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Long weekend brings more crashes, ICBC warns

AS drivers hit the road this Victoria Day long weekend, police will be conducting a province-wide enforcement blitz to target high-risk driving behaviours to keep B.C. roads safe as part of a month-long campaign.

High-risk driving behaviours, like speeding, increase your risk of crashing. That’s why ICBC, police and Speed Watch volunteers are urging drivers to slow down.

Over the Victoria Day long weekend, 490 people were injured in 1,900 crashes in B.C. in 2016. On average, two people are killed every year over the weekend.

 

ICBC’s top five tips:

  • Plan your route and check road conditions at drivebc.ca before you leave.

  • Be realistic about travel times and accept delays that may arise. Don’t rush to make up time – slow down to reduce your risk of crashing and arrive at your destination safely. You also save fuel by driving at a safe and steady speed.

  • Don’t speed up as someone is trying to pass you. Help the other driver get back into your lane by slowing down and making room.

  • Stay focused and avoid distractions that take your mind off driving and your eyes off the road. Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of crashes so remember to take a break from your phone.

  • With more motorcyclists on our roads now, allow at least three seconds following distance when you’re behind a motorcycle. At intersections, the safest choice is to yield the right-of-way to an oncoming rider as it can be hard to tell how fast they’re travelling. Remember, you only see motorcycles when you really look for them.

Surrey history book wins Heritage BC Award

(L-R) Michael Gibbs, Surrey Historical Society President; Ryan Gallagher, City of Surrey Heritage Administration Manager; K. Jane Watt, author; Penny Priddy, Surrey Heritage Advisory Commission; and Councillor Dave Woods, City of Surrey.
(L-R) Michael Gibbs, Surrey Historical Society President; Ryan Gallagher, City of Surrey Heritage Administration Manager; K. Jane Watt, author; Penny Priddy, Surrey Heritage Advisory Commission; and Councillor Dave Woods, City of Surrey.

IT has been a victorious year for “Surrey: A City of Stories,” the City of Surrey’s legacy book produced as part of Canada 150 celebrations. The book, which pays tribute to Surrey’s diverse and vibrant history, has won a Heritage BC Award, while also being a finalist for a BC Book Prize.

“’Surrey: A City of Stories’ is a wonderful legacy that invites us to reflect on our past and celebrate the accomplishments of our growing city,” said Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner of the Heritage BC Award that was handed out on May 11 at Heritage BC’s annual conference in New Westminster. “I am delighted to see that the book is being recognized for its contributions to Surrey. The accolades received are truly a win for community effort.”

Recognizing sustainable conservation of British Columbia’s unique cultural heritage, Heritage BC presents the annual awards, which celebrate the outstanding and significant achievements in heritage conservation of individuals, organizations, groups, businesses and government in communities across B.C. “The Surrey: A City of Stories” book project was marked by collaboration and support through all levels of community. It was initiated by the Surrey Heritage Advisory Commission, supported by Heritage Services and championed by the community, including the Surrey Historical Society.

“The support and enthusiasm from the community for this book has been tremendous,” added Surrey Councillor Dave Woods. “The Heritage Commission had high hopes for this project and could not be happier receiving this award.”

“Many people came forward to share their stories and documents, and to urge others to do so,” said author K. Jane Watt, also noting that the community collaboration that made this project possible runs much deeper than the book. “’Surrey: A City of Stories’ depends on archival collections that are the gifts of individuals and families and businesses over time. Archives and museums depend on trust to grow their holdings, and the civic collection that this book showcases is a legacy of that community trust over a long period of time.”

“Surrey: A City of Stories” was released in September of 2017 as a Surrey legacy project in honour of Canada 150 celebrations, and features more than 500 visuals, including 332 photos, 40 maps, 73 artifacts and 61 documents.

“Surrey: A City of Stories” can be purchased for $25 at any City of Surrey facility and Black Bond Books locations. The Surrey Heritage Advisory Commission has purchased a copy for every Surrey school and branch of Surrey Libraries.

