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IN PHOTOS: At the 2017 UBCM (Union of BC Municipalities ) Convention on Friday; 2017-2018 Executive named

At the 2017 UBCM (Union of BC Municipalities ) Convention on Friday, September 29 at the Vancouver Convention Centre in Vancouver.
Photos by SUKHWANT SINGH DHILLON

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) membership has selected its Table Officers for the 2017-2018 Executive Board.

· Wendy Booth, Director with the Regional District of East Kootenay, was acclaimed UBCM President Wednesday and installed Friday morning after serving the past year as First Vice President.

· Arjun Singh, Councillor with the City of Kamloops was acclaimed 1st Vice President.

· Maja Tait, Mayor of the District of Sooke was acclaimed 2nd Vice President.

· Sharon Gaetz, Mayor of the City of Chilliwack has been elected 3rd Vice President after serving as a UBCM Director at Large for the past year.

· Outgoing President Murry Krause, Councillor with the City of Prince George will remain on the Executive Board for the next year as Past President.

Coquitlam RCMP project disrupts family-based criminal organization; three generations of a family allegedly involved

IN February 2016, the Coquitlam RCMP Drugs and Organized Crime team launched an investigation into alleged drug trafficking that ultimately became ‘ENightlife’: a 17-month project that has now led to 58 charges against 11 people; the seizure of guns, drugs, luxury cars, and cash; and the disruption of a Coquitlam-based criminal organization that specialized in trafficking fentanyl and relied heavily on family ties.

“Coquitlam is one of the safest communities in Metro Vancouver but the reality is that no community is immune to drug-related crime,” said Inspector Bryon Massie. “The success of ENightlife is an example of what happens when citizens work with their local police and police agencies work with each other—what happens is we create safer communities together.”

The 11 accused range in age from 19 to 69 and include four individuals who represent three generations of one Coquitlam family as well as a father and son from Langley. The alleged leader of the group, 34 year old Coquitlam resident Andrew Leach, is facing 20 charges including directing a criminal organization, conspiracy to commit drug trafficking, and 14 firearms offences. Charges against the other accused include membership in a criminal organization, trafficking in a controlled substance, and 25 firearms offences.

“These charges and seizures are a major milestone for everyone who has worked on ENightlife and great example of how integrated policing is supposed to work,” said Inspector Massie. “Most importantly, this is excellent news for every community that’s been impacted by these individuals and their activities.”

ENightlife started when Coquitlam RCMP Drugs and Organized Crime team targeted an alleged criminal organization trafficking in legal and illegal drugs including fentanyl, Alprazolam (Xanax), cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and MDMA (ecstasy). The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU) assisted the investigation by way of the Provincial Tactical Enforcement Priority; a predictive targeting process that integrates municipal, provincial, and federal intelligence.

If you have information about criminal activity in Coquitlam RCMP’s jurisdiction report it through our non-emergency line at 604-945-1550 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.solvecrime.ca.

 

ENightlife Backgrounder

Individuals charged

Merissa Demosten, 24 year old female resident of Coquitlam charged with:

  • membership in a criminal organization
  • conspiracy to commit drug trafficking
  • trafficking in a controlled substance
  • possession of a controlled substance
  • possession for the purpose of trafficking (x 5)

Status:

  • currently in custody
  • next court date is October 11, 2017

 

Arghavan Ebrahimi, 25 year old female resident of Coquitlam charged with:

  • membership in a criminal organization
  • conspiracy to commit drug trafficking
  • trafficking in a controlled substance
  • possession of a controlled substance

Status:

  • released with conditions
  • next court date is October 5, 2017

 

Golareh-Sadat Ehtesham-Far, 25 year old female resident of Port Moody charged with:

  • membership in a criminal organization
  • conspiracy to commit drug trafficking
  • trafficking in a controlled substance

Status:

  • released with conditions
  • next court date is October 5, 2017

 

Morvarid Hashemi, 25 year old female resident of Port Coquitlam charged with:

  • membership in a criminal organization
  • conspiracy to commit drug trafficking
  • trafficking in a controlled substance

Status:

  • released with conditions
  • next court date is October 5, 2017

 

Zach Morgan Ronald Joyce, 25 year old male resident of Langley charged with:

  • conspiracy to commit drug trafficking
  • trafficking in a controlled substance

Status:

  • released with conditions
  • next court date is October 3, 2017

 

Mariah Kemp, 26 year old female resident of Port Moody charged with:

  • trafficking in a controlled substance
  • conspiracy to commit drug trafficking

Status:

  • released with conditions
  • next court date is October 3, 2017

 

Andrew Edwin Robert Leach, 34 year old male resident of Coquitlam charged with:

  • directing a criminal organization
  • conspiracy to commit drug trafficking
  • trafficking in a controlled substance
  • possession of a controlled substance (x 2)
  • possession of proceeds of crime
  • possession of a prohibited firearm (x 3)
  • possession of a firearm contrary to prohibition (x 6)
  • possession of a restricted firearm without a license (x 2)
  • possession of a prohibited device for a firearm (x 2)
  • possession of a non-restricted firearm without a license

Status:

  • currently in custody
  • next court date is October 11, 2017

 

Karen Leach (mother of Andrew Leach), 69 year old female resident of Coquitlam charged with:

  • possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking
  • possession of a restricted firearm without a license
  • possession of a prohibited firearm (x 2)
  • possession of a prohibited device for a firearm (x 2)
  • possession of a non-restricted firearm without a license

Status:

  • released with conditions
  • next court date is October 5, 2017

 

