AIM for SEVA: Toronto-based charity helping kids in India

19 April 2017

AIM for SEVA, a leading Canadian non-for-profit charity which is focused on educating the poor children in remote parts of India, is making significant strides to put the donations in action from the massive funds it collected in 2016, where some $2.6 million in pledges were made for the education of children in remote areas of India from donors in Toronto area.

The awareness of the Toronto Chapter has now been increasing over the years, so that in the last 16 years it raised $5.5 million with $1.1 million just in 2016. This a strong recognition and endorsement to the wonderful work AIM for SEVA is doing, with no administration cost whatsoever, to support the under privileged children in India.

With the funds raised from 2016, the team is full in action, working very actively to make sure that the funds get used efficiently in India, where the current focus is to expand the infrastructure of one of the already constructed school, which is located in Khategaon in Madhya Pradesh. This is a district between Indore and Bhopal, about three hours driving distance from either of these two major cities.

Currently, the school is housing over 600 children whose full education and stay in hostels is fully sponsored by AIM for SEVA. The ground breaking of the new buildings is starting in May. Twelve apartments are being constructed and these will be housing the additional students, teachers, facilities staff and the principal.

In addition, a large library is being constructed, as well as a new auditorium and a large playground for the children. Additionally, from the funds raised, the current school’s rooms are being upgraded to become a state of the art digital class rooms of the future to impart high caliber teaching. Several local Toronto-based teachers are volunteering to also provide teaching remotely throughout the year in collaboration with the local teaching staff.

AIM for SEVA is a global charity, it has very strong and active affiliates across three continents, supporting various integrated community development programs in India, where it’s not just a “schooling” initiative nor is it for merely sheltering the underprivileged, but the end goal is reaching out to rural and tribal children across 22 Indian states and educating them.

In North America, beside the Toronto Chapter, it has major chapters across 20 major cities and with all the funding it has raised over the years, AIM for SEVA is now supporting over 100 hostels for children across India; 24 of these hostels run on donations by supporters of the Toronto Chapter.

A series of further fundraising and awareness activities are planned in 2017 by the AIM for SEVA’s Toronto Chapter this year, starting with Walkathon on Sunday, May 7, Maharaja Golf Tournament on Sunday, June 25. Various other initiatives in planning phase, including the flagship Annual Star Studded Gala event which will be held on Sunday, September 10; this event is likely to draw again over 800 of the finest professionals from Toronto, who have been the major supporters of this charity over the years.

The AIM for SEVA Toronto team volunteers are a mix of doctors, engineers, accountants, academics and businessmen, who strongly believe in this cause and is calling for additional volunteers to join to help drive the various planned initiatives in 2017. Further information on how to become a volunteer and information on the event can be found at www.aimforseva.ca

Cannabis legislation must protect mental health of young Canadians: Canadian Psychiatric Association

19 April 2017

PROTECTING the mental health of Canadians, and young Canadians in particular, should be a key component of the federal government’s Cannabis Act, says the Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA).

The CPA underscores the need for caution in allowing access to cannabis for those under age 25 in its recent position statement, Implications of Cannabis Legalization on Youth and Young Adults. Early and regular cannabis use can affect aspects of cognition, such as memory, attention, intelligence, and the ability to process thoughts and experiences.

It increases the risk of developing a primary psychotic disorder in those who are vulnerable, and may also increase risk for other mental health issues such as depression.

Cannabis with high tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content can result in significantly worse mental health and cognitive outcomes, including worsening of panic disorder and other anxiety disorders.

“Research shows that the human brain continues to develop until around the age of 25, and based on the evidence, psychiatrists are concerned that regular use of cannabis prior to that age may negatively affect the brain’s healthy maturation process,” says CPA President Dr. Renuka Prasad. “For these reasons, the CPA believes that Canadians should not have legal access to marijuana until age 21, and that legislation should restrict the quantity and potency of the drug until they are 25.”

The CPA calls for: (1) public education targeting youth and young adults about the effects early cannabis use can have on brain development; (2) further research to better understand the impact of cannabis and its legalization on mental health; (3) expanded support for prevention, early identification and cannabis cessation treatments within the framework of mental health and addictions; and (4) prudent consideration of advertising and marketing guidelines with clear markings of THC and cannabidiol content, as well as consistent public health warning messaging.

“Now that the legislation has been tabled, we must place the mental health of Canadians at the forefront of the public policy conversation,” says Prasad. “The CPA looks forward to working with the federal government and others on critical components of the legislation related to harm reduction, public education and research.”

