THE Independent Contractors and Businesses Association said on Tuesday that the B.C. Government’s latest attempt to stall the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project should be outright rejected by federal authorities.
The provincial government announced on Tuesday it has formed a committee to look at environmental impacts of pipelines – work that has already been covered during the Trans Mountain approval process, and despite millions of tax dollars already being invested in spill response, the ICBA said. The pipeline was approved nearly two years ago with 194 environmental and legal conditions that Kinder Morgan is obligated to meet.
“It’s time to get to work on this project. This pipeline is in the national interest, which is why the federal cabinet approved it in the first place,” said ICBA President Chris Gardner. “All of the issues raised by Minister [of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, George] Heyman today have been previously addressed in the 29-month-long Trans Mountain approval process undertaken by the federal government, and endorsed by the provincial government. This is simply a stall tactic meant to flout the federal government’s jurisdiction. It’s time for Prime Minister [Justin] Trudeau to act.”
Gardner called on the federal government and National Energy Board to reject B.C.’s stall tactics and allow construction to proceed on this vital $7.4 billion energy project.
“When it comes to attracting investment to B.C., the provincial government is speaking out of both sides of its mouth,” said Gardner. “In one breath, they’re in Asia, claiming that B.C. is open for business and is a safe, predictable place to invest. In the next, they’re putting road blocks in front of duly-approved energy projects and undermining investor confidence.”
ICBA will be launching an email campaign through its Get2Yes web platform to encourage Trudeau and Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr to push back against the B.C. Government’s overreach and stall tactics.
“Canada and B.C. cannot afford to have governments finding ways to use red tape to try and choke out properly approved infrastructure projects,” said Gardner. “We do not believe the province has this authority, and we call on the federal government to act again in the national interest to move this project forward without further delay.”
Surrey RCMP get another gun off the streets – a loaded semi-automatic pistol
ONE man is charged after allegedly being in possession of a firearm following a routine traffic stop.
On January 23 at 7:45 p.m., a member of Surrey RCMP’s Traffic Enforcement Services spotted a suspected stolen car. The officer pulled the car over and took the alleged driver, believed to be intoxicated, into custody. As a result of the arrest a loaded semi-automatic pistol, suspected illicit drugs, and a large sum of cash were seized.
Now charged is 31-year-old John Schoch of Surrey with one count of each of the following five offences:
* Possession of a loaded firearm without registration or license
* Possession of a firearm without registration or license
* Possession of a firearm while prohibited
* Possession of stolen property
* Impaired operation of a vehicle
The investigation is ongoing and more charges are possible. Schoch remains in custody.
“Thanks to a sharp eye and quick thinking by this traffic officer, another gun is off the streets,” said Cpl. Scotty Schumann on Tuesday. “In police work a seemingly routine event can quickly evolve into a significant investigation.”
Vancouver Police work to increase safety in Downtown Eastside
VANCOUVER Police said on Tuesday they are expanding patrol activities in the Downtown Eastside to improve public safety. An increased number of police officers will be on foot in the area to proactively address issues around street disorder and prevent violence.
“In recent months, there has been a significant increase in street disorder, including violent altercations, which has led to heightened concerns from the elderly, people with mobility issues, and businesses,” said Sgt. Jason Robillard, Media Relations Officer. “We are working with the community to try to make the neighborhood safe for everyone.”
Police said they have noted a considerable spike in street disorder in recent months and that vulnerable people are being taken advantage of by others coming in from outside of Vancouver to commit crimes, like dealing drugs and selling stolen goods.
In the past several weeks, police have received numerous complaints from locals, including seniors, small businesses, and people in wheelchairs, noting that they cannot access their buildings and other essential services because of the unsafe use of sidewalks.
Since Sunday, the initiative has already had a significant impact: 10 arrests have been made – six for outstanding warrants, two for the breach of orders, and two for mischief – and officers have seized $4,500 in drugs (fentanyl, cocaine, and meth) and $3,000 worth of stolen property.
As part of this safety initiative, Vancouver Police’s homeless outreach coordinator will work with patrol members and partner organizations to help connect people without homes, or who are living with mental illness or addictions, with appropriate resources.
Coquitlam man in custody for tire slashing and vandalism
A Coquitlam man has been arrested after an alleged vandalism spree that included spray painted buildings, vehicles getting scratched with keys, and vehicles getting their tires slashed.
“We are very sympathetic to the tremendous amount of hassle and expense this has been for the victims,” says Cpl. Michael McLaughlin with the Coquitlam RCMP. “We really appreciate the
cooperation and patience we’ve had from the community as we identified a suspect.”
Most of the damage to vehicles and buildings occurred over a three-day period between January 24 and when the suspect was arrested on January 26. The 37-year-old suspect is in custody and faces five counts of mischief under $5,000 and 15 counts of fail to comply with recognizance.
Coquitlam RCMP is actively investigating potential links between this recent vandalism and similar crimes that stretch back to December 2017. In total, more than 100 vehicles or buildings were damaged.
Anyone who has not yet spoken to police and believes that they have been victimized is encouraged to call the Coquitlam RCMP non-emergency number at 604-945-1550.
Simple change makes doors more resistant to break-ins in Vancouver
A Vancouver Police and City of Vancouver crime prevention initiative, aimed at strengthening door frames to make it more difficult for thieves to break into homes, has become a new city bylaw. It is now mandatory to add a metal plate to the back side of door frames for new construction and renovations to residential dwellings.
“This is a very simple change that will make a big difference,” says Sgt. Jason Robillard, Vancouver Police Department’s Media Relations Officer. “Last year, forced entry break-and-enters accounted for 38 per cent of all break-and-enters in the city.”
The change was initiated by VPD Constable Ryan Hooper last year after he noticed, when investigating residential break-and-enters, that more door frames were splitting open during forced entries. “We were seeing some commonalities of the door frame splitting open upon forced entries and initiated a project to find a solution,” says Hooper.
The VPD partnered with City of Vancouver building inspectors and code engineers to come up with a cost-effective and easy-to-implement strategy. The metal plates cost about $5 each.
“The City of Vancouver’s Building Inspections department is extremely pleased to have collaborated with Vancouver Police Department on this work. The new bylaw is a low-cost solution that will protect properties and prove more cost-effective in the long run,” said Pat Ryan, Chief Building Inspector, City of Vancouver.
On November 1, 2017, Vancouver City Council passed a bylaw to supplement the Building Code to have make the metal plates mandatory in door frames for all new builds and renovations moving forward.
For more information on securing a door with the new metal plate, view this demonstration video.
PUNJABI CULTURAL SOCIETY OF CHICAGO (PCS) EVENTS
Palatine: Celebrating 24 years of community service, Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago hosted its annual New Year’s eve langar (community kitchen vegetarian meal) to serve all visiting the Palatine Gurdwara Sahib on December 31, 2017 in gratitude for the past year 2017 and to welcome the new year 2018 among family and friends. This is also to thank our community, supporters and sponsors of our year round programs like Rangla Punjab, Graduation Night, Sports Festival, PCS Night, Thanksgiving Day Parade, Asian American Dinner Banquet, and many other Workshops and Seminars.
Thank you…Thank you…Thank you!!!
CHICAGO: The Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago (PCS) (www.PCSChicago.org) kept up its tradition of participating in the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade held on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday November 23, 2017, on State Street in downtown Chicago. Thousands of spectators who lined up along the parade route watched and cheered the PCS float. The theme was a Punjabi wedding with colorfully dressed up bride, groom and the baraatis, live Punjabi dhols, bhangra dancers and amplified Punjabi music from the float.
The parade was televised live on WGN Channel 9 and WGN America, it was also streamed live on the internet for worldwide viewing where millions watched.
PCS has been participating in this parade since 2005. It gives our Indian community great exposure in the mainstream, and it shows our commitment to celebrate the American festivals, in solidarity with the American people.