Conservatives accuse Trudeau Government of slow response to help stranded Canadians

11 September 2017

CONSERVATIVE shadow minister for foreign affairs, Erin O’Toole, on Monday accused the government of not responding “quickly enough to help stranded Canadians return home given the magnitude of the destruction from these storms [as a result of Hurricane Irma] and the impact on infrastructure on these islands. We are asking them to deploy Royal Canadian Air Force assets immediately to retrieve stranded Canadians who are facing delays in returning home. We also believe Canada should focus rapid support to countries severely impacted by these storms.”

He added: “Given the capability for the Canadian Armed Forces to deploy and operate in challenging environments, we request that the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of National Defence coordinate the immediate deployment of Royal Canadian Air Force CC-177 and CC-130 assets to coordinate retrieval of Canadians in countries where airline and charter companies continue to have difficulties operating. We also request that these Ministers coordinate the deployment of additional Canadian Armed Forces assets, including the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) to assist countries impacted on a priority basis following the assessment that appears to be underway.”

O’Toole said: “Like all Canadians, the Conservative Opposition has been watching the terrible impact of Hurricane Irma and other storms battering the Caribbean and the United States. Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone impacted by these terrible storms. Opposition Members of Parliament have been trying to work with the government on its response to the crisis by spreading word on the support and services provided by Global Affairs Canada and by working directly with constituents and their families impacted by these storms. We will continue to do this important work.

“With hundreds of Canadians stranded in countries impacted by these storms we are concerned the government’s response to support these Canadians has been inadequate to date. In many instances, Caribbean islands impacted by the storms have suffered dramatic destruction of critical infrastructure and may have serious challenges assisting their own people, let alone ensuring the well-being of Canadians stranded there. In these circumstances, the government should take immediate and proactive steps to help these countries directly and to direct the retrieval of our citizens to ensure their well-being.”

Burnaby City Council records from 1894 to present day now searchable online

11 September 2017

AN index of all Burnaby City Council minutes and reports – dating all the way back to 1894 – is now entirely searchable online.

In addition, full-text versions of more than 80 per cent of the associated documents are available to view, with more being added each day.
Last year, minutes and reports from 1970 to present day became searchable. Records and indexes from 1894 to 1969 have now been added. Now that these records are available electronically, anyone who has access to a computer can gain a unique window into the actions, decisions and events that transpired from Burnaby’s earliest years, through to present day mayor and council.

“We are so pleased that these records are now available and easily searchable,” said Councillor Colleen Jordan, chair of Burnaby’s Heritage Commission. “Council is committed to continue to streamline and increase access to city records and services. This is another key step in that direction.”
Visit the website at: www.heritageburnaby.ca. Refined access to council records is available by clicking on the ‘Advanced Search’ feature (found under the search bar).
Among these newly added records are some of the oldest known surviving records created by the Corporation of Burnaby!
In the early years of Burnaby’s incorporation, the Municipal Council met for its weekly meetings in some rather unusual places, like the Tram Station, local schools and private homes.
There was no permanent and secure place in Burnaby where official records could be housed. To remedy this situation, in March 1898, the municipal council authorized the purchase of a large safe which could hold all the records and would be housed in a municipal building in New Westminster.
Six months later a devastating fire destroyed the entire downtown section of New Westminster. Unfortunately, most of the minute books from 1892-1894 were destroyed completely and the others were thought to be lost or destroyed as well. In October of 2004, however, the British Columbia Archives in Victoria found the 1895-1898 records in their holdings and donated them to the City of Burnaby where they went through immediate conservation treatment.
These records are among those now accessible on the Heritage Burnaby website.

Second Annual ‘Pie in the Plaza’ treats 2,400 to BC’s largest blueberry pie

11 September 2017

THE City of Surrey’s second annual ‘Pie in the Plaza’ welcomed residents and visitors to taste BC’s largest blueberry pie last Saturday. In celebration of Agriculture Week and created in partnership with PricePro, the John Volken Academy and City of Surrey Farm Fresh, the pie spanned eight feet in diameter and fed 2,400 attendees.

