Montero strikes twice as Whitecaps FC defeat Sounders FC 2-1 in Cascadia thriller

14 April 2017

Photos by Derek Guscott/Sportswave and Vinnie Combow

VANCOUVER: All eyes were on Fredy Montero in the lead up to the Cascadia derby match, and did he deliver in a big way.
The Colombian striker scored two second-half goals against his former side to lead Vancouver Whitecaps FC (2W-3L-1D) to a 2-1 victory over Seattle Sounders FC (1W-2L-3D) in front of a sellout crowd at BC Place on Friday evening.

The Designated Player received support from goalkeeper David Ousted, as well as a number of ‘Caps defenders, who made timely stops against a full-on attack from the visitors.
Sounders FC substitute Will Bruin pulled one back late for Seattle, but it would not be enough on an evening that saw their star striker Clint Dempsey find the woodwork twice, plus his last-gasp equalizer attempt cleared off the line.
Head coach Carl Robinson made five changes to last week’s lineup, and they stood toe-to-toe with the defending MLS Cup champions in a tightly-contested first half.
The opening frame saw the two rivals trading shots, but neither would land the opening blow. Dempsey came closest to finding the net, testing Ousted in the eighth minute with a chip from way out, but hit the crossbar after the ‘Caps goalkeeper got his fingertips on the attempt.
On the opposite end, Alphonso Davies, Christian Bolaños, and Cristian Techera were lively on the Vancouver attack, manufacturing chances but the match remained scoreless heading into intermission.
The game opened up in the second half, with Seattle firing from their biggest weapons. Dempsey and Nicolas Lodeiro found space to shoot from inside the 18-yard box in the 51st and 53rd minutes, respectively. Neither would get past Ousted, who came up with the diving save each time to bring the ‘Caps supporters to their feet.
After the hour-mark, Montero took control of the match. He struck first on 65 minutes, nodding in a Techera cross from the right wing, and beating a full-stretched Stefan Frei in the bottom-left corner.
Fifteen minutes later, Seattle’s all-time leading scorer would burn his old club once again. Bolaños initiated the perfectly-played set piece with a corner kick from the right side, finding Kendall Waston, who redirected the ball to an open Montero. The header inside the right post was Montero’s fourth goal for Whitecaps FC in all competitions.
It was far from over, however, as the match saw a frantic finish. In the 86th minute, Dempsey curled in a left-footed strike from beyond 18 yards but hit the left post. Four minutes later, Bruin cut the ‘Caps lead in half after Russell Teibert cleared an earlier threat off the line, and Lodeiro kept the possession alive with a cross from the right endline. Down to their final chance in the final minute of added time, Dempsey flicked the ball through traffic from close, deflecting it off Ousted and looked to be destined for the net, until Waston preserved the 2-1 win with a crucial goal line stop.
Now riding momentum off their second consecutive home win, Whitecaps FC embark on a month-long road trip, beginning with another Cascadia tilt versus Portland Timbers on Saturday, April 21. Kickoff at Providence Park is at 1 p.m. Watch the match live on CTV.

MCMILLAN ‘CAPS CORNER KICK DONATIONS
For every ‘Caps corner kick at home, McMillan donates $100 to the United Way. An additional $500 is donated for every goal scored off a corner kick. This match McMillan Corners for Kids has donated $700 for a running total of $1,900.

MATCH DETAILS
Budweiser Man of the Match: Fredy Montero
Referee: Kevin Stott
Attendance: 22,120

Scoring Summary
65′ – VAN – Fredy Montero (Cristian Techera)
80′ – VAN – Fredy Montero (Kendall Waston, Christian Bolaños)
89′ – SEA – Will Bruin (Nicolas Lodeiro)

Statistics
Possession: Vancouver 38.2% – Seattle 61.8%
Shots: Vancouver 11 – Seattle 15
Shots on Goal: Vancouver 3 – Seattle 7
Saves: Vancouver 5 – Seattle 1
Fouls: Vancouver 13 – Seattle 10
Offsides: Vancouver 3 – Seattle 2
Corners: Vancouver 2 – Seattle 10