Marcus Leach (nephew of Andrew Leach), 19 year old male resident of Coquitlam, charged with:

  • possession of proceeds of crime
  • possession of a prohibited firearm without a license (x 2)
  • possession of a restricted firearm without a license
  • possession of a prohibited device for a firearm (x 2)

Status:

  • released with conditions
  • next court date is October 5, 2017

 

Rhonda Leach (sister of Andrew Leach), a 40 year old female resident of Coquitlam charged with: possession of proceeds of crime

Status:

  • released with conditions
  • next court date is October 5, 2017

 

Ronald James Yaroshuk (father of Zach Joyce), 59 year old male resident of Langley charged with:

  • trafficking in a controlled substance

Status:

  • released with conditions
  • next court date is October 3, 2017

Seized: Firearms

  • 1 modified (i.e., sawed-off) shotgun
  • 2 unmodified 12 gauge shotguns
  • Steyr AUG A 1 rifle
  • 1 Norinco carbine
  • 1 Sterling sub-machine gun with a prohibited magazine and silencer
  • 1 9 mm carbine
  • 1 Cobray M11/9 submachine gun
  • 6 prohibited carbine magazines
  • 1 Steyr 9 mm pistol
  • 1 Beretta .40 caliber pistol
  • 1 Glock 17 pistol
  • 1 modified Glock 23 fully automatic pistol
  • 4 high-capacity pistol magazines
  • hundreds of rounds of ammunition of various calibers

Seized: Proceeds of Crime

Cash

  • $784,603.61 (CAD)
  • $5,599.00 (USD)

Vehicles

  • 2009 Mercedes-Benz E320
  • 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL55
  • 2007 Nissan Altima
  • 2009 Acura TL

 

Community crisis innovation fund and other measures announced by Premier to help prevent overdoses

 

Four people a day are dying from overdoses and contaminated drugs

 

John Horgan

THE British Columbia government is launching a community crisis fund and scaling up rapid access to addiction treatment as part of a provincewide plan to stem the overdose emergency and help save lives, Premier John Horgan announced on Friday.

“Today we are taking important steps to save lives, end stigma, get communities and people the help they need, and stop addiction before it starts,” Horgan said. “People are losing their loved ones. Families, communities and front-line workers are carrying an enormous load and it’s time to give them the support they need.”

B.C.’s overdose crisis was declared a public health emergency in 2016. On average, four people a day are dying from overdoses and contaminated drugs. To combat this crisis, the provincial government is taking a cross-government approach, led by the new Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, a dedicated team whose first priority is to save lives.

“We are responding to this devastating tragedy with compassion, understanding and urgent action,” said Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Judy Darcy. “Overdoses can happen in any community, in any corner of our province. This is why we’re reaching out to partners in business, labour, community organizations and local government as we escalate our response. It will take all of us working together to reach people who need help and solve this crisis.”

The new actions focus on harm reduction, outreach and help for people who need it the most, as part of a government-wide effort to combat the crisis that was allocated $322 million in new funding in the recent budget update. Additional measures will be implemented in the coming months, as action plans are finalized. The new measures announced on Friday include:

  • Community crisis innovation fund: To support nimble, innovative, community-based actions with an immediate impact on the ground, the government will introduce a new community crisis innovation fund. The fund will be available to introduce measures, such as targeted community-based prevention or early-intervention programs, or innovative harm-reduction and treatment approaches to keep people safe and support people seeking help.
    New funding: $3 million in 2017-18 and $6 million each year in 2018-19 and 2019-20.
  • Scaling up rapid-access community treatment: To make sure that help is available when people are ready to start on a path to recovery, health authorities are scaling up rapid access to medication treatments for opioid addiction. They are expanding the hours of and opening new addictions clinics in Vancouver, Burnaby, Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Mission and Langley. Clinics in Surrey and Maple Ridge are now also offering faster, easier access.
    New funding: additional funding details are still being finalized on expanded access to opioid addiction treatment under the $322 million investment, including rapid-access addictions clinics and specialized substance use hubs in the regions most affected.
  • Broader access to no-cost naloxone kits: To make kits more widely available than ever, the Take Home Naloxone Program is working with the B.C. Pharmacy Association to establish new distribution sites at community pharmacies throughout the province. British Columbians who use opioids or are likely to respond to an overdose will be able to get free kits at pharmacies by the end of the year. More naloxone training opportunities and additional new distribution locations around the province are also being planned.
    New funding: $2 million each year in 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20.
  • Support for those on the front lines: To provide ongoing support for first responders and people working to save lives, the government has allocated sustainable annual funding to support the work of the newly established Mobile Response Team. The team provides training, education and crisis response to support the mental and emotional health of staff and volunteers of community-based organizations responding to multiple overdoses.
    New funding: $1.7 million each year in 2018-19 and 2019-20.
  • Public awareness campaign: To expand the reach of a new public awareness campaign, the government is establishing partnerships with WorkSafeBC, B.C. Restaurant & Food Services Association and BC Building Trades Council ― and others to come on board in the near future. The campaign will be launched in the coming weeks, with a particular focus on reaching men aged 30 to 60, the group most at risk of overdose, and reducing stigma about addiction. The partnerships are designed to create new, targeted avenues for building awareness on how to stay safe and where to reach out for support.
    New funding: $2 million in 2017-18 and $2.37 million in 2018-19 and 2019-20.

