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Sukh Dhaliwal
hosts Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff in Surrey
[Surrey, BC] For
the Liberal Party of Canada and their leader Michael Ignatieff,
this summer has been about listening. As a means to introduce himself
to Canadians and
consult as widely as possible with voters from coast
to coast to
coast, Ignatieff launched the Liberal Express bus
tour,
which has now taken him to dozens of
communities across the country.
His 105th stop on
the tour rolled into Surrey, BC to visit the riding
of Sukh Dhaliwal, Member of Parliament for Newton North
Delta. The
riding is an
important one for the party, as Dhaliwal continues
to win
against the odds,
with his neighbouring MPs are all members of the
governing Conservative caucus. Dhaliwal was one
of only two Liberal
MPs in the last
federal election to increase his vote total in the
face of a difficult campaign.
The event
attracted a healthy crowd of just under 200 people to
Dhaliwal's house for a community barbecue, with the
majority of the
crowd being young people under the age of
30. Ignatieff
has spoken at
great lengths
about his Global Networks Strategy, which seeks to have
Canada and
Canadians engage globally and become players on the
international scene.
A significant
component of this strategy is one that encourages youth
to travel abroad
and work, volunteer and make a difference abroad,
only to come back
to Canada to share their acquired talents,
experiences and relationships with the rest of
Canada. This is the
kind of
experience that serves as the basis of nation building - a
means to foster a
mature, aware and activist next generation of
Canadians that
will continue to maintain the country's relevance
within the global community.
The Liberal
leader's speech was inspiring to those collected, as he
encouraged the
assembled youth to "gain international experience and
become better
Canadians and bigger contributors to the country and the
world as a result." Many in attendance were impressed by the
message,
and considering
their futures differently after listening to
Ignatieff's advice.
Ignatieff is bringing new messages to Canadian that
are not being
heard or tuned into with the current
government. If the success of
the tour thus far
is any indication, Ignatieff's chances as becoming
the next Prime
Minister of Canada are growing with every stop that the
bus makes.
Sharnjit Gill – One of the Top 50 Mortgage
Brokers in Canada
By Veeno Dewan
The name Sharnjit Gill need no
introduction in the mortgage business in Surrey B.C. And now gain evens more recognition as the
smiling mortgage broker has been included in the Prestigious Canadian
Mortgage professionals Top 50 Mortgage brokers in Canada awards 2009 with funded mortgages totalling
$48,825,800 No mean
achievement considering that Gill has opted to keep his company self- owned
and with son Raj and daughter Mani assisting him.
As a professional mortgage brokers, President/CEO of
Superior Mortgage Force, Sharnjit is an Accredited
Mortgage Professional and past commerce graduate. He has an extensive
background in the financial industry with more than 35 years of banking
service including experience at BMO - Bank of Montreal as Manager at their
Surrey BC Branches.
Gill sitting in his Surrey office positively beams about his
award saying “I feel honoured to be included in
Canada’s Top 50 mortgage brokers; it is a tribute also to our community to be
chosen.” The modest Gill adds ‘We have worked hard as a family and company to
be ethical and ensure our service to our clients is second to none, so when
you work hard , this is the reward.”
As a small family business, Gill explains his success “the
difference between us and a big bank is that we have the specialist time and knowledge to treat each customer
individually, being self employed we see each customer as valuable, we work
from 6.00am in the morning until whenever to ensure our customers
needs are met. The level of personal service is waht
sets us apart”
Although the
financial crisis of 2008 and d 2009 hurt bigger financial companies, Gills
company comprising his son and daughter were not affected and actually grew
in sales. “We are a lean team, we get about 80% of our business as referrals
and follow ups from previous clients who we helped in the past and are happy
to recommend our services, so we work extra hard to ensure we get the best
possible deal for people when it comes to mortgages.”
In an industry know for being complicated and vague, Gill
says ethics and being honest is an important reason for his success “We are
self employed and so our survival depends on our customers, so we ensure
clarity, simplicity and integrity. My experience at BMO (Bank of Montreal)
ensures we can get the right product and match it to the right client. We do
very well and prosper because we do establish trust in the people we help”
Gill adds “It speaks for your standing in the community and reputation to
achieve something like this award in the difficult times we face. We
purposely keep the company small so we can offer a personal service and quality.”
Gill also stresses “Our customers do not get any nasty surprises or hidden
charges, so client trust us and each client will bring in two or more
customers on the basis of the great experience they have had with us.”
Colin Dreyer, President and CEO, of Verico
Financial Group Inc. Says "Sharnjit Gill, President, is a highly respected and
knowledgeable mortgage professional and
Superior Mortgage is a strong and welcome addition to the
Mortgage Brokers Network." Sharnjit is also
in demand for his professional mortgage advice from magazines newspaper;
radio (ReD FM and TV (Omni) and is seen as the
communities “go to guy” when is its
comes to mortgage issues.