Cautions
27′ – VAN – Sheanon Williams
37′ – SEA – Nicolas Lodeiro
44′ – SEA – Harry Shipp
53′ – VAN – Fredy Montero
90’+3′ – VAN – Tim Parker

Vancouver Whitecaps FC
1.David Ousted; 25.Sheanon Williams, 4.Kendall Waston ©, 26.Tim Parker, 2.Jordan Harvey; 15.Matías Laba, 31.Russell Teibert; 67.Alphonso Davies (11.Nicolás Mezquida 76′), 7.Christian Bolaños, 13.Cristian Techera (77.Mauro Rosales 86′); 12.Fredy Montero

Substitutes not used
70.Paolo Tornaghi, 8.Andrew Jacobson, 16.Tony Tchani, 17.Marcel de Jong, 47.Kyle Greig

Seattle Sounders FC
24.Stefan Frei, 91.Oniel Fisher (23.Henry Wingo 78′), 4.Gustav Svensson, 14.Chad Marshall, 33.Joevin Jones; 6.Osvaldo Alonso ©, 7.Cristian Roldan; 10.Nicolas Lodeiro, 2.Clint Dempsey, 19.Harry Shipp (17.Will Bruin 68′); 13.Jordan Morris

Substitutes not used
35.Bryan Meredith, 8.Alvaro Fernandez, 12.Seyi Adekoya, 15.Tony Alfaro, 21.Jordy Delem

Kehar Sangha of North Cowichan faces charges after injured woman allegedly held against her will

14 April 2017

LAST Thursday (April 13), Kehar Sangha, 52, was arrested and charged with nine counts, including aggravated assault, assault with a weapon and unlawful confinement or imprisonment, after RCMP officers found a woman with serious facial injuries when they responded to a 911 call on Tuesday (April 11) in North Cowichan on Vancouver Island.
CHEK News reported that the woman escaped from her captor after he allowed her to have a shower and she got out the bathroom window, according to a contractor who she approached for help. He said the badly beaten woman was in handcuffs.
The woman told the contractor that she had been kept for three days and tortured. Her face was terribly swollen.
The RCMP said in a press release on Thursday: “A Cowichan Valley women has been treated for injuries she sustained following an incident that spanned several days.
“North Cowichan / Duncan RCMP’s patrol officers responded to a 911 call on Tuesday, April 11, at approximately 12:15 p.m., to the Herd Road area in North Cowichan. They located a woman requiring immediate medical attention for treatment of serious facial injuries. BC Ambulance Service attended immediately.”
Police said that the suspect and the woman are known to each other. Members of the public are not at risk.
“Police have been present at the scene around the clock gathering evidence to support these allegations. Cowichan Valley RCMP Victim Services have been involved from the beginning and are available to anyone who feels they may benefit from speaking with them,” the press release added.
The North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP are requesting anyone with information on this crime to contact them at 250-748-5522 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Liberals slam Horgan for supporting marijuana sale in liquor stores

14 April 2017

THE Liberals on Friday said NDP Leader John Horgan is putting his union friends ahead of public safety.

Speaking to media in Penticton on Thursday, Horgan confirmed his support for selling marijuana in liquor stores saying, “An option to use public liquor stores is a good one.” (Castanet, April 14, 2017). In siding with his union friends, he is rejecting the advice of the federal task force on marijuana legalization, which included his own Vancouver-Fraserview candidate George Chow, said the Liberals.

In all of the U.S. states that have legalized marijuana, there is a ban on selling marijuana and alcohol together.

The Liberals alleged that Horgan rejected all of that expert advice because his union friends in the BCGEU, the primary financial benefactors of selling marijuana in liquor stores, donated $117,400 to the BC NDP last year alone – and he refuses to disclose how much they’ve contributed this year.

They said: “The BC NDP’s Horgan is clearly not on your side as he continues to turn to donors to develop his position on policy, and will be attending an exclusive fundraiser hosted by the marijuana industry on April 18 in Vancouver. The email-only invitation to the marijuana fundraiser offers individuals in the marijuana industry an “unparalleled opportunity” to discuss “what the future holds for the production, sale and distribution of marijuana in British Columbia”.”