Action is also being taken to protect public safety and cut off illegal fentanyl supplies. $31.3 million has been allocated over three years to critical enforcement and public safety initiatives, including:

  • New dedicated anti-trafficking teams within the provincial RCMP and Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU-BC), with additional officers and support staff. This puts more boots on the ground to go after, arrest and prosecute dangerous and violent drug traffickers to disrupt the drug supply line in communities.
  • Resources for all police agencies for enforcement activity against‎ organized crime importers and traffickers, through the province’s gang unit (CFSEU-BC), including more funding for projects that specifically target traffickers, to stem the flow of fentanyl into B.C.
  • Increased support for police-based outreach in their communities and funding for multidisciplinary approaches to bring together mental health, social service and police agencies to proactively reach people who are seen to be of elevated risk.
  • Additional funding for the BC Coroners Service to expand the Drug-Death Investigations Team, to help resolve backlog and meet the significant increase in workload and lab testing. This will provide timely, accurate data to inform new strategies in this public health crisis.

The BC Coroners Service has reported 876 illegal drug overdose deaths in B.C. in 2017 to date, with fentanyl detected in 81% of cases.

ICBC warning customers of text message scam

 

ICBC is warning customers to delete any text messages purporting to be sent from ICBC, after a number of customers reported to have received these texts over the last 24 hours.

The text messages tell the receiver they’ve been sent a refund for a traffic fine or red light ticket and provides a link to claim the money. The link directs the user to a site where they have to enter personal banking information.

Called SMiShing, short for SMS phishing, this scam could trick a user to unknowingly download malware onto their mobile device or send personal information directly to the attacker.

ICBC stresses it does not use unsecure channels, like text messaging or social media, to communicate sensitive information to its customers. Furthermore, ICBC does not issue refunds via text message or Interac e-transfer.

In most cases, reading the text shouldn’t cause harm to one’s mobile device but customers should delete the text immediately and not click on any links.

Customers that have received this text are encouraged to report this through their local police (non-emergency line) and the Government of Canada’s Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

ICBC says it is in no way involved with this incident other than being named in the messages, and has confirmed that all its information systems have not been compromised.

 

Tips to avoid being victim of SMiShing

  • Don’t click links within text messages, especially if it’s sent from someone you don’t know. But also be aware that sometimes a scam text could also come from someone you do know.

  • Don’t respond to texts that ask for private or financial information.

  • If you get a message that appears to be from ICBC or another institution you regularly do business with, contact the business directly to confirm they sent you a message. ICBC’s customer service line is 1-800-663-3051.

  • Never reply to a suspicious text message without doing your research and verifying the source.

  • Never call a phone number from an unknown texter.

  • Common sense is your best protection against fraud. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Odd Squad conference and gala: Putting a focus on drug prevention

TWENTY years after a group of Vancouver Police Department beat cops working the Downtown Eastside filmed and produced Through the Blue Lens, a documentary detailing the stark realities of drug addiction, the Odd Squad Production Society is celebrating its anniversary with a December 1 conference about the challenges of drug addiction and gangs followed by a gala fundraiser.

“Since the very first day learning how to use cameras on the streets of the Downtown Eastside, our focus has been on helping young people stay away from street drugs and gangs,” said Executive Director Toby Hinton. “While a lot has changed in the last 20 years and we’ve learned a thing or two about film production, the notion of prevention by building relationships with youth remains as important as it was when we put out our first video in 1997.”

Currently, the Odd Squad is finalizing a presentation and video aimed at educating young women and girls about the reality of gang life, and the shortened, painful life girls in gangs live. The presentation will be led by a pair of female VPD officers who have seen firsthand what happens to girls who join gangs, and helped many escape the life. The society is also working on a three-part series about Fentanyl, another on police use of force.

Over the years the society has branched out, now also crafting videos used internally by law enforcement agencies around the world as well as in-person presentations and peer-to-peer help. The current project is a video for law enforcement officers about how to recognize and manage people with autism on the beat.

“At the conference speakers will be bringing forward important conversations about the drugs and gangs on the streets in Vancouver today, and new challenges officers face like autism and girls joining gangs,” presenter Mark Steinkampf said.

The society has several powerful speakers lined up, and is inviting police and other law enforcement officers, parents, educators, healthcare workers, politicians, and anyone else serving on the frontlines of these issues – or with an interest in the issues. The conference will be followed by an evening gala fundraiser that will be a jam-packed evening of entertainment headlined by three-time Juno award-winning blues artist Jim Byrnes.

The Odd Squad is a not-for-profit charitable foundation committed to educating youth about the perils of drug and substance abuse, the truth about gangs, the consequences of social media applications and other important community issues. Donations are not absorbed by bureaucratic overhead but go directly back into film productions, peer-to-peer programs and prevention education presentations that have been some of the most urgent clarion calls for societal change.