At Superior Mortgage, Sharnjit says
"A mortgage is the biggest investment decision and our group believes in
three key things: professional, experienced and friendly service in meeting
our customers needs. Experience makes a Difference” He adds “ Based
our banking experience. We monitor mortgage rates every day for you to find
the lowest mortgage rates in Canada, every time. We are proud to be amongst
the top 50 Mortgage Brokers”. So what is left for Sharnjit
to accomplish? “Our next aim is to get into the top five Mortgage brokers of
Canada and keep helping and educating the community on getting the best
mortgage possible” And Sharnjits advice for those seeking a mortgage. “We offer the best advice, but we always
advise people whoever they talk with, to get a second opinion and shop around
before making a final decision on anything. A lack of knowledge and a lack of
action in getting the right mortgage could mean you end up paying a lot
more.
Sandeep
Pandher Campaigns for Delta on a Municipal Platform
Sandeep Pandher is campaigning for Delta Council on a Municipal
platform saying “
We will plan ahead to meet the challenges of
the 21st century. It is vital for us to develop a vision for Delta that
builds from our strong history and that will provide for future generations a
balance of economic prosperity and environmental sustainability. Our goal is
to make Delta a leader in urban community planning and development.
The Sandeep Pandher Municipal Platform is geared towards bring forth
positive ideas while addressing 3 core Delta values.
Planning for
Prosperity - Small Businesses are the heart and soul of Delta community.
Delta must provide the right opportunities and strategic vision for
businesses to retain employees and provide jobs locally.
Quality of Life - Deltans
enjoy a safe and high quality of life. Delta must develop and assert a
comprehensive vision. This vision should guide our decisions and promote our
values.
Revitalizing Local Heritage - Agriculture
and fishing are an integral foundation of Delta's heritage. We should retain
and build on this legacy to continue to be a community of choice.
We have diverse
community needs. Based on my consultations with local residents and
businesses these are my priorities:
1. Invest in Delta Police, Firefighters
and Hospital to provide the best frontline responder services that make Delta
a leader in the GVRD
2. Long term stable funding for Delta Arts
Council and initiatives promoting Art in our local schools
3. Support development and upgrading of
sporting facilities
1. engage with other levels of
government to develop programs in order to sustain long term development of
our promising athletes
4. In collaboration with the local
businesses and other stakeholder groups, develop a vision for long term
economic planning
5. Tilbury Eco
Industrial Park needs to be developed to its potential by providing competitive tax incentives to
attract new businesses, transit
services to retain employees and. transportation options for truck traffic
6. Champion increased public transit
availability for local commuters, students and workers
7. Road safety is a growing concern for
residents and steps have to be taken in association with local law
enforcement to build awareness.. An overpass is
needed on 72nd avenue and highway 91 junction
8. Provide incentives and policies to
encourage new building development that conforms to leading edge sustainable
building design and energy efficiency standards
9. Options to address long-term affordable
housing needs for aging seniors and young families
10. Protect Burns Bog under the United
Nations Ramsar Convention and establish an
interpretive centre. Conserve local wildlife habitats, parks and ecology
11. Agriculture and farming needs have to
be addressed by investing in an irrigation system, .
by dedicating roads for farm traffic and exploring new markets for local agro
products
12. Local Delta heritage has to be
emphasized in our community planning exercises. The completed Ladner Waterfront Revitalization will be an important
community milestone.It is crucial to secure long
term funding mechanisms for dredging of the Fraser River
Ignatieffs
Liberal Express Arrives in BC
As the Liberal
Express rolled into British Columbia
last week, Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff is
sharing his commitment to creating long-term economic growth through
strategic, targeted investments for building a sustainable clean energy
economy.“Liberals believe that Canada does not have to choose between
environmental sustainability and economic growth,” said Mr. Ignatieff. “Unlike the Conservatives, we understand that
the next generation of jobs and economic growth in a carbon-constrained world
will come from renewable energy sources and energy efficiency.”
Mr. Ignatieff and the Liberal team will met
with researchers from the Institute for Integrated Energy Systems at the
University of Victoria, which conducts research into sustainable energy.
“Innovative
places like the Institute for Integrated Energy Systems are charting the
course for Canada and the world, because the scientists, engineers, and
economists here are working together towards the common goal of finding
access to safe, clean and sustainable energy,” said Mr. Ignatieff.
“After four years
of a Stephen Harper government, there has been no investment made in sustainable
energy sources. Our oceans have been left vulnerable to oil spills, we’re
made zero progress on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and Canada has done
its best to block advances at international climate change summits.”
In contrast, a
future Liberal government will invest in clean energy to create jobs and
develop cutting edge industries that will export clean technology products to
growing markets such as China and India.
