Guru Nanak Free Kitchen’s annual toy drive

6 December 2017

AS one of the leading meal providers to those in need, Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen (GNFK) is holding its annual toy drive for those in need. At last year’s event, over 1,770 new toys were delivered to schools with low income families as well as various shelters across the Lower Mainland.

Families are encouraged to bring new unwrapped toys to the Sikh Academy Elementary School at 12895 85th Avenue, Surrey. The new toys will be wrapped into boxes (separated into age groups and gender), and delivered to various schools and shelters across the Lower Mainland.

This is a family event and members of all communities are invited to join the group of volunteers. Refreshments will be provided.

Contact Paul Hundal at 778-837-7923 or Garry Grewal at 604-250-2222 for any information.

Significant seizure of guns, drugs, explosive devices and stolen property in project targeting gang violence

6 December 2017

THE Vancouver Police Department and the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC) have made a significant seizure of guns, drugs, explosive devices and stolen property, all related to Lower Mainland organized crime groups who are actively involved in violent crime throughout the Greater Vancouver area, police announced on Wednesday.

The seizure is part of a combined police effort to target ongoing gang violence in Greater Vancouver, dubbed Project Treachery.

During the course of this investigation, gang crime investigators learned that a farmhouse located at 4096-240th Street in Langley was being used by Lower Mainland gang members. Subsequently, in the early morning hours of November 13, investigators executed a search warrant at the residence and recovered the following items:

* two improvised explosive devices – detonated on scene by police
* nine handguns
* three assault rifles
* seven stolen vehicles
* more than 600 rounds of ammunition
* more than 500 marijuana plants
* bulletproof vests
VPD and CFSEU-BC were assisted in executing warrants by the Surrey RCMP, Langley RCMP, and the Abbotsford Police Department.

“Violent gang members routinely cross jurisdictional boundaries and can impact several communities at once. In order to remain effective we must continue to work in a coordinated, collaborative, and regional approach,” said Assistant Commissioner Kevin Hackett, Chief Officer of the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia. “This investigation is a good example of the CFSEU-BC’s ability to respond to the needs of our partner agencies across the province, and work with them in the interest of public safety.”

The investigation remains active and criminal charges are expected. The VPD and CFSEU-BC are requesting that anyone who has information on this farm, to contact VPD Organized Crime investigators at 604-717-0505 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

2018 Honda Accord Touring sedan: Ups its game!

6 December 2017

By Autoreviewman

For 2018, the tenth generation, Honda Accord arrives with more improvements and a rock solid reputation. On the outside, the new Accord looks better, with sleek Euro styling touches and an impressive side profile. Interior room is up slightly due to a 55 mm longer stretch to the wheelbase. Other improvements include extra noise damping, ultra-high strength steel construction and 32 percent greater rigidity for better performance. Also new are two turbocharged four-cylinder engines. The V6 option is now gone. Instead buyer gets to choose from a 1.5-litre turbo, with 192 horsepower and 192 lb-ft. of torque teamed with either a CVT transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox. The second powertrain is for sport versions of the Accord and is a Civic Type-R derived 2.0L turbo unit producing 252 hp and 273 lb-ft, and is available with a new ten-speed automatic tranny or the six-speed manual. The 2018 Honda Accord starts at $26,490 for a base 1.5L LX with six-speed manual, and goes up to $38,790 for the 2.0L touring model with adaptive suspension and other extras.

Interior wise, the new Accord offers a roomy, inviting cabin, with a high- class one piece dash that wraps around to the doors as found in premium cars. A centre display and TFT housed in a 7-inch screen can also be configured to show tach, Navi, trip computer or phone status. For the first time, there is a 6-inch head-up display. Safety is high point on the new Accord, with the as-standard inclusion of Honda’s Honda Safety Sensing suite – which includes: adaptive cruise control, collision detection with automatic braking, back-up camera, and road-departure mitigation. Traffic sign recognition, lane-keeping assist, and steering assist (Helps prevent the car from diverting from its lane) is available on the upper trim Accords.

On the road, the new Accord handles more like a premium sports sedan with better cornering ,and, smooth precise acceleration thank to the new transmissions. The chassis feels more rigid and the steering more responsive. The ride is also less noisy and more refined. In short, not a lot to complain about. The new Accord is certainly is an improvement over the last model. Will the V6 be missed? I think not, with the performance of the new engines. Once again a very competent buy in the mid-size sedan market. Highly recommended as a class leader

2018 Honda Accord sedan priced from $26,490

Touring model as tested starting from $35,790 – $38,790

2018 Ford F150 2.7 Liter Lariat SuperCrew- Adds more!

6 December 2017

By Autoreviewman

The new 2018 Ford F-150 has some interesting changes for the New Year. Most importantly there are two new engines namely a 3.3-liter V6 and 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost engine for better fuel economy and more power. The big V8 is also available should you need it. A diesel option is also on offer soon. There is also a new ten-speed transmission option and the availability of features such as available adaptive cruise with stop-and-go and pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection.