The proceeds from the Conference and Gala Fundraising event will assist the Odd Squad in continuing this important work. For more information about the Odd Squad Productions Society, event tickets or sponsorship opportunities, access their website at:

www.oddsquad.com

How a pair of University of Alberta engineering students intend to conquer the competitive cosmetics industry

 

They have a good product, but now they need money to scale up and go big in a highly competitive industry

 

BY LESLEY YOUNG

 

University of Alberta engineering students Akash Gupta and Sravya Kalyanapu are in the midst of securing an investor to take their all-natural, inexpensive lipstick to the next level.
Photo by Richard Siemens

SOME of the most powerful businesses have humble beginnings. Mattel came to be in a garage. Facebook in a dorm room. And if UAlberta engineering students Akash Gupta and Sravya Kalyanapu achieve the vision they have for lipstick brand Seleste, the story will be told starting with a pot on a kitchen stove.
The idea for a lipstick launch came from the less likely of the two, Gupta, considering he doesn’t wear any. After a trip in 2016 to the cosmetics store with his mom and sister, Gupta was stunned. “I noticed how much they were spending on lipstick that they complained dried out their lips,” he explained. An entrepreneur at heart, Gupta, who attended Harvard School of Business summer school in high school, did a little preliminary research and was even more surprised to learn many lipsticks contain toxic chemicals.
He mentioned it to engineering colleague and friend Kalyanapu, and together they discussed the possibility of creating their own healthy lipstick formulation. “We wanted to develop an all-natural product that won’t cause any harm, that’s affordable, and that as a woman you can feel good about buying,” said Kalyanapu.
It seems like a sure thing . . . but it’s far from the case. This pair of U of A engineering students is currently in the perilous early phase of product development called “the valley of death.”

Surviving the valley of death

The term valley of death is used rather liberally in business circles to describe a stage in a company’s journey when it has run out of capital but isn’t in quite an attractive enough stage to get more.
“In order to appeal to an angel investor, Seleste needs proof of concept or demonstration of feasibility. In other words, some significant sales,” explained Noreen Hoskins, director of eHUB, the U of A’s entrepreneurship centre. “They have a formulation, they’ve sold a few, they have a bit of inventory and it’s popular. Now the challenge for them is how do they scale this.”
Gupta and Kalyanapu have put about $500 of their own money into getting the brand off the ground with an e-commerce website. They also received $1,000 via eHUB’s Badge’s program, a learn-by-doing guide to entrepreneurial development that rewards students as they achieve fundamental milestones.
“Since we are engineers, we really weren’t sure how to take a product idea, make a company out of it and make it profitable. The people at eHUB really helped us. They sat with us for hours and hours and gave us a ton of encouragement and mentorship,” said Kalyanapu.
The pair examined the market quite closely, assessing whether there was a demand or need for their business concept. Then they built a business plan that outlined potential market share. While 95 per cent of lipsticks are non-organic, Gupta said he’s hoping to steal some of that share by appealing to all lipstick wearers, especially given the socially conscious twist to Seleste: the company is donating a portion of every sale to empowering women’s education in developing nations.
“We were thrilled with our early in-market validation for prototypes that we debuted at a fair in our hometown, Fort McMurray, in the summer of 2016,” said Gupta. “In the first two hours we sold 14 lipsticks and our first customer was the mayor.” He added that their long-term plan is to move beyond e-commerce into retail spaces like Sephora.
However, the students are well aware that their success in a highly competitive cosmetics industry will hinge on word of mouth and knowing the right people to make inroads in a tight knit retail sector. To help them shift out of the prototype phase, the pair participated in eHUB’s Accelerate program this summer, added Gupta.
“One of the ways eHUB helps student entrepreneurs is with building the right networks and connections,” added Hoskins. “For Seleste, that entails reaching out into the ecosystem to garner industry support for specific aspects of product development like tapping into our network of consumer product partners, including the Agriculture & Food Council of Alberta and the National Research Council Canada, for example.”
eHUB mentor Tapan Gupta (no relation to Akash) added, “Those two have a great business idea. The key to cracking the cosmetic market is knowing how to expand your network and finding the right mentors. Akash, with his business background and skills, has good connections.”

The tough get going

“The beauty of working at eHUB is that the centre accommodates all speed of travel: as long as student entrepreneurs are moving their ventures forward—regardless of their rate of progress—eHUB is there to support them,” said Hoskins.
That’s some consolation to Gupta and Kalyanapu, since they’re still hitting the stove to finalize their product. “That’s been the most challenging part. It takes a lot of time and we are really busy with school,” explained Gupta.
That’s not all: Kalyanapu is searching for the perfect red shades while also juggling academic goals and recently competing in Miss World Canada, where she landed the People’s Choice Award and placed in the Top 15. “We’ve got great pinks and browns. I’ve finally found natural ingredients that make beautiful reds,” she said.
Both students concede getting Seleste off the ground is a full-time job. “Our degrees really help us prioritize,” said Gupta. “We’re often managing six courses and designing a project. But, ultimately, compromises have to be made.”
Moving forward, patience and support will be key to keeping the brand’s momentum and growth. Both students say they hope to dedicate themselves to the company full-time after graduating next year.
“For Sravya, this gives her an opportunity to do something else she’s passionate about—encouraging other women to be leaders and entrepreneurs,” said Gupta, adding that Seleste is an unexpected and welcome avenue for a pair of engineering students who would otherwise be looking to break into the oil and gas sector.
“We’re really committed to making Seleste a huge success. We believe strongly there is a demand for a socially conscious all-natural lipstick,” said Kalyanapu. “Women want to feel good about themselves inside and out.”

 

(Courtesy: University of Alberta)

 

 

B.C. EVENTS: For the week of Saturday, September 30

 

 

(These are FREE listings. Your submission must be emailed by Wednesday night in typed form. Please do not send posters. Email: EditorVoice@gmail.com)

 

 

CBSA Traffic Advisory

 

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) informs travelers of temporary construction to repave and resurface the commercial processing areas at the Pacific Highway port of entry (POE) from now to October 5. During this time, various areas will be impacted and may result in delays. Commercial drivers should watch for personnel on site for instructions as the clearance process has changed to accommodate the construction. To facilitate the process, follow all signage and directions as advised. Alternatively, commercial drivers may consider re-routing to the Aldergrove POE, open Monday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to midnight. For more information, please call the Border Information Service line at 1-800-461-9999 within Canada or 1-204-983-3500 outside Canada.