“If John Horgan is willing to sell out public safety for $117,400, what else will he be selling out to the highest bidder at his marijuana fundraiser on April 18?” asked Liberal candidate Suzanne Anton.

The Liberals claimed that only they have a plan to keep marijuana out of the hands of minors, keep the profits out of organized crime, and ensure the public is protected.

What others are saying about NDP platform

14 April 2017

ON Thursday, NDP Leader John Horgan released the BC NDP plan to build a Better BC with commitments to create good jobs, improve services and make life more affordable. Here’s what people are saying about it:

* “I’d say his cleverly packaged campaign promises give the NDP their best shot at ending the Liberal dynasty and pulling off the upset on May 9.” — Mike Smyth, Vancouver Province
* “For all the unanswered questions and potential controversies to come, the NDP passed the first test of building an election platform. To govern is to choose, as saying goes. On Thursday, John Horgan signalled that it is time for some different choices than the ones the B.C. Liberals have been making for the last 16 years.” — Vaughn Palmer, Vancouver Sun
* “Call it the NDP mullet platform: balanced business up front, capital spending in the back.” — Justin McElroy, CBC.ca
* “The Mayors’ Council is encouraged by the BC NDP’s platform commitments to improve transportation across Metro Vancouver.” — New Westminster Mayor Jonathan Cote, Chair of the Mayors’ Council Funding Strategy Committee
* “Very impressed so far with BCNDP platform. Smart. Good details on fiscal plan, clear affordability priorities.” — Tzeporah Berman, environmentalist
* “The NDP platform meets our recommendations on housing. Would make BC affordable for renters & could solve chronic homelessness” — Kishone Roy, CEO, BC Non-Profit Housing Association
* “@bcndp platform is out & gives *much* greater prominence to the OD crisis & #fentanyl than @bcliberals. Encouraging to see.” — Travis Lupick, Georgia Straight
* “#BCNDP will Make Every Vote Count! #PR4BC #bcpoli” — Fair Vote Vancouver
* “Yes! $10aDay Child Care is thoroughly costed & affordable for BC @CBCEarlyEdition #BCVotes2017 #10adayplan” — Sharon Gregson, Child care advocate.

NDP “plan” a multi-billion dollar crater for B.C. economy: Liberals

13 April 2017

THE Liberals said on Thursday that after 1,075 days as head of the Opposition, John Horgan finally released a ‘platform’ document containing a multi-billion-dollar crater for BC’s economy. The BC NDP document doesn’t add up, which will lead to deficits, downgrades, and massive tax hikes on middle class families.
“After promising billions in reckless spending, the BC NDP’s John Horgan was specifically asked today if he was prepared to rule out tax increases. His response was to duck and dodge,” said Liberal candidate Mike de Jong. “This document is a five-alarm warning to British Columbian families.”
The BC NDP document fails to account for:
* $1.7 billion in lost revenue on Medical Service Premiums
* ICBC freeze
* Hydro rate freeze
* Higher interest payments as a result of the credit downgrades the NDP document would produce.
The NDP also made up $680 million in phantom savings, giving no details to how these would be achieved, de Jong claimed.
“The consequences of this NDP billion-dollar crater are an automatic credit downgrade, higher debt, guaranteed deficits, and massive tax hikes on BC’s middle class,” said de Jong. “Very simply, this BC NDP plan is not costed, not believable, and not balanced for BC families.”
“John Horgan was part of the same gang that cooked the books before the 1996 provincial election,” said de Jong. “The NDP plan was phony then, it’s phony today and will lead to debt and taxes for the middle class.”

Khalsa Credit Union (KCU) opens sixth branch in B.C.

13 April 2017

All photos by Jay Sharma of Mahi Photo Studio

THE Khalsa Credit Unit (KCU) has opened its sixth branch at 110-8028 128^th Street (at 80^th Avenue) – its third branch in the City of Surrey.

It is located in a new commercial development that is expected to attract many people from the surrounding community as the adjoining area is the largest Sikh settlement outside of the Punjab region in India.

