One missing after boating accident near Mission

15 June 2024

A 37-year-old man from Dewdney is missing after a boating accident occurred in the Nicomen Slough shortly before 6:30 p.m. on Friday.

Two men had been out in a small flat-bottom aluminum boat, and were reportedly doing donuts in the water when they hit their own wake, ejecting both men from the boat. The passenger of the boat was able to make it to shore, while the driver of the boat has not been located. Mission Search and Rescue conducted an extensive search of the area well into the night, but the man was not located.

Mission Search and Rescue, supported by Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue and South Fraser Search and Rescue, will be back in the area on Saturday, although searchers believe this will likely be a recovery mission at this point. The area of the Nicomen Slough where the accident happened is only about 12 feet deep, and there is no real current going through there right now. Search teams scoured the water and the shoreline on Friday night, and they believe it is unlikely that the driver is still alive. Neither the driver nor the passenger were wearing life jackets, and alcohol may also have played a factor in the incident.

“This is a tragic end to what was supposed to be an enjoyable evening on the water,” says Cpl. Harrison Mohr with Mission RCMP. “Our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends, and with the passenger that had been with him on the boat. As we enter peak boating season, please remember to always wear a life jacket when you’re on the water, as it only takes a second for something to go terribly wrong. It’s like a seatbelt in a car – it only works if you wear it.”

Mission RCMP are continuing to work together with Mission Search and Rescue on this incident, and will deploy RCMP divers as well if needed. Searchers are expected to be on scene throughout most of Saturday.

Vancouver Police identify suspect in assault against sex worker

14 June 2024

VANCOUVER Police have identified a suspect in the violent assault that prompted a public warning on Thursday for women and sex workers in the Downtown Eastside.

Patrol officers located a suspect Thursday evening while conducting patrols near Oppenheimer Park.

Officers have now seized the man’s vehicle and are continuing to investigate. The suspect cannot be identified because charges have not yet been laid.

A woman was picked up after midnight on June 10 by a man driving an older-model dark-coloured sedan near East Hastings Street and Campbell Avenue. The suspect assaulted the woman with a weapon, then pushed her out of the car near Oppenheimer Park.

Two passersby came to the woman’s aid and called police. The woman is now recovering from her physical injuries.

As this priority investigation continues, police encourage sex workers in the Downtown Eastside to remain vigilant.

Man who stabbed Mexican tourist at Tim Horton’s to reside at Vancouver halfway house

14 June 2024

VANCOUVER Police are warning the public that the man convicted of violently stabbing a stranger in a downtown coffee shop less than three years ago has been released from custody and will again be living in the community.

David Morin, 30, was convicted of aggravated assault for the January 22, 2022 unprovoked stabbing of a Mexican tourist inside a Tim Horton’s coffee shop in Downtown Vancouver. He was arrested days later by Vancouver Police and received a three-year jail sentence in June 2022.

The Vancouver Police Department has now been informed that Morin has been granted statutory release by Correctional Service Canada and will be allowed to live in Vancouver while on parole.

Police believe Morin poses a high risk of significant harm to the community, and that compelling circumstances exist to warn the public that he will be living in Vancouver

Morin is 30 years old and 6’3” with a medium build, short black hair, and brown eyes.

He is required to follow a number of release conditions and can be re-arrested if found in breach of the following:

Not to consume, purchase, or possess alcohol.

Not to consume, purchase or possess drugs other than prescribed medication and over-the-counter drugs taken as recommended by the manufacturer.

Not to associate with any person involved in criminal activity.

Not to have any direct or indirect contact with the victim.

Not to be in possession of knives, except for the immediate purpose of preparation and consumption of food and/or for any lawful employment purposes.

Must immediately report all intimate sexual and non-sexual relationships and friendships with females to his parole supervisor.

Anyone who observes Morin breaching these conditions, or has information that he has breached these conditions, is asked to contact police immediately.

Richmond RCMP seek witnesses to alleged robbery in Broadmoor area

14 June 2024

ON June 1, shortly after 10:45 p.m., Richmond RCMP received a report of an alleged robbery at a plaza in the 10000-block of No 3 Road.