Read CPA’s position statement, Implications of Cannabis Legalization on Youth and Young Adults, at www.cpa-apc.org/wp-content/uploads/Cannabis-Academy-Position-Statement-ENG-FINAL-no-footers-web.pdf.

City of Brampton celebrates Sikh Heritage Month

19 April 2017

ON Tuesday, April 25, from 6 to 8 p.m., the City of Brampton will host its official Sikh Heritage Month reception, with Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Amarjeet Sohi confirmed as a speaker.

“April is Sikh Heritage Month in Ontario and the City of Brampton will proudly celebrate the significant contributions of its Sikh community,” said Councillor Gurpreet Dhillon.

This year, the City will be honouring five outstanding Sikh-Bramptonians:

· Avtar Aujla: The first South Asian City Councillor in Brampton, serving from 2000-2003.

· Bikramjit Singh Gill: Professional basketball player in Asia whose career began playing Division 1 NCAA at Ball State University in Indiana.

· Harvinder Kaur Bajwa: A disability rights advocate, fundraiser and founder of Canadian South Asians Supporting Independent Living (C-SASIL).

· Manvinder Singh Sahota: A Brampton raised basketball player who has competed in the NCAA, across North America and internationally, and currently runs a non-profit youth sports academy.

· Rupan Singh Bal: A Canadian–Punjabi actor and comedian.

“The reception is open to the public and all residents are invited to attend as Brampton celebrates its great diversity,” said Dhillon.

Are you missing a large amount of cash and rare coins?

19 April 2017

THAT is what North Vancouver RCMP are asking after they seized a significant amount of cash and rare coins from a male with no fixed address.

The monies were discovered on April 6 at about 11 p.m. in the Lower Lonsdale area of North Vancouver after the North Vancouver RCMP Strike Force observed a male acting suspiciously. The male was arrested for ‘trespassing at night.’

Police seized a large amount of cash along with a valuable coin collection of international origins from this 21-year-old male. The male also had a pair of bolt / lock cutters in his possession. When questioned by police, the suspect could not provide a lawful explanation of how and where he came to be in possession of the large amount of money.

“Investigators are certain that the monies are stolen, perhaps from a break and enter of a residence or business,” said Cpl. Richard De Jong. “Residents, not only of the North Shore, are encouraged to check the places they may hide their valuables to see if they are still there!”

If these monies are your property and you can provide accurate and specific details of the total amount, the police would be pleased to return them to you. Quote file number 2017-8001. By identifying the rightful owner of the money, it will assist the police in charging the suspect criminally with ‘possession of stolen property.’

2017 MAZDA MX-5 RF: Sexy new Mazda is the new “It” sports car

19 April 2017

The all-new Mazda MX-5 RF (Retractable Fastback) made its Canadian debut earlier this year at the 2017 Montreal Auto Show. This latest version of the popular Japanese roadster sports a new design with a unique rear roof and retractable back window offering a new open-air feeling. Looks-wise, the RF is refreshingly unique with its stylistic rear sail panels and dramatic stance. The RF has a funky coupe like appearance and does not look ungainly with the roof up or down. It is a great looking car for sure. Press a button and the hoop behind the driver and the pair of sail panels behind lift up and back, while the rear glass and two-roof panels scissor back into the roof cubby behind the seats. What you get is a unique looking sports car built off the world’s best selling roadster.

The power hardtop of the new MX-5 RF can be opened or closed at speeds of up to 10 km/h with the press of a button, and the roof is stowed compactly and efficiently in a limited space. Despite its fastback styling and hardtop roof, the MX-5 RF offers almost the same amount of trunk space as the soft-top model. The Mazda MX-5 Miata may be the best-selling roadster of all-time, but apparently only 50 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF models will be available to Canadians – so buyers will have to move fast, unless they are all sold out.

For Canada, the limited RF model comes in two trims – GS and GT. The GS price starts at $38,800, and can be outfitted with different options and packages. The Sport Package adds 17-inch forged BBS wheels, Brembo front brakes, red painted calipers, and heated Recaro sport seats (trimmed in leather and Alcantara). The GT builds on the GS with leather seats, BOSE premium audio system with nine speakers (including headrest speakers) and features a limited-slip differential, Bilstein dampers, and a shock-tower brace up front. Buyers can opt for either the six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission to both models.

