Peter Mattoo is the only South Asian running for Delta Council

29 October 2014

PETER Mattoo, a 34-year Delta resident, who officially filed his nomination papers to run as a candidate for Delta Council last week, is the only South Asian candidate that will appear on the ballot in Delta in the municipal election.

Running a campaign aiming to “shake up the status quo,” Mattoo is speaking out about the lack of different voices, cultural heritage or opinions on the current Council.

“We have a popular mayor and a group of incumbent candidates that continue to speak the same rhetoric that has been used for decades,” says Mattoo. “I truly believe that Delta needs a wider group of voices on Council that better reflect the diversity within the community.”

Mattoo, a family man with a trades and educational professional background, says he is tired of important priorities such as monitoring development around Burns Bog and increasing transportation options being passed onto committees for study, because no action is ever taken.

Young people are leaving the city they grew up in because of a lack of affordable housing options. Seniors lack resources and facilities to lead an active lifestyle. Business development in the community is stagnant because of lack of policies by the current mayor and Council, Mattoo points out.

These are issues that are falling on deaf ears within Municipal Hall, yet are top on the mind of voters he meets at the doorsteps, adds Mattoo.

“There is a huge gap between the needs of the community and the activity or lack thereof happening at Municipal Hall,” he says. “I’ve been door-knocking consistently for the past month, and I realize how alienated and ignored Delta residents are by their current civic leadership.”

Mattoo says is looking to make history as the first South Asian elected official in Delta.

For more information about Peter, voters can visit his website at www.petermattoo.ca, or can follow his ongoing comments about electoral issues through his Twitter account: @petersmattoo

Families begin receiving Temporary Education Support Payment payments this week

29 October 2014

ELIGIBLE B.C. families who have registered for the Temporary Education Support Payment (TESP) program can expect to receive their cheques in the mail shortly, the government announced on Wednesday.

Since October 20, about 165,000 cheques have been processed and mailed out to eligible families. This represents more than half of the total number of cheques expected to be sent out. Nearly 230,000 families have submitted registration forms representing close to 295,000 students. So far, an estimated 97% of families eligible for the program have registered.

The majority of TESP payments should be sent out by the end of October and received by families in the next two weeks.

Additional time will be required to confirm with school districts the enrolment of students attending kindergarten and those who are new to BC public schools. Mail-outs for those students are expected to commence in late November.

The TESP program is intended to help parents of students 12 years old and under with the added cost of learning and supervision as a result of the labour disruption.

The temporary education support payment of $40 a day applies to the first 13 school days of September from September 2 until September 18 — until teachers ratified the collective agreement.

Parents have until January 31, 2015, to register. No new registrations will be accepted after this date.

Finance Minister Michael de Jong said: “We recognize that the labour disruption at the beginning of the school year imposed costs on families. Our intention with the temporary education support payment was to provide a modest degree of support for parents who incurred most of those costs. As promised, families can expect to receive payment over the coming days.”

Quick Facts:

* Registration can be completed online at: bcparentinfo.ca

*Parents and primary caregivers are eligible to apply. Primary caregivers can include step-parents, legal guardians, foster parents, host parents for international students, caregivers with temporary custody arrangements, and family members who normally care for the student, such as grandparents.

* Parents and primary caregivers will need to provide the name, address, date of birth, school district number and school for each eligible student.

* For those without access to a computer, registration by paper form is also available by calling 1-877-387-3332 or 250-387-3332.

* The payment is not taxable and will not affect provincial and federal tax credits and benefits such as the new B.C. Early Childhood Tax Benefit, B.C. Low Income Climate Action Tax Credit, Sales Tax Credit or the federal Canada Child Tax Benefit or GST credit.

