GRANGER MacDonald, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in the U.S. and a home builder and developer from Kerrville, Texas, on Tuesday responded to comments by U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross regarding the imposition of tariffs on Canadian lumber imports by stating: “NAHB respectfully disagrees with comments made by Commerce Secretary Ross that the tariffs on Canadian lumber imports into the U.S. will have little effect on the cost of housing. While Ross cannot cite specific consequences regarding this punitive tariff, we can.
“If the 20 percent lumber duty remains in effect throughout 2017, NAHB estimates this will result in the loss of nearly $500 million in wages and salaries for U.S. workers, $350 million in taxes and other revenue for the governments in the U.S. and more than 8,200 full-time U.S. jobs. Lumber prices have already jumped 22 percent since the beginning of the year, largely in anticipation of new tariffs, adding nearly $3,600 to the price of a new single-family home.
“Clearly, protectionist measures to prop up domestic lumber producers at the expense of millions of U.S. home buyers and lumber users is not the way to resolve the U.S.-Canada trade dispute or boost the U.S. economy.
“As an industry that is on the front lines of this issue, NAHB would be happy to discuss this matter with the White House and seek solutions that will not harm housing affordability for millions of hard-working American families.”
IN light of a recent decision by the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, Peel Regional Police Chief Jennifer Evans said on Tuesday that she wants to reassure the community and employees that the Peel Regional Police is a diverse and inclusive employer, and that all employees have the same opportunities for promotion regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin and /or ethnic origin.
Evans repeated her long-standing commitment to ensuring Peel Regional Police is free of workplace discrimination and harassment.
While in the past, traditional policing models were heavily focused on front-line operations, the existing Peel Regional Police model is also focused on community policing and public engagement. Community policing roles, including those in areas like Diversity Relations, Crime Prevention and Community Support are essential to building strong relationships with community partners which is a priority for Peel Regional Police, said Evans.
She added that their Diversity Relations Unit is growing steadily to keep up with increasing demands for service within the community. The officers in that area do incredible work and are valued for what they do to enhance and sustain strong connections within the community.
THE Integrated Homicide Investigation Team announced on Tuesday that the body found in Richmond on Monday was that of Muzaffer Darwaish, 28, of Richmond.
IHIT Cpl. Meghan Foster said: “Mr. Darwaish was known to police, and his death is believed to be targeted. It is still early in the investigation, but Mr. Darwaish’s murder does not appear to be associated to any other homicides, or recent acts of violence.”
On April 24, just before 6:30 a.m., the Richmond RCMP responded to a report of a dead male in the 2800-block of River Road at the Terra Nova Rural Park. When police arrived, they located a male victim and confirmed he had suffered gunshot wounds. The investigation was deemed a homicide and the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) took conduct.
Darwaish was last seen leaving his residence on the evening of April 23. A review of the evidence gathered so far indicates that Darwaish’s murder was targeted, according to IHIT.
According to media reports, in March 2015, Darwaish was one of three people who were arrested by New Westminster Police in connection with a January 30, 2015 stabbing near a New Westminster adult learning centre.
He and Zahir Darwiash, 23 at the time, of Richmond, were charged with aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, carrying a concealed weapon, and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. A third person, who was a youth and could not legally be named, was charged with aggravated assault.
IHIT investigators are working in partnership with the Richmond RCMP, the Integrated Forensic Identification Section, and the BC Coroner’s Service to gather and review evidence.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448), or by email at [email protected]. Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
PREMIER Christy Clark on Tuesday, in response to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s preliminary countervailing duty determination to assess duty rates of approximately 20% on Canadian softwood lumber exports, said that her government “will stand up for B.C. forest workers and communities by fighting this unjustified U.S. trade action with every tool at our disposal.”
Here is her full statement:
THE United States has imposed unfair duties ranging from 19.5 to 24.1 percent on British Columbia softwood lumber exports into the United States.
In addition, they have imposed critical circumstances findings on all but the three of our largest producers, requiring all other companies to post bonds worth the value of the duty had it been in place for the past 90 days.
Despite there being no actual evidence of unfair trade practices, the U.S. is taking a ‘presumed guilty until proven innocent’ approach with the rest of our industry.
It is important to remember that in every softwood dispute, the U.S. allegations of subsidy have been proven false. We believe that will be the case in this round as well.
Now more than ever, British Columbia needs to be strong. We will stand up for B.C. forest workers and communities by fighting this unjustified U.S. trade action with every tool at our disposal.