For more information, visit www.surrey.ca/heritage or call 604-502-6459. Follow City of Surrey Heritage Services on Facebook @HeritageSurreyBC.

 

 

Reported use of excessive force and live ammunition in Gaza Strip is inexcusable, says Canada

Justin Trudeau
PMO photo

PRIME Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday said: “Canada deplores and is gravely concerned by the violence in the Gaza Strip that has led to a tragic loss of life and injured countless people.”

Trudeau added: “We are appalled that Dr. Tarek Loubani, a Canadian citizen, is among the wounded – along with so many unarmed people, including civilians, members of the media, first responders, and children.”

He said in a statement: “We are doing everything we can to assist Dr. Loubani and his family, and to determine how a Canadian citizen came to be injured. We are engaging with Israeli officials to get to the bottom of these events.

“Reported use of excessive force and live ammunition is inexcusable. It is imperative we establish the facts of what is happening in Gaza. Canada calls for an immediate independent investigation to thoroughly examine the facts on the ground – including any incitement, violence, and the excessive use of force.

“Canada stands ready to assist in such an endeavour. We will work closely with our international partners and through international institutions to address this serious situation.”

Province investing in tech-based research and advanced training opportunities all across B.C.

Premier John Horgan addresses the #BCTECH Summit. Photos by SUKHWANT SINGH DHILLON
Premier John Horgan

TO help spark B.C. innovation, economic growth and new jobs, the provincial government is investing in tech-based research and advanced training opportunities in all parts of the province, Premier John Horgan announced on Wednesday at the #BCTECH Summit.

“B.C. succeeds when British Columbians succeed – and our province’s tech sector is proving that every day,” said Horgan, adding that the sector has over 10,000 companies employing more than 106,000 people.

“Our job is to provide opportunities and partnerships that help companies and individuals innovate, succeed and grow. This approach delivers more jobs and a stronger economy, and helps support health care, education, housing and other public services that make British Columbia a great place to live and work.”

The Province announced that it is investing over $102.6 million in funding for 75 post-secondary research projects in B.C., through the B.C. Knowledge Development Fund (BCKDF). The projects will develop B.C.’s expertise and innovation in fields such as advanced supercomputing and clean technology, to spur job creation, talent development and commercialize innovation.

To attract and retain the best graduate students, the B.C. government will invest $12 million in graduate degree scholarships over the next three years. The funding will support priority areas such as science, tech, engineering and mathematics programs, as well as Indigenous students and regional programs. The Province will also invest in women-in-technology scholarships to inspire a new generation of women to take up science and tech-based professions.

To further develop tech talent, $10.5 million will be invested in co-op opportunities and entrepreneurial training for post-secondary students, so they can gain vital hands-on experience to be job-ready when they enter the tech sector.

Minister Bruce Ralston at roundtable with 10 regional tech CEOs.

“B.C.’s success comes from the ideas, innovation and inspiration of people who call this province home,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology. “From a two-person startup, to large established tech firms and traditional resource industries, innovation can deliver a wealth of benefits to people, companies and our provincial economy. It is about creating good jobs for people in every corner of the province.”

To help make it easier for tech companies to recruit top international talent to B.C., government will expand its Provincial Nominee Program Tech Pilot. That means priority processing for people in tech occupations, such as biotechnologists, software engineers and web developers.

“Investing in innovation is the best thing we can do to set our province up for success,” said Andrew Weaver, BC Green Party Leader. “Technology is driving global growth and has the potential to add value to every sector of B.C.’s economy. This minority government is a unique opportunity to come together to champion a bold vision for the future of our province, and I am proud to be working in partnership with the government to support our tech sector.”

The B.C. government will unveil a provincewide tech strategy next year that will help provide all people with the ability to work and prosper in the communities they call home. In turn, the Province will invest in health care, education, housing and other public services that make B.C. a great place to live and work.

The Province of British Columbia is hosting the third-annual #BCTECH Summit May 14-16 in partnership with Innovate BC, the Province’s Crown agency. Innovate BC encourages the development and application of advanced or innovative technologies to meet the needs of B.C. industry.

Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training, said: “As part of our tech-expansion, we’re adding 2,900 more tech spaces, launching a graduate student scholarship fund and providing awards for women pursuing a science or tech-based profession. We’re breaking down barriers to good-paying jobs for people in the booming tech sector by making post-secondary education more accessible and affordable.”

Jinny Sims, Minister of Citizens’ Services, with Marlyn Graziano, Vice President, External Affairs at KPU.
This photo by SUKHWANT SINGH DHILLON

Jinny Sims, Minister of Citizens’ Services, noted: “Having access to reliable, high-speed internet is the foundation for the growing digital economy, and essential for the expansion of technology and innovation in every corner of our province. It is important that this growing sector be fostered everywhere in B.C. That is why we are investing in connectivity for rural, remote and Indigenous communities, because we believe that everyone – no matter where they live – should have the tools they need to be part of this important industry.”

 

Quick Facts:

* The tech sector in B.C. is one of the fastest growing sectors of its economy, supporting over 106,000 good-paying jobs. It is home to more than 10,200 businesses.

* Over 83,400 tech-related jobs openings are expected by 2027 – jobs such as computer programmers, engineers, information system analysts and software designers.

* In January 2018, the B.C. government announced 2,900 tech-related spaces that will produce 1,000 additional tech-grads a year by 2023, to improve access to training and education. This includes the first full civil and environmental engineering program in the North at the University of Northern British Columbia, and the first full software engineering program in the Interior at Thompson River University. To support these new spaces, the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training plans to increase investment up to $42 million a year in ongoing funding.

* In April 2018, the B.C. government partnered with the Government of Canada to provide B.C. biotechnology company STEMCELL Technologies with $45 million to create up to 2,170 B.C. jobs by 2031, and build a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Burnaby.

* Also in April 2018, the Province, together with the federal government and the Alacrity Foundation, provided the Cleantech Scale-Up program with over $787,000 to help promising clean tech companies throughout B.C. get investment-ready and sell to new markets.

* In February 2018, Alan Winter was appointed B.C.’s first innovation commissioner as an advocate for the tech and innovation sector in Ottawa, the Cascadia Innovation Corridor and abroad.

Taxpayers shouldn’t have to pay for Prime Minister Trudeau’s failure, say Conservatives

Shannon Stubbs
Shannon Stubbs

SHANNON Stubbs, Conservative shadow minister for natural resources, reacting to the federal government’s financial commitment to complete the Trans Mountain Expansion, said on Wednesday: “Only Prime Minister [Justin] Trudeau could take a project that Canadians support, creates thousands of jobs, and helps our economy, and put it on taxpayer-funded life support.”

She added: “The fact that the only solution the Prime Minister has proposed is using taxpayer dollars to backstop this project is evidence of his failed energy policy. The Liberals have had a year and a half to come up with a plan to ensure that this important project gets built, but instead of taking action and establishing a concrete plan, they have done nothing while roadblock after roadblock has been thrown in the way of Kinder Morgan.

“Kinder Morgan never asked for taxpayer money or a federal backstop. They simply want certainty, clarity, and a solution to the ongoing challenges and delays.

“Nothing the Finance Minister said today will ensure that the Trans Mountain Expansion actually gets built. The Liberals still don’t have a concrete plan of action to remove delays. Their own policies continue to drive energy investment out of Canada at historic levels.

“Prime Minister Trudeau failed Canadian workers and our energy sector as a whole when he vetoed the approved Northern Gateway pipeline and when he killed the Energy East pipeline with last minute rule changes and a regulatory standard that doesn’t apply to any other sector of the Canadian economy. His decisions to impose an oil tanker ban, a job-killing carbon tax and new regulations that penalize Canadian oil exports have damaged investor confidence and forced companies to reconsider future projects.

“Now the Trans Mountain Expansion is at risk because the Prime Minister has put Canada at a serious competitive disadvantage. No amount of taxpayers’ money will be enough to make up for Prime Minister Trudeau’s failed policies.

