals area in Sydney on Jan. 6.

Angela Bogdan, the Canadian consul general in Australia, greeted the group and told them the Australians are extremely grateful for their help.

“I cannot underscore enough that in making this long journey you’ve brought hope and reassurance to these people,” said Bogdan.

The first group of 21 experts who arrived in early December headed home Wednesday, as another group of eight arrived. New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian tweeted a thank you to them Wednesday, saying “NSW won’t forget what you have done.”

Most of the Canadians are there to help with aviation, logistics and fire behaviour, while Australia relies heavily on local volunteer firefighters to battle the blazes.

Saturday, January 11, 2020

Former NDP MP warns of ‘unintended consequences’ if party’s annual convention is delayed The NDP’s decision to postpone its policy convention to next year may bring “unintended consequences” and challenges in retaining party members, says former Beloeil– Chambly MP Matthew Dubé.

Federal council members decided in December to postpone the party’s biennial convention, due this year, to early 2021. The decision means NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh will not face a leadership review, which happens at every policy convention, in just a few months.

Members will also have to wait to debate policy, such as the party’s prioritization on issues including climate change, Indigenous reconciliation and Quebec’s Bill 21. “It’s no secret that MPs play a large role in keeping their activists and volunteers on board with what the party is doing,” Dubé told HuffPost Canada. “And when you lose those MPs, the convention is then a pretty important

opportunity to make sure those folks are still involved with the large, pan-Canadian effort.”

The former caucus chair said there’s “a little bit of disappointment” among members in Quebec, where 13 of 14 incumbent NDP MPs, including Dubé, were defeated in October.

Dubé said the party’s new diminished presence in the province means the NDP will have to rely on centralized efforts, through Montreal-area MP Alexandre Boulerice or party headquarters in Ottawa, to take care of members in lost ridings if the party hopes to regain ground in Quebec.

“Neither of those scenarios are ideal,” he said. The party spent considerable time and resources in Quebec after its so-called “Orange Wave” breakthrough in 2011, when it won 59 of 75 seats in the province. In the 2015 election, however, the NDP won 16 Quebec seats.

PM Trudeau confirms Canadian military personnel were at airbase hit by Iranian missiles Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed today that Canadian troops were in harm’s way when Iranian ballistic missiles slammed into a military base in northern Iraq early Wednesday, but he declined to condone — or criticize — the U.S. actions which precipitated the strike. Speaking to reporters in Ottawa after a separate deadly air crash in Tehran claimed the lives of 63 Canadians, the prime minister said Canada condemns the Iranian attack on the base. “I am relieved, as are all Canadians, that all personnel deployed in Iraq are safe,” Trudeau said. He expressed admiration for the professionalism of the soldiers under fire but also repeatedly emphasized the importance of staying the course in the ongoing effort to eradicate the remnants of the Islamic State. That message, according to government insiders, was the main focus of Canada’s diplomatic efforts Wednesday, conducted through a flurry of telephone calls to world leaders. Keeping the anti-Islamic State coalition together and focused has taken precedence over pressing the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump for evidence justifying the American drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad. “It was a threat assessment the U.S. made,” said Trudeau. “It was a threat assessment the U.S. was tasked with making and made.” The Trump administration has

insisted since Friday’s drone strike that Soleimani represented an imminent threat to American lives — but the language it’s used to support that claim has changed over the last few days, with more emphasis being placed on the general’s role in creating mayhem and bloodshed in the region with the secretive Quod Force branch of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards. In some respects, Trudeau’s remarks mirror the careful language being used by other world leaders — including NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who on Monday deflected questions about whether the allies were troubled by the extraordinary decision to kill Soleimani.

NATO ambassadors were given a briefing by the U.S. State Department and military members on Monday, and apparently were given a sense of the intelligence the Americans were acting on when they ordered the drone strike. Trudeau did not say today whether Canada was convinced by that briefing, or whether he brought up the subject in a telephone call with President Trump on Wednesday. ‘It opens the Pandora’s Box’ Roland Paris, a former foreign policy adviser to Trudeau and a University of Ottawa professor, said Democrats in the U.S.

Canada to move some troops from Iraq to Kuwait: Official Some of the estimated 500 Canadian troops in Iraq will be moved temporarily to neighbouring Kuwait in the coming days to ensure their safety amid rising tensions in the region, a top Canadian military official said Tuesday. General Jonathan Vance, chief of defense staff, announced the “operational pause” in a letter posted on Twitter to families of deployed military personnel. “Over the coming days, and as a result of Coalition and NATO planning, some of our people will be moved temporarily from Iraq to Kuwait,” he said. “Simply put, we are doing this to ensure their safety and security.”

The move comes amid heightened concerns over possible Iranian retaliation for the killing of the country’s top commander, Qasem Soleimani, on Friday on the orders of US President Donald Trump.

NATO, which suspended its training mission in Iraq after the killing, said earlier Tuesday it also was temporarily “repositioning” some personnel to locations inside and outside Iraq.

Several other countries, including Germany and Romania, announced plans to move their forces. France, for its part, said it had no intention to withdraw its troops from Iraq.

Vance did not specify how many Canadian troops would be moved out. “The situation in Iraq is complex and it is best to pause our work there in order to fully concentrate our attention and efforts toward the safety and security of our personnel while the situation develops,” Vance said.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau discussed the situation in talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and with Jordan’s King Abdullah, his office said, and they agreed to press for a “de-escalation” of the tensions.

Trudeau and the Jordanian king also agreed “on the need to remain focused on fighting Daesh,” the statement said, referring the Islamic State group.

NATIONAL

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INDIA

Saturday, January 11, 2020

Parliament resumes on January 31 with budget on Feb 1st The Budget Session of Parliament will be held in two phases starting January 31 until April 3, with the first full Budget of the BJP led NDA-II to be presented on February 1. The first phase of the Budget session will be from January 31 to February 11.