According to the victim, he was leaving the plaza and walking towards a bus stop on Ryan Road when he was allegedly attacked by up to eight masked people. The victim alleges he was struck in the head with a weapon and his backpack was stolen.

The victim said two of the suspects ran toward a business located in the plaza while the rest left in a white vehicle that could have been an SUV or a hatchback.

Fortunately, the victim did not suffer any significant physical injuries but was transported to a local area hospital for treatment.

Richmond RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS) is asking anyone who was in the area of No 3 Road from Ryan Road to Williams Road between 10:40 p.m. and 11 p.m. who may have witnessed or have dash cam footage of this incident to contact Richmond RCMP.

Richmond RCMP subsequently recovered the victim’s backpack in the area south of a school in the 8200-block of General Currie Road. Richmond RCMP GIS is asking anyone in this area who may have observed a white Hyundai Sedan in the area between 10:50 p.m. and 11:15 p.m. to contact Richmond RCMP.

Anyone who may have witnessed, or have information regarding this file, is asked to call Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212 and quote file number 2024-17171. Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers by phone at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit them online at www.solvecrime.ca.

NDP MP Don Davies introduces motion to recognize and prohibit caste-based discrimination

14 June 2024

FED NDP DON DAVIES Twitter — Don Davies Photo: X

NDP MP Don Davies (Vancouver Kingsway) on Friday introduced a motion in Parliament to recognize and prohibit caste-based discrimination in Canada. The motion calls for changes to the Canadian Human Rights Act to add caste as a prohibited ground of discrimination, acknowledging the severe social and economic exclusion faced by Canadians in communities across the country.

“Caste-based discrimination is a part of the lived experience of many Canadians and ought to be explicitly recognized and prohibited under the Canadian Human Rights Act,” said Davies. “Due to the tireless efforts of advocates, some institutions have recognized caste-based discrimination as a human rights violation as an inferred ground of discrimination. It is time we made this explicit and send a clear message that this is not tolerated in our society.”

At a press conference unveiling the motion on Friday, Davies was joined by Manoj Bhangu, who won the first case of caste discrimination at the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal.

Davies was also joined by Jyotika Jasuja, cultural events coordinator for the Chetna Association of Canada, and Jai Birdi, executive director of the Chetna Association of Canada.

“Millions of people worldwide still face appalling and dehumanising discrimination based on caste and similar systems of inherited status,” said Bhangu. “Caste discrimination remains prevalent in Canada and we must take immediate action to address it.”

“Explicitly banning caste-based discrimination under Canadian human rights law would mark a significant step forward,” added Jasuja. “It represents an important acknowledgement that the problem exists here in Canada and would allow people to seek legal recourse if they face discrimination.”

“We must work together to build a casteless society where individuals can live in harmony with each other regardless of differences,” said Birdi. “We implore MPs to reach across party lines to add caste as a stand-alone category to the Canadian Human Rights Act.”

“Caste-based hatred and discrimination have no place in Canada,” concluded Davies. “I call on all Parliamentarians to support this important human rights initiative.”

Trudeau and Modi meet at G7 Leaders’ Summit

14 June 2024

MODI TRUDEAU — Narendra Modi and Justin Trudeau at the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Apulia, Italy, Photos: Modi's X

PRIME Minister Justin Trudeau and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met on Friday at the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Apulia, Italy.

Trudeau participated in G7 working sessions to strengthen security and stability around the world, particularly in Ukraine and the Middle East. In meetings with G7 partners, the Prime Minister underlined the importance of global solidarity to support Ukraine in defence of its freedom.

Modi spoke at the G7 Outreach Session on AI and Energy, Africa and Mediterranean. He highlighted a wide range of subjects, notably, the wide-scale usage of technology for human progress.

BC’s Seniors Advocate and Crime Stoppers say reporting of elder abuse is essential

14 June 2024

Annis & Levitt photo (landscape) — Linda Annis (left) and Dan Levitt.

ABUSE of elderly people is one of the most underreported crimes in Canada, and the World Health Organization has estimated one in every six seniors over the age of 60 experiences abuse or neglect.

June 15 is Elder Abuse Awareness Day in B.C. and around the globe, and it serves as a reminder for all to be vigilant.