Team Canada is strong and we will stand united in the face of this baseless U.S. trade action. Prime Minister Trudeau and the federal government have been extremely responsive, putting softwood at the top of their agenda. We will continue to work side by side with them to make sure the needed supports are in place for displaced workers in the event of job impacts, and to accelerate the diversification of our forest products and markets.
In B.C., we’ve already made progress in diversifying our export markets. That’s why, since we launched the BC Jobs Plan in 2011, British Columbia has gained more forestry jobs than any other province – adding 9,825 jobs, or a gain of 17%. We recently announced a new investment of $7.7 million to promote the use of B.C. wood, advance wood building systems and products, and further expand global markets. And our election platform commits to continued investments, as well as pushing other jurisdictions to allow tall wood buildings in their building codes.
Yesterday I affirmed that we will continue to stand up for B.C. and implement our Action Plan on softwood. We will:
Fight the unfounded claims of the U.S. lumber production lobby and the unwarranted and unfair duties placed on Canadian lumber products;
Use this preliminary period for B.C. and Canada to reinforce our efforts to reach a fair deal with the United States;
Work with U.S. home builders and lumber retailers to demonstrate that Canadian softwood lumber is a critical component of continued U.S. economic growth;
Continue to work with the federal government to ensure B.C. forest workers are supported in the event of job impacts; and
Accelerate our proven actions to diversify our markets and products to further reduce our reliance on the United States – having already increased our softwood lumber exports to China by close to 2,000% per cent, with strong progress in other Asian markets.
“As the trade action develops, we are going to work to ensure that B.C. mills can stay open despite the impact of U.S. protectionist and punitive measures by:
Pre-purchasing B.C. lumber that could be used for BC Housing projects and ensuring B.C. mills continue to have a strong domestic market.
Immediately following the election, initiating additional trade missions to India, China, Japan and other Asian countries.
Contributing an additional $5 million in Forest Innovation Investment, bringing our total new investment to $10 million, to further expand business opportunities for B.C. companies in China and India.
Accelerating the elimination of the Provincial Sales Tax on electricity for the forest industry, and maintaining our commitment to freeze the carbon tax.
As we’ve announced, BC will establish a permanent trade office in Washington, D.C. and significantly increase our presence in addition to David Emerson’s role as special envoy.
And we will explore any additional levers at our disposal to secure a deal that’s fair for B.C.
We’re also building on strength to make our communities resilient in the face of the challenges to come. The Rural Dividend Fund, expanded to $100 million and four years in Budget 2017, has already benefited more than 300 local governments, First Nations, and community groups. Community Transition Teams are set up to support workers in need in forestry-dependent communities, connecting people with training and employment services.
It’s going to be a battle, but we’ll succeed because everyday Americans want the same things we do – housing that’s affordable and jobs to build those homes. And because every time these U.S. industry allegations are tested in an impartial court, they lose – because the facts are on our side.
Vancouver, BC – On Friday April 28, the inaugural Vancouver Virtual Reality Film Festival (YVRFF) will take flight for the first time. This immersive film-going experience will be a treat, not only for virtual reality enthusiasts and early adopters, but also for those new to the virtual reality experience.
WHAT: A two-day festival, YVRFF will kick off on the evening of April 28th with an Opening Gala. Following up, on day two YVRFF will host 5 Screening Sessions showcasing the final selection of Virtual Reality films from around the world. Tickets are priced between $25 – $45, and as a special treat, the first 100 people to purchase a ticket to a film screening will be taking their Virtual Reality Headset home with them.
WHEN: Opening Gala April 28, 2017 at 7pm. Film Screenings on April 29, 2017 at 10:30am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm, 4:30pm, and 6:30pm.
WHERE: CBC Studio 700 (700 Hamilton Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 2R5)
SOCIAL: Instagram, Facebook & Twitter: @yvrff
For more information on the event or to purchase tickets, please visit: www.yvrff.com
– Remember: a science-fiction short film exploring our relationship with technology and its influence on our reality. Launched originally on the JAUNT VR platform, it is currently being developed into a virtual reality series for international distribution.
– Misfits: an observational documentary shot behind the scenes of one of the world’s most unusual model agencies. Shot in Berlin in just one day, this story begins with Del as he casts for ‘ugly’ models over 20 years ago.
– Micro Giants: a mind-boggling adventure through nature, this short harnesses a real-world backdrop shown through the eyes of an insect! The creative team behind the project hails from Greater China and showcases a breakthrough blend of visual effects, animation and virtual reality technology to viewers.