After a brief interval, the session will resume from March 2 to April 3. The highlight of the session will be the presentation of the Union Budget 2020-2021

by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The Cabinet Committee of Parliamentary Affairs

headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met here today and made the recommendation regarding the Budget session schedule. The government is expected to notify the schedule shortly. The session is crucial as it comes on the back of a strong Opposition offensive against the BJP government on the CAA, NRC and the upcoming NPR process.

Protesters stall BJP MP’s lecture on CAA BJP MP Swapan Dasgupta, who was scheduled to deliver a lecture at Visva Bharati University on the Citizenship Amendment Act, faced protests by members of the CPM-backed SFI who also stalled the programme.

The Rajya Sabha member was to speak on “The CAA2019: Understanding and Interpretation” as part of the Visva Bharati Lecture Series at the varsity’s Lipika Auditorium.

The programme was scheduled at 3.30 pm and was to be presided over by the varsity’s ViceChancellor Bidyut Chakraborty. However, as soon as Dasgupta reached the campus, students started protesting against him.

Varsity’s SFI unit leader Somnath Sau said the students would not allow anyone who “promotes hatred among communities” to spread propaganda on the soil of Visva Bharati,

which stands for the ideals of Rabindranath Tagore. “We will continue our protests against the BJP and forces of Hindutva,” he added.

The BJP leader tweeted, “How does it feel to

Economy has capacity to bounce back: Modi Unfazed by projections of GDP growth slowing down to an 11-year low this fiscal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said fundamentals of the Indian economy are strong and it has the capacity to bounce back. Modi, who seems to have taken charge of the efforts to revive the economy, has over the past few days held 12 meetings with different stakeholders over various issues affecting the economy and to thrash out appropriate policy interventions in the forthcoming Budget. The strong absorbent capacity of the Indian economy shows the strength of its basic fundamentals and its capacity to bounce back. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister At the pre-Budget meeting at NITI Aayog, he called for a focussed effort by all stakeholders to achieve the target of $5-trillion economy.

He said he would enhance the synergy between policymakers and stakeholders.

He said the idea of $5-trillion economy was not a sudden development and that it was based on a deep understanding of the strengths of the country. “The strong absorbent capacity of the Indian economy shows the strength of its basic fundamentals and its capacity to

bounce back,” he said. The participants urged the government to focus on credit expansion, exports growth, governance of public sector banks (PSBs), increasing consumption and job creation. As many as 40 experts and economists attended the meeting.

Modi assured them that he would act on suggestions that can be implemented in due course as these would require structural reforms. Niti Aayog Vice-Chairman Rajiv Kumar tweeted, “The meeting discussed issues relating to economic growth, startups & innovation.” The meeting was attended by Union Ministers Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, Minister Piyush Goyal, besides Niti Aayog Vice-Chairman Rajiv Kumar and CEO Amitabh Kant among others.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was not present, as she held pre-Budget meetings with party workers at BJP headquarters.

Centre takes 15 envoys to Kashmir

have a mob attack a peaceful meeting on the CAA and intimidation students? This is what is happening to a meeting I am addressing at Vishwa Bharati now. Locked into room now with mob outside (sic).” A varsity teacher said Dasgupta was kept at a guest house as the agitation continued. However, varsity authorities were not available for comment. —

As the BJP government at the Centre has set the political process rolling in Jammu and Kashmir post abrogation of Article 370, a high-profile delegation of envoys from various countries on Thursday arrived on a two-day visit to J&K and held talks with local politicians and security officials to assess the ground situation. The 15-member delegation arrived here at 11.15 am and drove past busy roads amid normal public movement from Srinagar Airport. Unlike the delegation of European

parliamentarians, who visited Kashmir in October and evoked intense protests and complete shutdown, the visiting delegation was received with open shops and normal public movement. nvoys took feedback on interference of Pakistan in the affairs of Kashmir, and political and security situation after New Delhi on August 5 abrogated Article 370 and its corollary Article 35-A, which provided special constitutional guarantees to people of J&K within the Union of India.

Will hear CAA pleas after violence ends: SC As India witnessed violent protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act, the Supreme Court today said the country was going through difficult times and that endeavour should be towards bringing about peace.

The observation came from a Bench headed by the Chief Justice of India which refused to entertain a PIL seeking to declare the CAA constitutional and action against those spreading rumours and damaging public property. “There is so much of violence going on. The country is going through difficult times and the endeavour should be for peace and such petitions don’t help… This court’s job is to determine validity of a law and not declare it constitutional,” said the Bench, which also included Justice BR Gavai and Justice Surya Kant. Advocate Vineet Dhanda had requested the court to declare the CAA constitutional and direct states to implement it. “How do we declare an Act of the Parliament as being

constitutional? There is always a presumption of constitutionality… For the first time, I am hearing of such a prayer. The court has to decide the validity of a law, not declare that a law is constitutional,” it said.

The Bench said it would hear petitions challenging constitutional validity of the CAA after the violence stops.

Sensing the court’s mood, Dhanda withdrew the petition with liberty to intervene in the CAA-related matter.

BJP MP, 3 MLAs booked over pro-CAA march Ratlam (MP): A case has been registered against BJP’s Ratlam MP GS Damor and three party MLAs for taking out a procession in support of CAA without permission, the police said. The FIR was registered against 38 persons under Section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), IPC, on Wednesday night.

Unions take to streets to protest govt policies On the all-India strike call by traders, various unions held protests across the state today.

The Bharti Kisan Union Ugrahan, Punjab Khet Mazdoor Union, Democratic Teachers Union, Technical Services Union, Naujwan Bharat Sabha, Water Supply and Sanitation Workers Union and other unions organised marches against the Union Government’s move to privatise various institutions.

