B.C. EVENTS: For the week of Saturday, May 6

5 May 2017

(These are FREE listings. Your submission must be emailed by Wednesday night in typed form. Please do not send posters. Email: [email protected])

Surrey Youth Showcase

On Saturday, May 6, youth ages 12 to 22 are invited to the annual Surrey Youth Showcase – the City of Surrey’s largest Youth Week event of the year and a free event – to celebrate talented youth from the basketball and dance communities. From 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Guildford Recreation Centre, 15105 105^th Avenue, Surrey. Featuring a competitive basketball tournament and one of Surrey’s largest youth dance battles, the free event includes carnival games and a variety of interactive booths, games and activities, chances to win prizes, and free chocolate and popcorn. A photo booth and food trucks will also be on site. For more information, including a complete list of Youth Week activities happening in Surrey, visit www.surrey.ca/sys.

Sai Japa

All devotees are invited at Hindu Cultural Society and Community Centre of B.C., 3885 Albert Street, Burnaby, to participate in Sai Japa / Bhajans on Saturday, May 6 at 5 p.m. Program: 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. – Bhajans / Kirtan. 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. – Sai Japa. 7:30 p.m. – Priti Bhojan. Contact: Rajubhai Parekh at 604-327-8259, Kantibhai Patel at 604-522-7989 or Mandir at 604-299-5922.

South Asian Seniors: Learn Acupressure Techniques

Vedic Seniors Parivar Center of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society Surrey invites South Asian adults / senior members, non members to attend a presentation “Learn Acupressure Techniques & Be Your Own Doctor” acupressurist Avtar Singh Woodwall on Sunday, May 7, 2-3:30 p.m., at Shanti Niketan Hall of Lakshmi Narayan Hindu Temple at 8321 140^th Street, Surrey. A copy of the acupressure points in hands and feet will be provided to new participants for treatment at home. Tea and light snacks will be served. Contact coordinator Surendra Handa at 604-507-9945 for further information.

The Kids Help Phone

The first annual Surrey – Walk so Kids Can Talk event will be held on May 7 in Holland Park. This will be a fun family oriented event with lots of entertainment including the RCMP Marching Pipe Band, Celtic fiddle guitar duo “even Steven”, and featuring local teen sensations Ava Carich and Richard Tichleman. There will also be mascots, face painting, sports games, photo booths, a bouncy castle, food trucks, a BBQ and much more. Every year more than 10,000 youths from 183 B.C. communities reach out for help and advice from the free professional counsellors at Kids Help Phone, provided across Canada on a 24 hour, seven day a week basis. The callers have a full range of mental health issues, from anxiety, depression and suicidal feelings to bullying, harassment and family problems. Registration starts at 10 a.m. Walk starts at 11 a.m. The Kids Help Phone toll-free line is 1-800-668-6868. Website: http://org.kidshelpphone.ca/. To register for the Walk and / or donate go to https://walksokidscantalk.ca/.

Punjabi Theatre

Luna’s voice: Exploring the Punjabi narrative Puran Bhagat. An arts-based workshop with the Peter Wall Institute for Advanced Studies, UBC with local artists and performers, and special guests from India, Samuel John and Sohil Bhatia. Sunday, May 7, 3-5 p.m., at Dorothy Somerset Studios Theatre, 6361 University Boulevard, UBC. * The 2017 Harjit Kaur Sidhu Memorial Program, UBC: Celebrating Punjabi Language and Culture. Kahani da Rangmanch: A Theatre of Storie with Samuel John and Rangmanch Punjabi Theatre. Dulatti (The Hidden Power). Ghasea Hoea Aadmi (Worn Out Man). With awards for student essay contest winners and a local Punjabi-language author. Saturday, May 13 at 6 p.m. at North Delta Secondary School, 11447 82^nd Avenue, Delta.

Richmond-Vancouver Walk for ALS

Volunteers and families gather each year to show their support for Canadians living with ALS.

Every year, volunteers from all around the province team up with the ALS Society of BC to organize and lead a Walk for ALS. This year’s Richmond-Vancouver Walk will be held on May 13 at Garry Point Park in Steveston, Richmond. The Walk will start at 10:30 a.m., with check-in at 9 a.m. Everyone is invited and welcome to join this family friendly event.The 5km walk gives people the chance to raise funds and awareness for those living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and their families. Leading up to the event, walkers collect pledges from family, friends, and colleagues who wish to sponsor them. On the day of the Walk, participants can enjoy various activities organized by the volunteers. Proceeds from the Walk for ALS go to the ALS Society of BC to provide support for people living with ALS and to invest in research to make the disease treatable not terminal. Register today at www.walkforals.ca

Surrey RCMP: Celebrate Police Week

Come celebrate and help kickoff Police Week by visiting the Surrey RCMP’s Open House at their Main Detachment (14355 57^th Avenue) on Saturday, May 13 from 12 to 3 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend this family-friendly event at the country’s largest RCMP detachment. There will be police vehicles on display, demonstrations, kids’ police “briefings”, food, photos with Red Serge officers, and more. Featuring: Air 1 Helicopter, Emergency Response Team, Police Dog Services, Bike Team, Explosives Disposal Unit, RCMP Vehicles & Equipment, Forensic Identification Team, Kids “Watch Briefings”, Career & Volunteer Info, City of Surrey Public Safety Strategy, and popcorn, cotton candy, and pizza. Surrey RCMP urge you to travel smart – there will be limited parking on site. Check out their website for directions and transportation options. Dress for the weather conditions on the day of the event. Many of the activities and displays will be held outside.