B.C.’s new Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt describes seniors abuse as any action that results in harm to a senior by someone in a relationship of trust, such as a family member (adult, child or spouse), friend or caregiver. Statistics from the Seniors Abuse and Information Line (SAIL), operated by Seniors First BC, show financial abuse, and emotional / psychological abuse are the most commonly reported offenses. Sadly, a senior may experience more than one type of abuse which may also include physical or sexual abuse, or neglect.

The Office of the Seniors Advocate, Crime Stoppers, SAIL and BC211 are among several agencies anyone can call for help, along with the five regional health authorities and the police. But elder abuse often goes unreported due to embarrassment, fear of retaliation, or an unwillingness to get a family member in trouble.

“Reporting cases of elder abuse can be a sensitive matter especially if it means reporting family members or friends,” says Levitt. “Compounding the challenge is the fact there is no central reporting line people can call. A review from our office in 2021 found about half of people with information about elder abuse didn’t report it because they didn’t know who to call.”

He adds: “Ultimately there should be a system with one phone number that is well known province-wide. In the meantime, we urge people to call us or BC211 if they need help finding the best agency to report the information to, or Crime Stoppers if they have important information to pass on and wish to remain anonymous.”

Seniors’ abuse is a crime as well as a human rights violation and reporting it anonymously to Crime Stoppers is a safe way to help police gather enough information to take action.

Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers works year-round to create awareness with its “See Something, Say Something” Elder Abuse Awareness Program.” Presentations are offered at retirement homes, regional community centres, strata councils, anywhere where seniors may gather to let them know they don’t have to suffer in silence.

“It’s mainly about making sure seniors understand they do have an option when it comes to reporting elder abuse,” says Linda Annis, Executive Director of Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers. “Abuse of seniors is a form of violence against some of our most vulnerable citizens. It’s a cowardly act that goes unreported much too often.”

Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers emphasizes everyone who provides tips about elder abuse, or any other crime, will remain anonymous. This applies to everyone, including newer Canadians who may find reporting the abuse of seniors an unfamiliar concept.

“Metro Vancouver is home to many immigrant families which may result in language and cultural barriers that can hinder older immigrant adults especially from reporting abuse,” Annis adds. “Crime Stoppers has operators who accept tips around the clock in 115 languages including Punjabi, Hindi, Mandarin and Cantonese. You don’t have to speak English or French to get help.”

Backgrounder

Emotional or psychological abuse

Withholding basic rights and privileges
Restricting freedom to socialize with others
Denying a safe secure environment
Removing decisions making powers
Bullying – insults, threats, intimidation, yelling, ignoring and isolation.

Financial abuse

Withholding, misusing, exploiting funds and assets
Selling property or using funds without the owner’s consent
Forcing elders to alter a will, or abuse power of attorney.

Physical or sexual abuse and neglect

Acts of violence and other ways to coerce elderly victims
Depriving them of life essentials
Using medication to incapacitate them
Locking seniors in their homes
Not providing adequate hygiene or meeting personal care needs.

Recognizing Abuse in Seniors

Physical signs such as fractures, bruising or burns; unusual patterns/location of injury
Signs of being unkempt or not well nourished
History of unexplained accidents or injuries
Behaviours that provoke fear of violence, isolation or diminish dignity or self-worth
Lack of money for necessities when income appears to be adequate
Sudden withdrawal of money; unexplained or forced changes to legal documents such as property titles, wills, powers of attorney or representation agreements
Excluded from social gatherings, inaccessible to family members or long-term friends
Being agitated, anxious or fearful of being alone with a specific person
Change in social patterns, interactions and buying habits.

55-year-old man seriously injured in Burnaby’s Central Park assault

13 June 2024

ON Wednesday, June 12 at approximately 8 a.m., a 55-year-old man was walking on a trail in Central Park in an area between the pool and the gazebo when he was assaulted by an unknown suspect who told the victim to leave the area. The suspect then assaulted the victim with a large wooden stick.

The suspect is described as a 20-year-old Indigenous man with short hair, wearing a white shirt with black printed letters on it and dark pants.

