Mild autumn to unfold in eastern, Atlantic Canada; drought to continue wildfire risk in Prairies: AccuWeather

7 September 2017

ACCUWEATHER is reporting that overall, a mild autumn is in store for much of Canada this year.

However, a flip in the weather pattern may send waves of cold air across the Prairies and storms into British Columbia during the second half of the season.

Mild, wet pattern to delay first freezes in eastern, Atlantic Canada

The first half of autumn will feature predominantly mild and wet weather across eastern Canada before chilly air blows in from the Arctic.

“A wetter weather pattern may set up from southern Ontario through Quebec and into the Maritimes for October and November, but temperatures will be higher than usual, especially at night,” AccuWeather Canadian Weather Expert Brett Anderson said.

This may cause the first frost and freeze of the season to occur later than normal for many areas.

Leaf peepers headed to the region to view the fall foliage may encounter wet weather as rain will frequent the region throughout the season.

The best time to view the fall foliage is typically from late in September through the middle of October, varying by location.

Drought to extend fire danger in the Prairies

Severe to extreme drought has built across part of the Prairies this summer and is predicted to continue into the fall.

“Little is expected in the way of drought relief for southern Saskatchewan and southern Manitoba,” Anderson said.

Regina, Saskatchewan, is one of the cities in the area of extreme drought, according to the Canadian Drought Monitor.

The abnormally dry weather has caused the ground to shift, contributing to dozens of water main breaks around the city, the CBC reported.

More breaks may be possible into the fall as dry conditions persist.

Ongoing dryness will also contribute to a higher-than-average fire danger across the southern Prairies and into northwestern Ontario.

Winter weather may arrive early in the eastern Prairies as waves of cold air sweep in from the Arctic.

“There is the potential for an earlier-than-normal freeze over the eastern Prairies and northwestern Ontario, with November featuring several shots of winter-like cold air,” Anderson said.

Poor air quality to persist in British Columbia from wildfires

Wildfires, which have caused hazy conditions and poor air quality across British Columbia during the summer months, may continue into the autumn.

“Warm and dry conditions are expected to persist in southern British Columbia into the first half of fall with ongoing, large wildfires across the interior,” Anderson said.

However, a major flip in the weather pattern is in store for the region later in October.

“A pattern change in the second half of the season is expected to deliver stormier conditions to western British Columbia,” he said.

Rain from these storms will help to extinguish some of the wildfires while winds blow in fresh air, improving the region’s air quality.

These storms will also help to deliver colder air and snow to the Canadian Rockies, helping to put down a fresh base for ski resorts across the region toward the end of the fall season.

Community mourns loss of uncle and nephew who drowned in Harrison Lake

7 September 2017

Harkirat Brar, 24, (right) and Gurbinder Dhaliwal, 16.

Gofundme for Harkirat Brar reaches $25,332 of $40,000 goal on Thursday

THE community is in mourning over the loss of two young men, aged 16 and 24, who drowned in Harrison Lake last Sunday (September 3). The two, Harkirat Brar, 24, and Gurbinder Dhaliwal, 16, were uncle and nephew.

A Gofundme page, set up for Harkirat Brar, 24, (https://www.gofundme.com/brar-family-support-fund) had collected $25,332 of its $40,000 goal by Thursday morning and South Asian media are trying to spread the word around.

The Gofundme page states: “Harkirat Brar was a young and hardworking boy that came to Canada from India for a better life after his father had passed away. Harkirat came here as a student to further his education. Harkirat was doing very well in the construction industry and was eventually able to get his sister here on a student visa and mother here on a visitor visa from India. Late Sunday, Harkirat and his family were spending the day at Harrison Hot Springs when the tragedy hit. Harkirat was 15 metres into the lake when deeper water struck and he was unable to get himself out. Please help support this young boy’s mother and sister with funeral and living costs after their tragic loss. Harkirit will be deeply missed by everyone. He will always be remembered as hardworking and loving to everyone in his life.”

