SAFA’s Bollywood Under the Stars returns to Surrey, India Live returns to Granville

19 July 2018

SOUTH Asian Family Association (SAFA) is gearing up for their signature summer events, including Bollywood Under the Stars movie night and their annual summer festival, called India Live.

Bollywood Under the Stars will take place on Friday, August 10 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Newton Athletic Park in Surrey. This year’s movie will be blockbuster hit “3 Idiots”, a coming of age comedy drama film starring Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor. Aside from breaking numerous records and receiving many awards, this movie also had a social impact on attitudes towards education in India.

“This movie is very well suited for our organization as it is a family oriented movie with a powerful message,” says SAFA founder Suki Grewal.

“3 idiots is a good light comedy which demonstrates how many parents have certain expectations yet their children may have a very different perspective on what they want to achieve in life,” says SAFA Board member Manjit Sandhu.

Two weeks after the Bollywood Under the Stars outdoor movie night, India Live will be taking over the streets of Granville.

India Live is taking place on Saturday, August 25 on Granville Street in downtown Vancouver. It starts at 12 p.m. and wraps up at 8 p.m. This event is free for the public and utilizes music, song, dance and visual arts to highlight Vancouver’s intercultural community. There is also a vibrant vendor marketplace that features cultural wares, clothing, gifts and delicious snacks.

“BCAA is pleased to be the title sponsor of Bollywood Under the Stars and India Live, two culturally rich and entertaining events,” says Gurpreet Jhaj, BCAA’s Director of Retail Marketing. “We have several BCAA locations across Vancouver and B.C. with agents who speak different languages including Punjabi, and we enjoy supporting events that connect people and celebrate the cultural diversity found within our communities.”

“We are delighted to invite everyone to come join us for SAFA’s annual celebration of art, culture and history in downtown Vancouver. The festival is open to all ages and backgrounds and attendance is free of charge. India Live is always a fun and eventful afternoon for the whole family and this year we will be showcasing cultures from all around the world. Stop by and try some delicious food from around the Indian subcontinent and stay for the Bhangra dance party to end the evening,” says Jasroop Grewal, SAFA President.

Stay tuned for more information regarding the lineup of artists, performances, vendors and headlining act. Visit www.safa.ca or contact Event Manager, Rina Gill, at 778-688-4973.

OBITUARY: BIKKAR SINGH SIDHU

19 July 2018

Born July 10, 1928, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on July 15, 2018. Survived by his loving wife Mohinder Kaur, sons Tarsaim Singh (Harminder), Tejinder Singh (Karen), Jagdeep Singh (Heidi), grandchildren Taylore, Ryan (Brittany), Reyah, Jarrod, Jenna, Devin and Sunny (Jaga). Dad and Baba was the patriarch of our family. He lived his life filled with love and compassion. His legacy will live on through his wife, children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, extended family and friends. His journey to Canada began in 1953 with the dream of building a new life and he did just that, building a life of priceless memories that will live on in our hearts forever. He was extremely proud of his 40-year career in the lumber industry. We are blessed to have had this amazing man in our lives and to have learned through his teachings the importance of love and compassion for all.

Bikkar’s life will be celebrated on Sunday, July 22 at 9:30 a.m. at Valley View Funeral Home, 14644 72nd Avenue, Surrey with a prayer service to follow at 12 p.m. at Nanaksar Gurdwara Gursikh Temple, 18691 Westminster Highway, Richmond.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the name Bikkar Sidhu to The Centre for Child Development or the Tapestry Foundation.

OBITUARY: KALDIAP KAUR

19 July 2018

Kaldiap Kaur, wife of Jalour Singh Dhaliwal, of Loppan village, Ludhiana district, Punjab, passed away on July 13.

Her funeral services will be held on Sunday, July 22 at 12:30 p.m. at Riverside Funeral Home, 7410 Hopcott Road, Delta.

Antim Ardas will follow at Nanaksar Sahib Gurdawara, Richmond.

For more information, please contact husband Jalour at 604-617-7136 and sons Prabdeep and Sukhdeep at 778-862-0406.

Is Moe Sihota behind move to keep Uber out of B.C. market?

19 July 2018

NDP MOE SIHOTA Bod — Moe Sihota Photo by Chandra Bodalia

THE Province newspaper’s columnist Mike Smyth reports that Carolyn Bauer, head of the taxi association, says that former NDP minister Moe Sihota – who is still a power to be reckoned with in the party – is behind a move by the Vancouver taxi association to set up its own ride-for-hire Kater app and keep ride-hailing apps like Uber out of the province.

Bauer confirmed to Smyth that Sihota introduced the association to Surrey businessman Monty Sikka to develop Kater, with 20 per cent of the profits remaining with taxi firms.

She told him: ““Moe Sihota has been our friend for many years and we’re hoping the government lets us at least try this as a six-month pilot project to show it can work.”

Bauer is concerned that Uber and the other ride-hailing apps would wreck the taxi industry.

The VOICE phoned Sihota for his reaction, but hasn’t had a response so far.

Smyth, who is well-known for his scoops, got hold of a three-page “letter of intent” that calls for the licensing of 200 “Kater Cabs,” which would operate like Uber cars.

The Ride-sharing Now for B.C. group is reacting angrily.

Punjabi Golfers Association hosting annual Royal Punjabi Cup at Rattlesnake Point (Milton, Ontario)

19 July 2018

THE Punjabi Golfers Association is hosting the largest annual charity golf event in Ontario on Monday, July 30. The Royal Punjabi Cup will be played on both courses at RattleSnake Point simultaneously with a record 288 golfers.

Appealing to all levels of golfers, the Royal Punjabi Cup hosts three matches: a men and ladies’ scramble tournament for recreational golfers and three competitive two-man team flights. All registrants get the royal treatment with valuable gifts, quality entertainment, and first class cuisine – all while playing at one of Ontario’s top golf courses and giving back to the community.

The Punjabi Golfers Association has partnered with Seva Food Bank again this year as its primary charitable affiliation. “We’re delighted to work with Seva,” said Stephanie Scott, Director of Operations. “The partnership has historically seen annual donations to Seva of $35,000 and we anticipate similar support again this year.”

Seva Food Bank works to provide safe, nutritious and culturally-appropriate food to 900 families in need in Mississauga. Seva coordinates a wide range of programs that help clients address the causes and consequences of hunger and poverty. “This year, with the invaluable support of friends like the PGA, we hope to build a Community Training Kitchen at our Malton location to provide additional support to the community,” said Seva’s Executive Director, Rasheeda Qureshi.

Registration for the tournament is open now.

Interested golfers and Seva supporters can register online at:

www.punjabigolfers.com

London, Ontario police probing race-related incident at grocery store

19 July 2018

At my local Sobey’s , ( LONDON ONT. NORTH LONDON STORE) a man accuses the young man of being an “illegal alien” & won’t allow him to leave the store. Continues to push the young man to force him to stay in the store as he has called the police & wants the police to come to the store for the young man (while he has done absolutely nothing) .. he continues to ask if he’s scared to be deported & asked the young man to show his Canadian documentation, & tells him if he leaves the store he will conduct a “citizens arrest” on behalf of the police. ??‍♀️ … I see a lot of comments of people wondering if he was shop lifting, he was not, he rightfully PAID for his items.

Posted by Katie Pocasangre Montoya on Tuesday, July 17, 2018

ONTARIO’S London Police on Thursday said that on Tuesday (July 17) at approximately 7 p.m., they responded to a grocery store – Sobeys store in the city’s north end – for reports of two males arguing inside.

Police attended and determined that a prior argument had occurred inside the store between two men. A second interaction that was recorded on video and posted on social media, occurred between the males at the checkout.

No injuries were sustained and both males left the store peacefully.

The victim in this matter chose not to proceed with charges in regards to the incident. As a result, police warned the other male for assault and no charges were laid.

Race-related comments were reported to have been made during the interaction. The London Police Service Hate Crime Unit is reviewing the incident.

Katie Pocasangre Montoya, who first posted the video of the encounter on her Facebook, wrote:

“At my local Sobey’s … a man accuses the young man of being an “illegal alien” & won’t allow him to leave the store. Continues to push the young man to force him to stay in the store as he has called the police & wants the police to come to the store for the young man (while he has done absolutely nothing) .. he continues to ask if he’s scared to be deported & asked the young man to show his Canadian documentation, & tells him if he leaves the store he will conduct a “citizens arrest” on behalf of the police. … I see a lot of comments of people wondering if he was shop lifting, he was not, he rightfully PAID for his items.”

Government increasing number of taxis and laying groundwork for rideshare companies

19 July 2018

THE B.C. government announced on Thursday it is increasing the number of taxis on the streets, while easing the way for other rideshare services to offer services to British Columbians by fall 2019.

“People need to be able to get around safely and reliably,” said Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “That’s why we’re putting more taxis on the streets, and laying the groundwork for new services to enter the market.”

These first steps in the action plan are intended to improve marketplace conditions for innovative transportation companies. Government expects applications from rideshare companies wanting to enter the market will be submitted to the Passenger Transportation Board (PTB) by September 2019.

Last fall, the government hired industry expert, Dan Hara of Hara Associates, to consult with industry and stakeholders. Hara was tasked with recommending ways to help people move around how they want and when they want, while maintaining accessibility and safety standards for British Columbians.

A report, released in February 2018 by an all-party legislative committee, identified the need to modernize the Passenger Transportation Act. These recommendations, along with Hara’s report, will help government create a new regulatory framework and legislative changes that will pave the way for ridesharing to come to B.C.

The ministry will immediately begin working with the PTB to implement a number of the changes Hara has recommended. They include:

* Boosting the number of taxis to make it easier for people to get around, quickly.
* Hara suggests a 15% increase, which would translate to approximately 300 more cabs in the Lower Mainland, and 200 more cabs throughout the rest of the province.

* Giving the taxi industry the flexibility to discount fares when trips are booked through an app.
* Customers like the convenience and security of booking and paying with an app. The PTB will better enable companies to use this technology as part of their approach to fares.

* Equipping the PTB with better data to make smarter decisions on meeting transportation demand, including the number of accessible vehicles required.

Government’s action plan on ridesharing includes:

* Retaining Hara to assist and advise government, and working with the PTB to further consult with industry, including major rideshare stakeholders.

* Implementing policy changes through the PTB.

* Working with the PTB on data collection and analysis.

Government is preparing legislation for the fall session. The focus of the fall legislation will be:

* Consumer safety, and enforcement.

* Streamlining licence applications for drivers.

* Supply and boundaries for taxis, and other passenger-directed vehicles (rideshares).

* Working with ICBC to enable a modern insurance product.

To read Hara’s report, click here: http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/rpt/

Vancouver Police issue warning about a series of indecent acts in Mount Pleasant

19 July 2018

VANCOUVER Police are investigating several indecent acts in Mount Pleasant, and believe there may be more not yet reported to police.

All offences occurred between midnight and 1 a.m., either on Main Street near East 15th Avenue, or approximately one block away on Quebec Street. Police believe the suspect may live in the Mount Pleasant area.

In all incidents, the suspect chose ground-floor residential or business windows, with a clear view of a woman inside. He illuminated himself with either a flashlight or a cell phone, while exposing himself, and committing an indecent act. Each time, he ran away shortly after being observed.

The first incident happened just after 1 a.m. on May 19 near Main Street and East 15th Avenue. On June 19, two incidents were reported to the Vancouver Police — the first one just after midnight at Quebec Street and East 15th Avenue, and the second incident just 25 minutes later and only a block away, near Main Street and East 15th Avenue.

The most recent reported incident occurred July 15 just after midnight, near Quebec and East 15th Avenue.

The suspect is described as white, in his 30s, 5’8 tall, with a medium to heavy build, and he has light-coloured hair on his legs. In each incident, he was wearing either a hat or hoodie, pants or shorts, and a jacket or sweatshirt.

On May 19, just two hours after the first reported incident, a male with a similar description was observed facing a ground floor window near Knight Street and Kingsway, committing an indecent act. Although he was not seen illuminating himself and the location was not Mount Pleasant, investigators believe this incident may also be related.

“We are asking residents in Mount Pleasant to take safety precautions and be on the lookout for suspicious behaviour. If you are outdoors after midnight, always carry a cell phone and walk with a group or at least one other person,” says Sgt. Jason Robillard, VPD. “Consider closing your blinds at night and call 9-1-1 if you see suspicious behavior.”

The Vancouver Police believe there may be more incidents that have not yet been reported to police and are asking anyone with more information to call the VPD tip line at 604-717-0604 or Crime Stoppers at 1 800-222-8477.

Paul Bennett of Surrey was unintended victim of June 23 homicide

19 July 2018

PAUL Bennett, 47, of Surrey, was the unintended victim of the June 23 shooting in the 18200-block of 67A Avenue in Surrey, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team announced on Thursday.

“Paul Bennett was an innocent victim of homicide and his death has shocked the community. This is a tragic incident and it has left a family and community devastated,” said Cpl. Frank Jang.

There have been no arrests made and no one has been criminally charged in connection with the homicide.

Bennett worked as a nurse and was a minor hockey coach. He had two sons.

On June 23, at approximately 4 p.m., the Surrey RCMP received numerous calls of a shooting in the area. Officers found a man with gunshot wounds who was taken to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and IHIT was called in.

IHIT continues to work closely with its partners including the Surrey RCMP to gather evidence and advance the investigation. After careful examination of all the information collected so far, investigators believe that Bennett was the unintended victim of a targeted shooting. Investigators are pursuing various avenues of investigation and working to determine the motive behind the shooting.

Shortly after the shooting, video surveillance captured a newer model four-door Honda Civic leaving the area. Investigators would like to speak with anyone that has information about this vehicle.

A surveillance video obtained by some TV stations suggests that the hit on Bennett was professionally executed as a silver vehicle sped up to his house and a person in dark clothes jumped out, headed to Bennett’s place and fired several shots rapidly before darting back to his vehicle that then took off.

“This is an active and ongoing investigation and we need everyone with information to come forward and speak with IHIT,” said Jang.

Anyone with information is asked to call the IHIT information line at 1-877-551- IHIT (4448), or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

The family of Mr. Bennett is appealing for the public’s help for information that could help solve his murder.

Letter from the family of Paul Bennett

We remember Paul’s life as a husband, father, brother and son as being as normal as any of our lives. He wore his heart on his sleeve and was a presence in the room. He had an easy ability to converse with anyone on any topic. He was a people person and relished to be around others. He volunteered his time freely whether it be to coach the boys in sports or to pick up an unfilled call shift at the hospital. He loved being a nurse, especially working in the operating room. He had found his element. In the midst of chaos there was always opportunity to save a life or improve it. He was a compassionate and caring individual who could be an empathetic listener. He made you feel valued and appreciated. He loved his boys and encouraged them in their sports and supported their dreams. He was Paul, one of those exceptional people not everyone is lucky to meet in their lifetime.

Paul did not have a criminal record and was not involved in criminal activity. We never thought he would die in such a senseless and violent way. There was a complete disregard to public safety as he was murdered in a quiet residential area. We are grieving and traumatized by his loss and praying to understand why this has happened to our family.

At this time, we would like to request anyone who may have information about Paul’s death to please contact the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team. We would be eternally grateful if you are able to provide the police with any information. Please bear in mind every piece of information is important.

Paul spent his life helping others, now please help Paul and our family find the closure we need to move forward.

Thank you,
The family of Paul Bennett

Abbotsford Historic Heritage Gurdwara’s Khalsa Diwan Society honors Dr. Khem Singh Gill

19 July 2018

KHALSA Diwan Society Abbotsford Historic Heritage Gurdwara honored Dr. Khem Singh Gill, former vice chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University, for his services to the Sikh community.

Dr. Gill paid his tribute to the pioneers during his visit in the presence of prominent community members, including MP Jati Sidhu, City Councilor Moe Gill, and Khalsa Diwan Society’s current president and past presidents along with executive committee members. Dr. Gill also recorded his message in the visitors’ book.

The article from The Province newspaper dated December 12, 1912, and titled “Mystery and Powers of Teja Singh” was placed in the historical museum. It is worth mentioning that this society was established by Principal Sant Teja Singh in 1911. Dr. Gill is one of his disciples who dedicated his entire life for mankind inspired by Teja Singh after meeting him in 1949 during his visit to Khalsa College Amritsar, India.

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