On the road, the 2.0L SKYACTIV gasoline engine and specifically tuned electric power steering combine are recalibrated for the RF, and additional sound deadening is used in the roof and around the rear wheel arches.

In Canadian spec, expect the RF to be powered by the existing MX-5’s 2.0-litre four cylinder and available with either a six-speed manual (our choice) or a six-speed automatic transmission. The RF will be priced from $38,800 – $42,200

2018 LEXUS LS 500 F SPORT MAKES GLOBAL DEBUT IN NEW YORK

19 April 2017

TORONTO – Having debuted its reinvented flagship sedan earlier this year—the all-new 2018 LS 500—Lexus is putting an exclamation point on this signature model with the new F SPORT model. The LS 500 F SPORT, unveiled and displayed at the recent New York International Auto Show, moves the driving emotion needle even farther with handling enhancements and a performance-infused design outside and in.

The original luxury disruptor when it debuted to launch the brand, the Lexus LS has for nearly three decades set benchmarks for powertrain smoothness, ride quietness, craftsmanship, attention to detail and long-term quality. The 2018 LS 500, which will offer the most dynamic driving experience in the model’s history; is now promising an even more exhilarating ride with the new F SPORT model.

Within the Lexus lineup, the F models, including GS F and RC F, are the track-tuned maximum performance machines. The F SPORT versions, meanwhile, imbue the standard models with a more engaging driving spirit through carefully applied chassis tuning and enhancements, while still emphasizing exceptional comfort. On the new LS, the F SPORT model will be available with gas powertrains models.

Lexus designers didn’t hold back when giving the LS 500 its coupe-like silhouette and dramatic rendition of the Lexus signature spindle grille that shows even greater intricacy in the design. Developing the F SPORT grille took computer-aided design (CAD) operators some five months to achieve the desired texture and interaction with light. Even then, 7,100 individual surfaces were adjusted to achieve the desired look and texture (compared to 5,000 for the standard model’s grille). And when combined with the sporty enlarged side grille, the F SPORT grille is functional as well, helping to maintain the vehicle’s cooling performance.

The special F SPORT front grille, rocker panel, and trunk moldings accentuate the sedan’s rakish profile, while F SPORT badging on fenders and exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels complete the exterior transformation.

As it did with the exterior, Lexus shifted the LS 500 cabin into F SPORT spec by applying trim and features exclusive to this version. A common thread through all LS models remains: Omotenashi, the concept of Japanese hospitality.

The F SPORT persona shines throughout the cabin, starting with the F SPORT-exclusive front seat, which provides enhanced support for dynamic driving. A perforated-grill pattern on seating surfaces and unique scored aluminum trim elements add additional sporty flair.

The LS 500 will be on sale in the latter part of 2017.

2017 Ford Focus Titanium: Laser sharp Focus in this Ford!

19 April 2017

The Ford Focus model is huge seller worldwide and has been gaining a lot of fans in North America thanks to its slick hatchback, sedan variants and the high performance ST version featuring a fiery 252 hp 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine. Ford has not rested on its laurels in this case, and now offers a bold new exterior redesign, interior refinements and advanced technology features. There is a purposeful edgy, eager look to the Focus with its restyled front end and cleaner rear fascia and lights clusters. The interior has also received a makeover with a more modern integrated look and satin finish chrome Our tester for the week was equipped with Fords fuel efficient 2.0 liter four cylinder engine teamed with a six- speed automatic transmission. Our wonderful looking Rona Blue painted tester was base priced from $26,708. With a sleek, tidy looking charcoal black leather seats, our loaded Titanium model adds such optional goodies as: Technology package ($750) with BLIS System with Cross Traffic Alert, Lane keeping alert system, Voice activated navigation, and Active park assist. heated and cooled front seta and rear heated seats. Total price with options Federal Excise tax, destination and delivery came to $30,508.

The interior features neat, inoffensive look to it and the controls are well laid out and intuitive. Fords infotainment screen, is easy to use with logical menus that are quick and easy to navigate. Seat are comfortable and roomy. Not a lot to complain about in the front or rear cabins. On the road, the Focus drives well and I could detect no issues You need a bit more throttle in passing and acceleration if you have full load of passengers, but that’s all really. The car handles well and the steering is light and sporty. To sum up the Ford Focus is a very competitive car in this sector. It is better looking and more substantial than most of its competitors and seem very well built and durable. All in all, if you value fuel economy and like the amazing feature packed Fords of late, you can’t go wrong in the Focus as a strong, well designed family car. Highly recommended.