Los Angeles court summons Amitabh Bachchan for raising slogan ‘Khoon Ka Badla Khoon’ in 1984 Sikh ‘Genocide’

29 October 2014

Amitabh Bachchan and Rajiv Gandhi with body of Indira Gandhi Photo submitted — Amitabh Bachchan and Rajiv Gandhi with body of Indira Gandhi
Photo submitted

BOLLYWOOD mega star Amitabh Bachchan has been summoned by Los Angeles Federal Court for allegedly instigating the 1984 call for violence against the Sikh community. Bachchan is accused of raising “blood for blood” slogan on October 31, 1984 after Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was shot dead by her two bodyguards who happened to be Sikhs.

The plaintiff “Sikhs For Justice” (SFJ), a US human rights group, has invoked the jurisdiction of Los Angeles Federal Court as Bachchan has co-starred with Leonardo DiCaprio in the movie “The Great Gatsby”. The movie was produced by a known Hollywood-based entertainment company Warner Bros.

As per the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Bachchan has 21 days after the service of summons to respond to the charges of human rights violations. “If you failed to respond, judgment by default will be entered against you for relief demanded in the complaint”, warns the October 27 summons issued by the US Federal Court for the Central District of California.

The case has been filed under Alien Torts Statute (ATS) and Torture Victims Protection Act (TVPA) which gives Federal Courts jurisdiction over the human rights violations committed outside the United States.

Terming Bachchan’s slogan “blood for blood” as “Ebola” virus, the 35-page complaint states that “on October 31, 1984 after Indira Gandhi the then Prime Minister of India and head of ruling Congress party was declared dead at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), the Defendant Amitabh Bachchan, raised the slogans “Sikho ne Indira Ji ko mar dala” (“Sikhs have killed Indira”) ; “Maro Saalon ko, desh ke ghaddaron ko” (“Kill these bastards , they are traitors”) ; ‘khoon ke cheentay Sikhon ke ghar ghar tak puhnchanay chahiyay’” (“the blood stains should reach the households of Sikhs”) and “khoon ka badla khoon” (“blood for blood”). Hearing defendant Bachchan’s call for violence against Sikhs, otherwise shocked and numb crowd immediately reacted violently towards Sikhs present in the crowd and started beating them.”

“For 30 years, Bachchan is thriving on the impunity due to his star status. Indian courts have failed to take cognizance of his crimes against humanity,” said attorney Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, legal advisor to SFJ. “It is our resolve to hold every1984 perpetrator of violence against Sikhs accountable in international courts irrespective of their celebrity or political status.”

In the 30^th year of the November 1984 genocidal violence against Sikhs, North American Sikhs are holding a rally in front of United Nations Headquarters in New York on November 7. “Rights group will approach Hollywood stars who have taken stand on human rights to support the 1984 victims by condemning Bachchan’s crimes and Sikh community’s quest for justice,” said Pannun.

Demanding a jury trial, the class action lawsuit against Bachchan seeks compensatory and punitive damages for the victims and declaratory judgment “holding that November 1984 violence against Sikhs was “genocide” as defined under international laws and laws of the United States.”

The lawsuit against Bachchan has been filed by Sikh rights group along with California-based Mohender Singh and Delhi-based Babu Singh Dukhiya, both of whom lost several members of their family in the 1984 violence initiated by the slogans raised by Bachchan.

To view summons and complaint click on below link:

https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=http://sikhsiyasat.info/wp-content/uploads/Complaint_1984_Call_For_Violence_LosAngeles_CourtAmitabh_Bachchan_Oct_27_2014.pdf&hl=en_US&chrome=true

Surrey targets illegal sales of fireworks and firecrackers, curbs ‘traveling’ sales

29 October 2014

DURING the Halloween season first responders see a spike in the number of fireworks-related injuries and structure fires. In an effort to reduce these types of incidents, City of Surrey By-Law Enforcement and Surrey RCMP have been busy targeting illegal sales of fireworks and firecrackers.

With just a few days to go before Halloween arrives, approximately $13,000 in illegal fireworks and firecrackers have been seized and $6,250 in fines have been issued.