AGASSIZ RCMP said that last Sunday, at approximately 6 p.m. they responded to a report of a possible drowning at Harrison Lake near the Village of Harrison Hot Springs. Three individuals were reported to be in distress in the lake. Witnesses were able to pull one of the three to safety. Two young men were last seen approximately 70 feet from the shore. Attempts were made to locate and rescue the two males by witnesses, police and Kent Harrison Search and Rescue, but were unsuccessful.

On Monday, members of the RCMP Underwater Recovery Team had recovered the two deceased males.

The RCMP said: “This tragic loss is a reminder for people of all ages to swim within their limits, use personal flotation devices, and use caution in the water.”

Indian-American lawmakers slam Trump for scrapping DACA

7 September 2017

Washington (PTI): Indian-American lawmakers have criticised US President Donald Trump for scrapping an amnesty programme that granted work permits to immigrants who arrived in the country illegally as children, saying the consequences of the decision will be “devastating”.

Describing Trump’s action as a cruel and inhuman, five- Indian American lawmakers in separate statements announced that they will fight the US president’s decision.

“The consequences of this decision will be devastating. It will split up families, force young people back to countries they never knew, and cost our economy billions of dollars. It is heartless,” Democratic Senator Kamala Harris said.

Harris said recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program makes the US nation strong and represents the best of America.

“The President’s decision undermines our nation’s values and is a cruel betrayal to the more than 800,000 young people, including more than 200,000 Californians, who have only ever known the United States of America as their home,” Harris said.

Outraged by Trump’s decision, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal said by doing so he is destroying the future of nearly 800,000 young men and women who were brought here by their parents and know no other country but this one.

“After toying with their futures and raising their hopes with talk of his ‘big heart’, Donald Trump has shown exactly what his priorities are. He has once again sided with hate and xenophobia, putting in place a repeal that is cruel, inhumane and unjust,” the Democratic lawmaker said.

Jayapal urged her colleagues on both sides of the aisle to immediately pass stand-alone legislation to protect ‘dreamers’ (those protected under DACA).

“Let me be clear: Our immigrant brothers and sisters are here to stay. Not only are they welcome in our communities — they are essential to our communities. I will continue to fight alongside ‘dreamers’ and the immigrant rights movement,” she said.

“I ask my Republican colleagues to consider which side of justice they wish to be on, and join us in passing legislation to protect ‘dreamers’ once and for all,” she added.

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi also slammed Trump’s decision, terming the move as “cruel”.

“Through this announcement, the President has made clear that he refuses to protect dreamers and so now Congress must. The administration’s cruel policy includes a six-month phase- out of the DACA programme, and Congress must pass legislation to extend this programme and protect ‘dreamers’,” Krishnamoorthi said.

“This issue is personal for me because I too was brought to the United States by my parents as a child. The hope for a better a life which carried my parents here was no different from that of the parents of ‘dreamers’, and generations of immigrants before,” he said.

This decision by the Trump administration goes against American values, said Congressman Dr Ami Bera.

“Children brought to the United States — through no fault of their own — deserve our compassion. These children have passed background checks and are already contributing to our economy as productive residents,” Bera said.

“Detaining and deporting children is not only morally wrong, it doesn’t make economic sense. I urge the administration to reverse this decision immediately,” Bera said.

Congressman Ro Khanna said the Trump administration has once again showed that it has no dignity for friends, neighbours and colleagues.

“We must safeguard the livelihood of ‘dreamers’ and provide these inspiring young people and their courageous parents a pathway to citizenship,” Khanna said.

IAMAW Canada supports Jagmeet Singh for federal NDP leadership

6 September 2017

IN another boost to federal NDP leadership hopeful Jagmeet Singh, Canada’s IAMAW (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) that represents more than 40,000 Canadian workers endorsed him on Wednesday.

A day earlier, the United Food and Commercial Workers Union that represents over 250,000 workers across the country had announced its support for him.

Stan Pickthall, IAMAW Canadian General Vice President, said in a statement: “I am proud to announce today that the IAMAW is endorsing Jagmeet Singh for leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party.”

He added: “This decision came after a lengthy and engaged debate of the IAMAW Canadian leadership. We agreed that all four candidates were strong NDP leaders, and it is great to have so many good political activists to choose from.

“But ultimately, the message was clear. We are looking for someone to grow this party. Not just for the next election, but beyond. Jagmeet Singh is our choice.”

Pickthall said: “Jagmeet connects to people. He’s a campaigner who can reach out and pull voters in, and that’s what we need to combat the Liberals. He has been there with us on our issues and we are proud to support him for Leader of the NDP.”

The IAMAW (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) represents workers in air transport and a wide range of manufacturing including aircraft, auto parts, autobuses, aerospace, electronics, light and heavy machinery, tools and appliances. They are the largest airport security screeners union in Canada, and also represent a growing number of workers in the healthcare and hospitality sectors as well as office, technical and other white collar workers.

Pickthall said: “IAMAW Canada is encouraging our membership to come together and support Jagmeet Singh as the next leader of the federal NDP.”

He added: “Please take a moment and commit to vote Jagmeet for NDP Leader here: jagmeetsingh.ca/commit.”

BC Liquor Stores’ customers donate record high for wildfire relief

6 September 2017

BC Liquor Stores’ customers donated a record-breaking $417,675 to the Red Cross BC Fire Appeal to help fellow British Columbians affected by the wildfires burning throughout the province.

Customer donations were collected over an eight-week period – between July 10 and August 31 – to support the immediate needs of wildfire evacuees with emergency food, water and shelter.

The BC Liquor Stores locations with the largest customer donations are:

Westwood Centre in Port Coquitlam: $25,855
Kelowna Orchard Park in East Kelowna: $14,332
Sooke on Vancouver Island: $12,683
Terrace: $10,578
Kamloops North: $10,024

Local liquor companies directly donated a portion of their proceeds on select products sold in BC Liquor Stores to the Red Cross as well, raising an additional $69,500.

Throughout its 14-year partnership with the Red Cross, BC Liquor Stores and its customers have raised nearly $3 million for humanitarian crises in Nepal, Haiti, Pakistan, Japan, Syria and Africa, as well as for disaster relief efforts closer to home in British Columbia in addition to Alberta and New Orleans.

Blain Lawson, General Manager and CEO, Liquor Distribution Branch, said: “I extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation for our customers and recognize the efforts of our BC Liquor Stores’ employees for supporting this important campaign. While our campaign has now come to a close, the wildfire season is not over and so I encourage everyone to continue to support the Red Cross by donating directly what they can, or by volunteering their time.”

Kimberley Nemrava, Vice President, Canadian Red Cross, B.C. and Yukon, said: “Our partnership with BC Liquor Stores and other community partners is vitally important to the Red Cross. Their donations have enabled us to provide additional assistance to 4,700 vulnerable families that were hit the hardest by the wildfires. Our communities are stronger because of the generosity of our donors and volunteers.”

Edmonton man wanted for murder arrested in Vancouver

6 September 2017

EDMONTON Police say that the man allegedly involved in the death of Valerie Maurice, 29, of Montreal was arrested on Tuesday evening by the Vancouver Police Department.

Gregory Christopher Tessman, 49, was arrested downtown Vancouver on East Hastings Street at a homeless shelter this evening and is charged with second-degree murder.

“I would like to thank the media for their assistance with this investigation, which ultimately led to the quick arrest of Mr. Tessman,” said Edmonton Police Service Homicide Section Staff-Sgt. Bill Clark.

Northeast Division patrol officers responded to a “check on welfare” call on Thursday, August 31 at a residence in the area of 144th Avenue and 88A Street. Upon arrival, a woman was found dead inside a suite where she did not reside.

On Friday, September 1, the Edmonton Medical Examiner determined that Maurice died as a result of strangulation. The manner of death was homicide, the EPS said.

A Canada-wide warrant was issued on September 5 for the arrest of Tessman in relation to Maurice’s death.

Air Quality Advisory continues for Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley

6 September 2017

METRO Vancouver is continuing an Air Quality Advisory for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley because of high concentrations of fine particulate matter that are expected to persist until there is a change in the weather. Air quality continues to be affected by the current weather pattern over the Pacific Northwest, which has

Smoke from a fire in Washington state could be seen in the distant from Mount Rainier National Park on Sunday.
Photo by Rattan Mall

caused smoke to be transported into our region from wildfires burning in Washington state and the interior of BC.

Smoke concentrations may vary widely across the region as winds and temperatures change, and as wildfire behaviour changes.

Fine particulate matter, also known as PM_2.5, refers to airborne solid or liquid droplets with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres (µm) or less. PM_2.5 can easily penetrate indoors because of their small size.

Persons with chronic underlying medical conditions should postpone strenuous exercise until the advisory is lifted. Exposure is particularly a concern for infants, the elderly and those who have diabetes, and lung or heart disease. If you are experiencing symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing, follow the advice of your healthcare provider. As we are in the summer season with warm temperatures, it is also important to stay cool and hydrated. Indoor spaces with air conditioning may offer relief from both heat and air pollution.

This advisory is expected to continue until there is a change in the current weather.

Metro Vancouver works in cooperation with Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Fraser Valley Regional District and B.C. Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy to look after air quality.

Information about real-time air quality readings for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley communities and potential health impacts can be found at www.airmap.ca and www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/air.

Surrey RCMP seek information after assault on student near Earl Marriott Secondary

6 September 2017

SURREY RCMP are advising the public about an incident that occurred in the South Surrey area Wednesday morning and are appealing for any further information that may lead to the identity of a possible suspect.

On September 6, at approximately 7:50 a.m., Surrey RCMP received a report of a female student who was on her way to school when she was grabbed by an unknown male on a footpath near Earl Marriott Secondary at 15751 16^th Avenue. The 14-year-old victim managed to free herself from the suspect and run to the school. Surrey RCMP’s General Duty and Youth Unit officers were immediately dispatched to the area. The suspect fled prior to police arrival and has not been located.

The suspect is described as a Caucasian male, in his 30’s, 5’9”-5’10” tall, with a medium build, wearing a light green t-shirt, dirty blue jeans, and work boots.

The victim was physically uninjured, however, she is understandably upset by the incident. The Surrey School District has sent a letter home to notify parents of this incident and remind students about general safety tips.

While this investigation is still in its early stages, Surrey RCMP remind students who are walking to school to follow 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.
Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back.
Phone home when leaving a friend’s house and say when you will be home.
Trust your instincts and your feelings.
Phone home if you are going to be delayed, or if your plans change.

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.

Independent technical review of George Massey Tunnel corridor by province; Liberal Party and Green Party reactions

6 September 2017

The George Massey Tunnel replacement bridge that had been proposed.

THE Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is proceeding with an independent technical review of the George Massey Tunnel corridor to find a solution that gets people and goods moving and makes sense for commuters across the region, the Province announced on Wednesday.

The ministry is in the process of recruiting the individual to lead the technical review, and will support the review with expertise in highway infrastructure construction, transportation planning and traffic engineering.

The review will focus on what level of improvement is needed in the context of regional and provincial planning, growth and vision, as well as which option would be best for the corridor, be it the proposed 10-lane bridge, a smaller bridge or tunnel.

The Province’s work on the project, up to this point, will be looked at closely as part of the independent review, including technical information developed by the project team and from Metro Vancouver municipalities, as well as new analysis that includes looking at how the removal of tolls will affect the crossing.

While the review is underway, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Claire Trevena will engage mayors from Metro Vancouver, including Richmond and Delta, to gather their perspectives on the project, and to ensure that any plan for this corridor reflects their ideas and fits into the overall vision for the region.

Based on the recommendations received, the Province will determine next steps to address the congestion along the Highway 99 corridor.

Pending the outcome of the review, the current procurement process has been cancelled and the project will not be budgeted for in the government’s capital plan until a solution has been identified. The terms of the request for proposals dictate that each of the two final bidding teams will be paid up to $2 million to help offset their expenses to date.