 

Indo Caribbean Canadian Cultural Society

 

The Indo Caribbean Canadian Cultural Society is celebrating Diwali 2017  on Saturday, September 30 at 6 p.m. at Khanna Banquet Hall, 11267 125A Street, Surrey. Tickets: Adults – $20; Children 6-11 -$10; Children 5 and under – free. For tickets contact: Sheila Omaid at 604-438-9158, Ram Ramsaroop at 604-722-5892, James Prasad at 604-644-3751 and Shama Ramnarine at 604-936-3194.

 

Newton Recreation Centre

 

Newton Recreation Centre’s (13730 72nd Avenue) grand re-opening to view the newly renovated facility on Saturday, September 30, 1-4 p.m. Official ceremony and ribbon cutting at 12:30 p.m. Renovations to the centre include: 410 square feet of additional lobby space, a new children’s play area, wave pool improvements, a new public art installation, and an expanded 8,000 square foot fitness centre which is double its original size. This is a free community event featuring public swimming from 1-4 p.m. Additional family-friendly activities will include live entertainment, wrestling demos, children’s games, giveaways, mini golf, face painting, a bouncy castle, and facility tours.

 

South Asian Seniors: Bingo

 

Vedic Seniors Parivar Centre of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society Surrey invites South Asian adults / senior members as well as non-members to come and play to come and play Bingo for the sake of fun and make friends on Sunday, October 1, 2-3:30 p.m., at Shanti Niketan Hall of Lakshmi Narayan Hindu Temple, 8321 140th Street, Surrey. Bring only two dollars with you to play two games. If you do not know how to play, members will explain the game to you. Tea and light snacks will be served after the game. Contact coordinator Surendra Handa at 604-507-9945 for more information.

 

Vishwa Nirmala Dharma

 

Sahaja Yoga music and meditation as taught by Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi with Shaj Yuva Shakti on Sunday, October 1, 4-6 p.m., Bear Creek Pavilion, 13820 88th Avenue, Surrey (near Surrey Arts Centre). Free and open to all. For info: 778-683-2372. Meditatetoregenerate.org.

 

Thakore Visiting Scholar Award

 

The Thakore Charitable Foundation, The Institute for the Humanities and the J.S. Woodsworth Chair in the Humanities at Simon Fraser University celebrate the 26th annual Gandhi Jayanti Celebration with the Thakore Visiting Scholar Award to John Volken for his work in helping provide long-term residential drug and alcohol addiction treatment and life-skills training to young men and women ages 19 to 34 recover from addiction. The celebration will be in the form of two separate events (both events are free and open to the public): * The Garlanding Ceremony will be held on October 2 at the bust of Mahatma Gandhi located in the Peace Square on the SFU Burnaby campus (south side level 3 of the Academic Quadrangle) from 6:45 to 7:30 p.m. Parking at SFU Burnaby campus for the garlanding ceremony is free in the parkade under the convocation Mall. For directions, parking instructions and more information, visit www.gandhijayanti.com. * The Gandhi Commemorative Lecture and presentation of the 26th Thakore Visiting Scholar Award and the annual Gandhi Student Peace Award on October 3, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the SFU Harbour-side  (downtown) campus (515 West Hastings).  More information is provided on the Gandhi website (www.gandhijayanti.com).

 

Surrey Board of Trade: TransLink CEO

 

On Wednesday, October 4, the Surrey Board of Trade will host TransLink CEO Kevin Desmond at Eaglequest Golf Course (7778 152nd Street, Surrey). Also speaking at the event will be Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner, Vice Chair of the Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation. The speakers will discuss regional transportation needs and Surrey Light Rail Transit. Attendees will hear from the leader of Metro Vancouver’s transportation network to learn about: * His vision for South Fraser transportation needs, including the anticipated Light Rail Transit system in Surrey * Opportunities & challenges for TransLink * Experience and transportation knowledge – what makes sense for Metro Vancouver * Road pricing perspective. Time: Lunch and Registration at 11:30 a.m.; Program from 12-1 p.m. Admission: $50 + GST each (Members) or $65+ GST each (General Admission). For further information, contact Anita Huberman, CEO, Surrey Board of Trade, at anita@businessinsurrey.com or at 604-634-0342.

 

Prime Minister of Fiji Dinner Event 2017

 

Presented by Fiji Canada Business Association on Wednesday, October 4 at 6 p.m. at Crown Palace Banquet Hall, 12025 Nordel Way, Surrey. Ticket: $40 / per person. Limted seating available. Table sponsors are available for $600 for a table of 8. Preferred seating with acknowledgement on screen. Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama of the Republic of Fiji. For ticket info, contact Kavin Chand at 604-562-4569, Chandra Sharma at 604-720-6965, Kamini Prasad at 604-868-8513, Arvind Prasad at 778-918-4188, Ganesh Murti at 604-315-3166

 

Gursharan Singh Memorial Lecture

 

Dr. Hari Sharma Foundation and Gursharan Singh Memorial Committee are organizing their 5th Gursharan Singh Memorial Lecture on Friday, October 6, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the SFU campus in Surrey in Room # 3310, 250 – 3450 – 102nd Avenue. This year’s lecture will be devoted to the 70th year of India’s partition and will be delivered in Punjabi by Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmed, who has written scholarly books about this period of our history. Among his much talked about publications are: The Punjab Bloodied, Partitioned and Cleansed, Pakistan: The Garrison State, Origins, Evolution, Consequences (1947-2011). For more info, contact: Harinder Mahil at 778-995-5851; Sukhwant Hundal at 604-644-2470; or Sadhu Binning at 778-773-1886.