The victim remains in the hospital with significant injuries to his head and arm.

Burnaby RCMP’s Investigative Support Team has assumed conduct of the investigation.

“We have been conducting enhanced foot and bike patrols in the park and the area since the incident occurred, so park users may notice an increased police presence in the area,” said Cpl. Mike Kalanj with Burnaby RCMP. “Although there have not been any recent similar reports in the area, we want the public to be aware of the assault and ask that they are vigilant and report anything suspicious to police as we continue to investigate and search for the suspect.”

Police are asking anyone with information to call Burnaby RCMP at 604-646-9999. Quote file 2024-19523.

Police investigate Downtown Eastside sexual assault

13 June 2024

VANCOUVER Police are investigating a violent assault against a sex worker in the Downtown Eastside, and are warning women in the neighbourhood to be extra vigilant.

“The suspect remains at large and his identity is unknown,” said Sgt. Steve Addison on Thursday. “While we work to gather evidence that will solve this crime, we’re also sharing information with women and other sex workers so they can make informed decisions about their safety.”

A woman was picked up after midnight on June 10 by a man driving an older-model dark-coloured sedan near East Hastings Street and Campbell Avenue. The suspect assaulted the woman with a weapon, then pushed her out of the car near Oppenheimer Park. Two passersby came to the woman’s aid and called police.

The woman is now recovering from her physical injuries.

The suspect is described as white, 40 to 50 years old, and 300 pounds, with a receding hairline. He was wearing a t-shirt and sweatpants.

Investigators from VPD’s Sex Crimes Unit continue to gather evidence, and ask anyone with information to call 604-717-0601.

Surrey creating ‘small-scale’ zones, updating public hearing criteria to comply with new housing laws

13 June 2024

THE City of Surrey announced on Thursday that is making changes to its zoning rules to comply with new provincial housing laws and allow for more small-scale, multi-unit housing developments in the city. The provincial government is requiring cities to make these changes in an effort to increase the supply and affordability of housing in British Columbia.

Surrey Council on June 10 approved bylaw amendments to create new zones for small-scale, multi-unit housing developments; update existing rules to make it easier to build these types of developments; increase the distance that people need to be notified when there are changes to the city’s official community plan or zoning bylaw from 100 to 120 metres; and create new rules for providing notices for proposed development variance permits.

Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke pointed out: “Surrey and other cities are facing an unprecedented challenge due to the Province’s new housing legislation, which was implemented without any consultation. Aside from hindering a city’s ability to plan for livable communities, I am very concerned how these unilateral measures will change communities forever. The lack of foresight coupled with inadequate provincial investment in healthcare, education, and transportation will place a strain on our city’s infrastructure and services. We need a collaborative approach with higher levels of government to ensure sustainable and equitable growth, rather than simply imposing top-down solutions.”

The City said in a press statement: “In addition to the new provincial legislation, cities—including Surrey—are receiving targets from the Province to build new housing quickly. It is therefore imperative that higher levels of government ensure adequate public infrastructure is being delivered alongside this growth. Surrey is experiencing record-breaking development. As of the end of April, the City had issued for 5,123 new housing units which total $2.12B in construction values. This record pace breaks many previous annual records, and the City has more than 34,000 housing units approved in principle that have not yet been built.

“Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation estimates Canada needs to build 5.8 million new housing units by 2030. This will prove to be a significant burden for municipalities like Surrey, which are being asked to build without the necessary resources or infrastructure. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities research estimates the average cost of municipal infrastructure to support new housing in Canada is $107,000 per home.

“The City of Surrey is joining the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and cities across the country in calls for a Municipal Growth Framework to address the pressing challenges facing Canada’s cities, including aging and inadequate infrastructure in health care, schools, transportation housing and homelessness. Mayors across Canada are urging provincial and federal governments to work with municipalities to create a Municipal Growth Framework that prioritizes the needs of Canada’s cities and equips municipalities with the tools and funds they need to create liveable communities. The proposed framework would ensure that cities have the tools they need to build the infrastructure residents need daily and deliver the services they depend on in their everyday lives.”

E-Papers

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

INDO-CANADIAN VOICE - ABOUT US

FOLLOW US