B.C. Children’s Hospital

On Saturday, May 13, B.C. Children’s Hospital will be having its 18^th annual Balding for Dollars main event to raise awareness and funds in support of children with cancer and blood disorders. The event is a family-friendly event, open to all ages. It will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the CFRI building on the north side of BC Children’s Hospital. Around 50 brave individuals will be coming up on stage to shave their heads or chop their locks in support of BC’s young cancer warriors and their families. There will also be live entertainment, a photobooth, fun games, great food, facepainting, Disney Princesses, arts and crafts and so much more. This is a free event to attend with food and participation in certain stations by donation. For more information, visit www.baldingfordollar.com, find us on Facebook or contact Christine Tulloch, Balding for Dollars Administrator, at [email protected]

CFOFO Youth Talent Show

Join the 14^th Annual CFOFO Youth Talent Show (YTS) on May 27, organized by youth for all youth from various communities. This event will bring you a night of talent, passion and inspiration. The show starts at 5:30 p.m. with doors opening at 5 p.m. The show provides an opportunity for the youth in the community to showcase their talents. The night will entail exciting performances, a vegetarian and non-vegetarian inclusive dinner, and a presentation of scholarships and youth volunteer service awards. Items in the night include Bollywood, Hip Hop, Traditional Fijian dance numbers, motivational talks, and English and Bollywood songs performed by youth Tickets purchased prior to the show are $20 and $25 at the door. Ticket prices for children aged 12 and under are $15. If you are interested in attending the event, you can purchase tickets through any executive board member of the CFOFO, or even a youth committee member. If you have any questions, or would like to purchase tickets, please contact: * CFOFO Interim Chairperson, Kelvin Chand: (604-603-4785) * Youth Talent Show Co-Chairperson, Ashley Prasad: (604-839-9643) * Youth Talent Show Co-Chairperson, Shannon Permal: (778-709-2853).

Scotiabank MS Walk

The Scotiabank MS Walk on Sunday, May 28, occurs during MS Awareness Month in 18 different locations and offers individuals and teams the chance to celebrate hope and join the fight against multiple sclerosis (MS) while raising crucial funds for the cause. All Scotiabank MS Walk events have routes of varying lengths, including wheelchair-accessible routes. Participants will also have the opportunity to join in on start/finish line activities and team awards ceremonies as well as hear amazing speeches from people living with MS. For a complete list of events and to register, the public may visit mswalks.ca or call 1‑604‑689‑3144. To learn more about MS and the activities of the MS Society of Canada, the public may visit mssociety.ca.

Surrey Art Gallery: Vaisakhi

Passionate Colours: from now until July 14. The South Asian Artists Guild will be launching an exhibit at Surrey Art Gallery that embodies a zest for life and passion for colour. The artists in Passionate Colours are: Shital Anmol, Gunwant Bassi, Sanjoy Das, Vipin Kapoor, Baljit Kaur, Bindoo Matharu, Jay Panesar, Jarnail Singh, Navalpreet Rangi, Neeti Singh, Parminder Singh, and Mandeep Wirk. Surrey Art Gallery at 13750 88^th Avenue, Surrey. Phone: 604-501-5566 / surrey.ca/artgallery. Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 9 a.m.-9 p.m. / Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. / Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. / Sunday 12-5 p.m. / Closed Mondays and holidays.

ESL Book Clubs: Surrey Libraries

If you would like to practice your English and make new friends, join Surrey Libraries’ ESL Book Clubs. Come practice reading, speaking, and listening in English. Readers are welcome at any level from beginners to advanced. Library books will be provided (Levels 1-4). Call or visit the libraries to register. * City Centre Library: Wednesdays, 1 – 2:30 p.m. May 24, June 21 * Fleetwood Library: Saturdays, 1:30 – 3 p.m. May 17 * Guildford Library: Thursdays, 2 – 3:30 p.m. May 4, June 1 * Newton Library: Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. May 25, June 22 * Semiahmoo Library: Thursdays, 1 – 2:30 p.m. May 18, June 15. www.surreylibraries.ca

Surrey’s 150+ Summer Day Camps

Registration is open for City of Surrey’s 150+ fun, affordable and safe summer day camps designed to keep children and teens (ages 3–18) active and engaged over the school break. Parents have the option to pay 50% of the cost at the time of registration and the remaining balance on the first day of camp. Early registration is recommended as popular day camps fill up fast. In addition to Summer Fun 1-1 and Youth on the Move for youth ages 13–18 with disabilities, City of Surrey’s variety of unique day camps include: fun zone, pre-teen road trip, leadership, 3D animation, forest adventures, ready-set-paint, photography fun, basketball, and swim and skate. Free one-to-one staff support is available for children ages 6–13 with disabilities for a limited number of weeks. Extended camp hours are available through the Camp Connections program. For complete details, visit www.surrey.ca/daycamps or call 604-501-5100.

PICS: Free Self Employment Program

Are you unemployed or working less than 20 hours per week? Are you thinking of launching your own business? Join PICS for an information session on PICS’ Self Employment Program at one of PICS Offices: * Suite 205, 12725 80^th Avenue, Surrey – every 2^nd Wednesday of the month, or * 8153 Main Street (near Marine Drive), Vancouver – every 3^rd Wednesday of the month. All info sessions are from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. This program offers * Business Start-Up Training * Business Plan Writing * Business Advisor Support * Networking Events * Support During Business Launch Period. To attend a session, pre-register at [email protected] or 604-596-7722, ext. 150

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

Multiple search warrants in Surrey yield drugs and guns

5 May 2017

SURREY RCMP announced on Friday that multiple search warrants that were executed in mid-April at properties alleged to be involved in the street-level drug trade resulted in 13 arrests and the seizure of numerous weapons and significant quantities of drugs (see photo).