With the selling of fireworks prohibited in the City of Surrey, some vendors have resorted to “travelling” firework sales in an effort to unload their product. The “travelling” fireworks sales people advertise via social media and meet with clients to make the sale. Often the customer turns out to be a City of Surrey By-Law Enforcement officer who then promptly issues the illegal fireworks vendor fines of up to $750. When appropriate, Surrey RCMP will also issue a Violation Ticket under the Explosives Act.

Fireworks in the City of Surrey can only be discharged with a Fire Department permit and a Federal Fireworks Supervisor certificate. Since the City implemented the Fireworks By-Law in 2005 there has been a dramatic decrease in fires caused by fireworks. In 2004, there was a high of 40 fireworks related fires, but since the introduction of the Fireworks By-Law there has been only an average of 3 fireworks related fires per year.

To ensure a safe and fun Halloween for families and trick-or-treaters here a few simple tips to keep in mind:

* Make sure trick-or-treaters don’t criss-cross roads and only cross at marked intersections.

* Carry a flashlight or glow-stick to make yourself and children more visible.

* Costumes should be made with reflective material and be made of flame-resistant material.

* Use LED lights instead of candles in your jack-o-lanterns.

* Decorations should be kept away from heat sources.

* Don’t overload electrical cords and power-bars.

* “Fake” swords, knives and guns part of your costume? Make sure they look fake, but remember some people still may not be able to tell the difference.

* Talk to your children about being ‘street smart’ before they go out on their own, or better yet, have an adult or older sibling accompany them.

* Bring your treats home and inspect them before eating them. Many children suffer from allergies and all spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items should be thrown out.

ICBC’s Halloween safety tips for parents and drivers: 120 injured in 83 crashes every Halloween night!

29 October 2014

ON average, 120 people are injured in 83 crashes on Halloween night in B.C. every year.

With Halloween falling on a Friday this year, drivers, trick-or-treaters and grown-up ghosts need to take extra precautions on the roads.

Crashes involving pedestrians peak on Fridays, occurring most often between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., the same time many children will head out to trick-or-treat this year.

Tips for parents:

* Add bright to their fright. No matter what children dress up as this Halloween, they also need to dress to be seen. Include something bright on their outfit or add some reflective tape to their costume so they are visible to drivers when trick-or-treating.

* Check little monsters’ masks. The best costumes don’t obscure the vision of little ghosts and goblins. Try on your child’s mask ahead of time to check visibility. If you can’t see out of it, modify it or find another way to complete the costume.

* Gather ghouls together. Walk in groups to help drivers and others see you and your children. Be sure to have an appropriate number of adults to accompany the children.

* Create a candy route. If your children will be trick-or-treating without you, go over their route with them before they go out. Choose one that avoids busy streets and remind them to only cross the street at designated crossing points.

Tips for drivers:

* Don’t get spooked. This Friday, children may be difficult to see while trick-or-treating. They may be walking in unexpected places like driveways, alleys and parking lots or cross the street at unpredictable places. Make sure there are no small children behind your vehicle by walking around it before getting in. Drive slowly and with extra caution, particularly in residential areas.

* Secure your car. Halloween is second only to New Year’s Day for vehicle vandalism incidents on holidays or annual celebrations.*** Park your car in your garage or underground parkade this Friday. If you park on the street, park in a well-lit area, remove any valuables and ensure your car is locked.

* Plan a safe, not scary ride home. If your Halloween festivities include alcohol, plan a safe ride home before you head out. Arrange for a designated driver or bring money for a taxi or transit. If you are hosting a party this weekend, make sure your guests don’t drive home if they’ve been drinking.

Regional statistics:

On Halloween night, on average:

* 90 people are injured in 62 crashes in the Lower Mainland.

* 13 people are injured in nine crashes on Vancouver Island.

* 15 people are injured in nine crashes in the Southern Interior.

* Five people are injured in three crashes in the North Central region.