The 2950 square foot branch has a unique “L” shape which allowed the designer to combine high tech and high touch in warm and inviting surroundings. Features include a coin counter, video display wall, tech area, children’s play area with IPads, a feature wall at the main entrance, tech support areas and other modern amenities. The branch will be open seven days a week including extended hours Monday to Friday.

“We are very pleased to open another branch and build on our outstanding results from 2016,” said Board Chairman Harinder Singh Sohi. “Combined with our new logo and colour palette, the esthetics are pleasing and relaxing, and members will feel very comfortable when dealing at this branch.”

Balvinder Singh Boparai, a long-time employee of KCU, has been appointed Community Branch Manager. “My team is looking forward to welcoming members to our new location,” said Boparai. “Together we have a wealth of experience in the financial services industry and look forward to assisting members with their financial needs.”

“We are very pleased to open our third branch in Surrey,” added Chief Executive Officer Dalbir Singh Mehta. “Surrey is the fastest growing city in the Lower Mainland and is home to a large contingent of our people. We invite residents to join KCU and enjoy the service provided by a credit union dedicated to its community.”

KCU is a full service financial cooperative serving the Sikh community of British Columbia. With nearly 15,000 members, six branches and assets exceeding $421 million, it is the world’s largest Sikh-owned financial institution.

B.C. EVENTS: For the week of Saturday, April 15

13 April 2017

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

Vaisakhi Day Celebration

Khalsa Diwan Society, Vancouver, presents Vaisakhi Day Celebration on Saturday, April 15: 7-9 a.m. Kirtan (Hymn singing); 9-9:30 a.m. Reception of dignitaries; 9:30-10:30 a.m. Speeches; 10:45 a.m. Ardas. Parade: 11 a.m. Departure from Gurdwara Sahib; 4 p.m. Return to Gurdwara Sahib. The parade will proceed from the Ross Street Temple to Ross Street, Marine Drive, Main Street, 49^th Avenue, Fraser Street, 57^th Avenue, Ross Street. Location: 8000 Ross Street, Vancouver. Telephone: 604-324-2010. Fax: 604-322-0504. Email: [email protected]. Web: www.kdsross.com. RSVP A.J. Rai or Mrs. Mand at 604-322-5610 or email [email protected].

Surrey Food Bank: Surrey Vaisakhi Parade

Bring a loonie to donate at Surrey’s Vaisakhi Parade on Saturday, April 22. Every $1 donation buys $3 worth of food. Look for our volunteers or drop off your donations at any RBC Branch in Surrey throughout April. www.surreyfoodbank.org

Stanley Park Easter Train

Operated by the Vancouver Park Board, the Stanley Park Easter Train will run April 15 to 17, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Easter bunny will be on hand to greet children and join them in photos. Included with the cost of admission are: bean bag toss, ring toss, hula hoops, and planting a posy. A preview with the train only runs April 8 and 9, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. An Easter egg hunt, mini golf, inflatable bouncers and face painting cost extra. Food trucks will be on site, in addition to the Cob House, operated by Stanley Park Ecology Society, and the Bunny Hop Café.

Queen Elizabeth Park: Cherry Blossom Festival

Queen Elizabeth Park, 33^rd and Cambie, Vancouver: * The Big Picnic under cherry trees in peak bloom on Saturday, April 15, 12-3 p.m. * Spring Light Illumination on Saturday, April 15 and Sunday, April 16, 8-10 p.m. Both events are free, and public transportation or cycling is strongly recommended for travel to and from the park. The Big Picnic will feature: * More than 20 Akebono and Yoshino cherry trees in peak bloom for cherry blossom viewing and 10 more cultivars by the duck pond, also in full bloom * Kabuki theatrical face painting and face painting for children * Yukata dress-up (a lighter version of the kimono) * French storytelling for children under the blossoms * VCBF’s Cherry Blossom-branded car * Urban sketchers * Picknickers can pre-order cherry blossom lunches created by caterers Cocktails & Canapés by visiting the Festival website * Cherry blossom colouring sheets.

South Asian Seniors: Playing Cards

Vedic Seniors Parivar Center of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society Surrey invites South Asian adults and seniors to come and play cards in groups of four to help preserve mental health and positive changes to the brain (memory) on Sunday, April 16, 2-3:30 p.m. at Shanti Niketan Hall of Lakshmi Narayan Hindu Temple at 8321 140th Street, Surrey. Tea and snacks will be served. Contact coordinator Surendra Handa at 604-507-9945 for further information.