On April 19, officers with the Surrey RCMP’s North Community Response Unit (CRU) executed three simultaneous search warrants at residences in the 12900 block of 108^th Avenue and 13300 block of Bentley Road. Police had gathered information that individuals were operating “store front” drug operations and were in possession of firearms at these locations.

With assistance from the Surrey RCMP’s Bike Team, Lower Mainland District’s Emergency Response Team, Police Dog Services, and Transit Police, officers arrested a total of 13 persons at these locations. A number of weapons were seized including multiple handguns and crossbows, along with varying amounts of drugs, including 1,100 doses of crystal methamphetamine, 400 doses of heroin / suspected fentanyl, and nine kilograms of marijuana.
The investigation is ongoing as officers work on submitting a comprehensive report to Crown Counsel. One individual, Adam Bruce Bogart, 32, of Surrey, has now been charged with three counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, two counts of possession of a firearm, and breach of a firearms prohibition. Three other individuals were also detained on outstanding warrants.

“The Surrey RCMP continues to monitor, arrest, and disrupt the activities of multiple priority target individuals and locations associated to the street level drug trade,” said Staff -Sgt. Marty Blais, North Community Response Unit Commander. “We are committed to taking strict enforcement action against those who prey upon the most vulnerable in our community and pose a significant threat to public safety.”

Anyone with information about possible drug operations in Surrey 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 go to www.solvecrime.ca.

NDP calls for investigation into Christy Clark’s secret corporate giveaway scheme

5 May 2017

NDP candidate David Eby is calling for the Auditor-General to investigate a shady corporate giveaway scheme spotlighted by a New York Times investigation this week. The program gives away millions in taxpayer dollars to unnamed corporations with no discernible benefits for British Columbians.

“Every day, it’s getting harder and more expensive to live in BC, and the only people getting ahead are Christy Clark and her rich friends,” said Eby. “British Columbians deserve to know how much of their hard-earned tax dollars Christy Clark has secretly handed to rich donors.”

Eby noted that the BC Liberals have failed to provide any credible evidence that the program creates jobs, and have refused to reveal which companies have received tax breaks and for how much. He said that an NDP government will immediately refer this program to the Auditor-General for investigation, and will cancel all aspects of the program that don’t provide provable benefits for British Columbians.

“For years, Christy Clark has been hiking Hydro, MSP and ICBC rates on hardworking British Columbians to pay for huge giveaways to the top 2% and profitable corporate donors,” said Eby. “As Premier, John Horgan will cancel shady corporate tax giveaways and invest those funds in cutting costs for British Columbians and reversing cuts to services like education and healthcare.”

Although the full list of corporations receiving these breaks is being hidden by the Liberals, Advantage BC CEO and former Christy Clark campaign chair Colin Hansen did confirm that most of their core members benefit from the program. Those members have given the BC Liberals a combined $5.8 million in donations.

Although the program has existed in different form since the 1980s, it was massively expanded under the BC Liberals in 2004 and 2010. This included larger tax breaks and expanding the types of corporations and financial activities eligible.

If the Auditor-General finds that any aspects of the program are providing a good return for British Columbians, the NDP will maintain them, said Eby.

Postmedia apologizes for insensitive cartoon that ended up mocking Sikh Guru who was tortured

5 May 2017

Guru Arjan Dev being tortured.
Photo: Wikipedia

POSTMEDIA has been forced to apologize for a cartoon mocking Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan for his false claim on two occasions that he was the architect of Operation Medusa in Afghanistan in 2006 and for which he has apologized.

The CBC reported that on Tuesday, the Edmonton Sun and other Postmedia publications portrayed Sajjan stewing in a cauldron with the label “LIES.”

But Sikhs and others found it insulting because it resembles images of historic Sikh religious figures who were tortured.

CBC reported that Harpreet Gill, who is on the executive committee of Gurdwara Siri Guru Singh Sabha, said: “I was really disgusted. And then I kind of felt sad as well that a prominent news outlet in the country would do so, and would play with the religious sensitivities of the community who is an integral part of the society here in Canada.”

Gill said the cartoon bears a striking resemblance to the fifth Sikh Guru Arjan Dev Ji, who was forced to sit on a hot plate after speaking up for minorities.

CBC said that on Wednesday, Postmedia responded to criticism in the Letters to the Editor section of the Calgary Sun: “The cartoon was not meant to insult Sikhs. It was a pun on the minister stewing in his own lies. We’re sorry if it was misinterpreted.”

CBC said that on social media, an offended Calgarian posted a response he said he received from the Calgary Sun. “It is supposed to be a pun on Bugs Bunny who always ends up in the cauldron in those cartoons. It is supposed to portray the minister in a stew of lies,” wrote Jose Rodriguez, who signed off as the newspaper’s editor.