“Children are particularly vulnerable on the roads on Halloween as it is getting dark by the time they head out,” said Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “This year, children will be trick-or-treating on Friday, which is typically the worst day for crashes involving pedestrians in B.C. We advise parents to choose a trick-or-treat path on quieter residential streets and make sure that your children are wearing something bright or reflective, to stay safe on Halloween night.”

“Many adults will also be celebrating Halloween at parties and events this weekend,” said Suzanne Anton, Attorney General and Minister of Justice. “If you’re walking, be a safe pedestrian: look, listen and be seen. And if your Halloween plans include alcohol, arrange for a designated driver or take transit or a taxi home.”

“When you’re behind the wheel this Friday, drive with extra caution on residential streets where children will be trick-or-treating,” said Chief Officer Neil Dubord, Chair of the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police Traffic Safety Committee. “Don’t spoil Halloween—slow down and give yourself extra time and space to stop in case a child suddenly crosses the street.”

“As streets will be busy with trick-or-treaters on Friday evening, plan ahead to avoid getting behind the wheel when most children will be out,” said John Dickinson, ICBC’s Director of Road Safety. “If you need to drive, be extra cautious as children can get caught up in the excitement of Halloween and easily forget the rules of the road.”

WHY YOU MUST WATCH THIS ON YOUTUBE: Hamilton racism ‘social experiment’ – with a punch!

29 October 2014

How decent Canadians stood up against anti-Muslim taunts directed at a stranger in Hamilton, Ontario.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9rFprD_Qf4

India leads South Asia in ease of doing business: World Bank

29 October 2014

Washington, Oct 29 (IANS) A new World Bank Group report finds that has India set the pace for regulatory reform in South Asia since 2005 with 20 measures – the largest in the region.

India was followed by Sri Lanka with 16 reforms while three countries – Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan – focused their efforts on adopting modern electronic systems to facilitate business activity.

The “Doing Business 2015: Going Beyond Efficiency” report released Wednesday found that four of eight economies in South Asia implemented at least one regulatory reform making it easier for local entrepreneurs to do business since 2005.

“Doing business is easier in economies with administrative efficiency and strong regulatory protections,” said Rita Ramalho, Doing Business report lead author, World Bank Group.

The report noted that in India a little over a decade ago, an entrepreneur seeking a loan to grow his business would have had little luck, because financial institutions lacked access to information systems to assess creditworthiness.

“Today, thanks to the creation and expansion of a national credit bureau offering credit scores and coverage on par with those in some high-income economies, a small business in India with a good financial history is more likely to get credit and hire more workers,” it said.

Three of India’s regulatory reforms benefiting local entrepreneurs were in the areas of starting a business, getting electricity, and protecting minority investors, including through the adoption of the new Companies Act of 2013.

India made starting a business easier by considerably reducing the registration fees, but also made it more difficult by introducing a requirement to file a declaration before the commencement of business operations, the report said.

These changes apply to both Delhi and Mumbai. In addition, the electricity utility in Mumbai made getting electricity less costly by reducing the security deposit for a new connection.

Finally, India strengthened minority investor protections by requiring greater disclosure of conflicts of interest by board members, increasing the remedies available in case of prejudicial related-party transactions, the report said.

It also introduced additional safeguards for shareholders of privately held companies. This reform applies to both Delhi and Mumbai.

This year, for the first time, Doing Business collected data for a second city in economies with a population of more than 100 million.

In India, it now analyses business regulations in Delhi and Mumbai; in Bangladesh, in Chittagong and Dhaka; and in Pakistan, in Lahore and Karachi.

The report covering 189 economies worldwide, found that Singapore tops the global ranking on the ease of doing business.

Joining it on the list of the top 10 economies with the most business-friendly regulatory environments are: New Zealand, Hong Kong, China, Denmark, South Korea, Norway, the US, Britain, Finland and Australia.