– VR Wonders of the World – Episode Grand Canyon: a local production from Perspective Films. This short is part of the VR Wonders of the World 360 ̊virtual reality series that enables those who are adventurous to travel the globe experiencing amazing cities, breathtaking landscapes, diverse cultures and even outer space with a unique first person point of view.
– My Brother’s Keeper: a groundbreaking new short film that tells the story of two brothers fighting on opposite sides of the Civil War and unknowingly reunite at Antietam, the bloodiest battle in American military history. Shot on location in Virginia using more than 150 Civil War re-enactors, the story is fictional but based on historical accounts of brothers who fought against each other in the war.
Washington (PTI): A US lawmaker has honoured an Indian-American woman posthumously by hoisting the American flag over the Capitol in her honour.
Congressman George Holding, Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans, honoured Vimala Padmanabhan Kolappa on February 28, two days after she died.
Her son Vimal Kolappa, a North Carolina-based hotelier and philanthropist who received the flag on Tuesday said: “It was a total surprise to me. I was very touched and surprised … [It] makes me [want] to serve more this greatest country and the people”.
“It is a great honour. It is one of the greatest honours to the Indian community,” added Kolappa who owns and operates 16 franchise hotels, employing more than 300 people.
Kolappa, who is constructing eight more hotels, has been holding fundraisers in support of local leaders including Holding.
“Holding has been very instrumental in helping the Indian community and making inroads with doing business with India.
He has always been very helpful not only to the Indian community, but for all of his constituents,” Kolappa said.
He said this is reflective of Holding’s caring nature of all his constituents including Indian-Americans.
“The flag is not only a symbol of America, but of remembrance of mother Vimala (who died on February 26). Two days later, it was flying over the US Capitol at the request of Congressman Holding. It is a great honour,” Kolappa added.
THE NDP on Tuesday pointed out that while Premier Christy Clark has been focused on her LNG fantasy, mills across the province have been closing. Under Clark’s BC Liberals, BC has seen more than 100 mills shuttered while losing 30,000 forestry jobs, and now her failure to get a new softwood deal puts thousands more in jeopardy.
Here’s a brief timeline as provided by the NDP of her complete failure to make any progress on a softwood lumber deal:
July 2015 (3 months before expiry):
Christy Clark’s mandate letter to her Minister of International Trade fails to even mention softwood lumber.
October 2015 (Softwood Lumber Agreement expires):
Christy Clark claims new deal will be her top priority with the newly elected Prime Minister.
The BC NDP notes that even after Clark claimed a deal was her “top priority” with the new Prime Minister, she didn’t bother to include her Forestry Minister in a delegation to Ottawa.
October 2016 (1 year after expiry):
End of the one-year stand-still provision following expiry of the Canada – US Softwood Lumber Agreement, opening the door to US companies filing for imposition of duties.
John Horgan condemns Christy Clark’s inaction, noting “there don’t appear to be any plans in place to address possible trade action by the U.S.”
Christy Clark cashes a $4500 cheque from Weyerhaeuser.
November 2016 (13 months after expiry):
Led by major BC Liberal donor Weyerhaeuser, US lumber companies launch a complaint with the US Commerce Department calling for duties to be imposed on Canadian softwood.
January 2017 (15 months after expiry):
The US International Trade Committee releases preliminary finding against Canadian softwood lumber products, advancing the clock on the imposition of new unfair duties.
John Horgan calls out Christy Clark for being “asleep at the switch” on softwood lumber and pushes for her to fight to put BC workers and communities first.
February 2017 (16 months after expiry):
Over a year after the deal expired, Christy Clark finally appoints a BC Trade Envoy to the United States.
Vancouver Sun reports that “BC Forests Minister Steve Thomson flew to Ottawa on Sunday to start working toward a new trade agreement on softwood lumber” 16 months after the deal expired.
Christy Clark cashes another $5,000 cheque from Weyerhaeuser, four months after they filed a petition with the US Commerce Department to hike tariffs against Canadian softwood.
April 2017 (18 months after expiry):
Brad Wall travels to Washington to advocate for Saskatchewan resources.
Christy Clark again praises Trump as “a builder” and says “I think that may mean we start seeing some positive momentum. But I’m an optimist.”
Four days before duties are expected to hit Canadian softwood, Christy Clark changes her tune, slamming Trump.
Donald Trump attacks Canadian softwood lumber imports with new tariffs.