India’s Supreme Court upholds death sentence for four in ‘most barbaric’ Nirbhaya rape

5 May 2017

New Delhi (PTI): Terming it an attack “most brutal, barbaric and diabolical”, the Supreme Court on Friday upheld the death sentence for four men convicted of the savage rape and murder of a young woman who came to be known by an outraged nation as “Nirbhaya”, the fearless.
Signalling closure for the sensational case that had galvanised the country and triggered a change in India’s rape laws, a three-judge bench termed the December 16, 2012 gang- rape and murder a “rarest of rare” case that had sent a “tsunami of shock” all over.
Applause broke out in the courtroom as the unanimous verdict — from the bench comprising Justices Dipak Misra, R Banumathi and Ashok Bhushan — was announced and the victim’s parents, lawyers and other litigants present in the room stood up in appreciation.
Justice Misra wrote the judgement for himself and Justice Bhushan, while Justice Banumathi wrote a separate but concurring verdict upholding the Delhi High Court ruling, which in turn had concurred with the trial court.
The four convicted men are Mukesh (29), Pawan (22), Vinay Sharma (23) and Akshay Kumar Singh (31). They can appeal Friday’s verdict in the apex court, and finally seek presidential mercy.
A fifth accused, Ram Singh, allegedly committed suicide in Tihar Jail in March in 2013 and the sixth, a convicted juvenile was sentenced three years of punishment in a reform home, and released in 2015.
The six men had assaulted Jyoti Pandey, the 23-year-old paramedic student, and a male friend in a moving bus as it drove through the streets of New Delhi. She was thrown out of the bus -so grievously injured that her insides were spilling out – along with her male friend near the airport. A fortnight later, on December 29, 2012, she succumbed in a Singapore hospital.
Almost five years later, her parents, Badri Nath Singh and Asha Devi, said they were at peace after the verdict. Her father, Badri Nath Singh, said he could finally sleep well tonight. Their daughter, too, now rests in peace, the couple told PTI after the judgement.
“She would have turned 28 on May 10 if she had lived.
Today’s verdict is a gift for her,” Singh said.
“What about justice for others whose cases are pending in courts?” Singh asked. But the apex court verdict, he added, would give a boost to rape survivors seeking justice.
“At times I would feel weak, wanting to give up the fight. But then my daughter’s face would flash in front of my eyes and I would pull myself up,” Asha Devi said.
The parents, who have started the Nirbhaya Jyoti Trust to help rape victims, also stressed that their daughter should be identified by her name. “Those who commit such crimes should hang their heads, not us,” Singh said.
In its hard-hitting verdict running into almost 500 pages, the court said the convicts had treated the victim as an object of enjoyment, with the single purpose of ravishing her.
The apex court said the aggravating circumstances outweighed mitigating circumstances like the poor family background, young age of accused, good conduct in prison marital status and small children.
The bench also said the nature and the manner of the crime had devastated social trust and it fell in the ‘rarest of rare’ category, warranting death penalty.
Reacting to the verdict, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said it was a victory of the rule of law. His colleague, Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi, added that the verdict would act as a deterrent against heinous crimes.
“It has been five years, but in this country getting justice takes decades. So justice definitely has been done,” she told reporters.
Taking a different view, senior advocate Rebecca John, a “staunch opponent” of the death penalty, referred to the verdict in the Bilkis Bano case on Thursday where the Bombay High Court upheld life imprisonment for 11 people and noted the judicial system’s “difference in approach”.
“What were the mitigating circumstances there? In Bilkis’ case she lost a baby girl. Her head was crushed with a stone. I find it very disturbing that offences committed in other contexts, which are equally brutal, are treated differently,” John told PTI.
Apart from the usual moral and ethical questions, John said, there is also no evidence to suggest that death penalty acts as a deterrence. Instead, it “acts as an incentive” for criminals to commit murder in rape cases.
“When you have death in the penal provisions the chances of the criminal murdering the victim rises manifold to suppress evidence,” she explained.

International Basketball Federation’s (FIBA) lifts ban on religious headwear

5 May 2017

IN a game-changing move, FIBA, the world governing body for basketball, unanimously approved a new rule Thursday that will lift its ban on observant Sikhs and others wearing religious head coverings. For three years, the Sikh Coalition helped lead an advocacy campaign to fix a FIBA policy that forced observant Sikhs off the court in international competition.

“There is zero conflict between my faith and my ability to play basketball,” said Darsh Preet Singh, the first turbaned Sikh basketball player in the NCAA. “I am grateful to the Sikh Coalition for collaborating with other advocacy groups and lawmakers to score a win for civil rights. FIBA’s new rule will allow athletes across the world to pursue their dreams without compromising their faith.”

Since 2014, the Sikh Coalition and grassroots supporters worked to put pressure on FIBA to change its policy. From placing op-eds and news stories, to working with congressional offices on multiple advocacy letters,they helped build a groundswell of public support for equal opportunity. Thursday’s announcement will officially go into effect in October 2017.

“FIBA is sending a very clear message to the rest of the world that diversity and tolerance matter in sport,” said Sikh Coalition Senior Religion Fellow Simran Jeet Singh. “If implemented appropriately, ending this discriminatory policy opens the door for millions of young people to practice their faith and pursue their dreams. Nobody should ever be forced to choose between their sport and their faith.”

In addition to opening doors for Sikhs across the world, the new policy lifts restrictions on Jews, Muslims and other religious groups.

“The decision from the International Basketball Federation to allow Sikhs and other players to wear articles of religious faith while competing is welcome news,” said U.S. Representatives Joe Crowley (New York) and Ami Bera (California) in a joint statement. “It has been a long campaign to make this a reality, and praise should go to FIBA and the Sikh community — they both helped ensure that Sikhs can compete just like anyone else.”

66 per cent of British Columbians prefer NDP’s budget strategy

4 May 2017

DESPITE Premier Christy Clark’s attempt to whip up hysteria against the NDP’s proposed budget, extreme propaganda against the NDP, a new public opinion poll from the Angus Reid Institute just five days before the 2017 provincial election campaign ends shows that 66 per cent of British Columbians prefer the NDP’s budget strategy of more spending on social programs paid for by tax increases.