First turbaned Sikh woman in Canadian Navy a milestone: World Sikh Organization

29 October 2014

Master Seawoman Wanda McDonald — Master Seaman Wanda McDonald

THE World Sikh Organization of Canada said Wednesday it helped Master Seaman Wanda McDonald become the first Sikh woman to wear the turban while serving in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN).

McDonald, a Sonar operator based out of Halifax, Nova Scotia, joined the RCN in 1997 and became interested in the Sikh faith three years ago. After deciding to become an initiated or ‘amritdhari’ Sikh, she requested permission to wear the turban on duty.

The WSO regularly provides information to the Canadian Forces with respect to Sikh practices and articles of faith. When McDonald made her request to wear the turban, the WSO was once again consulted and provided information and advice on the significance of the turban to both Sikh men and women.

The Canadian Forces now allow both Sikh men and women to wear turbans and the Sikh articles of faith while serving.

McDonald has now been given permission and has begun to wear her turban full time while on duty. She said on Wednesday, “As the first Sikh woman in the Royal Canadian Navy to be approved to serve while wearing a turban, I feel fortunate to be given this opportunity. Military service is a very rewarding career, and I hope that my example will inspire other Canadian Sikh women to follow this path; to be able serve their country without worrying about having to compromise their identity as a Sikh. I would especially like to thank legal counsel Bhai Balpreet Singh Ji, and the World Sikh Organization of Canada for the assistance they have provided in this process.”

WSO President Dr. Amritpal Singh Shergill said, “It is another milestone for Canadian Sikhs to see a Sikh woman proudly serve her country in the Canadian Forces while fearlessly being allowed to follow the teachings of her faith. We congratulate Wanda for this achievement and the Royal Canadian Navy for making it possible. This is another example of what makes Canada great and makes us proud to be Canadians.”

Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen family cupcake event for those in need

28 October 2014

ON November 8, in honor and celebration of Guru Nanak’s birthday, Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen (aka GNFK) introduces its annual cup cake event. People of all faiths and backgrounds are invited to bring their families and friends to Sukh Sagar Gurdwara, 347 Wood Street, New Westminster, from 3 to 6 p.m. to bake, decorate and pack hundreds of cup cakes and cookies for over 20 Lower Mainland shelters.

GNFK is a volunteer based organisation that is not affiliated to any religious, political or governmental body – it serves all communities from community donations.

If you would like to donate cake supplies or participate at this event, contact Event Coordinator Jas Kaur at 604-499-2027.

Woman stabbed in sex assault in east Vancouver, suspect is Middle Eastern, composite sketch released

28 October 2014

ONE woman is recovering in hospital and police continue to look for the suspect responsible for a violent sexual assault that occurred in East Vancouver on Saturday night.

At about midnight, a 35-year-old woman was walking in the east lane of Joyce Street near Archimedes when she was approached by a man in a vehicle. He dragged her inside, physically assaulted her and drove to an area near East 45th Avenue and Rupert Street. Once there, the woman was stabbed and sexually assaulted.

The victim managed to scream and fight off her attacker, but not before receiving serious injuries.

Police said it appears the woman was targeted because the attacker believed her to be a sex trade worker.

On Monday police said that through further victim and witness interviews, investigators now believe the suspect to be a man in his mid to late 40’s, described as Middle-Eastern, approximately 6’-6’2” tall, 250 lbs with a heavy solid build. He has an olive skin tone, spoke with an accent and was balding with a short shaved black fringe of hair around the sides and back of his head.

The vehicle he used was described as an older model dark bluish-green coloured minivan with a sliding door on the passenger side and dark tinted windows along the sides.

Investigators are once again appealing for witnesses to come forward, as it is believed that two vehicles passed along East 45th Avenue around the time of this incident.

Anyone with any information regarding the identity of this suspect or whereabouts of the vehicle is asked to contact the Vancouver Police Sex Crimes Unit at 604-717-0601 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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