 

Global Peace Alliance, Surrey Society

 

The 2017 ‘Give Peace A Chance’ (GPAC) Surrey Festival on Saturday, October 7, 2-5:30 p.m., at Fleetwood Community Centre, 15996 84th Avenue, Surrey. This is the second in a series of annual GPAC festivals to commemorate “International Day of Peace” set by the United Nations. People come together to enjoy exotic music, songs and dances as well as to look at exhibits of varied cultures around British Columbia, and beyond. Many supporting organizations will be on hand with information and display booths. At the same event GPA will recognize, with certificates and trophies, the participants and winners of its 2017 peace-themed arts & literary contests. These contests are used to create and annually expand a ‘Dictionary of Peace” for children and a data base of conflict transformation and peace-building ideas for adults. Winning works are exhibited in public venues. There will be fun for the young, such as face-painting, origami peace doves and poetry. This is a free event open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

 

250 Years of Heer

 

Featuring Madan Gopal Singh and Chaar Yaar on Saturday, October 7 at Surrey City Hall, 13450 104th Avenue. 6 p.m.: Dialog with Dr. Anne Murphy, UBC. 8 p.m.: Performance.

 

UFV College of Arts

 

University of the Fraser Valley, College of Arts: A performance of “Umraan Langhiyan Pabhan Bhar” (A Lifetime on Tiptoes), a play written and performed by Mazhar Tirmazi in Punjabi on Sunday, October 8, 2-3:30 p.m., followed by Q&A, at Matsqui Centennial Auditorium, 32315 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford. It focuses on the separation from homeland and longing for it in the context of Partition of 1947. Tickets: Reserved $20; General $10; Seniors and Students $5. For info or tickets, email Prabhjot.Parmar@ufv.ca or call 778-552-1652. * A roundtable and poetry reading by Punjabi poets / writers at the University of the Fraser Valley on October 5, 3-6 p.m. A light meal will be served. This is a free event open to the community.

RSVP by email if you plan to attend.

 

70th Anniversary of Partition Film Screening

 

SAFES and SANSAD present three films on Partition of India on Sunday, October 8, 12-5 p.m. at 4955 SFU Centre for the Arts, 149 West Hastings Street, Vancouver. * A Thin Wall, directed by Mara Ahmed, 65 min. A documentary about memory, reconciliation and the partition of India. Shot in Delhi, Lahore, and New York. * Milange Baba Ratan De Mele Te, director Ajay Bhardwaj, 95 min. A lyrical feature documentary focusing on the Dalit Sufis of Bhatinda that explores the continuities of local cultures and the crossings of religious identities in post-partition Punjab. * Sky Below, director Sara Singh, 75 min. A poetic portrait of the borderlands of Pakistan and India in which the landscape of ruins of past civilizations and the rhythms of local life intersect to question the lines of national borders, while the interviews with those who lived through partition offer reflections on the bordering. Ajay Bhardwaj will be present for  Q & A. There will be discussion following screening. Admission is free.

 

Shakti Society

 

Shakti Society’s 5th Annual Wellness Day on Sunday, October 29, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., at Bollywood Banquet Hall, 8166 128th Street, Surrey. Cost: Free. A mini retreat for the mind, body and soul, a day of interactive workshops to enhance your physical, mental and spiritual well-being with yoga, meditation, Zumba, financial information and many other life enhancing modalities. Light and healthy breakfast, lunch and snacks; yoga session; inspiring talks and workshops on topics related to health and wellness, personal growth and practical tools for success; variety of modalities to experience including massage, aromatherapy, vaastu. Booths can be booked for a nominal fee of $50. To learn more, call 604-307-8796 or Email shaktisociety2000@gmail.com. First 100 early bird tickets will be entered into a draw to win some fabulous prizes.

 

GirlKIND

 

GirlKIND asked the B.C. Government to mark October 11 day in conjunction with the UN’s International Day of the Girl Child as “Every Girl Matters Day,” in B.C.  They are hosting a celebration to mark this occasion on October 11 from 4-6 p.m. at The Reach Gallery Museum, 32388 Veterans Way, Abbotsford. The day will be officially proclaimed as Every Girl Matters Day. This is a free event open to the public to come network with others. Live performance by “Her Brothers,” an alternative rock band from Langley who are standing up for women and girls by spreading their message through their music. The public can take part in their community art project where they will be able to create their very own inspirational quote on canvas which they can take home, all supplies will be provided.

 

Careers in BC Cleantech

 

Cleantech needs engineering, IT and other technical professionals for jobs that often have above-average salaries. The industry also needs innovative entrepreneurs. Join this free conference to learn more from cleantech CEOs and start-up experts. Gain insight into an industry leveraging renewable materials and energy, decreasing natural resources use, and reducing emissions and waste. Participating employers include: BC Public Service Agency, Acuva Technologies, Awesense Wireless, Axine Water Technologies, ChopValue Manufacturing, Delta-Q Technologies, Ecotagious, Evok Innovations, Loop Energy, Pangaea Ventures, Corvus Energy. Seats are limited; register in advance to secure yours. On Thursday, October 12, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (doors open at 9 a.m.), at Alice MacKay Room, Vancouver Public Library, 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver. To register, visit bit.ly/careersincleantech.