In partnership
with the provinces, Liberals will set an ambitious target of quadrupling
Canada’s production of renewable energy from sources such as solar and wind,
by 2017.
Liberals have
also committed to protecting our air, oceans, waterways, forests and Arctic,
to restore Canada’s place as an environmental leader.
“It’s time to set
ourselves a new national project—one that brings together our economy, our
environment and our best ideas to create the jobs and prosperity of
tomorrow,” said Mr. Ignatieff.
Update on Canada's Assistance for Pakistan Flood Victims
Ottawa, Ontario -
The Honourable Beverley J. Oda,
Minister of International Cooperation, provided further details of the
Government of Canada's $33 million contribution announced on Saturday, August
14, 2010, in response to the most urgent needs of flood-affected populations
in Pakistan.
"As the
extent of the crisis in Pakistan increases, Canada's humanitarian aid is
critical to help the thousands who have lost everything due to the
floods," said Minister Oda. "The
Government has responded rapidly and, in addition, will be contributing to
the Pakistan Flood Relief Fund an amount equivalent to the donations by
individual Canadians to support humanitarian assistance, early recovery, and
reconstruction efforts."
The Canadian
International Development Agency (CIDA) has disbursed $25 million to the
following international partners and Canadian non-governmental organizations
(NGOs):
* United Nations - $13.6 million
* $6.25 million to assist the World Food
Programme (WFP) in supporting the flood- affected
families in Peshawar, Charsadda, and Nowshera by supplying family food baskets designed to
meet the minimum daily caloric intake of up to 6 million people across the
affected areas for a period of three months;
* $2 million to support UNICEF in
providing safe drinking water, and sanitation and hygiene promotion services
to nearly 1 million people, a large number of whom are children under the age
of five;
* $2 million for the UN High
Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to provide water and sanitation, medical
services, and shelter to the most vulnerable flood-affected populations in
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwah and Baluchistan, as well as to
Afghan refugees;
* $1.5 million to support the
International Organization for Migration (IOM) in providing assistance
services to up to 500,000 families, such as shelter and non-food items. This
contribution will also help provide a dedicated logistics platform to handle
the receipt, transport, warehousing, and distribution of non-food items and
shelter materials;
* $1 million to support the World Health
Organization (WHO)'s emergency response to the floods, including making drugs
and medical supplies available, supporting vaccination programs, and
monitoring and controlling health threats and outbreaks, as well providing
safe water and sanitation in health facilities;
* $500,000 to support the WFP in
providing logistics and telecommunications support to their humanitarian
operations;
* $150,000 for the Office for the
Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the UN agency responsible for
the overall coordination of operations in response to humanitarian crises, to
help ensure that the international humanitarian response in Pakistan is
effectively coordinated; and
* $200,000 to the UN Population Fund
(UNFPA) to provide emergency assistance and protection from gender-based
violence for women of reproductive age.
* International Federation of the Red
Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and International Committee of the
Red Cross (ICRC) - $5 million
* $3 million to the International
Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) to provide up to 910,000 people with
humanitarian medical assistance, including health services and safe water;
* $1 million to support the International
Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in distributing essential household items,
including hygiene items and shelter material, to up to 350,000 people; and
* $1 million to deploy CIDA's emergency
relief supplies to support ongoing emergency relief operations on the ground
by the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
On August 17, a shipment of Canadian supplies,
arrived in Pakistan in support of ongoing emergency relief operations by the
International Federation of Red Cross and the Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
and the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS). The shipment contained:
* 1,000 all-weather tents
* 7,060 jerrycans
* 1,000 tarps
* 3,840 mosquito nets
* Non-governmental organizations - $6.4
million
* $2.1 million to Save the Children
Canada to provide primary healthcare services to over 270,000 people, with a
focus on emergency maternal, newborn, and child healthcare assistance in the
Swat, Punjab, and Sindh provinces;
* $1.4 million to CARE Canada to provide
shelter, sanitation and hygiene, non-food items, and primary healthcare
services to up to 120,000 people in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwah,
Sindh, and Punjab provinces;
* $1.5 million to Oxfam Canada to
improve access to safe water supplies, sanitation facilities, and hygiene
promotion to up to 1 million people;
* $850,000 to the Canadian Red Cross
Society to deploy and staff a joint Canadian-Norwegian Red Cross Basic Health
Care unit in Sindh province. This unit is designed
to provide mobile and flexible health care on the ground and is expected to
reach up to 30,000 people;
* $425,000 to Focus Humanitarian
Assistance to provide tents, tarpaulins, water, hygiene kits, and blankets,
as well as basic healthcare services, to up to 30,000 people in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwah, Gilgit Balistan, Sindh, and Punjab
provinces; and
* $125,000 to Global Medic to provide 10
million urgently needed water purification tablets to ensure the availability
of 100 million litres of clean drinking water.