The Province has spent approximately $66 million on the estimated $3.5-billion project. BC Hydro has spent approximately $25 million on its transmission relocation project. Work completed to date is expected to be utilized regardless of which option is chosen. Valuable property has been acquired, pre-load construction work along the Highway 99 corridor is wrapping up, and technical work and analysis will be considered as government moves forward to improve the crossing.

LIBERAL Party MLAs on both sides of the Massey Tunnel said they are concerned that the NDP government’s cancelling of the current replacement bridge is putting the safety of commuters at risk in order to further their political agenda.

“This is an unacceptable delay for those who travel through the tunnel every day,” said Delta South MLA Ian Paton. “This is a project that needs to be built in order to protect those who could be caught in the tunnel during an earthquake, as well as relieve pressure on the worst bottleneck in the province. This will cost taxpayers millions right now and likely billions when the NDP realize a new crossing – a bridge – is needed.”

The Liberals said that the replacement bridge would save rush-hour commuters up to 30 minutes for the 80,000 people a day who use the tunnel. Benefits would be felt across the province by improving the safe, efficient movements of people and goods along a route which moves $25 billion worth of goods per year.

“Building a bridge is the most safe and cost efficient way to get people across the river,” said Richmond-Queensborough MLA Jas Johal. “This project has undergone five years of planning and consultation and the NDP don’t even have anyone appointed to lead this review, let alone an actual plan to replace the tunnel. This to me looks like certain projects and issues are not a priority for this government unless it serves their political aspirations.”

By saying no to this project, the NDP are also saying no to 9,000 construction jobs and 4,500 to 5,000 additional permanent jobs created by 2045.

ANDREW Weaver, Leader of the B.C. Green Party and MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head, said: “I am glad that the government will review the options for this project,” said MLA Weaver. “In our Confidence and Supply Agreement, we agreed that transit and transportation infrastructure must be developed in cooperation with the Mayors’ Council in a way that reduces emissions, creates jobs and gets people home faster.”

Adam Olsen, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands, added: “This project is not part of the Mayor’s Council 10 year plan for regional transportation. It is essential that such costly and major projects be planned in an integrated fashion in cooperation with municipal officials so that we can meet the transportation needs of British Columbians in the most efficient and cost-effective way.”

Largest ALERT drug seizure in Alberta’s Grande Prairie since October 2014

6 September 2017

AN ALERT investigation in Grande Prairie has resulted in a significant seizure of fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine. Nearly a quarter million dollars’ worth of drugs were taken off the street, making this one of the city’s largest drug seizures ever.

ALERT (Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams) Grande Prairie’s organized crime and gang team made the seizure on Friday, September 1, with the assistance of Grande Prairie RCMP. Four homes were searched with the following items being seized:

* 1.3 kilograms of powder and crack cocaine;
* 573 grams of methamphetamine;
* 1,476 fentanyl pills;
* approximately 20 grams of marijuana;
* a Mercedes-Benz SUV; and
* nearly $2,000 in cash proceeds of crime.
All told, the drugs have a street value of almost $250,000. The majority of the drugs were seized from a residence in the Riverstone neighbourhood.

This is the largest ALERT drug seizure in Grande Prairie since October 2014, when 1.8 kilograms of cocaine and more than 1,800 fentanyl pills were seized during an investigation.

“Taking a quantity of drugs such as this off the streets of Grande Prairie is a real feather in ALERT’s cap,” says Inspector Dave Dubnyk, officer in charge of regional teams with ALERT. “With the help of our partners in the RCMP, we’re doing everything we can to make Grande Prairie a safer place for families to live.”

“This operation highlights the value of ALERT and the importance of a coordinated policing response to illicit drug activity across the province,” adds Grande Prairie RCMP Superintendent Don McKenna.

The cash and vehicle will be referred to the province’s civil forfeiture office.

Two men – Khristopher Ali, 29, and Robert Kinnon, 59 – have each been charged with three counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking. Additionally, Ali has been charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance and one count of possession of proceeds of crime.

Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.

Members of the Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service and RCMP work in ALERT.

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