 

VAST: Immerse Gala

 

VAST is hosting their 2nd Annual Fundraising Gala, Immerse, on Thursday, October 12, 7-11 p.m. at Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street, Vancouver. Immerse Gala will welcome guests into a cultural experience. All proceeds will go towards supporting their programs and services. VAST supports the mental health of refugees who arrive in British Columbia with psychological trauma as a result of torture, political violence, and other forms of persecution on the basis of race, religion, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Gala includes: Entertainment by Fame Art Group and Kizomba dancers; Food by Tayybeh, Nuba, and Chickpea; Henna Artist station; Silent auction and raffle.  http://vast-vancouver.ca. For more information on event visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/1789818144639751/  For tickets visit: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/immerse-gala-tickets-33301398379

 

Fiji’s 47th Independence Day Celebration

 

Presented by Fiji Canada Business Association on October 14 at 6:30 p.m. at Crown Palace, 12025 Nordel Way, Surrey. Special performance by We Are One. MC: Shanel Pratap. Includes entertainment with dinner and dance. Ticket: $30. For ticket info, contact Kavin Chand at 604-562-4569, Chandra Sharma at 604-720-6965, Kamini Prasad at 604-868-8513, Arvind Prasad at 778-918-4188, Ganesh Murti at 604-315-3166  or Kamila Singh at 604-537-5123.

 

Heart for Africa Fundraising Committee

 

Heart for Africa Fundraising Committee of BC of invites you on Saturday, October 14 at Roma Hall (Queensborough), 940 Ewen Avenue, New Westminster. Doors open and silent auction begins at 5:30 p.m. Dinner: 6:30 p.m. Dancing to follow. Tickets:  $100 per person. For more information contact Lianne Gentile at (604) 527-1161 or cwhstaff@quaylawcentre.com.

An evening of hope of dinner, wine, live and silent auction, door prizes, education and dancing all to benefit Project Canaan Academy in Swaziland, providing care and hope for the future for children in this small African nation. Special celebrity host: Carmen Ruiz y Laza, Host of Carmen TV on Joy TV. DJ services provided by Girl on Wax, DJ Emilita. www.heartforafrica.ca. Free shuttles available from 22nd Street SkyTrain Station (running from 5 p.m.-1 a.m.) $50 charitable donation tax receipts will be provided for every ticket purchased.

 

MOSAIC’s Immigrant Professionals Conference

 

2017 Theme: Take Control of Your Career! Find out how other immigrants succeeded in Canada; ask experts about practical next steps in your profession; get advice and inspiration

Conference is free – lunch included. On Saturday, October 21, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., at Hilton Hotel, Metrotown, 6083 McKay Avenue, Burnaby. Register at ipc.mosaicbc.org/register. Space is limited.

 

Abbotsford Police Foundation Fundraiser

 

Abbotsford Police Foundation presents its 3rd annual breakfast fundraising event “Crime is Toast” on October 25, 7-9:0 a.m., at Tradex in Abbotsford,   raising funds in support of the Abbotsford Police Department’s community programs. Building on the success from last year’s event, the APF hopes to achieve a fundraising goal of $50,000. Every dollar donated to the APF helps ensure APD special initiatives are a success. APF President Kevin Boonstra invites you to attend and bring along your colleagues, family and friends to show support for the great work of the brave men and women of the Abbotsford Police Department. In accordance with their donation policy, the APF provides a charitable receipt for every qualified donation over $100. Supporters who purchase a table (8 seats) will receive a tax receipt for 50% of the total. This link http://abbypf.ca/crime-is-toast/ has details about the event including ticket sales (individual and tables) as well as sponsorship and donation information.

 

Sanjha Vehra Women’s Association

 

Presents their 13th Annual Breast Cancer Fundraiser on Friday, October 27 at 6:30 p.m. at Dhaliwal Banquet Hall, #230 8166 128th Street, Surrey. Entertainment, door prizes, dinner and dancing. Cash bar. All proceeds go to Surrey Hospital and Outpatient Centre Foundation. Tickets: $30. For more information and tickets, call Rani mangat at 604-506-6123, Balli Hairan at 778-862-1556 or Tirath Sarai at 604-760-7235.

 

(For more events, please visit the “Events” section of our website voiceonline.com)

Independent expert appointed to review B.C. anti-money-laundering policy

Peter German
Photo by Vinnie Combow

ATTORNEY General David Eby has appointed an independent expert to conduct a review of British Columbia’s anti-money-laundering policies and practices in the gambling industry, with a focus on the Lower Mainland.

”We’re going to make sure the gaming policies and procedures that protect the interests of British Columbians are in place and are being followed,” Eby said. “There are concerns about money laundering that have been growing for years – our government is taking action to deal with them quickly and thoroughly.”

Eby has asked lawyer Peter German, a former deputy commissioner of both the RCMP and Correctional Service Canada, and the author of Canada’s leading anti-money-laundering law textbook, to conduct an independent review and make recommendations, if necessary, for reform.

Last week, the Government of B.C. released a 2016 report completed by MNP LLP that looked at practices related to suspicious cash transactions at a single B.C. casino. That report, commissioned by the former government but never publicly released, made a series of recommendations to reform provincial policies and practices.

“I believe that if we have the right policies and procedures in place, we can address any concerns the public may have about gambling in B.C.,” Eby said. “We have the full support of operators in the sector, as well as BCLC and the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch for this review.”

Eby has asked German to determine whether there is an unaddressed, or inadequately addressed, issue of money laundering in Lower Mainland casinos, and the history, nature and extent of any issues he identifies.