The poll finds the governing BC Liberals and the opposition New Democratic Party locked in a tight race, with the Greens of BC adding pressure on, and potentially taking avenues away from a New Democrat victory.

Each party has distinct advantages and disadvantages ahead of the May 9 result, with the eventual outcome hinging on a number of factors, including strategic voting, the possibility of complacency among soft Liberal voters, the rate at which different age groups vote, and the geographic distribution of party support around the province.

This comprehensive analysis of the voting landscape considers these factors, as well as British Columbians’ views of key planks in the parties’ platforms, the appeal of the party leaders, and the overall mood of the province after six years of BC Liberal government.

The poll finds that both main parties boast their own regional strongholds – the Liberals in the interior, the NDP in the Lower Mainland. Neither party, however, holds a lead across each region of B.C.

The poll also shows that the Green Party is polling higher than it has ever performed in a B.C. election, but Green voter support is shakiest compared to that of the other parties.

The poll also shows that the huge lead that Clark had over NDP Leader John Horgan when it came to the question of who would be the best premier for B.C. has shrunk. Now only 28 per cent feel that way about Clark, while 23 per cent prefer Horgan and 18 per cent Green Party Leader Andrew Weaver. However, 29 per cent are not sure who would be the best premier.

Tejinder Johal and Jordan Rosode among 30 newest members of Vancouver Police

4 May 2017

TEJINDER Johal and Jordan Rosode were among the 30 newest members of Vancouver Police Department that were sworn in on Thursday.

Johal was born and raised in Surrey. She graduated from Frank Hurt Secondary School and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in criminology from SFU.

Tejinder grew up playing soccer, volleyball, and badminton. She has been volunteering as a big sister with Big Sisters of BC for the past four years, and has recently worked as a corrections officer. Tejinder is fluent in Punjabi.

Rosode was born in Burnaby and raised in Surrey. He graduated from Fleetwood Park Secondary with honours, and received a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of British Columbia.

Jordan was previously employed as loss prevention officer and is actively involved in his community by hosting an annual soccer tournament to raise money for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Jordan is fluent in Punjabi.

Others sworn in:

ARYA ANJAM

Arya was born in North Vancouver. He attended Ross Road Elementary School in the French Immersion Program through high school. As a result, Arya is fluent in French and can also speak Farsi. Arya continued to Capilano University where he studied human kinetics, completing three years of intense studying. In 2012, Arya was hired on as a casual Jail Guard with the VPD, and in December of 2014, he successfully obtained a full-time position. Arya’s determination to become a police constable with the VPD has not waivered. He has excelled working in the jail for the past five years, and is spoken highly of by both his peers and supervisors.

KHALED ATTALAOUI

Khaled was born in Brou-Sur-Chantereine, France, and raised in Vancouver. He graduated from Kitsilano Secondary School and earned his bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from Vancouver Community College. Khaled volunteered with the South Vancouver Community Policing Centre and Citizens’ Crime Watch, and recently worked as a deputy sheriff. Khaled is fluent in French.

MATTHEW BROWN

Matthew grew up in East Vancouver, attending Templeton Secondary School. In 2013, Matthew joined the Canadian Forces and began training as a reservist in the 15th Field Artillery Regiment. He also started volunteering for the Hastings Sunrise Community Policing Centre. Matthew worked as a use-of-force role player for both the West Vancouver Police Department and the VPD Tactical Training Centre. Shortly thereafter, he enrolled at the JIBC Law Enforcement Studies Program. In 2016, Matthew was hired as a part-time VPD Traffic Authority, Jail Guard and Special Municipal Constable. Due to his exemplary work ethic and references, he was successful in a competition for a full-time position with the Community Safety Program in 2016. This has provided valuable experience for his future in policing.

ISABELL CHONN

Isabell was born in Vancouver and raised in Richmond. She graduated from H.J. Cambie Secondary School with honours, and received two business scholarships. During her time in high school, she was an avid volunteer within her school and in the community. Isabell continued her education at BCIT and graduated in 2015 with a business management diploma and leadership associate certificate. Isabell is currently working as a transit security officer with the Coast Mountain Bus Company and continues to enhance her skills by attending developmental courses through the VPD and the JIBC.

NICHOLAS CHOW

Nicholas was born in New Westminster and raised in Port Coquitlam, graduating from Riverside Secondary School with honours. Growing up, Nicholas developed a strong passion for tae kwon do. He won two gold medals at the BC Provincial Championships, trained at an elite sports academy in China, and currently holds a third-degree black belt. He attended the University of British Columbia Okanagan where he earned a bachelor of science degree with honours in biology. In 2016, Nicholas was hired by the Vancouver Police Department as a Traffic Authority Member, Community Safety Officer, and a Jail Guard. He is fluent in Cantonese and volunteers with the Special Olympics. Nicholas has a number of other family members who are police officers with the VPD: his uncle, Howard Chow, is the Superintendent of Personnel Services; another uncle, William Cho, is a Detective in the Homicide Unit; an aunt, Christine Cho, is a constable in Patrol; another uncle, Peter Hooper, is a constable in the Traffic Enforcement Unit; and his sister, Kayla Chow, is a constable in Patrol.

MICHELLE COLLINS

Michelle was born in New Westminster and raised in Port Coquitlam. She graduated from Riverside Secondary School with honours from the French Immersion Program. Michelle attended Simon Fraser University where she earned a bachelor of arts in psychology. She worked in the forensic psychology field, where she has liaised with a variety of criminal justice agencies in BC. This exposure to law enforcement led Michelle to pursue a career in policing. She has volunteer experience with the Vancouver Rowing Club, the S.P.C.A., and Corrections Canada.

