Terry Fox Ravens cap perfect season with junior girls title

3 March 2019

Photos by Garrett James – Langley Events Centre

WHAT began in elementary school a handful of years ago, came to fruition on Saturday afternoon.

From there, the group spent countless hours in various gyms, honing their game to develop into what they displayed this basketball season: junior girls provincial champions.

Now all Grade 9 students at Terry Fox, the young Ravens squad capped off a perfect 35-0 season with a thorough 76-36 victory over the Kelowna Owls on Saturday afternoon at Langley Events Centre, site of the 38^th annual Junior Girls Basketball Provincial Invitational Tournament.

The Ravens were the No. 1 seed while Kelowna was the No. 2 seed and boasted a roster entirely made up of Grade 10’s.

The teams traded points to start the game with Terry Fox holding a slim 10-8 lead before the Ravens took flight, capping the quarter on a 9-2 run. By halftime, the lead was up to 19 and there was no looking back.

“We knew (Kelowna was) a big, athletic team, a well-coached team and we knew that only way we were going to win this game was to up the tempo and put lots of pressure on them,” said Terry Fox coach Mike Carkner. “And the kids just played over the top, they were unbelievable, they exceeded our expectations.”

The Ravens’ multiple scoring options were on full display in the final with five players reaching double figures. Cerys Merton, who was named Most Valuable Player, led the way with 17 points, including five three-pointers. Lauren Clements had 14, Emily Sussex and Taylor Matthews each chipped in with a dozen and Alisha Weloy had 11.

Weloy was named Championship Player of the Game while Merton was the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and Ana-Maria Misic picked up the Most Outstanding Defensive Player award.

The title is the first junior girls championship in school history for the Port Coquitlam school.

“These girls came to Terry Fox to try and do that and to actually deliver it as Grade 9’s is super exciting. We are just thrilled,” Carkner said.

For Kelowna, it may sting, but there is no shame in second place said coach Robin Espenberg.

“They are better than 499 other junior girls teams in the province,” he said of his message to the team. “We have lost two games this year and it was to one team. It definitely stings a little bit but everybody can’t win. We didn’t play our best game but we gave it a solid effort and we are proud no matter what.”

The Owls’ Abbey McCann had 11 points while Tessa Bentley and Paris Kirk chipped in with 10 points apiece.

In the third-place game, the Riverside Rapids defeated the MEI Eagles 56-44. For full results, click here.

First Team All-Stars: Second Team All-Stars:

Franscine Basiga (Riverside) Maria Kim (Riverside)

Shiah Holmes (Kelowna) Gracie Corneau (MEI)

Tessa Bentley (Kelowna) Tatum Wade (Okanagan Mission)

Lauren Clements (Terry Fox) Marissa Rodde (Yale)

Emily Sussex (Terry Fox) Priyanca Sundher (Fleetwood Park)

52 new supportive homes open in Vancouver

3 March 2019

THE Province and the City of Vancouver celebrated the grand opening of Nora Hendrix Place on Sunday as part of the B.C. government’s commitment to build more than 2,000 supportive homes throughout the province, including 600 in partnership with the City of Vancouver.

“Working together towards a common purpose, we can achieve true progress. This is clear in how our partnership with the City of Vancouver has brought more than 600 people in off the streets and into new homes and a hopeful future,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “We are seeing the transformative power of housing for people in Vancouver, and we will continue to work with communities and partners to help people struggling with homelessness, here and throughout British Columbia.”

The 52 new homes at 258 Union Street were built by B.C. manufacturer Horizon North. Each unit is 29.7 square metres (320 square feet) with a bathroom and kitchen. Six of the units are fully wheelchair accessible. The supportive housing will be managed by the PHS Community Services Society, an experienced non-profit housing operator.

Hogan’s Alley Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to redressing the displacement of the Black community from Strathcona, is partnering with PHS to help ensure the success of Nora Hendrix Place.

Like other supportive housing developments under the Building BC: Rapid Response to Homelessness program, the building offers residents round-the-clock services, including meal programs, life and employment skills training, health and wellness support services, and opportunities for volunteer work.

Named after a prominent member of the Black community, Nora Hendrix Place prioritizes Black and Indigenous residents who are experiencing homelessness. Located in the Hogan’s Alley neighbourhood, the name also recognizes and honours the legacy of Strathcona’s former Black community.

“In just a year and a half, the City and Province have created 606 new homes, providing immediate relief for people who might be living outside or in shelters across the city,” said Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart. “Partnerships with other levels of government are critical in the delivery of this urgently needed housing, and we value the tireless work of the local non-profit organizations like PHS Community Services Society who provide important health and social services for residents at every building. With the opening of Nora Hendrix Place, more than 50 people who have experienced homelessness in Vancouver now have a safe, warm home to call their own. And thanks to our partnership with Hogan’s Alley Society, we’re prioritizing the needs of Black and Indigenous people who face persistent social and economic exclusion.”

BC Housing, the City of Vancouver and PHS are working with the Hogan’s Alley Society to ensure the temporary modular homes reflect and advance the long-term vision of this site developed by the Black community as part of the City of Vancouver’s Northeast False Creek plan.

Melanie Mark, MLA for Vancouver-Mount Pleasant, said: “The new homes at Nora Hendrix Place exemplify what it means to put people first and invest in their futures. We know that when people have the basics, like a safe, warm place to call home and access to the support they need to get back on track, we are building healthier communities in Vancouver and throughout British Columbia.”

Quick Facts:

* The Government of B.C. provided $8.8 million in capital funding for Nora Hendrix Place and will also provide operating funding.

* Residents will be charged a monthly rental rate of $375, which is the social assistance shelter allowance provided by the Province.

* Through the Building BC: Rapid Response to Homelessness program, the Province is investing $291 million to build 2,000 homes around the province and more than $170 million over three years to provide 24/7 staffing and support services.

* More than 900 supportive homes are now open throughout the province, with a further 1,100 underway in 22 communities throughout B.C.

* Budget 2019 introduced a homelessness action plan with $76 million dedicated to supporting land acquisition and services to build an additional 200 modular homes this year.

* This is on top of funding 2,500 new supportive housing units over 10 years for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness through the Building BC: Supportive Housing Fund.

Witnesses sought for home invasion in central Abbotsford

3 March 2019

THE Abbotsford Police are seeking witnesses, CCTV and dash-cam footage to help identify four suspects wanted in connection with a home invasion in the city’s central neighbourhood.

Police were called to a home invasion in the area of Maclure Road and Horn Street on Saturday at 4:30 p.m.

A 54-year-old man and 54-year-old female were home at the time when they were confronted by four men wearing hoodies.

The suspects forced their way into the home, produced a firearm and demanded money and drugs. The male resident was able to leave through the back door, while the female hid in another room.

The suspects ransacked the house and were seen fleeing the house with a duffle bag containing unknown items, including the keys to a black BMW parked in the driveway. When the male resident attempted to confront the suspects as they were leaving in his car, a single shot was discharged from inside the vehicle, breaking the driver’s side window.

Neither resident was injured during this incident.

The suspects fled in the stolen black BMW and a white sedan was seen following behind. The stolen BMW was located abandoned a short distance away.

Police believe this was a targeted incident.

The AbbyPD Major Crime Unit detectives continue to investigate this incident and ask that anyone with information about this incident to call the Abbotsford Police Department at 604-859-5225, text them at 222973 (abbypd), or call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

ONTARIO: Peel Police say missing South Asian male located

3 March 2019

PEEL Regional Police announced on Sunday that they have located a missing 25-year-old South Asian man.

He was last seen in the area of Queensway West and Hurontario Street in the City of Mississauga at approximately 12:40 p.m. on Saturday, February 23.

On Saturday, March 2, he was located in good health in Mississauga.

Country felt absence of Rafale during Balakot strikes: Modi

2 March 2019

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses at Construction Technology India 2019, in New Delhi on March 2, 2019. (Photo: IANS)

New Delhi (IANS): In a strong attack on the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the results of air strikes on Pakistan “would have been different” had Rafale fighter jets been procured earlier and accused the opposition party of first worrying about “self-interest” and later doing politics over it.

In wake of the bombing of the Jaish-e-Mohammad training camp at Balakot in Pakistan, Modi also said that no one can dare raise a finger against India and it is pursuing new policies and new traditions.

Attacking the Congress which has been campaigning against the Modi government on the Rafale deal, he said “the country is feeling the absence of Rafale. If there was Rafale with us, the result probably would have been different”.

“First due to politics of self-interest and later due to politics per se, the country has suffered a lot,” he said at the India Today conclave here, in a reference to the Congress-led UPA government’s delay in acquiring the Rafale fighter jet.

Lashing out at the opposition, he said that “their hatred for Modi has become a hatred for the nation”. He said at a time when the entire world is with India on countering terrorism, some people were raising doubts about the armed forces.

“Their remarks are being used as proof against India (in Pakistan). These people have come down to opposing the country in their opposition to Modi,” he said, adding that many Modis would come and go but the nation remains.

He asked the political parties not to weaken the country for their political gains.

Modi said the country was decisive and bold due to hard work of 125 crore Indians and his government has ended the days of “deals and doles.”

He said “a sense of fear has been put in the hearts of enemies both inside and outside the country” because of his government’s actions.

“Today, the environment that has been created, this fear is good. If the enemies of the nation feel the fear of bravery of the nation, it is good. If the masters of terrorism feel the fear of the bravery of the armed forces, it is good.

“If the fugitives have fear of their property being seized, it is good. If with Mamaji (alleged AgustaWestland deal middleman Christian Mitchel) speaking, big families get rattled, then this fear is good. If the corrupt have fear of going to jail, it is good. If the corrupt have fear of law, it is good,” he said.

Modi said the new India is forging ahead on the basis of its resources and confidence and his government was committed to take all decisions in the best interests of the country.

Modi owes answer on action taken for intelligence failure: Owaisi

2 March 2019

MIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi. (File Photo: IANS)

Hyderabad (IANS): MIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to tell the country as to what action he took over the intelligence failure which led to the February 14 terror attack at Pulwama that killed 40 CRPF troopers.

The Hyderabad MP asked Modi to specify as to how many officials were sacked and how many of his Ministers resigned over the intelligence failure.

Addressing a meeting to mark the 61st anniversary of the revival of the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM), Owaisi said Modi also owed an answer to the country on diplomatic and political failure.

“How the RDX came? Where is the DNA of the suicide bombers? These are the questions whose answers the country wants to know from the Prime Minister,” said Owaisi.

Referring to the video of the suicide bomber, the MP said Modi should have also found out from where he got the two US-made firearms shown in the video.

Owaisi cautioned the political parties against seeking votes on the sacrifices of brave soldiers. “If any party seeks votes on sacrifices of brave soldiers, I will expose you,” he said.

On return of the Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot Abhinandan Varthaman from Pakistan, he said MIM was happy that the son of India returned safely.

“Country’s enemies are our enemies. Terrorists are our enemies. Political differences are there and they will always be there but country comes first. There will be no compromise as long as the country’s border, its territorial integrity and sovereignty are concerned.”

On Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s statement asking India to provide evidence of Jaish-e-Mohammed leader Masood Azhar’s involvement in the terror attack, Owaisi pointed out that the UN had declared JeM a proscribed organization.

“What more proof Pakistan needs?” he asked.

Owaisi demanded that Pakistan should jail Masood Azhar. He termed the JeM as a group of ‘satans’. “He is not a Moulana but a disciple of shaitan. He (Hafiz Saeed) is not Hafiz but a murderer,” he said and alleged that they were maligning Islam.

Owaisi said they were not even distantly related to Islam and challenged them to have a debate with Islamic scholars of India who would prove that there was no room for terrorism in Islam.

The MIM ridiculed Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan for referring to Tipu Sultan and Bahadur Shah Zafar in Pakistan’s National Assembly. He reminded Khan that Tipu Sultan was not an enemy of Hindus. “He (Khan) is saying he has an atom bomb. We also have it.”

India should release evidence of air strike, says Digvijaya

2 March 2019

Indore (IANS): Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Saturday demanded that India should release evidence of IAF air strike on a training camps of terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad in Pakistan’s Balakot, like the US did after killing Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden.

Speaking to reporters here, the former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister said: “I am not raising any question over the IAF’s operation. But this is the era of technology. It is possible to find out any picture of an open area via satellite. We should give evidence like America informed the whole world about Osama bin Laden.”

The Indian Air Force (IAF) had carried out a pre-dawn air strike on February 26. The air strike came in response after the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama in which 40 Central Reserve Police Force troopers were killed on February 14 and Pakistan-based JeM claimed responsibility.

MEANWHILE, news agencies note that Pakistan denied any such camps existed, as did local villagers in the area when Reuters visited.

Pakistan said the Indian bombs hit a largely empty hillside without hurting anyone.

ALBERTA: Kulshan Gill nominated as United Conservative candidate in Edmonton-Strathcona

2 March 2019

Jason Kenney and Kulshan Gill.
Photo: Twitter

EDMONTON: United Conservative Leader Jason Kenney on Friday congratulated Kulshan Gill on her nomination as the party’s candidate in Edmonton-Strathcona for the 2019 provincial election.

He said: “Kulshan is an experienced health care professional and entrepreneur. Prior to immigrating to Canada from India, Kulshan received her medical degree and practiced as a physician, delivering medical services to the less fortunate and HIV patients in Mumbai and surrounding rural communities.

“Upon arriving in Canada, Kulshan received her degree in naturopathic medicine and started a small business in Edmonton providing wellness services. An avid volunteer, she regularly works to ensure the health care needs of seniors in her community are being met.

“Kulshan’s unique understanding of the challenges faced by newcomers to Canada, her experience in the health care system, and her business acumen, make her a valuable member of the United Conservative team as we work to present Albertans with a common-sense alternative to the NDP.”

According to her website: “Kulshan Gill was born and raised in India and worked as a Medical Doctor before immigrating to Canada. Since moving to Canada in early 2003, she has lived in Alberta and called Edmonton home. In addition to her Medical degree from India, Kulshan also holds a Bachelor of Naturopathy degree from Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, has training in Mind-Body Medicine, Stress management and Relaxation therapy from Harvard Medical School. She has extensively trained in mental health, Ayurveda, Life balance coaching, Meditation and Yoga therapy from USA, Canada & India. She currently works as a Registered Herbalist and Mind Body medicine practitioner in Edmonton.”

She was born into a military family, with three generations of her family having served in the Indian Armed Forces.

59 per cent say SNC-Lavalin situation will impact their vote: Forum Poll

2 March 2019

More than half say the situation has worsened their opinion of Trudeau

IN a random sampling of public opinion taken by the Forum Poll among 1,301 Canadians 18 years of age or older, almost two-thirds (59%) say the SNC-Lavalin situation will have an impact on their vote, with a third (36%) saying it will have a strong impact.
More than three quarters (80%) of Conservative voters say it will impact their vote.
It will likewise affect the vote of one-third (30%) of Liberals.
About 4 in 10 (41%) say it won’t impact their vote, with a quarter (24%) saying it won’t impact their vote at all.
Almost three-quarters (70%) of Liberal voters say it won’t have an impact on their vote.

HALF (55%) say they could confidently explain the situation related to the Prime Minister’s office, with a quarter (27%) saying they could very confidently explain.
Conservatives (62%) and Liberals (63%) are most likely to say they could confidently explain the situation.
More than 4 in 10 (45%) say they couldn’t confidently explain the situation, with a quarter (27%) saying they couldn’t do so confidently at all.
Green (56%), Bloc Quebecois (54%), or People’s Party of Canada (53%) voters are most likely to say they couldn’t confidently explain it.

THE majority (57%) say that the situation has worsened their opinion of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, while a third (36%) saying it had no effect, and about 1 in 10 (7%) said it’s improved their opinion of the Prime Minister.
Respondents most likely to say their opinion has worsened include those aged 35-44 (64%), males (64%), earning $80-100,000 (62%) or the most wealthy (62%), with a college / university (59%) or post-graduate degree (58%), living in the prairies (Manitoba / Saskatchewan) (75%) or Alberta (76%), and supporting the BQ (66%) or PPC (68%).

“A considerable proportion of Canadians say they can explain the situation that occurred between the Prime Minister’s office and SNC Lavalin,” said Dr. Lorne Bozinoff, President of Forum Research. “The situation hasn’t caused a drag on Liberal fortunes yet, it seems, but the longer the situation remains headline news, the less likely that is to remain the case.”

Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 – Minnesota United FC 3: New-look ‘Caps unveiled but fall 3-2 in season opener

2 March 2019

VANCOUVER, BC – New-look Vancouver Whitecaps FC were unveiled in season opener but fell 3-2 on Saturday afternoon to Minnesota United FC at BC Place.

Centreback Érik Godoy, one of nine players making their WFC debut on the afternoon, put the ‘Caps ahead early, but the Loons rattled off three consecutive goals to snatch away the full three points. The Loons were led by Darwin Quintero’s goal and two assists, while Francisco Calvo earned a penalty kick to jumpstart the come-from-behind win, and added a goal in the second half.

Vancouver attempted to launch a late rally of their own, with Doneil Henry scoring his first MLS goal in a ‘Caps uniform to cut into the lead, but MNUFC would hold on for the road result.

New WFC head coach Marc Dos Santos’s attack got off to a flying start, as the home side nudged ahead just six minutes in. Yordy Reyna, who was among the league’s elite in big chances created in 2018, dropped a well-placed free kick into Godoy’s right foot, as the newcomer shook loose from MNUFC defenders to put Vancouver ahead early.

Minnesota would then take control. Five minutes after hitting the woodwork, Calvo drew a foul inside the box in a race for a loose ball, setting up a 37th-minute Quintero penalty kick goal to tie things up.

The second half saw more production from the visitors, as MNUFC scored two goals off giveaways within a four-minute span. First, it was Calvo initiating a counterattack and finishing it himself with a diving header in the 66th minute, then Romario Ibarra capitalized on a breakaway on the left wing for a 3-1 advantage.

The ‘Caps tried to finish with a flurry. Young Designated Player Inbeom Hwang forced the MNUFC keeper to a full-stretched save, then Henry connected with an 81^st-minute header off a clean setup from Hwang and substitute Victor “PC” Giro.

Despite the late push, Whitecaps FC will have to seek for their first points of the year on the road, as they depart for two road matches, beginning with a visit to Real Salt Lake next Saturday, March 9. Kickoff is at 3 p.m. PT live on TSN and TSN Radio 1040.

The ‘Caps are back home on Saturday, March 30 for an early-season Cascadia clash when they host Seattle Sounders FC at BC Place. Visit whitecapsfc.com for ticket information.

MATCH DETAILS

WFC Man of the Match: Yordy Reyna
Referee: Rubiel Vazquez
Attendance: 27,837

Scoring Summary
6’ – VAN – Érik Godoy (Yordy Reyna)
37’ – MIN – Darwin Quintero (penalty kick)
66’ – MIN – Francisco Calvo (Darwin Quintero, Romario Ibarra)
70’ – MIN – Romario Ibarra (Darwin Quintero)
81’ – VAN – Doneil Henry (Victor “PC” Giro, Inbeom Hwang)

Statistics
Possession: VAN 49.5% – MIN 50.5%
Shots: VAN 11 – MIN 15
Shots on Goal: VAN 4 – MIN 4
Saves: VAN 1 – MIN 2
Fouls: VAN 13 – MIN 17
Offsides: VAN 1 – MIN 1
Corners: VAN 6 – MIN 2
Duels won: VAN 59 – MIN 56
Tackles won: VAN 15 – MIN 15

Cautions
24’ – MIN – Osvaldo Alonso
31’ – VAN – Jon Erice
45’ – VAN – Derek Cornelius
45’+2’ – MIN – Romario Ibarra
79’ – MIN – Francisco Calvo

Vancouver Whitecaps FC
16.Maxime Crépeau; 28.Jake Nerwinski, 22.Érik Godoy, 2.Doneil Henry, 13.Derek Cornelius (94.Victor “PC” Giro 76’); 8.Felipe Martins (9.Joaquín Ardaiz 71’), 6.Jon Erice ©, 4.Inbeom Hwang; 29.Yordy Reyna, 12.Fredy Montero, 19.Lass Bangoura (7.Lucas Venuto 69’)

Substitutes not used
18.Zac MacMath, 15.Andy Rose, 23.Scott Sutter, 54.Simon Colyn

Minnesota United FC
1.Vito Mannone; 19.Romain Métanire, 15.Michael Boxall, 3.Ike Opara, 5.Francisco Calvo ©; 8.Jan Gregus, 6.Osvaldo Alonso; 10.Miguel Ibarra, 25.Darwin Quintero (31.Hassani Dotson 90’+3’), 20.Rasmus Schüller (13.Ethan Finlay 80’); 11.Romario Ibarra (9.Angelo Rodríguez 83’)

Substitutes not used
33.Bobby Shuttleworth, 14.Brent Kallman, 23.Mason Toye, 77. Chase Gasper