“Pie in the Plaza was a great success, both as a celebratory event and an education opportunity to showcase Surrey’s thriving agriculture industry,” said Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner. “Surrey’s roots lie in agriculture, and the industry is a key contributor to the city’s economy and community health.”

Presented by Westminster Savings, Pie in the Plaza drew over 5,000 guests throughout the day. After the pie was distributed, attendees enjoyed afternoon of live music and education about Surrey’s agricultural sector at the Surrey Urban Farmers Market tent and other agricultural exhibits. Family-friendly activities also included pony rides, an inflatable corn maze, seed planting, face painting and a photo booth.

“Events like ‘Pie in the Plaza’ help Surrey residents and visitors to understand the many benefits of local agriculture,” said Councillor Mike Starchuk, Chair of the Agriculture and Food Security Advisory Committee. “The event took a fun, family-oriented approach to highlight the importance of purchasing and consuming local produce.”

“As a credit union with a strong community focus, we were really pleased to sponsor an event that brings the community together to celebrate food and farming in Surrey,” said Greg Oyhenart, Senior Vice President of Corporate Development and Chief Strategy Officer at Westminster Savings. “Sponsoring the Pie in the Plaza event aligns with our core values and our commitment to help make our neighbourhoods better places to live, work and play.”

TORONTO: 18-year-old charged with second-degree murder in death of Cuhapiryan Mahendrarajah

11 September 2017

Cuhapiryan Mahendrarajah
Photo: Toronto Police

AN 18-year-old man has been charged with second-degree murder of Cuhapiryan Mahendrarajah, 33, of Toronto.
On Sunday, September 3, at 2:12 a.m., police responded to a call for unknown trouble in the Danforth Road and Eglinton Avenue East area.

Police located a man with obvious signs of trauma. He was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

On Wednesday, September 7, the man succumbed to his injuries. He was identified as Mahendrarajah.

On Wednesday, September 7, Prosper Jean Laurent, 18, of Toronto, was arrested. He is charged with second-degree murder.

Police are still seeking assistance with this investigation and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7400, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

Eid Dinner & Musical Night By PCCA-BC

11 September 2017

The Board of Directors of Pakistani Canadian Cultural Association of BC (PCCA-BC) have organized the Eid dinner with the members of Pakistani Canadian Community living in B.C. We are anticipating large Pakistani Canadian crowd and it would be a great opportunity for introduction. We also are inviting Syrian Refugees to have a feast with us and celebrate the Eid with us. Please Sponsor one table to help us serve less fortunate this year we will appreciate your contribution.

The Pakistani Canadian community, residing in lower mainland, celebrates the Eid al-Adha ‘Feast of the Sacrifice’‎ also called the “Sacrifice Feast”, which is the second of two Muslim holidays celebrated worldwide each year, and considered the holier of the two. It honors the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son, as an act of obedience to God’s command. Before Abraham sacrificed his son, God provided a male goat to sacrifice instead. In commemoration of this, an animal is sacrificed and divided into three parts: one third of the share is given to the poor and needy; another third is given to relatives, friends and neighbors; and the remaining third is retained by the family.

EVENT PLANING INFORMATION
PCCA is planning to entertain you with many musical performances as well as few special folk dances. This year we have arranged appetizers, nonstop soft drinks and full dinner to serve you so you can enjoy the feast all night.

VOLUNTEERS
Our volunteers will be readily available for your needs and will setup front desk command post for your inquiries.

VENUE:
Taj Park Convention Centre Ltd
8580 132 St, Surrey, BC – 604-721-0956
September 15th 2017 – Friday – From 06:00-Midnight

Join this event on Facebook to get more information:
https://www.facebook.com/PCCA.BC/photos/gm.268763326971244/1650277214983401/?type=3

Contact GS Naveed 604-721-0956 for more information

Chinese community honoured in Victoria

11 September 2017

PREMIER John Horgan, along with members of the Chinese community, unveiled a monument in Victoria’s historic Chinatown on Sunday to recognize the contributions of Chinese Canadians.

“The Chinese community played a pivotal role in the history of our province. This monument recognizes Chinese pioneers’ strength and dignity in the face of great adversity endured in the late 1800s and into the 1900s,” said Horgan.