JOEL DUBY

Joel was born in New Westminster and raised in Coquitlam. He graduated with honours from Dr. Charles Best Secondary School. Joel excelled in sports, leading his soccer team to win the BC Coastal Cup, and his lacrosse team to take home a provincial championship. He is also a talented singer and musician, singing with a large community choir, which gave him the opportunity to sing abroad. Joel attended Simon Fraser University, graduating with bachelor of arts in criminology. During school, he was employed as a student border services officer for the Canadian Border Services Agency for three years. In 2016, Joel was sworn in as a VPD special municipal constable. He has since had the opportunity to work all city districts, gaining the respect of patrol members and a reputation as a hard-working, team-player with a great attitude.

CARMEN EGGENS

Carmen was born in Maple Ridge and raised in Pitt Meadows. She graduated from Pitt Meadows Secondary School in the French Immersion Program. As a youth, she participated in many sports and developed a passion for water polo, playing on the provincial and junior national teams and representing Canada at two junior championships. Carmen attended the University of Hawaii, continuing to compete in water polo, and was ranked amongst the top athletes by the NCAA. She helped Canada win a first-ever silver medal in the FINA Water Polo World League Super Final, and at the Senior World Championships. Carmen graduated from the University of Hawaii with a bachelor of science and a major in family resources. She competed twice with the Canadian Senior Women’s National Water Polo Team for a spot in the Olympics, and is recognized as a leader in the water polo community. Carmen was an avid volunteer and is a role model for upcoming athletes. She also speaks French.

JENNIFER FORSBERG

Jennifer was born and raised in Richmond. Growing up, she was heavily involved in sports, playing basketball, volleyball, and field hockey, as well as soccer at a silver level. Jennifer attended Matthew McNair Secondary School and was awarded the District Dogwood Scholarship for athletic excellence upon graduation. She went on to complete her bachelor of arts degree in criminology at Simon Fraser University in 2016. Jennifer has been working in the restaurant industry and volunteering for the Khalsa Diwan Community Policing Office. She is the daughter of Vancouver Police Inspector Vince Forsberg.

SHAWN GORE

Shawn was born and raised in Toronto and graduated from Newtonbrooke Secondary School. In high school, Shawn developed a strong passion for football and was recruited by a number of universities across Canada. He attended Bishop’s University in Sherbrooke, QC, where he received a bachelor of arts degree in sociology. Throughout university, Shawn was the captain of the varsity football team and was subsequently drafted by the BC Lions in 2010. He has played with the team for seven years and assisted the team in winning the Grey Cup in 2011. Off-season, Shawn has volunteered with the BC Lions’ community outreach team, working extensively with youth.

NAM HOANG

Nam was born in Ontario and raised in Aldergrove, graduating from the Aldergrove Community Secondary School. In high school, Nam was a captain of the rugby team and received the Most Valuable Player award for two years. He was also employed as a customer service representative at an electronics store where he received numerous awards for his performance, including the Elite Circle of Excellence Award, and an all-expense-paid trip to Jamaica for being one of the top sales associates in Canada. Nam is currently enrolled in the University of the Fraser Valley in the Criminology Program, and is a volunteer with the Langley RCMP. He is fluent in Vietnamese. Nam’s brother, Viet Hoang, is a police officer with the Vancouver Police Department.

MATTHEW HUNTER

Matthew was born in Germany and raised in Courtenay, BC, graduating from Georges P. Vanier Secondary School with honours standing. He attended Queen’s University where he earned a bachelor of science in environmental science, again, with honours. During university, Matt was a member of the varsity rowing team. Since graduating, Matt has worked extensively as a project coordinator and manager for a number of high-profile, multi-million-dollar construction projects, both in the public and private sectors. He has volunteered with Big Brothers for the last six years.

CECILIA JOSS

Cecilia was born in Vancouver, grew up on Vancouver Island, and graduated with honors from Kwalikum Secondary in Qualicum Beach, BC. She attended Vancouver Island University for four years, obtaining her bachelor of science degree in nursing, with distinction. Cecilia completed student nursing placements at Surrey Memorial, BC Women’s, and Nanaimo General hospitals. Throughout this time, she volunteered as a firefighter for five years with the Coombs Hilliers Fire Department, where she reached the rank of lieutenant. For the past four years, she has worked as an RN at the Burnaby Adolescent Forensics Centre, and as an ER and psychiatric nurse at St. Paul’s Hospital Emergency and the Vancouver Jail. Cecilia was recently a clinical instructor with UBC, where she taught and assisted nursing students during their mental health department rotations.

CONNOR LABOSIERRE

Connor was born in Penticton and raised in Castlegar, BC. As a youth, Connor was drawn to gymnastics, and while attending the University of the Fraser Valley he was introduced to cheerleading. He has competed in three world championships and is a provincially recognized cheerleading judge. Connor was also a torch-bearer for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. He has worked as a manager in the banking industry and volunteered with the West End Community Policing Centre.

CHRISTOPHER LEE

Christopher was born in Vancouver and raised in Coquitlam. As a child, he studied martial arts, achieving a black belt in tae kwon do, and winning numerous championships, including two first-place awards at the BC Provincial Championships. He was a volunteer tae kwon do instructor, and is also an accomplished pianist. Christopher attended Heritage Woods Secondary School, where he continued to excel in music, adding guitar and jazz piano to his repertoire. Following high school, he attended Douglas College and earned a diploma in criminology. Christopher worked as a carpenter in the construction industry before he was hired as a Community Safety Officer in January 2016. While employed with the VPD, Christopher has volunteered his time mentoring at-risk youth. Christopher speaks Cantonese.