2017 Ford Focus Titanium MRSP as tested $30,508 with options destination and delivery.

2017 Lexus CT 200h: Luxury Sporty hybrid hatchback is a great choice

19 April 2017

By Autoreviewman

I have to admit, the Lexus CT 200h is one of my favourite luxury sport wagons, and I have a real soft spot for this sleek, compact family cruiser. I like the slick hatchback format, and the 2017 Lexus CT 200h is indeed a sporty-looking alternative to other hybrids with an Eco-conscious upscale look and feel. The cool Lexus spindle grille and revered rear window treatment give it a unique front and side profile. This is a practical hybrid offering very good fuel economy and true Lexus ownership experience. looking FSPORT package. Including: Front and rear performance dampers; unique black finished 17” FSPORT alloy wheels 3-spoke FSPORT steering wheel; rear spoiler; Nuluxe SPORT seats, metal look interior trim and FSPORT exclusive interior trim

Fuel economy is also up now, (combined 4.6L/100km) thanks to an advanced and proven Lexus Hybrid Drive system, which combines a 1.8L four-cylinder gasoline engine with a high-torque electric drive motor for 134 net horsepower. Four drive modes can be selected by the driver including Normal, Sport, ECO, and EV. The latter allows the CT 200h to operate for short distances on battery power alone.

The CT 200h’s 1.8-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine and electric motor is the same as found in the current-generation Toyota Prius. The drive motor uses electrical power from the battery pack or the engine-driven motor, and turns the front wheels. The battery pack is located under the rear cargo area, ahead of the rear axle. Power output is the same – 134 horsepower.

Like the Prius, the hybrid drive system in the CT 200h has four drive modes: Normal, Eco, Sport and EV (electric vehicle). Normal mode offer a longer throttle while Eco mode adjusts air conditioning settings and practically puts the throttle to sleep for the best possible fuel economy. Sport mode provides quicker more direct electric power steering settings. EV mode is ideal for low speeds for example in park lots. At low speed, CT200h is eerily quiet, but once it exits the battery mode the CVT engine nose is noticeable much like its Prius cousin. There are no real drawbacks to the CT 200h, although cargo capacity is not huge. However with its high quality fuel efficiency and wonderful driving experience it is one of the best hybrid cars in the market. Highly recommended.

2017 Lexus CT 200h base priced from $32,750. Price as tested with options, AC Tax, freight and PDI – $40,521.

Report says Site C business case is ‘weak,’ calls for project to be suspended

19 April 2017

A new report looking at the economic impact of Site C led by UBC researchers is calling for the B.C. government to hit pause on the project.

In a comprehensive analysis of the hydroelectric project on the Peace River in northeastern B.C., the report’s authors say Site C is now much more expensive than an alternative consisting primarily of wind power, pumped storage, and energy conservation, and that cancelling the project as of June 30 this year would save between $500 million and $1.65 billion, depending on future conditions. The authors conclude that it would be wise to suspend construction of Site C, and recommend a full review by the BC Utilities Commission.

“The business case for Site C is far weaker now than when the project was launched, to the point that the project is now uneconomic,” said Karen Bakker, Canada Research Chair in Political Ecology and director of UBC’s Program on Water Governance, which prepared the report. “The good news is that we are not past the point of no return, according to our analysis.”

Supporters of Site C have said the project is a cost-efficient way to meet increasing electricity demand. But the UBC researchers say that their analysis incorporates several key changes since Site C was approved, including a decline in the cost of alternatives such as wind power, and a substantial reduction in BC Hydro’s forecasted need for electricity in 2024 and beyond.

Site C power likely to be exported at a loss

The report— the latest in a series of five— states that, according to BC Hydro’s own forecasts, predicted electricity demand has dropped significantly. Site C electricity will not be fully required for nearly a decade after the project is finished. If demand growth does not keep up with BC Hydro’s current forecasts, power from Site C could remain in surplus indefinitely, according to the report.

“The surplus energy from Site C will have to be exported at prices currently far below cost,” said Bakker. “Our analysis shows that, under some of the most likely forecasts, losses from these exports will total $1 billion or more.”

Proponents of Site C say that demand will increase because of LNG developments and decarbonizing the economy, such as through the use of electric cars. But the researchers say their analysis indicates otherwise.

“BC Hydro’s own forecasts show that electricity demand will be relatively modest into the 2030s, even including anticipated demands from LNG and electrification of cars,” said Bakker.