Surrey’s 150+ Summer Day Camps

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

Stop Racism Event

Communities are invited to join Kids Play and Asian Pulse TV in its event to commemorate “The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination” which is observed in March, to collectively work towards the elimination of all forms of racism. Come to listen, learn and join in the dialogue on racism in current geopolitical times with a focus on, but not limited to racism and its impacts targeting immigrants, continued stigma towards Sikhs and Muslims as national threats and terrorist frames, Islamophobia, the negative gaze towards the turban, resistance, Neo-Nazi movements and the far right, what we can learn from Sikhi in addressing some of these issues, and the war on gangs and drugs and more. The event will include a panel with four powerful speakers: Tony McAleer, Executive Director of Life After Hate and a former organizer for the White Aryan Resistance (WAR), Indira Prahst, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, specialist on racism and human rights activist with a book forthcoming, Bhai Hari Nam Singh Khalsa, host and producer of insight into Sikhism, and members and police from Crime Stoppers who will focus on tackling gangs and drugs. The event will be officially opened by First Nations people, with a drum ceremony and an opening prayer from well-respected Alana Anderson originally from the Campbell River reserve and daughter of the current Hereditary Chief. A $3,000 scholarship fund will be given out to students on the day of the event in a draw divided into six funds of $500 each, and free pizza. Where? Taj Convention Centre at 8580 132^nd Street, Surrey, When? Wednesday, April 19, 5:30-8 p.m. Visit www.kidsplayfoundation.com or call 779-320-6540

Surrey’s Party for the Planet

Saturday, April 22, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at The Plaza at City Hall, 13450 104^th Avenue, Surrey. This is a free event. No tickets are required. Party for the Planet is BC’s largest Earth Day. Features amazing musical performers, including headliner Shawn Hook. Take in loads of fun things to do such as the ‘perennially’ popular tree and plant sale, the Science Surprise Show, rock climbing, fun booths, Kids World, road hockey and more.

Surrey Art Gallery: Vaisakhi

Passionate Colours: April 22−July 14. Opening reception and Vaisakhi celebration on April 26, 7−9 p.m. Just in time for the spring harvest festival of Vaisakhi, the South Asian Artists Guild will be launching an exhibit at Surrey Art Gallery that embodies a zest for life and passion for colour. The artists in Passionate Colours are: Shital Anmol, Gunwant Bassi, Sanjoy Das, Vipin Kapoor, Baljit Kaur, Bindoo Matharu, Jay Panesar, Jarnail Singh, Navalpreet Rangi, Neeti Singh, Parminder Singh, and Mandeep Wirk. Surrey Art Gallery at 13750 88^th Avenue, Surrey. Phone: 604-501-5566 / surrey.ca/artgallery. Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 9 a.m.-9 p.m. / Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. / Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. / Sunday 12-5 p.m. / Closed Mondays and holidays.

2017 Delta Career Fair

The Corporation of Delta invites you to the 2017 Delta Trades and Technical Career Fair on Thursday, April 27, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. This is a free event. Situated throughout the spacious arena at Sungod Recreation Centre and in the surrounding parking lot, you can expect dozens of exhibitors offering hands-on introductions to a variety of new and unique careers. In addition to the many interactive exhibits the Show Stage is bringing along with it a variety of fascinating presentations, including the tantalizing artistry of the White Spot chefs, as well as frank, motivational talks on women in trades.The Job Fair will host different organizations with immediate job opportunities that they are looking to fill now. From 4 to 8 p.m., come interview ready and armed with your resume. The Boat Race will give students in grades 10 through 12 the chance to work alongside marine industry professionals to construct a vessel that can withstand the wild waters of Sungod’s aquatic centre. Learn more about the exhibitors, Boat Race, and Job Fair at Delta.ca/CareerFair.