The monument reflects the 2014 apology delivered on behalf of the B.C. legislative assembly to Chinese Canadians for historical wrongs committed by early provincial governments. It will serve as a permanent reminder of the racism, discrimination and hardships faced by Chinese Canadian pioneers, many who settled initially in Victoria and later moved throughout the province.

“The location of this monument will sit at The Gate of Harmonious Interest in historic Victoria Chinatown to recognize the historic apology by the B.C. legislature. This monument reflects our provincial commitment to apologize for past wrongs and building meaningful reconciliation with the Chinese community,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

As one of several provincial Chinese legacy projects completed, the commemorative monuments project resulted from a report on the Chinese historical wrongs consultations. The report includes a recommendation for one or more regional plaques or monuments to be created to commemorate the positive contributions of Chinese Canadians to B.C.’s history, culture and prosperity.

The monument unveiled in Victoria’s Chinatown is the sixth marker – interpretive signs, plaques and monuments – established in B.C. communities. Locations for the markers were recommended by the provincial Legacy Initiatives Advisory Council (LIAC), which provides advice to government on B.C. Chinese legacy projects.

Participating in the unveiling were community member and veteran Victor Wong, and Thomas Chan, president of the Dart Coon Club. The unveiling took place as part of the day-long celebration of the club’s 102nd anniversary.

Extensive provincial consultation with British Columbia’s Chinese Canadian community, including a community forum held in Victoria in November 2013, led to the decision to establish this monument. Government heard from local community members who were directly and indirectly affected by historical discriminatory legislation.

Quick Facts:

In 1788, the first Chinese workers to come to British Columbia landed in Nuu-chah-nulth territory (Nootka Sound). They were part of Captain John Meares’ expedition to build the first year-round, non-Indigenous settlement.
Victoria’s Chinatown is the oldest in Canada. San Francisco’s Chinatown is the only North American Chinatown older than Victoria’s.
At its peak, Victoria’s Chinatown was home to over 3,000 people.
Today, British Columbia is home to more than 460,000 Chinese Canadians, 11% of B.C.’s population.
Government’s implementation of recommendations in the Chinese Historical Wrongs Consultation Final Report is guided with advice from the Legacy Initiatives Advisory Council (LIAC).
The LIAC was created by government to assist with the Chinese legacy projects. It works with Chinese Canadian communities and other key partners to advise government on project implementation and to ensure that the projects are known and communicated throughout the province.

Rahul Gandhi to meet business leaders, overseas Indians in US

10 September 2017

Washington (PTI): Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi will interact with global thinkers, political leaders and overseas Indians in the US this week on international economic and technology issues, an organiser of his visit said.

Gandhi, 47, begins his nearly two-week trip to the US with an address at the University of California, Berkeley, on Monday on contemporary India and the path forward for the world’s largest democracy.

His great grandfather Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first prime minister, delivered a speech at Berkeley in 1949.

“The purpose of the visit is two-fold. One is to meet interesting and global thinkers, to have a conversation on what is happening world over on economy, on technology, on opportunities, and really understand different views from experts on the global scene,” technocrat Sam Pitroda, who is involved with the preparations of Gandhi’s visit, told PTI.

Pitroda worked with Gandhi’s father and former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi for nearly a decade to transform India’s telecom sector.

He said Gandhi will meet overseas Indians at an event in New York as part of an outreach by the Congress party.

The Congress vice president is scheduled to visit Washington DC. He is likely to address members of the think- tank community at an event organised by the Centre for American Progress, and interact with the corporate world at another programme organised by the US-India Business Council.

Gandhi may meet some members of the ruling Republican Party. “A lot of these meetings are going to be small and private,” Pitroda said.

“He wants to understand more about what’s happening globally and what’s the global view of the situation is,” he said.

The Congress vice president has often visited the US, but this could possibly be the first time in his political career that Gandhi would hold public meetings, meet political leaders and deliver speeches in the country.

“You know he needs to be out, he needs to express his views. You know he has been not, may be, talking publicly about his trips. But I think, it is important that he meets a large number of people this time and also overseas Congress members,” Pitroda said.