“Andrew Scheer’s Conservatives will continue to demand that the government come up with a real plan to address this crisis, and we will continue to champion Canadian energy.”

BCSC panel makes disgorgement orders against Shailu Poonian, Thalbinder Poonian and Perminder Sihota

A British Columbia Securities Commission (BCSC) panel has issued orders under section 161(1)(g) of the Securities Act, commonly referred to as disgorgement orders, against three individuals.

(Disgorgement is defined by Black’s Law Dictionary as “the act of giving up something (such as profits illegally obtained) on demand or by legal compulsion.”)

In August 2014, the panel found that between September 2007 and March 2009, Thalbinder Singh Poonian, Shailu Sharon Poonian, Robert Joseph Leyk, Manjit Singh Sihota and Perminder Sihota engaged in a market manipulation.

In March 2015, the panel ordered permanent market bans against all five respondents and ordered that they pay $7,332,936 in disgorgement to the BCSC, jointly and severally, in addition to various administrative penalties.

The Poonians and the Sihotas were granted leave to appeal the disgorgement order. Leyk did not seek leave to appeal. The B.C. Court of Appeal confirmed that the net aggregate trading gains resulting from the market manipulation amounted to $7,332,936.  However, the Court of Appeal set aside the disgorgement orders against the Poonians and Sihotas and sent the matter back to the BCSC to determine what proportion of the $7,332,936 was directly or indirectly obtained by each person.

Following the Court of Appeal’s instructions, the panel found that each respondent directly obtained the net trading gains in his or her brokerage account. In particular, Shailu Sharon Poonian directly obtained $3,149,935, Thalbinder Singh Poonian directly obtained $746,676, and Perminder Sihota directly obtained $1,126,260.

The panel also found that Thalbinder Singh Poonian indirectly obtained amounts from the brokerage accounts that he controlled in the names of nominees. The panel found that he indirectly obtained $572,491 from the accounts of secondary participants in the manipulation and $1,126,260 from Perminder Sihota’s accounts.

Considering the amount each respondent directly and indirectly obtained, the panel made the following disgorgement orders against the respondents:

  • Shailu Sharon Poonian pay to the BCSC $3,149,935;
  • Thalbinder Singh Poonian pay to the BCSC $1,319,167; and
  • Thalbinder Singh Poonian and Perminder Sihota pay to the BCSC $1,126,260 on a joint and several basis.

The panel did not make any disgorgement orders against Manjit Singh Sihota.

Premier Horgan slams federal finance minister for Trans Mountain pipeline investor compensation

John Horgan
John Horgan

PREMIER John Horgan on Wednesday slammed federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau for the federal government’s Trans Mountain pipeline investor compensation.

Horgan said in a statement: “We are standing up for British Columbia’s environment, economy and our coast against the threat of a bitumen spill, and we are doing so entirely within our rights.

“The federal finance minister is trying to use our government as an excuse, as the federal government puts taxpayer money on the line to backstop risks to private investors, while completely ignoring the risks to B.C. The fact is, we’ve been issuing permits in a fair and timely manner, and have proposed new regulations that are now referred to court to confirm our jurisdiction.

“We are acting well within B.C.’s rights to defend our environment, and the tens of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars of economic activity that depend on it.”

BC Liberal Leader slams Premier after federal funding commitment announced to Trans Mountain

Andrew Wilkinson
Andrew Wilkinson

BC Liberal Leader Andrew Wilkinson on Wednesday slammed Premier John Horgan and his NDP government in the wake of  the federal government’s financial commitment to complete the Trans Mountain Pipeline, sayiing: “Today, it became clear that B.C. taxpayers are going to be the ones paying for the ineptitude of John Horgan and the NDP government. Instead of the private sector paying to build this pipeline, taxpayers will now be responsible for cleaning up Horgan’s mess.”

Wilksinson added: “From day one, Horgan has known that he cannot block this project and chose to play politics instead of working for the best interests of British Columbians. The results of his actions are being felt all across the province, including the shattering of investor confidence. The hike in gas prices we are seeing now is only the beginning.