The remaining $8
million, of which $5 million will be allocated for bridges identified by the
Government of Pakistan as a critical component of its response to the floods,
is being disbursed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International
Trade (DFAIT).
What’s Next For The Tamil Refugees: A Wake
Up Call For Canada
By Jennifer Reddy (Green Party of BC.)
Canada Screens
Potential Tamil ‘Terrorists’, but Are We Ready for the Real Challenge?
Canada is in
frenzy about the arrival of 500 Tamil migrants who have travelled by boat to
seek asylum here in Canada. The next stop for these migrants, who are mostly
women and children, will be incarceration. After this, we are hearing fears
about “these refugees taxing our health care and social safety net system.”
While some may
suggest that they have ‘jumped’ the immigration line, it is important to
recognize that these people are coming from a volatile situation where human
rights violations are not uncommon. They have limited options and are
therefore faced to make a very difficult decision; uproot their family and
leave their homeland or stay and face persecution. Placed in a similar
situation what would you do?
What is not being
visited in this situation is the plight of refugees and more importantly,
their resilience. Refugees are able and willing to contribute to Canada by
way of working and paying taxes like anyone else. While our government
ponders the ‘liability’ of these people, we are missing the opportunity for a
fruitful future for both these people in Canada and for Canada’s social
safety net.
Some refugees wait for up to 2 years before
receiving their work permits. Many volunteer and look for any opportunities
to gain work experience while depending on government transfers to make ends
meet.
It’s not too
early to think about how these people will integrate into Canada. Now is the
time to accelerate the waiting period it takes to review cases and grant work
permits so that these people can live with dignity. Regardless of how these refugees have
entered Canada, its Canada’s constitutional responsibility to give these
asylum seekers a fair trial. The benefits are multi-faceted: reduce the
pressure on our already over-capacity jails, reduce the pressure on our
health system and social safety nets and at the same time improve the
integration of asylum seekers as productive contributors to the growth of our
vibrant country.
Ambulance Cuts Affects Patient Care, Says NDP
Patients and their families are paying the
price for the B.C. Liberal government's shortsighted decision to cut
ambulances reserved for transfers in the Lower Mainland, the New Democrats
say. “The B.C. Liberals' decision to cut transfer ambulances means less services for those who need it most. The government
should have known this would put patients at risk,” said Adrian Dix, New
Democrat health critic.
On July 1, the
government cut 14 ambulances from their transfer fleet in the Lower Mainland
and Fraser Valley as part of a $5.9 million, 36.2 per cent cut to transfer
services. Cutting 14 ambulances will reduce capacity by 29,489 transfers per
year.
"Patients
all over the region are paying a high price for the cut to transfer services.
It has led to long wait times, with some patients waiting until two or three
in the morning before they get back to their hospital room or home. This
causes delays and problems at a time when hospitals are jammed. It is a false
economy with a heavy price for patients and staff alike," said Dix.
“The government's
decision to cut ambulance services is having a direct impact on patients and
their families, both in Surrey and around the Lower Mainland. One of my
constituents in Surrey suffered greatly,” said Harry Bains,
New Democrat MLA for Surrey-Newton.
Dix and Bains met with Christine Stirman,
who relies on ambulance transport to get her to and from medical appointments
at the hospital. Ms. Stirman suffers from ALS. Her
experience provides stark evidence of the impact of the cuts made to
ambulance services by the B.C. Liberal Government.
“These cuts are
having a negative impact on overall response times. The B.C. Ambulance
Service has already been forced to reinstate some services because of the
disruption caused by this poorly thought-out scheme. But the system continues
to be fundamentally disrupted at a huge cost to patients such as Christine Stirman,” said Dix.
Eid Ul Fitr In September
British Columbia
Muslim Association (BCMA) say If the moon is sighted
on Wednesday September 8th, Eid ul Fitr will be on Thursday
September 09th, 2010. Otherwise, Eid-ul-Fitr
will be on Friday September 10th, 2010.This year the BCMA will
have Eid ul Fitr Salah at two Eid Ga’ah locations in the
Lower Mainland:
At Swanguard Stadium, Burnaby B.C. (Kingsway/Boundary)
Cloverdale’s Millenium Park (64th and
176 St).
There will be
provisions for all members of the family. Car pooling is highly recommended.
Please bring your own prayer mats/compulsory. All other details including the
timings of Eid-ul-Fitr Salah
will be announced later.
Pakistan
Relief Collection
The BCMA has collected $50,000 towards the Pakistan Relief Fund. The
Association is working closely with (HCI) Human Concern International to
ensure our contribution are reached to dire and needy people who are affected
by this flood disaster. If you would like to contribute towards
Pakistan Relief, please contact one your local directors.
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