Dance Canada in Richmond

Celebrate Canada’s rich multicultural diversity with Dance Canada: A Celebration of International Dance Day in Richmond on April 28 and 29. Aberdeen Centre has partnered with Sudnya Dance Academy and Clarkson Events to host this year’s celebration. The community is invited to learn a variety of culturally diverse dances through free workshops on Friday, April 28 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and a free performance showcasing dance traditions from around the world will take place on Saturday, April 29 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Both events are open to people of all ages and abilities and will take place in the Central Atrium at Aberdeen Centre. For more information, visit iddrichmond.wixsite.com/iddrichmondbc.

Richmond-Vancouver Walk for ALS

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

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

Free Income Tax Clinic

At Richmond Multicultural Community Services. Call 604-279-7160 to book an appointment or email [email protected].

Free Income Tax Filing: Muriel Arnason Library

If your return is straightforward, and you have a low income, visit or call the library staff to book an appointment with a community volunteer to get your tax return filed free of charge. The program will run till April 24. Muriel Arnason Library is located in the Township of Langley Civic Facility at 20338 65^th Avenue. Phone: 604-532-3590.

South Asian Seniors: Filing Income Tax Returns Free

Vedic Seniors Parivar Centre of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society Surrey informs South Asian seniors that during the tax filing period they can help you to file your income tax returns for the year 2016 free of cost through the community volunteer program of Canada Revenue Agency from now to May 2 – if you are living in Surrey / Delta. The eligibility criteria are as follows: 1. Single individual with annual income limit up to $ 30,000. 2. Couples with annual income up to $ 40,000. 3. Adult with one child annual income up to $ 35,000, add the income limit by $ 2,500 for each dependent child. Interest income not over $ 1,000 and this income will be included as total eligibility. With no investment income, no rental income, no business or partnership income and no capital gain or loss. SIN card and photo ID will be required for proof. If you are eligible, contact coordinator Surendra Handa at 604-507-9945 for further information.

ESL Book Clubs: Surrey Libraries

If you would like to practice your English and make new friends, join Surrey Libraries’ ESL Book Clubs. Come practice reading, speaking, and listening in English. Readers are welcome at any level from beginners to advanced. Library books will be provided (Levels 1-4). Call or visit the libraries to register. * City Centre Library: Wednesdays, 1 – 2:30 p.m. April 19, May 24, June 21 * Fleetwood Library: Saturdays, 1:30 – 3 p.m. May 17 * Guildford Library: Thursdays, 2 – 3:30 p.m. May 4, June 1 * Newton Library: Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. April 27, May 25, June 22 * Semiahmoo Library: Thursdays, 1 – 2:30 p.m. April 20, May 18, June 15. www.surreylibraries.ca

PICS: Free Self Employment Program

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

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

NDP Leader John Horgan’s Vaisakhi greetings

13 April 2017

LEADER of the BC New Democratic Party, John Horgan, issued the following statement on the occasion of Vaisakhi:

“ON behalf of all BC New Democrats, I extend warm greetings and best wishes for a happy Vaisakhi to Sikhs across British Columbia, gurudwaras and their congregations.

“Vaisakhi is the holiest celebration in the Sikh faith. As Sikhs gather in celebration of birth of the Khalsa, we honour their significant contributions to our province.

“The Sikh community in Canada has had a long journey to peace, justice, freedom and prosperity over the past 100 years. Gurudwaras are the spirit of the Sikh community that keeps Sikh culture alive and thriving. Our province is enriched by the generosity and philanthropy of gurudwaras and organizations in our communities.

“I hope all British Columbians will come together in celebration, and experience the generosity and spirit of the Sikh community. On behalf of the entire B.C. New Democratic Party, I wish everyone a happy and prosperous Vaisakhi.”

Parminder Singh Basran gets six years in prison in connection with 2004 slaying of Amandeep Bath

13 April 2017

Amandeep Bath
Photos courtesy of Bath family

FAMILY and friends of Amandeep Bath finally received justice on Friday (April 13) – more than 12 years after he was murdered on September 23, 2004, in Surrey.

Parminder Singh Basran, who pleaded guilty on March 3 to manslaughter with a firearm in connection with Bath’s slaying, was sentenced to six years in prison. He has been given a weapons ban for life and must submit his DNA.