Leaders of these unions alleged that the government had amended various labour laws to favour industrialists. Sukhdev Singh Kokri, general Secretary of BKU (Ugrahan), said the government had started an onslaught on various institutions which were built over the decades with public money. He

said the railways, insurance, petroleum and panchayat lands were latest examples. He alleged whenever people raised their voice for their rights, the government suppresses it by using police and goons. He demanded that privatisation be stopped immediately and workers be given job security. He demanded that contract system should be ended. The union also passed a resolution against the attack on JNU students. In Bathinda, unions blocked the Bathinda-Chandigarh National Highway-7 at Lehra Mohabbat village. The police had to divert traffic from link roads, due to which commuters faced inconvenience.

Union leaders alleged that the government was recruiting people on low salaries on contract basis with the aim to eventually

PUNJAB

Saturday, January 11, 2020 Dhindsa Jr opens front against SAD leadership Coming out openly against the SAD leadership, former Finance Minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa today said he wanted the party to take moral responsibility and apologise before Akal Takht for sacrilege incidents in 2015-16, since it was in power at that time. Dhindsa recently resigned from the post of leader of SAD Legislature Party to support the stand taken by his father and Rajya Sabha MP Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa against the “undemocratic functioning” of the SAD.On his future course of action,

Dhindsa said only time would tell. “My father and I want to restore the ideology of the Akali Dal and save its democratic set-up. We have not resigned from the party,” he said. On a question about any parleys with the BJP or rebel Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu, he said Sidhu had an important role to play in the future politics of the state. “But we are not in touch with him or anyone,” he said. “I don’t know who committed the sacrilege incidents, but being in power, the Akali leadership should have owned the moral responsibility and sought an apology from Akal Takht.

Truck driver arrested with 1,735 boxes of liquor Police in Rajasthan seized 1,735 boxes of home-made liquor last night. The consignment was reportedly uploaded from Bathinda and was to be delivered in Gujarat. Valued at Rs 80 lakh. A truck was intercepted by the police on the Bikaner highway on Tuesday night Nearly 1,735 liquor boxes of Punjab-made ‘Crazy Romeo XXX’ brand liquor worth Rs 80 lakh were found The boxes carried labels ‘For sale in Arunachal Pradesh only’, but no batch number was mentioned The driver admitted that the consignment, uploaded in Bathinda, was on way to Gujarat The police said a truck carrying a huge container was intercepted near Navodya Vidyalaya terminal by a special team from Gajner police station on the Bikaner highway last night. As many as 1,735 boxes of Punjabmade “Crazy Romeo XXX” brand liquor with market value of about Rs 80 lakh were found stacked in one of the two portions of the container. The second portion was empty.

The boxes carried labels reading “For sale in Arunachal Pradesh only”, but the batch

School teacher, principal & director arrested in rape case According to the police, a school teacher, a principal and teacher arrested for destruction of evidence and criminal conspiracy in shocking rape of an 8-year-old girl, a Class II student, by a 14-year-old Class X student at a private school on December 13.

The accused were named in the FIR on December 22 after a preliminary probe and supplementary statement of the victim’s mother. However, they are yet to be arrested. Meanwhile, the Court of Additional Session Judge dismissed their interim bail, while fixing January 10 as the next date of hearing for the bail of the accused boy. The incident had led to a protest outside the school premises.

Parents and local leaders had blocked the traffic on the Amritsar-Jalandhar road a day after the incident. The police had arrested the boy on the day of the incident.

The police had formed a special all-women team headed by SP (investigation) Amandeep Kaur to probe the case, while another SIT was formed by the Deputy Commissioner to look into the role of the school management.

The police had earlier registered a case under Section 376, IPC, and Section 8 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO). Now it has added Section 201 (destruction of evidence) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy), IPC, and Section 6 and 21 of POCSO act in the FIR. Locals, headed

by Baldev Singh Sirsa, Surjit Singh Kang, and Gurnam Singh Dawood, who had launched an agitation against the school management, alleged that even after two weeks since the police updated the FIR, the accused, including director, principal and teacher, were yet to be arrested.

number or the date of manufacturing was not mentioned.

During preliminary investigation, driver Pappu Ram of Shergarh (Jodhpur) reportedly said the consignment was uploaded in Bathinda after he offloaded some machinery transported from Gujarat. His mobile call details were being examined.

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Two former sarpanches indicted in Rs 4-cr scam Two former sarpanches of nearby Rangeelpur village allegedly embezzled over Rs 4-crore panchayat funds by raising fake bills regarding the purchase of furniture, building material, goods for dispensary and lifting of sewage. The accused, Sunil Kumar and Kamaljeet Kaur, have been indicted by an inquiry conducted by Additional Deputy Commissioner Deepshikha Sharma. Came to light in February.

The embezzlement came to light after new sarpanch took over on February 4 last year New sarpanch Manjit Singh lodged a complaint to the

Financial Commissioner, alleging that nearly Rs4.24 crore of panchayat funds were siphoned off by Sunil Kumar, Kamaljeet Kaur and Rajeev Kumar. Sunil Kumar even allegedly took money as a worker under MGNREGA. The probe also indicted the then panchayat secretary Rajeev Kumar. It has also put a question mark on the role of the then block development and panchayat officer as well as district development and panchayat officer . Recommendation has been made to probe their role by setting a separate inquiry.

Cold wave intensifies in Punjab & Haryana Cold wave conditions on Thursday tightened their grip on most parts of Punjab and Haryana, with the minimum temperature dropping a few degrees below normal following rain. Several parts of Punjab and Haryana have been lashed by rain in the past three days. Amritsar in Punjab was the coldest place with a low of 2.2 degrees Celsius, one notch below normal, an official of the Meteorological Department said on Thursday.

Bathinda shivered at 2.8 degrees Celsius, two degrees below normal, while cold wave conditions in Pathankot, Adampur, Halwara, Faridkot and Gurdaspur were recorded at 6, 3.9, 4.8, 3.6 and 7 degrees Celsius respectively.

Ludhiana and Patiala experienced cold wave conditions at 6.8 degrees Celsius each.

In Haryana, Hisar was the coldest place with a minimum of 3.2 degrees Celsius, four degrees below normal. Ambala, Karnal,

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INDIA

Saturday, January 11, 2020

India’s Nothern Army Commander Lt Gen Ranbir Singh hold talks with People’s Liberation Army Close on the heels of joint military exercise between Indian and Chinese troops in Meghalaya, Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh began his five-day China visit to exchange views with his counterpart on furthering peace and cooperation in the region.

The Army Commander is leading a high-level military delegation that would hold talks with top generals of the People’s Liberation Army as well as visit vital military and

civil establishments in Beijing, Chengdu, Urumqi and Shanghai to exchange views on measures for furthering peace and tranquillity. Lt Gen Singh met Chinese counterpart Gen Hanwei Gou, Commander (Ground Forces), PLA, in a free, congenial and cordial environment and discussed areas of mutual interest. The two discussed issues having strategic ramifications, including measures to enhance peace along the border.

Modi meets economists ahead of Budget but Congress asks ‘where is the finance minister?’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held discussion on the state of economy with economists, sector experts and successful young entrepreneurs at the Niti Aayog, and promised to take both short-term and long-term measures to revive growth. The Congress took a swipe at Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over her absence at a pre-budget meeting with economists and experts at the Niti Aayog, which was chaired

by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

BJP sources said Sitharaman was holding pre-budget meetings with party workers at

the BJP headquarters at that time.

“Here’s a suggestion, next budget meeting, consider inviting the Finance Minister,” the Congress said on its official Twitter handle, using the hashtag “FindingNirmala”.During a two-and-half hour meeting held ahead of the Budget 2020-21, the experts made hosts of suggestions for reviving economic growth, which is estimated to slip to 11-year low of 5 per cent in 2019-20.According to sources, the speakers urge the government to focus on credit expansion, exports growth, governance of Public Sector Banks (PSBs), increasing

Anusha Shetty named chairman & CEO of Grey Group India Anusha Shetty has been appointed chairman and group chief executive (CEO) of WPP Plc-owned Grey Group India. She replaces Yashaswini Samat who will be relocating to Singapore to take up a senior integrated role at the agency. Shetty is currently serving as the CEO of digital agency Autumn Worldwide (now called AutumnGrey) which she incubated in 2005. Grey Group acquired a majority stake in the agency in 2018. Shetty will continue to report to global COO and chairman and CEO, Grey Asia Middle East and Africa (AMEA), Nirvik Singh and will work closely with him to ensure a seamless transition of leadership. “Anusha is one of

those unique talents who possess a rare combination of digital and social media knowledge along with entrepreneurial flair and business acumen. She is a natural-born leader who along with her team will bring ideal digital, creative and business solutions to clients across various industries. I think with her wealth of experience she is the right person to take the agency to the next level. This is very much a game-changing moment for Grey India,” said Singh in a statement. With over 20 years of marketing and advertising experience and a career spanning across India and Silicon Valley, Shetty has worked with agencies such as Lintas and Euro RSCG

India tops content removal requests on TikTok India sent a total of 118 requests to the Chinese short-video making platform TikTok in the in the first half of 2019 (January 1-June 30, 2019) to take certain actions against those accounts. The strange part is that there was not a single request from China, TikTok’s home country where the app functions as a different name Douyin, which has stricter control. While there were 107 legal requests, the Indian government asked information for 11 accounts, requesting to take down content deemed to be in violation of local laws, or to provide information related to accounts under certain defined circumstances, TikTok said in its first transparency report, mimicking US tech companies who have the practice

of revealing such information. For 107 legal requests from India, TikTok which has nearly 200 million users in the country acted in 47% cases while for the government requests, it removed eight accounts. The US was second with 79 requests related to 255 accounts, and received information on 86% of its requests.

Third was Japan with 35 requests linked to 39 accounts.

TikTok has seen nearly 1.5 billion downloads globally and the US market with 37.6 million downloads is at the third sport, after India and China. “In balancing our responsibilities to law enforcement with our respect for the privacy of our users, we respond only to legally valid requests and only with the requisite amount of information

16-year-old boy kidnapped & murdered for ransom The body of 16-year old boy who gone missing from Panipat town on Tuesday evening was found on the city outskirts on Wednesday. He was reportedly murdered after being kidnapped for ransom. Kunal, a Class 10 student and a resident of Jawahar Nagar, was the nephew of a former councillor

Jai Kumar Bindal. He had gone to take tuition on Tuesday evening but did not return home. The family received a call in the night saying their son had been kidnapped and they should arrange a sum of Rs 5 lakh in ransom. The family sounded the police. The police arrested two men in this connection.

Man died in fire at printing press in Delhi 25-year-old man died in fire at a printing press in busy Patparganj Industrial Area of Delhi early on Thursday, police and fire department officials said. A call to report the fire was received at 2.38 am after which more than 30 fire tenders were rushed to the spot, a fire department official said, adding the fire was brought under control by 8 am. After that, a search was done to see if anyone was trapped in the building, he said. The cooling process is now underway. He said the fire had engulfed the ground, first and second floors of the building, except the basement. Police said they received

information about fire at Kaveri printing press at 2:45 am, when the manager Yogesh called them. The press owners have been identified as Atul and Anuj Goyal, residents of Sukhdev Vihar, they said. The man who died in the fire has been identified as Phool Dev, from Bihar, who used to work as a help there. Dev went inside the building in the night to sleep before the fire started and died due to suffocation, the fire department official said.

The body has been kept at Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital and the post-mortem will be done once the family reaches here, police said.

Saturday, December 28,11, 2019 Saturday, January 2020

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26 killed as Indonesian bus tumbles into ravine

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SOUTH ASIA

Saturday, January 11, 2020

Indonesia deploys warships to patrol islands amid spat with China Indonesia has deployed fighter jets and warships to patrol islands near the disputed South China Sea, the military said Wednesday, escalating tensions with Beijing after a diplomatic spat over “trespassing” Chinese vessels. President Joko Widodo also headed Wednesday to the fishing-rich waters around the Natuna islands, which border the South China Sea, most of which is claimed by China despite competing claims from other Southeast Asian nations including Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia. The Indonesian military said it had deployed eight warships and four jet fighters ahead of Widodo’s visit in an apparent bid to assert its sovereignty over the region. “I have said many times Natuna

is our sovereign territory,” Widodo told reporters. “There is nothing to be debated...I hope this is clear.” A Chinese coast guard vessel was spotted in Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone Wednesday, the government said. “We have deployed eight warships,” said Navy spokesman Fajar Tri Rohadi. The air force said fighter jets had also been deployed. “(But) our personnel have been told that we are not going to make provocations but rather protect our territory,” said Air Commodore Ronny Irianto Moningka. China’s foreign ministry downplayed the incident and said there was “no dispute over territorial sovereignty” between Beijing and Jakarta -- though the two have “overlapping claims

Imran to visit Kuala Lumpur to placate Malaysia Prime Minister Imran Khan will be travelling to Malaysia this month to placate Kuala Lumpur after Pakistan skipped a summit of Muslim nations reportedly under pressure from Saudi Arabia, according to a media report. Khan had confirmed Pakistan’s participation in the December 19-21 summit hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, but skipped the event at the 11th hour due to pressure exerted by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates - key financial

backers of the cash-strapped country.

The summit in Kuala Lumpur was seen

by Saudis as an attempt to create a new bloc in the Muslim world that could become an alternative to the dysfunctional Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) led by the Gulf Kingdom. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal even visited Islamabad last month to convey the Saudi leadership’s gratitude to Pakistan for not attending the summit. —

An Indonesian bus plunged over a hill and tumbled Bangladesh to ban single-use plastic in hotels and restaurants 150 metres into a ravine late on Bangladesh’s High Court onMonday, Monday killing The court also ordered the government ordered the government to ban at single-use to strictly enforce the ban on polythene least 26 people and injuring 13, plastics in coastal under the existing media reported on law, Syeda Rizwana areas and in hotels Tuesday. and restaurants in Hasan, chief executive The bus, one year to combat of the Bangladesh with about 50 pollution.

Environmental Lawyers passengers on In 2002 the south Association, told board, crashed Asian nation was reporters. on the way to Palembang from Bengkulu on the island of among the first “We must curb the use Sumatra in western Indonesia, media cited police as saying. countries to ban the of plastics,” the lawyer Authorities were investigating the cause of the crash, use of plastic and said, adding it caused highway police officer Riski told Indonesia’s TV One. polythene bags in an serious health hazards Pictures showed a line of people trying to pull wreckage effort to stop them collecting in waterways and environmental pollution. of the bus from the river. and on land - although the ban has had littleaccidents are common in Indonesia, with roads Traffic success. often cutting through rough terrain and vehicles often poorly maintained.

28 years jail for two Sri Lankan policemen for bribery According to Columbo Gazette, two policemen sentenced to 28 years Rigorous Imprisonment for soliciting a bribe.

An Inspector of Police (IP) and a Constable were sentenced by the Colombo High Court to 28 years rigorous imprisonment

found guilty of soliciting 2 Thai soldiers charged with a bribe of Rs 10,000. killing Muslims The two police officers had

to in refrain Thailand has charged twosolicited soldiers the withbribe murder the from taking legal action against shooting of three Muslim men foraging on a mountain a suspect over an incident in the south, police said Wednesday, a rare push forin justice that one rights group2009. called “unprecedented.” The were arrested byregret officers announcement comes after theThey military expressed of the Bribery Commission last week over the killing of the unarmed civilians and accepting theidentity bribe. in the insurgencyafter saidbeing it was a while case of mistaken scarred region.

The Buddhist-majority state has been locked in a US congressional report calls for sanctions against China over ‘crimes against humanity’ simmering conflict with Malay-Muslim militants in A US congressional report released on China said human rights and rule of law the Commission believes Chinese authorities and for association to USrebels and fighting Chinese for interests, Thailand’s south 15 years with more ” Wednesday called for sanctions against China conditionsworsened in China from August may be committing crimes against humanity. the report said.

It was only the latest salvo from autonomy.

More than 7,000 people have been killed, ” over human rights abuses, and for US officials 2018 to August 2019, the period studied. The “In addition, the Administration shouldmost Washington overboth China’s human rights record, of them civilians from faiths.

Cases are rarely develop to keep rights concerns in mind during dealings report detailed China’s crackdown on religious talking points for US Government officials thechief treatment Uighur Muslims investigated but the police in theofsouthern provincein - particularly with Beijing, including trade negotiations. minorities, labor activists and the press, and including those engaged in trade negotiations the northwestern Xinjiang region, where atinto least of Narathiwat said two soldiers turned themselves The annual human rights report from the focused extensively on treatment of the minority that consistently link freedoms of press, a million people have been detained in what is authorities on Monday after the shooting. speech, Congressional-Executive Commission on Muslim Uighur population in Xinjiang, “where seen by many in the West as a grave abuse of

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We have stopped operation because we have run out of money - Dominion Transport Company Dominion Transport Company’s Director, Satya Nadan says his company had to stop operation after 56 years because they ran out of money and could no longer pay the staff wages or afford fuel to run the buses.

Dominion Transport Limited stopped servicing its routes between Sigatoka and

Nadi on Thursday. Nadan says he did not want to stop serving the communities that his family had been serving since 1964 but they have 34 employees and over 100 family members who rely on them. He adds his workers have mortgages to pay and 30 buses parked not earning money makes no sense.

3 arrested for involvement in robbery in Lautoka Three men have been arrested for their alleged involvement in a robbery at a businessman’s property in Rifle Range, Lautoka early this week.

The suspects who are believed to be in their 30’s were arrested at different locations in Lautoka yesterday. The arrests were made following a raid conducted by the Task Force

team in Lautoka. It is alleged the men were armed with iron rods and they stole cash and assorted items worth more than $63,000.

The businessman and his mum were both sleeping when the alleged suspects entered the premises.

We want issues resolved to prevent the collapse of bus industry - Nisar Ali Shah The Fiji Bus Operators Association met with the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission yesterday to discuss issues faced by the bus operators including the bus fare.

President Nisar Ali Shah says three executives of the association were part of

discussions with the FCCC. Shah says they are now awaiting the decision of the FCCC. He adds that they are hopeful that they will get a positive outcome because they want to resolve the matter and move forward.

Police still searching for owner of Navosa farm where more than 600 plants believed to be marijuana were uprooted Police are still searching for the owner of the farm in Navosa where more than 600 plants believed to be marijuana were uprooted on Tuesday. Police say they conducted raids at Vatubalavu in Navosa following a tip-off from a concerned citizen. Divisional Police Commander West, Senior Superintendent of Police Surend Sami commended the officers

from Sigatoka for their dedication and hard work spending long hours in the interior of Navosa trying to locate the farm.

SSP Sami says they are still on alert as they try to eradicate these illicit drugs from the streets and will come down hard on anyone that is found with drugs.

4-yer-old Fiji boy found alive near his parents’ body in NZ A little boy who was in a critical condition after being found in a home with his dead parents in Papatoetoe, South Auckland on December 30th is showing signs of improvement in hospital.The 4-year-old was found in a bedroom alongside the body of his mother Sherine Nath.His father Rohan Nath, also known as Ricky, was found dead in the garage. They are former Fiji residents.

The boy was rushed to Auckland’s Starship Children’s Hospital and underwent hours of emergency surgery for serious head injuries.

A family member confirmed the little boy opened his eyes on Tuesday. Another family member said the boy was believed to have been hit by a hard object and sustained serious head injuries. His mother’s family have held a bedside vigil ever since he got out of surgery.

The couple was said to have separated eight months ago but had reunited and were living together in the south Auckland home before

Christmas. There has been no official word on how the couple died and police have referred the matter to the coroner. Sherine Nath was farewelled in Wiri, south Auckland, on Sunday. The family member said they don’t know what to expect now that he had woken but he was showing signs of improvement.

“His family have this one connection with his mum, through him. “The boy will grow up surrounded by so much love and we pray that he will forget about the trauma he’s been through.” Ricky Nath’s body was cremated in Fiji. Police confirmed the boy, who had been in a critical condition for more than a week since the incident, was now in a serious but stable condition. Before the Naths died, Rohan had made a series of allegations about his wife, including that she was having an affair, a source said. The couple was said to have separated eight months ago but had reunited and were living together in the south Auckland home

New US Ambassador to Fiji meets with PM Bainimarama

The US Ambassador to Fiji Joseph Cella paid a courtesy call to Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama in his office today.

Cella was sworn-in as the US Ambassador to Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga and Tuvalu

on November 25, last year. Prior to his ambassadorial appointment, he worked for about 20 years at the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives.

Teachers whose contracts expired on Jan 7, have been paid - Kiran The Acting Permanent Secretary for Education, Susan Kiran says those teachers whose contracts have expired on the 7th of this month and who are in the process of signing their new contracts will receive their pay till that date. Kiran says these teachers would have received the pay today.

When questioned as to how many teachers have not signed their new contracts, Kiran says the Ministry cannot reveal the numbers.She says those teachers who have signed on their new contracts after the 7th of this month will receive the leftover balance of their pay by next week.

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Parliament approves extension of Army Chief’s services for 2nd term

Islamabad: The parliament approves extension of Army Chief for another three years despite objections of some of the oppostion parties, in a move that ends a political stand-off that threatened to pit the judiciary against military. Pakistan has been ruled by military for about half its history and tensions between governments and the top generals often dominates politics. Any effort by a military chief to consolidate power is viewed with suspicion by many in

the political class, who are wary of the army extending its influence further into the civilian domain. The assembly also passed two more bills regarding extension in tenures of Air Chief & Naval Chief, if required,

Parliament passes bill to exchange info & criminals with other countries National Assembly session passed crucial bill for exchange of information and criminals with countries to meet a requirement of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

The opposition parties on Monday initially tried to block the passage of the bill by challenging Speaker Asad Qaiser’s ruling on a voice vote allowing Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mr Ali Muhammad Khan to move the bill, but after a 87-83 vote defeat it participated in the process and moved

four minor amendments.

As soon as the minister took the floor to present the Mutual Legal Assistance (Criminal Matter) Bill 2019, parliamentary leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Syed Naveed Qamar termed the legislation against the fundamental rights of the citizens of Pakistan, claiming that after its passage, the government would be able to seek information from foreign countries and extradite its own citizens on the demand of the other nations even without signing a treaty.

ISI raids publisher, confiscates book on ex-dictator Zia ul Haq A prominent novelist & New York Times columnist said that security agencies raided the offices of his publisher and confiscated all the copies of his book about the country’s former military dictator Zia ul Haq. The raid took place on Monday in Karachi, according to the novelist, Mohammad Hanif.

Mohammad Hanif, whose acclaimed “A Case of Exploding Mangoes” is a parody about

the former dictator, killed in a plane crash in 1988, blamed the Pakistani spy agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence or ISI, for the raid.