“Today, the view of India is one short of protected by one group of people. We need to really talk about Indian aspirations, Indian concerns about what is going on not just in India but the world over. Rise of populism is one topic I am sure will come up in the conversation,” Pitroda said.

He said Gandhi would interact with Silicon Valley people, where the technology, talent and Indian “brain power” is concentrated. “So, the idea is if you were to meet a lot of Silicon Valley people, it is better to talk about things in San Francisco.”

Gandhi will also address a gathering at the Princeton University.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC 3 – Real Salt Lake 2: Cristian Techera, Kendall Waston and Yordy Reyna provided scoring for Vancouver

9 September 2017

VANCOUVER: Vancouver Whitecaps FC (12W-9L-5D) extended their unbeaten run to four matches with a 3-2 win over Real Salt Lake (10W-14L-5D) on Saturday night at BC Place.

Cristian Techera, Kendall Waston, and Yordy Reyna provided the scoring for Vancouver, while Jake Nerwinski and Bernie Ibini each had a pair of assists. The ‘Caps, who finish the night third in the Western Conference, have now won three of their last four matches. They have also now surpassed their point total from 2016 with eight matches still remaining.

The ‘Caps looked dangerous from the get go on Saturday against an RSL side that had only lost one of their last nine matches – and Techera was heavily involved.

In the sixth minute, the lively Uruguayan beat his man in midfield and played a fine ball out wide to Ibini, but the Australian’s right-footed attempt was blocked by a sliding RSL defender. Then, in the 14th minute, Techera rolled one just wide after a fantastic throughball from Fredy Montero.

Techera would eventually open the scoring in the 29th minute, finishing a low Nerwinski cross with his weaker right foot after some fine interplay down the right.

RSL responded shortly later, somewhat fortuitously with Chris Wingert’s cross from the left bouncing passed the line after David Ousted made the initial save.

At any rate, it was all-square heading into the break.

But Whitecaps FC would regain their lead early in the second half through Waston, who finished with his left foot after Tim Parker headed a Yordy Reyna free kick off the far post.

Then, after a pair of fine saves from Ousted, Reyna added a third ‘Caps marker in the 64th minute.

The play start on the right when Nerwinski won the ball off Joao Plata before finding an unmarked Ibini in the box. The big Australian then fired a ball across the face of goal that was met by a diving Reyna header at the back post.

RSL got one back late through Tony Beltran, but Whitecaps FC would hold on for their 12th victory of the season. Saturday’s match was Vancouver’s first of four straight at BC Place. They’re right back at it on Wednesdayagainst Minnesota United FC, before hosting Columbus Crew SC next Saturday, September 16 and Colorado Rapids on Saturday, September 23.

NEWS AND NOTES
Saturday marked Robinson’s 50th win in his MLS head coaching career … Robinson made seven changes to his starting lineup after Vancouver’s 2-1 win over Orlando on August 26 … the only repeat starters were Nerwinski, Waston, Jordan Harvey and Ibini … Christian Bolaños was not available for Saturday’s match due to a knee contusion he suffered while on international duty with Costa Rica.

MCMILLAN ‘CAPS CORNER KICK DONATIONS
For every ‘Caps corner kick at home, McMillan donates $100 to the United Way. An additional $500 is donated for every goal scored off a corner kick. This match McMillan Corners for Kids has donated $200 for a running total of $9,000.

MATCH DETAILS
Budweiser Man of the Match: Kendall Waston
Referee: Allen Chapman
Attendance: 20,783

Scoring Summary
29′ – VAN – Cristian Techera (Jake Nerwinski, Bernie Ibini)
37′ – RSL – Chris Wingert (Sunny)
52′ – VAN – Kendall Waston
64′- VAN – Yordy Reyna (Bernie Ibini, Jake Nerwinski)
83′- RSL- Tony Beltran (Jefferson Savarino)

Statistics
Possession: Vancouver 41.3% – Real Salt Lake 58.7%
Shots: Vancouver 11 – Real Salt Lake 18
Shots on Goal: Vancouver 3 – Real Salt Lake 8
Saves: Vancouver 6 – Real Salt Lake 0
Fouls: Vancouver 7 – Real Salt Lake 9
Offsides: Vancouver 2 – Real Salt Lake 1
Corners: Vancouver 2 – Real Salt Lake 9