NICHOLAS LO

Nicholas was born in Vancouver and raised in Burnaby, graduating from Magee Secondary School. He was a competitive swimmer and qualified for the provincials twice. He was awarded the Most Valuable Manta Award for his leadership, commitment, perseverance, and passion. Nicholas was a member of the Navy Cadets, where he was awarded the Unsung Hero Award, and was promoted to chief petty officer first class. He attended Simon Fraser University and earned a bachelor of business administration. During university, Nicholas worked as a lifeguard and recreation supervisor. He was a volunteer with the Grandview-Woodland Community Policing Centre and also on the Board of Directors. Nicholas worked as a correctional officer before being hired by the Vancouver Police Department.

ZACH MACLELLAN

Zack was born in New Westminster and raised in Coquitlam. As a youth, he excelled at hockey and later played for the Battleford North Stars and Estevan Bruins of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. Upon his return home, Zack decided to focus on a policing career and academics. In 2014, he obtained a diploma in criminology from Douglas College. Zack has worked in the property management industry and has volunteered with the New Westminster Police Department as a reserve constable.

NICHOLAS MARMARAS

Nicholas was born in Penticton. He grew up in North Delta and eventually settled in Duncan, BC. He attended Cowichan Secondary School, and after graduation he enrolled in the Business Administration Program at Vancouver Island University. In 2013, he went on a ride-along with the Vancouver Police Department and discovered that policing was what he wanted to devote himself to. Nicholas has been employed as a correctional officer with the BC Correctional Service. He has volunteered as a reserve constable for the Saanich Police Department, the RCMP Citizen Patrol, and as an operator with the Vancouver Island Crisis Line. He is an active participant with the VPD Judo Club.

MEGAN MULDER

Megan was born and raised in Vernon and attended Vernon Christian School. She competed in volleyball at the provincial and national level, and was the captain of the city of Vernon team. Megan graduated from Simon Fraser with a bachelor of arts, majoring in criminology with a minor in psychology. She recently worked in the restaurant industry as a supervisor, and volunteered with the Granville Community Policing Centre and Crime Stoppers.

KALEN NEVALAINEN

Kalen was born and raised in Port Coquitlam and graduated from Riverside Secondary. Growing up, Kalen developed a love for fitness, which he continues to make a huge part of his life. He is enrolled at Douglas College and is working towards obtaining his Criminology Diploma. In 2016, Kalen was hired by the Vancouver Police Department as a Traffic Authority member and Community Safety Officer. He has volunteered with the West End Community Centre and as a dog quarry for the Vancouver Police K9 Unit.

LAUREN PAUW

Lauren was born in Burnaby and raised in North Delta. Competing in team sports has always been one of her passions, playing volleyball, basketball, and soccer at competitive levels. Before graduating from French Immersion high school, Lauren participated in the VPD Student Challenge, which influenced her to consider policing as a career. She attended Kwantlen Polytechnic University, where she earned an associate of arts degree in criminology. Lauren has worked in the service industry, for the Corporation of Delta, and as a 9-1-1 operator at E-COMM. Lauren’s father is VPD Inspector Ralph Pauw.

BOYD RICHARDSON

Boyd was born and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan. As a child, Boyd loved sports but quickly realized that his passion was football. He played competitively throughout high school and during university with the Regina Thunder and the UBC Thunderbirds. Boyd was a distinguished player and was often captain of his teams. In 2015, during Boyd’s final year of university football, his team won the Vanier Cup — a dream come true. Boyd graduated from UBC with a bachelor of arts, with a major in psychology. He has recently worked with the developmentally disabled.

TATIANA STELLINGWERFF

Tatiana was born in Burnaby. She spent the majority of her childhood in Coquitlam and Surrey, attending the Pacific Academy where she graduated with honours. After high school, Tatiana took the opportunity to travel through Europe before enrolling in the Criminology Program at Simon Fraser University. She completed two years of studies at SFU and went on to complete a legal administrative assistant certificate at Douglas College. For the past five years, Tatiana has been working as a Jail Guard for the Vancouver Police Department, and recently trained as an acting supervisor. She is married to VPD Constable Ben Highmore.

DENNIS TRINH

Dennis was born in Seattle, Washington, and raised by his extended family in Vancouver. In 2010, he graduated from Britannia Secondary and studied arts and science at Langara College. Dennis transferred to Simon Fraser University where he is pursuing a degree in criminology. Since 2014, he has worked for the VPD as a Community Safety Officer and Jail Guard. Dennis also has volunteer experience with the Collingwood Community Policing Centre and in childcare. He is fluent in Vietnamese.

MALCOLM UPTON

Malcolm was born and raised in Maple Ridge. From an early age, he engaged in sports at competitive levels, finally focusing his attention on baseball. He spent years working as an umpire for the Ridge Meadows Minor Baseball Association, while playing on many provincial all-star and select teams. Malcolm competed in tournaments throughout Canada and the USA before graduating from Samuel Robertson Technical Secondary with honours. He has been enrolled at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, where he is completing his bachelor of arts in communications, while playing for the school’s Wolfpack baseball team. He has volunteered his time coaching and mentoring young players in youth camps and working in the automotive industry. Malcolm’s father, Ian Upton, is an inspector with the VPD.