However, an official at the agency described Hanif ’s claim as a “cheap attempt to gain popularity by hurling false accusations on a national institution.” The official spoke on condition of anonymity under ISI regulations.

Pakistan and China start joint navy excercise Pakistan and China’s navy started exercise in Arabian Sea to enhance their all-weather strategic partnership, have for the first-time deployed submarines, providing a rare major exposure to the Chinese navy in the region.

The Arabian Sea region is strategically important for India as major ports, including Kandla, Okha , Mumbai, Nhava Sheva (Navi Mumbai), Mormugão, New Mangalore and Kochi, are located there. The joint maritime exercises began on Monday in the North Arabian Sea, regarded strategically significant for China, which is now developing Pakistan’s deep water Gwadar Port there. Gwadar is being connected through the over $60-billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to China’s Xinjiang province, providing

a key land route to China to access the warm waters of the Arabian Sea. India has objected to China over the CPEC as it is being laid through the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The Gwadar is also located close to Iran’s Chabahar Port being jointly developed by Iran, India and Afghanistan to ensure a trade corridor for Indian exports to Afghanistan.

The Arabian Sea provides entry to the Indian Ocean where China currently has built a logistics base at Djibouti in the Horn of Africa.

The exercise started on Monday in the port city of Karachi, Pakistan, and will be held in the North Arabian Sea until January 14, the PLA Daily reported on Tuesday.

state-run PTV Pakistan Television reported.

Two opposition parties, Jamaat-eIslami, and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam opposed the bill.

PM Khan extended Army Chief General

Bajwa’s term for three years. Supreme Court in November suspended Prime Minister’s Khan’s order and allowed govt to grant only six-month extension. The court ruled that in the next six months the government should clarify the law related to the extension. Failure to do so would make the appointment illegal, it added. The legislation will allow the prime minister to extend the tenures of the army, air force, and naval chiefs for three years.

Govt officials testify against Hafiz Saeed ix more prosecution witnesses, including revenue officials, testified against Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed and his close aides for their involvement in terror financing before an anti-terrorism court in Pakistan, a court official said on Wednesday.

The anti-terrorism court Lahore indicted Saeed and his close aides — Hafiz Abdul Salam, Muhammad Ashraf and Zafar Iqbal — on terror financing charges on December 11.

“Some six more prosecution witnesses, including officials of the Punjab Government Revenue Department, testified against Saeed and three other suspects in terror financing

case before the anti-terrorism court on Tuesday and Wednesday,” the official said.

He said the revenue officials also submitted the record of the Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) centres, seminaries and mosques in Lahore.

The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of Punjab police also produced witnesses against Saeed and others who told the court about their collections of funds for terror financing.

Anti-Terrorism Lahore (ATC-I) judge Arshad Hussain Bhutta adjourned the hearing till Thursday. Strict security measures were taken in and outside the court premises during the appearance of the JuD leaders.

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Minister slaps tv host for linking him with ‘TikTok sensation Pakistan Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry has admitted that he had slapped a TV anchor at a wedding for linking him with TikTok sensation Hareem Shah.

Defending his move, the minister while speaking to a private TV channel on Sunday night said he was a human first before anything else, The Express Tribune reported.

“Ministries come and go. I will not tolerate personal attacks…we are all human beings and will react when someone makes such false allegations,” he was quoted as saying. Earlier,

the minister slammed a tv anchor, calling him a “sham journalist” in a tweet after reports of the slapping incident went viral on social media. Chaudhry retweeted a news article on the altercation with the caption, ‘People like Mubashir Lucman have nothing to do with journalism…and it’s everyone’s duty to expose him.’

Speaking on Lucman’s show, fellow anchor Rai Saqib Kharal had claimed that there were several ‘indecent videos’ of Chaudhry in possession of TikTok star Hareem Shah and he had personally seen them.

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Saturday, January 11, 2020 New US immigration fees to hit businesses hard Will “Pay more for less service” be the Trump administration’s new marketing slogan for businesses dealing with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)? The administration plans to raise fees more than 50% for many business applications, while workers will need to pay more to become citizens or gain permanent residence.

On November 14, 2019, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a proposed rule that would increase fees across key business immigration categories, in essence, levying a tax increase on employers that access the global market for labor. The fee increases come at a time when U.S. job openings in 2019 outnumbered the unemployed by “the widest gap ever,” which, along with a large body of economic research, undermines the argument that immigrants prevent

NRI kidnapped by his wife

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natives from finding jobs. The fee increases are unlikely to reduce processing times at the agency because USCIS states in the rule that it will not change the policies that have created the longer delays. Lack of money does not seem to be the problem: The average USCIS case processing time increased by 91% between FY 2014 and FY 2018, at the same time the agency’s budget rose by 30%, according to USCIS data, notes the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).

Processing times became longer at the agency even when the number of new cases dropped by over one million between FY 2017 and FY 2018. • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services requiring in-person interviews for employment-based immigrant applications.

• USCIS issuing far more Requests for Evidence, particularly on H-1B petitions and other business applications.

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A 64-year-old NRI from England, Pritpal Singh Plah, alleged that he was kidnapped for ransom by his recently wedded Jalandhar-based wife. The NRI raised the alarm when he was taken to the bank for withdrawing Rs 15 lakh demanded by the kidnappers and they fled the scene. Apart from the NRI’s wife, Rajni Sharma (40), her four accomplices have been identified as Gurpreet Singh, Babbu, alias Bablu; Rajni’s mother and Pawan, all residents of Dakoha, Jalandhar. They have absconded. The NRI is a native of Industrial Area, Shimlapuri Pritpal, in his complaint to the police, has alleged that he was a permanent resident of England. After getting divorce from his first wife, he got married to a Jalandharbased woman, Rajni, in March this year.

Last month, he returned from England after his foreign currency went missing.