“Oil will continue to be shipped by rail through our communities despite the dangers, and tankers will continue to operate off our coasts carrying oil to Washington refineries. While Horgan risks the economic future of B.C. to hold on to power, our province may face the consequences of losing out on opportunity and prosperity.

“British Columbians across the province have expressed their support for this project, regardless of how hard the NDP try to downplay that fact. The Premier is creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and is embarrassing B.C. in the international community. The people of our province deserve better leadership than what we have seen from this minority government that continues to play politics with our future.”

Canada India Networking Initiative 2018: Building healthy “civil” society through innovation, technology and engagement

Dr. Arun Garg
Dr. Arun Garg
Photos submitted

THE word “civil” has different  meanings and  at Canada India Network Society (CINI), we have taken it to mean a society which is based on access, equality and wisdom in education, justice and health.

We have chosen health as our area of interest. One of the subsets of our vision is to build links between Canada and India through a healthy civil society by sharing , networking and collaborating in projects of mutual interest. To this end we have organised two major conferences and initiated several projects during last 8 years. (Visit: www.thecins.org).

Our third conference – CINI 2018 – takes place from June 8 to 10 in Surrey. Just like the previous two conferences, it’s organized by CINS and co-hosted by Simon Fraser University and Fraser Health. This year, we are also joined by Global Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (GAPIO), Canadian Association of Physicians of Indian Heritage (CAPIH) and our own BC-based Canadian Physicians with Interest in South Asia (PISA-BC).

Dr. Janet Funk

CINI 2018, like the previous conferences in 2010 and 2014, is designed as an outcome-focused interactive conference.  The context of building healthy civil society thorough innovation, technology and engagement in health care. The meeting is not a “conference ” in the traditional sense where an expert gives a presentation and the learner takes the message for its use home. These sessions of the conference are sharing of the work being done by the speaker to build further depth and capacity for the project. It is what we call “Active Interaction and Networking.”

So everyone attending the conference is a speaker in their own rights and integral to the conference. Each session is further enhanced by designated “champions” who will enhance post conference follow-up and are experts in the area with strong commitment.

 

The outline of the program is:

 

* Friday June 8:

– 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Round Table 1 on technology, professionalism and quality. A small group of leaders have in-depth discussion on possible projects in their respective areas. The session champions include Louise Turner, CEO of Innovation Boulevard, and Dr Roy Morton of Fraser Health.

– 6 to 9:30 p.m.: Opening reception and networking. Our partners – Simon Fraser University, Fraser Health, Global Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (GAPIO), Canadian Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, and Physicians with Interest in South Asia – will kick off the conference. We plan to acknowledge and recognize leaders at the event (by invitation).

 

* Saturday, June 9

Dr. Sean McKelvey

– Saturday morning session at SFU Surrey campus will start the scientific sessions. Topics include how to lower the burden of chronic diseases, called Non-communicable Chronic Disease (NCD) using diabetes as the framework. Though our focus is the South Asian population, the learnings are scalable and applicable to the population at large. Minister of Health, Adrian Dix, will join the session. Co-Chair George Abbott (former health minister) and Dr Ramesh Mehta, President of GAPIO, along with the champion of the session Marc Pelletier of the Institute of Health System Transformation and Sustainability will coordinate presentations of Deljit Bains, Sean McKelvey, Gulzar Cheema and JT Thakur in their projects on non-therapeutic interventions for healthy living and lowering the burden of diabetes.

– Second half of  the morning will have co-chairs Victoria Lee and Lakshmi Yatham with Anson Koo as champion. We will hear from two leading practitioners in mental health, Nitasha Puri and Suma Kollipara. The burden of mental health is huge in the society and we all need to find sustainable solutions.

Dr. Simon Sutcliffe

– The last hour of the morning session will be exploring emerging practices around palliative care and cross pollination of East and West philosophy in this very precious area under co-chairs Simon Sutcliffe and Sheila Chaturvedi with Simon Sutcliffe and JT Thakur as champions. BC Palliative Society Director Dori Barwich and Two World’s Gillen Fyles will share practical and interactive concepts and ideas.