The report also demonstrates that BC Hydro is significantly curtailing its energy conservation programs in response to Site C’s projected energy surplus. Producing new energy with Site C costs three times as much as energy conservation. But energy conservation could meet a significant amount of new demand for several years, said Bakker.

First Nations’ treaty rights ‘systematically downplayed’

In an earlier report, the authors called on the provincial and federal governments to determine the full impact of the project on treaty rights of the Treaty 8 First Nations who live in the Peace River region.

“Although these communities’ rights are constitutionally protected, we believe they have been systematically downplayed – even ignored – by governments,” said Gordon Christie, professor in the Peter A. Allard School of Law at UBC. “This demonstrates a profound lack of honourable activity by the Crown, where the legal tests in this country now rest on the notion of the ‘honour of the Crown.’”

‘Hit pause’ and refer to the BC Utilities Commission for review

The new report recommends that construction be suspended on Site C, pending a full review by the BC Utilities Commission.

While the report states that cancelling the Site C Project outright would save British Columbians hundreds of millions of dollars, delaying the commissioning date to the late 2020s is also a possible scenario, said Bakker.

“Therefore, we recommend suspension and review by the BC Utilities Commission rather than outright cancellation,” said Bakker. “This is a non-partisan, common sense, sober second thought analysis that indicates it’s not too late to hit pause on Site C.”

Advani, Bharti, Joshi to stand trial in Ayodhya case

18 April 2017

New Delhi (PTI): BJP leaders L K Advani, 89, M M Joshi, 83, and Uma Bharti, 57, will face trial in the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition case as the Supreme Court today allowed the CBI plea and restored criminal conspiracy charges against them.

The court also clubbed the trial in the matter pending against the leaders and ‘karsevaks’ and said the proceedings should be completed in two years.

“We have allowed the CBI appeal against the Allahabad High Court judgement with certain directions,” a bench comprising Justices P C Ghose and R F Nariman said.

The apex court, however, noted that Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh enjoys Constitutional immunity and can be tried only after he ceases to hold the office. Kalyan Singh was the chief minister of UP in 1992.

The court also gave significant directions including that separate trials being conducted in trial courts at Raebareli and Lucknow will be clubbed and conducted in the capital of Uttar Pradesh only.

It also said that the trial judge of Lucknow “shall not be transferred” till conclusion and delivery of judgement in the sensational case.

The court further said that no party shall be granted adjournment without the sessions judge being satisfied of the reasons for it and conduct day-to-day trial which should be concluded within two years.

It also directed probe agency CBI to ensure that prosecution witnesses appear on each and every date for recording of evidence in the case and the trial court should start the proceedings within four weeks from today.

It, however, clarified that there would be no de novo (fresh) trial in the matter.

The bench also directed that its order should be followed in letter and spirit and granted liberty to the parties to approach it if its directions are not followed.

There were two sets of cases relating to the demolition of the disputed structure on December 6, 1992. The first involved unnamed ‘karsevaks’, the trial of which is taking place in a Lucknow court, while the second set of cases relate to the leaders in a Raebareli court.

THE charges for which Advani, Joshi, Bharti and other VVIPs will be tried in the politically sensitive Babri Masjid demolition case, entails a punishment ranging from two to five years imprisonment.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday restored the offence of criminal conspiracy which was originally invoked against them along with other charges in the case.

They will be tried under Indian Penal Code offences for allegedly promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion etc, imputations, assertions prejudicial to national-integration and statements conducing to public mischief of the IPC for which the maximum punishment is five years.

Other charges of injuring or defiling place of worship with the intent to insult the religion of any class entails maximum sentence of two years, while for the offence of deliberate and malicious acts intending to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs, carriesa maximum penalty of a three-year jail term.

Besides Advani, Joshi and Bharti, others who will face trial are Champat Rai Bansal, Satish Pradhan, Dharam Das, Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, Mahamadleshwar Jagdish Muni, Ram Bilas Vadanti, Vaikunth Lal Sharma and Satish Chandra Nagar.

Those who have since died include Bal Thackeray, Giriraj Kishore, Ashok Singhal and Paramhans Ram Chandra Das.

In the other case, charges framed against unknown karsevaks involve dacoity, which entails minimum 10 years jail or life imprisonment.

Other charges include robbery which entails a punishment of seven years, causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others and trespassing which carry two year and one year imprisonment.

The remaining charges are the same as that of the VIPs.