He suspected the role of his wife behind the currency theft. “I did not talk to my wife later as I suspected that she got married to me to usurp my money and property. On November 4, I landed at Delhi airport. I did not inform my wife about my arrival in India. I hired a taxi (an Innova) from airport. The moment I sat in the car, my wife and the other suspects also boarded the taxi and they forcibly took me to Dakoha in Jalandhar. They kept me there for five days in illegal confinement. They thrashed me and snatched my all belongings,” the NRI told the police.

The investigating officer, Sub-Inspector Manjit Singh, said: “After keeping the NRI in illegal confinement, he agreed to pay ransom money demanded by his kidnappers.

They took him to the SBI NRI branch at Fountain Chowk. He was forced to withdraw Rs 15 lakh. Instead of filling in amount on the withdrawal slip, he wrote, “Call the police I am kidnapped”. The woman clerk handed over the withdrawal slip to the bank manager. When the NRI’s wife and her accomplices got to know that he had managed to inform the bank employee about his kidnapping, they fled the bank”.

Manjit said the police were raiding the possible hideouts of the suspects.

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OVER 250 NEW MAZDAS IN STOCK FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY % PURCHASE +

0

WOLFE’S LANGLEY MAZDA YEAR

END

$4,000

UP TO

CASH PRICE from LEASE from

2019

Mazda cx-5

39 MPG

$27,870 $176

BI-WEEKL BI-WEEKLY PAYMENT P

Gurtej Dhillon

35 M

49

PG

2019

Mazda cx-9

CASH PRICE from LEASE from

$1,500

YEAR END EVENT BONUS ON SELECT NEW MODELS

EVENT

IN CASH DISCOUNTS

FINANCING

UP TO

$34,720 $199

2019

Mazda3 SPORT

BI-WEEKL BI-WEEKLY PA AYMENT

CASH PRICE from LEASE from

PG

MP

49 M

G

$22,120 $139

BI-WEEKL BI-WEEKLY PA AYMENT

2019

Mazda3

CASH PRICE from LEASE from

$19,820 $119

BI-WEEKL BI-WEEKLY PA AYMENT

Monie Tutt

https://www.langleymazda.com/

SHOP 24 HOURS AT

604-534-0181 19265 LANGLEY BYPASS, SURREY/LANGLEY UNLIMITED

▼Year End Bonus offer is available to qualifying retail customers who cash purchase/finance/lease a select new and previously unregistered, in-stock 2019 Mazda model before January 2, 2020. Amounts vary by model – Some exceptions apply. Bonus applied before taxes and cannot be combined with Winter Tire Credit offer - See dealer for complete details. †Offer available on retail leases of new 2019 Mazda3 GX/2019 Mazda 3 Sport with a lease APR of 2.7% and 130 bi-weekly payments of $119/$139 for 60 months, the total lease obligation is $16,220/$19,020, including down payment (or equivalent trade-in) of $750/$900. New 2019 Mazda CX-5/CX-9 with a lease APR of 3.3/1.95% and 130 bi-weekly payments of $176/$199 for 60 months, the total lease obligation is $22,800/$26,260, including down payment (or equivalent trade-in) of $0/$0. All rebates, lease bonuses and current incentive applied. First monthly payment is due at lease inception. 20,000 km per year mileage allowance applies; All prices include environmental taxes, freight & PDI. They do not include licence, insurance or taxes. Lease and Finance on approved credit for qualified customers only. Prices and rates subject to change without notice. Visit mazda.ca or see your dealer for complete details.

DL#8451

Does your SUV drive 2,000 kms on 43 litres of gas?

Many Wolfe Mitsubishi PHEV owners report they regularly exceed this on just one tank!

CASH $ PRICE from

No need to sacrifice driving range or performance PLUS until Jan 2 get 10 years peace of mind with a NO-CHARGE Extended Warranty valued at up to $2,600

$1,50

42,023

PROV 0 .E REBAT V E

$2,500

FED. EV REBATE

www.wolfemitsubishi.ca *P *Prices include freight and PDI, taxes, insurance and dealer fees are extra – $3,500 manufacturer rebate has been applied. 2019 Outlander PHEV SE-AWC lease is based on 84 month term finance (182 payments) of $268.05 plus tax @ 1.99%. Total paid $48,785 ccost of borrowing $3,262. – Offer subject to credit approval, $0 due on delivery. **10 Year/160 km warranty, whichever comes first.

R Regular maintenance not included. See dealer or mitsubishi-motors.ca for warranty terms, restrictions and details - Some conditions www.mitsubishi-motors.ca apply. Offers apply to vehicles delivered between Dec 2, 2019 to Jan 2, 2020 and are subject to change or cancellation without notice.

L

9 01

E OD

2019 Forester

NO E K MA ENTS G! PAYIM L sPRIn

M

2

e sAv to

$

blowout from

$

‘t

uP

0A0t e 5H,0 e r b

WOLFE

29,240

finAnce & leAse from

0.5%

o.A.c.

cA$

2019 crosstrek blowout from

$

25,420

2019 impreza (sedan and hatchback)

blowout from

$

19,640

2019 legacy

blowout from

$

24,995

www.LangleySubaru.com

SHOP 24 HOURS AT

604-534-2660 19372 LANGLEY BYPASS, SURREY/LANGLEY Prices do not include taxes, license, insurance or doc fee of $395. Vehicles may not be exactly as illustrated - Offers valid while supplies last. Finance and Lease offered on approved credit status – Offer acceptance conditions apply (OAC). $5,000 rebate applies to 2019 Outback. 0.5% Lease & finance available for 24 months on certain models. www.Subaru.ca See Subaru.ca for details of ALG and IIHS awards. Offers end January 2, 2020

2019 outback

blowout from

$

27,540

2019 ascent

2019 WrX

blowout from

blowout from

$

29,995

$

37,795

offer bonuseive rec oliday

$

500

h cash

44

Saturday, January 11, 2020