Cautions
21′ – VAN – Tim Parker
57′ – VAN – Jake Nerwinski
90′ + 1′ – RSL – Joao Plata

Vancouver Whitecaps FC
1.David Ousted; 28.Jake Nerwinski, 4.Kendall Waston ©, 26.Tim Parker, 2.Jordan Harvey; 66.Aly Ghazal, 16.Tony Tchani; 23.Bernie Ibini (67.Alphonso Davies 75′), 29.Yordy Reyna (11.Nicolás Mezquida 84′), 13.Cristian Techera (20.Brek Shea 69′); 12.Fredy Montero

Substitutes not used
24.Stefan Marinovic, 8.Andrew Jacobson, 17.Marcel de Jong, 19.Erik Hurtado

Real Salt Lake
18.Nick Rimando; 2.Tony Beltran, 4.David Horst, 15.Justen Glad, 16.Chris Wingert (27.Brooks Lennon 76′); 5.Kyle Beckerman, 8.Sunny (19.Luke Mulholland 56′); 7.Jefferson Savarino, 11.Albert Rusnak, 10. Joao Plata; 14.Yura Movsisyan (20.Luis Silva 67′)

Substitutes not used
24.Matt Van Oekel, 3.Justin Schmidt, 23.Sebastian Saucedo, 30.Marcelo Silva

15-year-old girl grabbed by male in Surrey’s City Centre area

9 September 2017

SURREY RCMP are looking for a dark-skinned male in his 20’s after he allegedly grabbed a 15-year-old girl on 133th Street to the north of Old Yale Road in Surrey’s City Centre area on Friday (September 8) at approximately 10:44 p.m. The man was 5’8″ tall, more than 160 lbs in weight and wearing all black clothing.

Surrey RCMP are appealing for any further information that may lead to the identity of the suspect.

The girl was on her way home and she managed to free herself from the suspect. Surrey RCMP’s General Duty members were immediately dispatched to the area. The suspect fled before police arrived and was not located. The Surrey RCMP Major Crime Section is following up with the investigation.

The victim is physically uninjured, however she is upset by the incident, police said.

Surrey RCMP are reminding those walking to remember a few simple steps to heighten their safety, including:

· Don’t take short cuts. Use main routes and avoid lanes, forested or secluded areas.
· Walk with friends when possible.
· Trust your instincts and your feelings.

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

Speaker Darryl Plecas removed from BC Liberal Party

9 September 2017

THE BC Liberal Party announced on Saturday that Darryl Plecas, MLA for Abbotsford South, who was acclaimed as Speaker of the House on Friday, has had his party membership revoked.

In a letter to party members, Sharon White, President of BC Liberals, said: “At its best, politics is built on trust. Constituents must be able to trust their elected representatives. Party members must be able to trust those who hold positions of leadership in the party. And members of the legislature must be able to trust one another.

“Yesterday in Victoria, that trust was broken when the MLA for Abbotsford South accepted the opportunity to serve as Speaker of the House, despite repeated promises and assurances that he would not do so. As a result, the NDP government will enjoy an expanded margin of seats that will enable them to control the House for the foreseeable future – even though our party won the most seats and the most votes in the election.

“In the hours following his decision, the Abbotsford South BC Liberal Riding Association requested on behalf of local party members that the Party Executive revoke Dr. Plecas’ membership in the party – the strongest action available to us. Today, the Executive passed a Special Resolution to that effect.

“None of us are happy about these events. As BC Liberals, we pride ourselves on working hard together, sticking together when times get tough, and having respectful debates within a strong, united party – and that is the spirit we will continue to build on in the months ahead.

“Already, we are seeing a steady increase in membership applications as word spreads about the upcoming leadership race that will shape our party’s and British Columbia’s future. This is an opportunity to make our party bigger and stronger than ever, and to decisively win the next election – and together, we’re going to get it done.”

E-Papers

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

INDO-CANADIAN VOICE - ABOUT US

FOLLOW US