As part of the review, German will meet with government’s Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch, the BC Lottery Corporation, the Joint Illegal Gaming Investigation Team within British Columbia’s Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, casino service providers, and employee organizations at any identified facilities, as well as with any other parties who may assist.

German has also been asked provide advice to Eby about connections between any identified issues and other areas of the economy, or provincial laws or policies that may require attention as a result of information he gathers.

The review will be complete by the end of March 2018. German has been asked to make recommendations to government as they are identified, rather than waiting for a final report, so that any necessary changes may be implemented in a timely way.

Quick Facts:

  • German is a former deputy commissioner of both the RCMP and Correctional Service Canada. While with the RCMP, he spearheaded the creation of market enforcement and international anti-corruption teams.
  • He is currently president of the International Centre for Criminal Justice Reform at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, a United Nations program network institute.
  • A lawyer and member of the Ontario and British Columbia bars, German has a doctorate in law from the University of London, focused on international asset recovery.
  • He is the author of Proceeds of Crime and Money Laundering (Thomson Reuters), Canada’s leading textbook on anti-money-laundering law.

Winter tire requirements begin October 1

THE province is reminding motorists that winter tire regulations will go into effect on October 1.

Drivers are required to have winter tires installed on their vehicles if they are travelling on designated highways around the province.

“People may experience sunny and warm conditions when they set out, but run into heavy rain, snow or sleet along the way,” said Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Claire Trevena. “That’s why it’s important to ensure your vehicle is properly equipped with snow tires with the Mountain Snowflake or Mud and Snow symbol, along with good solid treads.”

In B.C., winter tires are defined as those labelled with either the Mountain Snowflake symbol or the Mud and Snow (M+S) symbol. This symbol is located on the sidewall of the tire. Winter tires must be in good condition with a minimum tread depth of 3.5 mm, and must be used starting October 1.

Signs are posted to identify these designated highways. Motorists will generally see these signs as they approach highway mountain passes or highways that see significant winter conditions or where there is a substantial increase in elevation.

“As we head into the winter season and unpredictable driving conditions, I want to remind everyone to be safe behind the wheel with B.C.’s annual winter tire rules coming into effect,” said Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth. “It is the responsibility of all drivers to ensure they have the correct winter tires on designated routes – this, along with other safe driving behaviours such as slowing down, putting your phone out of reach, and not drinking and driving, can make a big difference in getting everyone home safely.”

These requirements are only for motorists travelling on designated routes. More than 60% of the province does not experience regular snow conditions; therefore, the ministry is not requiring all drivers to equip their vehicles with winter tires.

 

Quick Facts:

  • Drivers who don’t have the proper winter tires on their vehicle on designated routes can receive a fine of $121.
  • Drivers who don’t have the minimum tread depth on their tires (3.5mm) on the designated routes can receive a fine of $109.

 

Learn More:

To see which highways require winter tires after Oct. 1, click here: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/traveller-information/seasonal/winter-driving/winter-tires-and-chains/winter-tire-and-chain-up-routes

For more information on winter tire and chain requirements in B.C., go to: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/traveller-information/seasonal/winter-driving/winter-tires-and-chains/about-winter-tires

For information on winter driving preparation and tips, visit the “Shift Into Winter” website at: http://shiftintowinter.ca/

BC Sikhs join Walk for Reconciliation

THE World Sikh Organization of Canada and members of the Lower Mainland Sikh community took part last weekend in the second Walk for Reconciliation in Vancouver. Hosted by Reconciliation Canada and the City of Vancouver, approximately 50,000 participants came out to be part of the reconciliation process.
According to Reconciliation Canada, reconciliation begins with each person and then extends into their families, relationships, workplaces and eventually into their communities. It requires the ability to be open to diverse perspectives and difficult conversations.
Sikh organizations, gurdwaras and post-secondary Sikh student associations from across the Lower Mainland took part in the Walk and the Reconciliation Expo, a multicultural and inclusive event that featured community and educational booths, cultural performances, and speakers. At the Expo, members of the Sikh Motorcycle Club tied turbans on attendees while Sikh youth explained the significance of the Sikh article of faith.
During the event, Janmeet Singh Khalra, son of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra who was taken away by Indian security forces in September 1995 and never seen again, was ceremonially blanketed as an honorary witness by Chief Ian Campbell, along with other honorees, including B.C. Premier John Horgan, Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson and Holocaust survivor Robbie Waisman.
Chief Campbell, explaining the significance of the blanket ceremony said, “This now means we are family. We have adopted all these fine people by blanketing them to show them that we are in the same canoe. We all must put our paddles in the water to collectively move forward … We also must not ignore that this country is founded and built on a very solid foundation of Indigenous peoples. We will no longer be invisible in our own land. Our history is your history.”
WSO National Vice President Jasbir Kaur Randhawa said, “The WSO and Sikhs from across B.C. took part in this Walk for Reconciliation in the Sikh spirit of Sarbat Da Bhalla, which is the effort to actively work towards the upliftment and benefit of all. We stand in unity and solidarity with our Indigenous friends. Sikhs understand the need for reconciliation and truth-telling, as our community has not yet had this opportunity with respect to the thousands of Sikhs who were [taken away by Indian security forces] and killed in India after 1984. In this spirit, we are touched that the organizers of the Walk chose to recognize the sacrifice of Jaswant Singh Khalra. We look to our Métis, First Nations and Inuit sisters and brothers for inspiration as we work together to lay a foundation for a new way forward.”

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