On the exterior, the 2018 F-150 sports new headlights, tail gate finishes and grilles. Ford offers six grille styles available, depending on which trim you order. There are new exterior colours to choose from—as well as new wheel options ranging from 18”-22” in size. There are new daytime LED running lights and taillights.

Interior wise, there are some new interior colors and the inclusion of a really great audiophile quality B&O audio system. Ford’s sync 3 system is also improved. We tested a 2018 Lariat SuperCrew model base priced at $57,199 with the following: $5,200 worth of options, comprising: voice activated navigation, sync connect, heated steering wheel. Extra options, included: Power running boards, Twin panel moon roof. Adaptive cruise control with stop and go, FX4 off road package bed liner. Also added was the Technology package with active park assist, 360 degree camera with split display. Total options came to $14,700 for a final price of $73,699 of the tester.

The new 2.7 liter tester Ecoboost powered engine proved to be an impressive unit in the test F-150 with 25 horsepower, and 25 lb-ft more torque. There is ample torque at all times. The new as -standard 10-speed transmission, also helps with smooth, tractable power delivery. The 2.7 V-6 doesn’t feel much slower than the 3.5 EcoBoost to be honest. Also cool, is the 2.7’s towing ability. Equipped with the Heavy Tow package, the 2.7L engine can tow up to 9,000 lbs. Meanwhile the Pro Trailer Assist (PTA) system is a very good aid. To sum up, the 2.7L equipped F-150 is very impressive on all fronts. It is superbly kitted out inside with wonderful seats, and a huge roomy interior. The option luxury and convenience features on our tester made it a supremely comfortable, enjoyable and easy truck to drive on an everyday basis. The F-150 can become very expensive when you start loading up the options, but lot of people don’t seem to mind! Highly recommended.

2018 Ford F-150 Lariat SuperCrew: Base priced from $57,199

Total price with options $73,699

World Sikh Organization appears at Supreme Court for Trinity Western University appeal

6 December 2017

THE World Sikh Organization of Canada on December 1 presented oral arguments at the Supreme Court of Canada in the seminal Trinity Western University appeal (Law Society of British Columbia v. Trinity Western University, et al. and Trinity Western University, et al. v. Law Society of Upper Canada).
The TWU case revolves around the decision of the BC and Ontario law societies not to accredit graduates from Trinity Western University’s law program because of the university’s community covenant.
The WSO made submissions on the need to clarify administrative law principles concerning the standard of review that decisions of administrative bodies are subject to when constitutional rights are implicated. WSO counsel argued that clarifying the appropriate standard of review in such instances will have impact beyond the TWU case, and have a lasting effect on how administrative decisions that infringe Charter values and rights are reviewed.
The WSO was the only non-Christian intervener in the case and was granted intervener status in the case by the Supreme Court of Canada on July 31, 2017.
The WSO was represented by legal counsel Balpreet Singh and Avnish Nanda. In his oral arguments, Avnish Nanda argued that WSO submits that the same standard of review should apply in all situations where administrative decisions engage Constitutional matters. The WSO’s complete factum can be seen here.
WSO President Mukhbir Singh said, “The WSO believes it is essential for the Sikh community’s perspective to be heard in important cases involving freedom of religion. While in the TWU appeal we did not take a position on the merits of the case, our argument focused on the broader issue of the standard of review for Charter cases. The issue of standard of review was key in cases like Multani and Loyola and will continue to have an impact in the future. Our submissions focused on the argument that different standards of review should not apply depending on the nature of the constitutional question that is engaged.”
The WSO was at the Supreme Court of Canada earlier in November 2017 in the Highwood appeal, also involving religious freedoms. This was the fifth time the WSO has appeared before the Supreme Court of Canada and the fourth time in a case involving a non-Sikh appellant

Male injured in Surrey shooting

6 December 2017

A male was injured in a shooting in the Newton area of Surrey on Tuesday night.

Surrey RCMP said that at approximately 8 p.m. on December 5, they responded to a report of shots fired in the intersection of 148th Street and 64th Avenue. The initial investigation has revealed that a male was shot and a dark-coloured sedan was seen fleeing the area westbound.

Officers are conducting neighbourhood canvassing and speaking with witnesses to obtain further information. The investigation is still in its early stages but initial indications are that this is likely a targeted incident.

Anyone with information on the suspect vehicle or the incident is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502, or if they wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or www.solvecrime.ca.

Ali Isse and Monir Kasim arrested in relation to Mississauga murder

5 December 2017

INVESTIGATORS from Peel Regional Police’s Homicide and Missing Persons Bureau have arrested two males in relation to the Region’s 12th homicide of the year.