Today, more than 18 months after the expiry of the deal, the US Commerce Department announced massive unfair trade measures against Canadian softwood. Christy Clark’s failure to deliver a new agreement has thousands of direct and indirect forestry jobs at risk.
NDP Leader John Horgan said on Tuesday that the US announcement of its intention to impose an average 20 per cent duty on Canadian softwood lumber exports is disappointing. He added: “The claims being made by the United States are entirely unjustified. BC’s forest sector is fair and market based and we will vigorously defend against these unfair tariffs.”
Horgan noted:“Forestry is vital to British Columbia’s economy, to the livelihood of tens of thousands of BC workers, and to our communities. BC is the biggest trading partner for softwood lumber with the United States.”
He said: “I am equally disappointed that Christy Clark failed to make getting a deal a priority, and failed to lead British Columbia to a fair resolution on softwood lumber. She has not treated this issue with the urgency it deserves. Because of delay and inaction, thousands of BC workers now risk losing their jobs and their livelihoods.
“While the Premiers of Alberta and Saskatchewan have visited Washington DC to advocate for their province’s interests since the election of Donald Trump, Premier Christy Clark chose not to. Instead she said she was ‘optimistic,’ calling him a ‘builder.’
“We need a government that will advocate strongly for BC’s interests, defend BC forest workers, and reach a fair and lasting deal on softwood lumber.
“If I am elected Premier, I will travel to Washington DC within 30 days to make sure BC is properly represented in the softwood lumber dispute. I will sit down with US representatives, and I will ensure our government is taking every possible action to get a deal on softwood lumber to protect the jobs in our forest industry.
“Our future economic prosperity is at stake. We cannot afford any further inaction or delay. It is time for direct and immediate action to defend BC’s interests in the softwood lumber dispute, to ensure a fair deal for British Columbia.”
A project to investigate suspected drug dealing and on-going criminal activity in New Westminster by the Street Crime Unit of the city’s police force quickly developed into a much broader drug investigation that expanded into other municipalities.
The investigation spanned several months and resulted in the Street Crime Unit working with the Surrey RCMP, Delta Police Department, the Canadian Border Services Agency, the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia, and the Lower Mainland Emergency Response Team.
Several search warrants were executed throughout Surrey and New Westminster and a number of vehicles, a large quantity of cash, multiple firearms, replica firearms, and a large amount of drugs including heroin containing lethal levels of fentanyl and pure fentanyl were seized. The total amount of drugs from the seizure had an estimated street value of approximately $300,000.
Numerous people were arrested and the New Westminster Police Department announced on Monday they will be recommending several charges, including:
Multiple counts of trafficking in a controlled substance
And multiple counts of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence
“What you see today is only a part of the multi-prong effort the New Westminster Police Department is using to combat the opioid crisis,” stated Chief Constable Dave Jones. “This includes enforcement, harm reduction, prevention and education.”
The New Westminster Police Department reminded the public to report suspected drug activity to their local police.
PREMIER Christy Clark, reacting to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s preliminary countervailing duty determination to assess duty rates of approximately 20 per cent on Canadian softwood lumber exports, said on Monday: “My message to B.C. forest workers, their families, and producers is this: We are here for you. We will fight for you. And we will not give up. We will continue to press our case and implement our Action Plan on softwood.”
Clark said the government will:
1. Fight the unfounded claims of the U.S. lumber production lobby and the unwarranted and unfair duties placed on Canadian lumber products;
2. Use this preliminary period for B.C. and Canada to reinforce its efforts to reach a fair deal with the United States;
3. Work with U.S. home builders and lumber retailers to demonstrate that Canadian softwood lumber is a critical component of continued U.S. economic growth;
4. Continue to work with the federal government to ensure B.C. forest workers are supported in the event of job impacts; and
5. Accelerate its proven actions to diversify B.C.’s markets and products to further reduce its reliance on the United States.
Clark said” “The forest industry built this province, and it has a strong future ahead – having added 9,825 jobs in the sector since 2011. We will only accept a new agreement that works for B.C. We will fight, and we will win – as we have before.
“The BC Liberal government has made strong progress on diversifying B.C.’s lumber product exports. In 2015, 59 per cent of British Columbia’s softwood lumber exports went to the U.S. – down from 82 per cent in 2001 thanks to increased exports to overseas markets including China and India.”
Clark will be meeting with members of Cabinet to discuss these developments and determine further actions to stand up for B.C. workers and the forest industry.