– The public event of the conference is our signature banquet co-hosted with the Surrey Board of Trade. The theme of the banquet is “Building links between two great nations through healthy civil society one step at time.” Beside good, healthy cuisine, the evening will also have networking, informative and experiential presentations, and entertainment. The ticket is only $100 plus GST  per person, or a table of 8 for $800 plus GST.  We plan to contribute to the designated project of Mental Wellness  through the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation designated funds.

– Saturday afternoon will be bringing professionalism and leadership to the forefront and how these tools can build and support sustainable healthy civil society. With Anupam Sibal and Tania Bubela as co-chairs and Roy Morton as champion, the session will hear from Anupam Sibal, Graham Dickson, Arvind Lal and Robert Woollard on leadership, physicians, lead tools and professionalism.

 

* Sunday, June 10

– Sunday will start with ‘Integrative Health’ with Sunita Vohra and Sunil Parikh as co-chairs and with Tania Bubela and Farah Shroff as champions. The session will include presentations by Farah Shroff on Ayurvedic medicine, and Libby Garg on fast nutritious food and its role of nutrition in integrated health. Other speakers will include John O’Neal on traditional Chinese medicine clinic and integration with First Nations, David Florkowski on traditional Chinese medicine in curriculum, and Angella Dixon on patient experience using integrative medicine.  We are also planning a more in-depth round table led by Sunita Vohra  with Tania Bubela and Arun Garg as champions and address specific question of  opportunities and challenges in integrative medicine and Canadian health academic centres and  how to increase research content and capacity in Canadian institutes on integrative health practices.

– The last session of the conference e will bring experts and practioners in technology and share its application to build a healthy civil society. Bruce Ralston, Minister of Technology, will share opening remarks. The session will be chaired by Kathy Kinloch and Sanku Roy with Phil Barker and Louise Turner as champions. Short, snappy focused presentations by Nancy Price, Janet Funk, Anmol Kapoor, Paula Ardiles, Arun Jankar, Akiko Campbell, rep of  Medtronics,  and Kendall Ho, in their cherished projects ,will be shared.

The conference will end with closing session reports by respective champions and recommendations and the next steps. As indicated, the conference is all about how we connect, build networks and collaborate to build healthy civil society in the context of Canada and India partnership.

 

* Friday 9 a.m.-2 p.m.: Roundtable at Innovation Boulevard Office, Surrey

* Friday 6-9:30 p.m.: Opening reception in City of Surrey Foyer

* Saturday 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Session 1 – Diabetes, palliative care and mental health addiction – SFU Surrey

* Saturday 1:15-4 p.m.: Leadership and  Health – SFU Surrey

* Saturday 6-10 p.m.: Banquet at Royal Palace Banquet Hall, Payal Business Centre

* Sunday 9 am.-12 p.m.: Integrative Medicine at SFU Surrey

* Sunday 12:30-4 p.m.: Technology – Innovation at SFU Surrey

* Sunday 4-5 p.m.: Closing session at SFU Surrey

* Sunday 5-6:30 p.m.: Reception and Networking at SFU Surrey

Naresh Mann of Richmond charged with fraud and theft following BCSC investigation

NARESH Singh Mann (a.k.a. Nash Mann), 52, of Richmond was charged with one count of fraud over $5,000 and one count of theft over $5,000 under the Criminal Code on April 11, following an investigation by the British Columbia Securities Commission’s Criminal Investigations Branch.

Richmond RCMP served Mann with a summons to appear in Vancouver Provincial Court on this matter.

It is alleged that in February 2013, Mann convinced a Vancouver resident to invest in an online gambling company, claiming the investment would generate significant returns in six months. Rather than invest the money as promised, it is alleged Mann misappropriated the bulk of the invested funds.

Mann’s first appearance occurred in Vancouver Provincial Court on May 10. His next appearance is set for June 7.