On Saturday, August 26, at 7:50 a.m., officers responded to a call in the area of The Collegeway and Colonial Drive in the City of Mississauga for reports of shots fired in a residence. Officers arrived on scene and located Franc Paisley, a 29 year-old male of Toronto, with obvious signs of trauma. Paisley succumbed to his injuries.

On Tuesday, December 5, two males were arrested and charged.

Ali Isse, a 24-year-old male from Toronto, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder.

Monir Kasim, a 24-year-old male from Toronto, was arrested and charged with accessory after the fact to murder.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call investigators at the Homicide and Missing Persons Bureau at (905) 453-2121, ext. 3205. Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or by visiting www.peelcrimestoppers.ca, or by sending a text message to CRIMES (274637) with the word ‘PEEL’ and then your tip.

Dilbagh Singh of Ontario imprisoned in U.S. for trying to have sex with a minor

5 December 2017

DILBAGH Singh, 57, of Ontario, Canada, was on Monday sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven P. Logan to 46 months of incarceration. Singh had previously pleaded guilty to international travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.
Court documents show that in January 2017, Singh began an online relationship with an individual he believed to be a 15-year-old girl. Over the course of nearly four months, Singh told the girl that he wanted to engage in various sex acts with her. In May 2017, Singh travelled from Canada to Flagstaff, Arizona, to meet with the girl in person and to have sex with her.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.

For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

The investigation in this case was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations.

Holiday changes to bus service begin December 18

5 December 2017

TWO-WEEK seasonal service changes go into effect from December 18 through December 31, as part of TransLink’s annual service adjustment to respond to lower ridership on routes serving schools and post-secondary institutions.

Bus routes that will operate less frequently during the holiday season:

25 UBC / Brentwood Station
33 UBC / 29th Avenue Station
43 UBC / Joyce Station
84 UBC / VCC–Clark Station
99 UBC / Commercial–Broadway Station
145 SFU / Production Station
351 Bridgeport Station / Crescent Beach
480 UBC / Bridgeport Station

Customers are encouraged to visit the TransLink Trip Planner for specific schedule information for these routes. In response to increased demand during the holiday season, additional trips will be added to the 620 Bridgeport Station / Tsawwassen Ferry.

Also, beginning Monday, December 18 thanks to the investments in the Mayors’ 10-Year Vision TransLink says it is providing permanent service increases for the 5 (Robson / Downtown) and 6 (Davie / Downtown) bus routes in Vancouver to address overcrowding. Permanent changes also include splitting the 106 bus route, which currently connects New Westminster Station, Edmonds Station and Metrotown Station, into two routes to improve reliability.

Permanent changes:

Increasing service at busy times for the 5 and 6 to reduce overcrowding.
Splitting current 106 into two separate routes to improve reliability:

o Revised 106 will travel between New Westminster and Edmonds stations.

o New 119 will travel between Edmonds and Metrotown stations.

Special schedules will be in place for many routes on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve. Free transit will once again be offered on New Year’s Eve.

Regular service to schools and post-secondary institutions resumes Monday, January 1, 2018.

A second wave of service increases made possible thanks to Mayors’ 10-Year Vision funding will be announced later this month and go into effect on January 1, 2018.

Sikh Americans plan another national media campaign

5 December 2017

Washington (PTI): A group of Sikh Americans say they will launch another countrywide campaign to generate awareness about the minority community in the US.

In April, Sikhs launched ‘We are Sikhs’ campaign in the US to spread awareness and address the “collective misunderstanding” over the minority community amid a spike in hate crimes against them. The campaign received positive response.

In the first of its kind national awareness campaign, the National Sikh Campaign (NSC) was able to generate more than 92 million impressions throughout the country, the group said in a statement.

This included 6.3 million impressions through national television advertising on CNN, Fox News and Fox Business Network; 28.8 million impressions through local television advertising in Fresno, California; 10.5 million impressions through social media channels; 6.4 million impressions through digital advertising and over 600,000 followers on twitter of the campaign.

The NSC held fundraising events in 14 cities to garner support from the community and the total cost of this campaign is estimated to be USD 1.3 million.

“With limited funding, we were able to help Americans in every corner of the country better understand who their Sikh neighbours are and what we stand for,” said Dr Rajwant Singh, NSC co-founder and senior adviser.

“These impressive results are a testament to the hard work that went into the campaign and we are grateful to everyone who helped tell our story,” he said.

Many have stopped Sikhs on the streets and have thanked them for their presence, said Nick Sahota from California.

“I have so many stories of people stopping to tell us how they appreciate Sikhs. I had a 92-year-old women come and give me hug and shared how her Sikh husband had to leave in 1928 because of the discrimination he faced. She herself supported the campaign,” said Amritpal Singh, another NSC member.

The NSC is now negotiating with a media firm connected to Hollywood to make creative videos and a reputable film company to create a documentary for the American TV stations.

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