DAVID WATERFIELD

David was born and raised in Vancouver. He played a variety of sports as a youth and was consistently named captain or assistant captain due to his leadership abilities. After high school, David began to consider a career in law enforcement. He joined the VPD Judo Club, earning a brown belt. He volunteered for VPD’s Citizens’ Crime Watch and worked as a loss prevention officer. David also studied criminology at Langara College. He has served as a Vancouver Police Traffic Authority member, worked in the Covert Intercept Unit, and in 2011, was promoted to project leader, working with multiple investigative sections on major VPD projects. These experiences will serve him well in his new career as a police constable.

MICHAEL WU

Michael was born in Vancouver and raised in Burnaby. He graduated from Alpha Secondary School with honours and received a bachelor of arts degree, with a major in English and a minor in kinesiology from Simon Fraser University. In 2016, he was hired by the Vancouver Police Department as a Traffic Authority member, Community Safety Officer, and Jail Guard. Michael was recently hired as a VPD Cadet Team Leader, and is a tutor for their homework club. Michael volunteers at the Brentwood RCMP Community Policing Office, and at the BC Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre. He also plays senior men’s rugby and coaches high school players.

Bilali Miyonkuru, 19, of Richmond arrested for Vancouver sexual assaults

4 May 2017

BILALI Miyonkuru, 19, of Richmond has been arrested and charged with sexual assault causing bodily harm and robbery in connection with a series of sex assaults in East Vancouver. He remains in custody.

(The VOICE has more information as well as photos of one Bilali Miyonkuru – if you google the name – but as police have refused to confirm them, we are not revealing them yet.)

On April 26, a woman was walking in the area of Monmouth Avenue and Joyce Street when she was approached by a man from behind who asked her not to move. Concerned for her safety, she ran out of the area and called police.

A second woman near Joyce Street and Vanness Avenue was entering an apartment building when she was grabbed from behind by a stranger. She screamed and the man ran off.

A third woman was grabbed from behind by a man on East 46^th Avenue near Doman Street. She was pulled into bushes outside an unoccupied house where she was sexually assaulted.‎

Following the assaults, police appealed to the public for their assistance to help identify the man responsible. A team of Vancouver Police investigators worked diligently on the case, collecting and combing over evidence.

“The safety and security of everyone in our community is our top priority,” said VPD spokesperson Staff-Sgt. Randy Fincham on Thursday. “Our investigators will continue to work tirelessly to hold individuals accountable for the victimization of others.”

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call investigators at 604-717-3720 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Burnaby Council demands withdrawal of inaccurate Liberal Party ads and retraction of untrue allegations

4 May 2017

“IT is clear that there is no level to which the current provincial Liberal Party will not stoop in its bid for reelection,” said Burnaby Mayor Derek Corrigan on Thursday.

Burnaby City Council is calling on the party and the newspapers that have run several misleading Liberal Party advertisements, to remove the ads from circulation.

“The provincial Liberal Party is running completely inaccurate, inflammatory and misleading ads in order to malign the reputations of two Burnaby city councillors – Anne Kang and James Wang – who are running for election in the provincial election,” said Burnaby Mayor Derek Corrigan on Thursday. “The ads present misinformation about Burnaby Council decisions and Burnaby councillors.”

He added: “The City of Burnaby will not accept this misrepresentation of the facts about Burnaby City Council decisions. It would be a disservice to our citizens to do so.

“The Chinese-language ad says that Burnaby city councillors, James Wang and Anne Kang, ‘voted for distributing non-medical marijuana in liquor stores before the federal government has legalized marijuana’ and that this information is taken from December 5, 2016 Burnaby City Council meeting minutes. This is not true. What the minutes do say is ‘should marijuana be legalized,’ the ‘City of Burnaby wants to ensure that …it is distributed in a responsible manner and does not fall into the hands of minors.’ The minutes also very clearly indicate that the Council discussion took place ‘in anticipation of new legislation from the Federal Government in spring 2017’.

“The Liberals have changed the content of Burnaby City Council’s discussion on this pending Liberal marijuana legislation to suit their re-election purposes.”

Based on a news release issued by the City of Richmond, the same ads that misrepresented Burnaby City Council discussions misrepresented facts around Richmond City Council’s actions as well.

Corrigan said: “This is completely unacceptable and we call on the Liberal Party of British Columbia to pull these ads and to apologize to Burnaby City Council for intentionally misrepresenting their actions.”

Following are the verbatim minutes regarding the December 5, 2016 motion that have been inaccurately quoted by the BC Liberal Party:

NOTICE OF MOTION
A) Councillor Dan Johnston Re: Distribution of Non-Medical Marijuana

MOVED BY COUNCILLOR JOHNSTON SECONDED BY COUNCILLOR JORDAN

THAT WHEREAS the Federal Government is considering the legalization of marijuana for non-medical use in Canada and will be introducing new legislation in the spring of 2017; and

WHEREAS the BC Government Employees Union (BCGEU) and the BC Private Liquor Store Association (BCPLSA) is proposing a non-medical marijuana distribution model that permits retail sales only in licensed public and private liquor stores; and

WHEREAS through their joint partnership, the Responsible Marijuana Retail Alliance of BC, the BCGEU and BCPLSA are requesting local government support for this initiative; and

WHEREAS the City of Burnaby wants to ensure that should marijuana be legalized, it is distributed in a responsible manner and does not fall into the hands of minors; and

WHEREAS liquor stores are an age-controlled environment with expertise in handling a controlled substance and a strong track record of checking identification; and

WHEREAS the City of Burnaby has zoning regulations and a policy framework in place that could be amended to similarly restrict marijuana sales should the proposed model be implemented

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Burnaby City Council is supportive of the approach taken by the Responsible Marijuana Alliance of BC in anticipation of new legislation from the Federal Government in spring 2017.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY