Location: Matsqui Centennial Auditorium – 32315 South Fraser Way
Topic: Fentanyl
In attendance: Mayor Henry Braun
Police Chief Bob Rich
Superintendent of Schools Kevin Godden
Councillor Sandy Blue
Fraser Health
THE Abbotsford School District, along with the Abbotsford Police Department and Abbotsford Police Foundation, is hosting a public safety meeting for parents on Wednesday, April 19, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Matsqui Centennial Auditorium.
The central theme of the event will be the Fentanyl crisis and the record number of tragic deaths that have resulted from the prevalence of this substance in street drugs.
Currently, many cities in the Lower Mainland are on track to see double the number of fatal overdoses in 2017 compared to 2016 (which was already the highest number ever seen in the province). Attend to learn more about what the police department and school district are doing and to find out how you can make a difference and reduce the risk to your child.
The evening will include recognizing the top student entries for the “Youth Making Positive Choices” poster and video contests.
The speakers at the forum will include members of the Abbotsford Police Department, the Abbotsford School District, Fraser Health and the Abbotsford Police Foundation. We will also hear from an Abbotsford parent who will share how her son’s use of illicit street drugs impacted her family.
LAST week, the federal government released a report outlining its plans to ‘reform’ immigration detention and launched an online portal for the public to give feedback on the proposals. The End Immigration Detention Network (EIDN), a detentions watchdog and detainee support group which has been working directly with detainees for four years, says the government is using double speak to obfuscate their internationally-criticized record of indefinite detention.
“Detainees have consistently told us and told the minister than they don’t need better prison conditions, they need freedom,” says Mina Ramos, an organizer with EIDN. “The government continues to refuse to end the practice of indefinite imprisonment, focusing instead on building new detention facilities.”
EIDN has consistently called for a limit on detentions to bring Canada in line with international norms. Last August, Federal Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale responded to a 19-day hunger strike by immigration detainees in Lindsay’s Central Correctional Centre, by allotting $138 million to expand immigration prisons in Canada, rather than create laws to end indefinite detention.
“The Liberal government likes to talk about stakeholders and consultations but has to date refused to deal directly with concerns of immigration detainees themselves,” says Mina Ramos, an organizer with EIDN. “Instead of ‘exploring potential policy changes,’ the government needs to take concrete action before another death occurs on its watch. We need a minimum 90-day release period.”
At least 15 people have died in Canadian immigration detention since 2000. The United Nations has repeatedly criticized Canada for refusing to introduce legislation that would place a 90-day limit on immigration detention.
The government has also launched a ‘National Immigration Detention Framework Questionnaire,’ which Martin, who spent three years in detention, calls mind-boggling.
“The government is asking Canadians for their feedback? You don’t need feedback to know that you shouldn’t detain someone indefinitely without charge or trial,” says Martin, who was detained in the maximum security Lindsay superjail for 36 months.
“I didn’t need three years languishing in a prison cell, cut off from my family, missing children’s birthdays, to know that. But that’s what I went through and what all those still detained continue to go though.”
Kimora Adetunji, whose husband Olukunle is currently detained at the Central East Correctional Centre, says the strain of not knowing when her three children will see their father again is taking its toll.
“In considering real changes to immigration detention, the government also needs to reckon with the impact on people’s families and communities,” says Adetunji. “Empty promises of reform are not enough and may be too late for Olukunle and I.”
Immigration Lawyer Karin Baqi says that without a commitment to introduce a limit on detentions, the alternatives to detention talk is insufficient.
“The government is investing $138 million to expand and renovate immigration detention facilities. This signals not an exit strategy but rather the status quo,” said Baqi, who is representing EIDN in a constitutional challenge of Canada’s detention practices, which will be heard at the Federal court next month.
ON April 12, Ottawa Police responded to a call from a male who wanted to turn himself in to police for vandalizing property at an Ottawa Mosque and Islamic Centre. Investigation confirmed that a window was broken at each location and the male was placed under arrest. During the arrest he assaulted one of the arresting officers.
The Ottawa Police Central Criminal Investigations Unit announced on Tuesday that it has charged 27-year-old Shawn Le Guerrier of Ottawa with two counts of mischief and one count of assaulting police.
At last year’s Surrey Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan. Photo by Chandra Bodalia
THE annual Vaisakhi Parade (Khalsa Day Parade), taking place on April 22, will once again host a lively and celebratory event to mark the birth of the Sikh faith, is expected to draw in excess of 300,000 people to the community to celebrate and enjoy one of the most important elements of the annual event, the amazing foods of India. Each year hundreds of local business and individual families present free food offerings to the crowd in celebration of the parade.
Organizers of event, the Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar, along with a number of supporting agencies including Fraser Health, the Surrey RCMP, the City of Surrey (including City of Surrey Bylaws office) are reminding businesses and individuals participating in the Parade-route kiosks and stands to observe the following:
* Drone policy. Organizers of the Surrey Vaisakhi Parade remind attendees that drones are not permitted without a permit from Transport Canada. As the parade route is within 3 km of Surrey Memorial Hospital’s emergency helipad landing site, we ask drone operators to ensure they have proper clearance.
* Check the Surrey Vaisakhi Parade website (www.surreyvaisakhiparade.com) for information on safe food handling and to download the Temporary Food Permit that must be completed prior to the event in order to serve food at the event.
(L-R) Satinderpal Singh Gill, Gian Singh Gill, Moninder Singh and Davinder Singh Grewal at Surrey Vaisakhi Parade press conference. Photo by Vinnie Combow
Representatives of the Gurdwara, Satinderpal Singh Gill, Gian Singh Gill, Moninder Singh and Davinder Singh Grewal, told the media that the main float will be at the Gurdwara at 8 a.m. and the Nagar Kirtan will start at 9 a.m. along the route they uses every year. The main stage set up by the Gurdwara will be at 128th Street and 76th Avenue. There will be a total of only 20 floats.
They thanked the community for complying with their request to not have Gidda and Bhangra with loud music on their stages along the parade route. They stressed that though these were a part of the culture, they were not something to be performed on a religious day such as this.
They requested participants to use garbage bags at all stalls and to keep all the area around the Nagar Kirtan route clean.
They cautioned women with strollers to take extra care wherever there was too much of a rush. They also appealed to people to take good care of the elderly as they may get confused and suggested they place a slip with their home address in their pocket.
There will be lost and found places set up by the Gurdwara.
In case of any medical emergency, help get the onsite paramedics there quickly.
There will be school buses to transport people from distant parking areas to the parade route. There will also be two BC Transit buses to take seniors around the parade route.
The representatives said that if any politician wanted to deliver a speech from the main stage, they must request some time for that. All parties will get the same treatment.
Party leaders will get time only to welcome the community and not indulge in politics. The stage is to tell people about the Khalsa.
The representatives also cautioned people to be careful of those asking for donations as some are genuine and some are not. ‘Donate at your own risk’ was the message.
They also urged people not to come after consuming alcohol or drugs.
They said to welcome and respect everyone and be happy.
NOTE: Anyone wishing to serve food must have a temporary hand washing area next to the food preparation area; wear gloves for all food preparation and serving; wash their hands prior to food preparation and service; keep hot food such as rice and sauces heated to a minimum of 60 degrees Celsius at all times; keep cold food cooled to 4 degrees Celsius or below at all times; have a sanitation solution at food preparation and serving locations; sanitize food cutting and preparation locations. For a full list of Do’s and Don’ts visit the website.
Due to a potential disruption to the airspace caused by a large number of balloons being released accidentally, all participants are asked to respect an absolutely “No Helium Balloon” policy. There is a serious safety concern for air traffic due to large numbers floating into the air traffic space above the Parade route. The organizers are asking for corporate and individual support in respecting the “no helium balloons” policy on parade day.
Anyone setting up a food stand at this year’s event are asked to ensure that all tents are NOT set up on the sidewalks alongside the route. This causes a significant public hazard.
For more information about the event including the parade route visit: www.surreyvaisakhiparade.com.
BURNABY RCMP are looking for three suspects after a home invasion in which a South Asian grandmother in her 80s chased them out her front door.
Her grandson told CTV News that three people in hoodies kicked in the front door on Sunday around 10:45 p.m. He ran out the washroom when he heard the kicking and saw one of the intruders in the living room at the top of the stairs. The suspect attacked him with pepper spray and he fell down.
The home invaders then went through the rooms looking for items. His sister-in-law escaped out of the back of the home and called 911.
His grandmother chased the intruders and shouted at them to get out. The surveillance video shows her confronting them outside the front door.
The suspects fled on foot, but Burnaby RCMP, who brought in a K-9 unit, drew a blank.
THE food recall warning issued on April 12 has been updated to include additional product information. This additional product information was identified during the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) food safety investigation.
Ardent Mills is recalling various brands of flour and flour products from the marketplace due to possible E. coli O121 contamination. Consumers should not consume the recalled products described below:
* Creative Baker All Purpose Flour, 10 kg. Production code 6 300 SK with best before date of Oct. 26, 2017. UPC 6 300 SK 6 28622 10180 8.
* Robin Hood Best for Blending Flour, 2.5 kg. Production code 6 307 548 with best before date of Feb. 2, 2018 is being recalled. UPC 0 59000 01534 7.
* Robin Hood Best for Blending Flour, 2.5 kg. Production code 6 308 548 with best before date of Feb. 3, 2018. UPC 0 59000 01534 7.
* Robin Hood All Purpose Flour, Unbleached, 5 kg. Production code 6 300 548 with best before date of April 26, 2018. UPC 0 59000 01685 6.
* Robin Hood All Purpose Flour, Original, 5 kg. Production code 6 300 548 with best before date of April 26, 2018. UPC 0 59000 01654 2.
* Robin Hood Bread and Roll Mix Homestyle White, 1.36 kg. Production code 6 300 548 with best before date of Aug. 26, 2017. UPC 0 59000 00238 5.
* Robin Hood Best for Blending Flour, 2.5 kg. Production code 6 298 548 with best before date of Jan. 24, 2018. UPC 0 59000 01534 7.
* Robin Hood Best for Blending Flour, 2.5 kg. Production code 6 299 548 with best before Jan. 25, 2018. UPC 0 59000 01534 7.
* Robin Hood All Purpose Flour, Unbleached, 5 kg. Production code 6 299 548 with best before date of April 25, 2018. UPC 0 59000 01685 6.
* Robin Hood Best for Bread Flour Homestyle White, 5 kg. Production code 6 299 548 with best before April 25, 2018. UPC 0 59000 01519 4.
* Robin Hood Bread and Roll Mix Homestyle White, 1.36 kg. Production code 6 299 548 with best before date of Aug. 25, 2017. UPC 0 59000 00238 5.
* Robin Hood All Purpose Flour, Original, 5 kg. Production code of 6 301 548 with best before date of April 27, 2018. UPC 0 59000 01654 2.
* Robin Hood All Purpose Flour, Unbleached, 5 kg. Production code of 6 301 548 with best before date of April 27, 2018. UPC 0 59000 01685 6.
* Robin Hood All Purpose Flour, Original, 10 kg. Production code of 6 302 548 with best before date of April 28, 2018. UPC 0 59000 01652 8.
* Robin Hood All Purpose Flour, Original, 5 kg. Production code of 6 302 548 with best before date of April 28, 2018. UPC 0 59000 01654 2.
* Robin Hood All Purpose Flour, Unbleached, 5 kg. Production code of 6 303 548 with best before date of April 28, 2018. UPC 0 59000 01685 6.
IF you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, call your doctor, advises the CFIA.
Check to see if you have recalled products in your home. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased.
Food contaminated with E. coli O121 may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, mild to severe abdominal cramps and watery to bloody diarrhea. In severe cases of illness, some people may have seizures or strokes, need blood transfusions and kidney dialysis or live with permanent kidney damage. In severe cases of illness, people may die.
This recall was triggered by findings by CFIA during its investigation into a foodborne illness outbreak. The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. If other high-risk products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public through updated Food Recall Warnings.
The CFIA is verifying that industry is removing recalled product from the marketplace.
Abhayjeet Singh Sachal with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. All photos submitted
HAVING had the privilege of marking the 100th anniversary of the First World War and the Battle of Vimy Ridge, Abhayjeet Singh Sachal and 16 other Canadian students have returned back after spending 10 days in France and Belgium. They had been selected by the Vimy Foundation on a Vimy Pilgrimage award to visit historical World War 1 sites in France and Belgium.
The historical tour included paying homage at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, which overlooks the Douai Plain from the highest point of Vimy Ridge, on April 9 at the Government of Canada commemorative ceremony and Abhayjeet had the honor of meeting Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, Governor General David Johnston and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the Visitor Centre.
Abhayjeet Singh Sachal meets with Prince William.
Abhayjeet also got an opportunity to present a picture of his grandfather, Brig. Mohinder Singh (retired), with Prince Philips taken at Barbados to Prince William. The students also visited tunnels and trenches used by the soldiers in the war and had a rare glimpse of the hardships faced by soldiers of the forces from all over.
Students then spent a week visiting sites from the First World War including participating in the Last Post Ceremony (laying wreaths) at the Menin Gate. Sites included the Maison Blanche, an old chalk mine that was transformed into an underground tunnel system and safe house for Canadian soldiers during the First World War. The site includes the rooms where soldiers used to stay, and the tunnel walls are covered with names and carvings, mainly of soldier regiment logos.
Students also visited Canadian, and Commonwealth cemeteries as well as German ones. They went to museums, and spent their time learning about the First World War, particularly those in the northeast of France and Belgium. Students were accompanied by their chaperones, who taught them about the historical aspects of their visits. “It was an eye-opening experience to witness the hardships endured by the soldiers during the war and the visit has further strengthened my respect and honour for these brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for us. It is now upon us to further their dreams of a fair and just society,” says Abhayjeet about the trip.
Students were asked to do a detailed study on a soldier of the war and then they gave a presentation to their peers. Abhayjeet focused on Private Harold Bell from Manitoba. He was 23 when a hail of bullets hit him and he died fighting valiantly at Vimy Ridge on April 9. It may be recalled that the Battle of Vimy Ridge began on Easter Monday, April 9, 1917. Vimy Ridge is still referred by many as the battle that marked Canada’s coming of age as a country, as it was the first time the four divisions of the Canadian Corps served together. Regiments from coast to coast saw action together in a distinctly Canadian victory helping create a new and stronger sense of Canadian identity.
On land granted to Canada for all time by a grateful France, the Canadian National Vimy Memorial is inscribed with the names of 11,285 Canadians who were listed as “missing, presumed dead” in France during the First World War. The site encompasses 117 hectares and is the largest of eight Canadian and five Newfoundland memorial sites in France and Belgium. Designed by Canadian sculptor and architect, Walter Seymour Allward, the memorial’s two pylons represent Canada and France. The monument features 20 symbolic sculptures representing broad themes including the strength of shared ideals, the sorrow of a young nation and prayer for peace.
Sav Bains with CSC Commissioner Don Head. All photos submitted
WHEN Sav Bains’ wife attended a local job fair, she brought him along with her. Little did Sav know that he was about to land a career in corrections that would eventually lead to him becoming the Correctional Service of Canada’s (CSC) first turbaned Sikh warden, a highly respected executive, and a celebrated member of the Sikh community in British Columbia.
“I didn’t expect this all to happen” says Sav. “I just tagged along with my wife that day and here I am 15 years later!”
Over the course of the years, Sav has worked in a variety of positions starting as a correctional officer at Matsqui Institution. From there he has held management positions at various institutions out west, as well as positions at regional and national headquarters in Ottawa. Sav also completed CSC’s Executive Leadership Development Program, after which he was successful in an executive competitive process.
Sav is now the warden of Fraser Valley Institution in Abbottsford, British Columbia.
What is it that keeps Sav here after all these years? That’s simple, he says.
“I truly believe in the work we do here in corrections. We are contributing to public safety by preparing offenders to be reintegrated into the community. It’s important work, and work that I enjoy educating the public about.”
During his time with CSC, Sav has taken it upon himself to stay connected with the communities in which he’s worked. He enjoys talking with members of the public about what CSC does, how it does it, and why. As is the case in most areas of the country, there are a number of misconceptions about corrections and how CSC operates. Addressing those misconceptions and providing information to those interested is an ongoing responsibility that Sav is happy to have.
“Maintaining a dialogue with our communities is important,” he says. “It’s important because we need to clear up confusion and respond to the curiosity that exists about what we do.”
In fact, says Sav, the local BC communities where he works, as well as resides, are particularly interested in learning about CSC. Right now there are significant issues with a portion of Indo-Canadian youth going down the wrong path toward crime and incarceration, typically through gang affiliations. That’s why Sav has taken an active role in speaking at various forums, particularly with local youth at risk about corrections, and by showing through his own actions and presence in the community, that there are other options for young people. It’s a responsibility that Sav does not take lightly, but is happy to have if it makes a difference.
“I never saw myself as a role model per se,” says Sav. “But in my local Sikh community, people who have made their way up to important positions are very respected and celebrated, particularly if they’ve accomplished something as a ‘first’. Being the first Sikh turbaned warden in CSC is an accomplishment that I’m very proud of. I hope that in maintaining my ties with the community and setting an example for the kids at risk, I can inspire them to seek other ways of living their lives outside of crime, and concentrating on pursuing career goals and making a difference.”
Sav officially took over responsibility of Fraser Valley Institution on December 20, 2016, at a formal Change of Command Ceremony attended by the Commissioner of CSC. It was a powerful moment in Sav’s career – one that he looks forward to working in for many years to come.
“I’ve got a lot of years in corrections left but right now I’m happy being warden and learning every day.”
THE Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) is the federal government agency responsible for administering sentences of a term of two years or more, as imposed by the courts. CSC is responsible for managing institutions of various security levels and supervising offenders under conditional release in the community.
The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) is a key partner in public safety. On a typical day, the CSC manages approximately 15,000 offenders placed within 43 institutions and more than 8,500 offenders under supervision in the community. The CSC is building a strong, vibrant, and diverse team of professionals. CSC has been widely recognized as an international leader in correctional justice.
The Pacific Region of the Correctional Service of Canada operates eight federal institutions, including one facility for women offenders, a Community Correctional Centre and five parole areas in British Columbia, including the Yukon Territory.
THE Liberals on Monday attacked the NDP for claiming “they will reopen facilities on the Riverview lands,” pointing out that the NDP have not included one single penny in the costing of their so-called platform.
“This “Say Anything” act of Horgan’s is completely disingenuous. Grandiose, empty promises with zero dollars to pay for them, which can only result in higher taxes,” said Liberal candidate Rich Coleman. “The BC NDP are calling for a return to mass hospitalization usingasbestos-riddled, outdated and unsafe buildings. That’s not a plan we can afford or that patients need.”
Riverview consists of four asbestos-riddled, out-dated, and unsafe buildings:
• West Lawn. “Male Chronic Wing.” Opened in 1913. The building is condemned.
• Centre Lawn. “Acute Psychopathic Wing.” Built in 1924, ward renovation in the 1970’s
• East Lawn. “Female Chronic Wing.” Built in 1929.
• Crease Clinic. Voluntary committal wing. Completed in 1949
Condition assessments on all buildings conducted in 2013 have determined building rehabilitation would require tens of millions of dollars to complete. Additional investments that are nowhere to be found in the BC NDP costing, said the Liberals.
They claimed that only Christy Clark and the Liberals have a clear plan for redeveloping the Riverview Lands, including the new 105 bed facility being built on the Riverview lands, a $101-million facility that is expected to open in 2019. As well, last month a $75-million state-of-the-art home for Maples Adolescent Treatment Centre that will provide services for youth and individuals with developmental disabilities, mental-health and/or substance-use disorders announced.
“This is an approach that develops the lands with the community and First Nations,” said Coleman. “Our plan is one that taxpayers can afford and that will benefit patients. Say Anything John’s empty, uncosted approach demonstrates he is on any side but yours.”
NDP Leader John Horgan on Monday said that he will establish a Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions to help people suffering from mental illness or addictions, as part of the BC NDP’s commitment to improve the services people count on.
“After years of BC Liberal neglect, we will improve BC’s mental health system by increasing access and investing in early prevention and intervention,” said Horgan. “People need to know they only have to ask for help once to get help fast.”
Horgan emphasized his commitment to reopening facilities for intensive residential care and treatment at Riverview. Residents, advocates, and local governments have all called for the lands to be used for mental health and addictions treatment.
Six in 10 people who struggle with addiction also experience other mental health challenges. John Horgan and the BC NDP will bring those services together to help those most in need by:
Creating a Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions which will work with the ministries of children and families and health, the First Nations Health Authority, and the public education and justice systems, to make sure people get timely and effective treatment.
Implementing an “ask once, get help fast” approach to mental health and additions.
Re-opening facilities at Riverview in consultation with local First Nations to provide residential care for people who need it.
Supporting students in the school system with access to specially trained adolescent mental health professionals, leading to healthier lives and prevention of a lifetime of illness.
Taking meaningful action to address the overdose crisis including a province-wide strategy to distribute life-saving Naloxone kits, support for police efforts to disrupt the supply of dangerous drugs, and support for first responders suffering post-traumatic stress disorder and other work-related stress.