Bhabjit Singh Aujla, who pleaded guilty to assault, was sentenced to time served, which equated to 11 months in custody.

Staff – Sgt. Jennifer Pound said: “IHIT’s cold case team consists of highly skilled investigators who have provided justice to families who have tragically lost loved ones. Mr. Bath’s homicide was the first investigation that IHIT’s cold case team assumed conduct of in 2012. As a result of the dedication and compassion that each IHIT investigator displayed throughout the years, today, nearly 13 years after the death of Mr. Bath, we are seeing accountability and justice served.”
Bath’s cousin, Harpreet Khela, said in his victim impact statement in B.C. Supreme Court in New Westminster: “The effect his killing has had on his single mother has been nothing short of cruel. Her only child stripped away from her at his prime. She never got to see him finish his accounting degree, never got to see him fall in love, never got to see him have children of his own. The two involved in Amandeep’s death have left her with a hole that can never be filled and a sadness that has crippled her.”

He added: “The toll that this loss took on our grandmother was unbearable to watch as her health quickly deteriorated at the loss of her favorite grandchild, until we lost her shortly after.

“My home has never been the same after losing Amandeep. My parents, who helped raise Amandeep as a child, lost a part of themselves that day. Not a day has gone by where we do not think of him and miss him.

“Till this day, no remorse has ever been shown by those involved, no apology ever offered, not even an ounce of humanity shown for their heinous act; often acting untouchable and beyond reproach as if what they did was minor.”

He urged the judge “to ensure the fullest extent of the law” was applied to the guilty.

He thanked the judge, the RCMP, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) Crown Council and all those who worked tirelessly to get justice for Amandeep.

Bath’s aunt, Kamaljit Khela, in her statement said: “There are not enough words to express the devastation of September 24, 2004. The tears, screams, shock, disbelief, sickening and heart wrench of that day and every day since. Our world fell apart and never has been put back together.”

She added: “Amandeep was the 27-year-old apple of his mother’s eye. He towered a superb 6’7”; he was a kind-hearted, smart and honest young man. He shied away from conflict, fights and violence, let alone be embroiled with blazing gangs and guns.”

She said: “There are no words to express the searing pain which cut through us when we saw his young body lying there with its life having been sucked out of it. He lay peacefully as our world was cast into extreme confusion, unrest and misery. I often relive the flashbacks, thinking of the terror of Amandeep’s last minutes on earth. I feel his pain as i haer his 911 call echoing in my ears.”

She told the judge: “we do not seek retribution but fair justice in line with the pain caused in robbing of the centrepiece of our lives.”

BATH was out with friends on the night of September 23, 2004. When returning home, he was confronted in his vehicle by an acquaintance. This confrontation prompted Amandeep to take off in his vehicle and call 911. The two suspects then followed behind him in their vehicle. Both vehicles came to a rest in the 9100 block of 125 Street in Surrey, according to police.
At this location the confrontation ensued between the two suspects and Amandeep. This confrontation ended when Amandeep was shot and killed at this location. As Amandeep had placed a 911 call, the Surrey RCMP were on scene quickly which resulted in locating and arresting one of the suspects. The second suspect was identified and arrested a few days following the homicide. Both individuals were charged with homicide-related charges.

However, these charges were stayed in 2005 as Crown concluded the available evidence did not support a viable prosecution at the time.

In 2012, the IHIT Cold Case Unit was formed and this was their first assigned investigation. After an exhaustive review of the case, additional evidence was obtained and the threshold for charge approval has been met.

Nine years after Bath’s murder, on September 24, 2013, Kevin Hackett, who was then the Officer-in-Charge of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team, told the media: “I would like to let the community know that arrests have been made today, and charges secured against, 28-year-old Parminder Singh Basran, who is charged with second-degree murder, and 29-year-old Bhabjit Singh Aujla, who is charged with manslaughter and accessory after the fact. Both men are currently in custody.”

Hackett noted: “Every investigation has its own unique set of facts, challenges and obstacles. This one is no different. In March 2012, a team of dedicated Cold Case investigators was formed within IHIT and now provides our unit an opportunity to focus on those investigations where investigative avenues had been limited and momentum stalled. In most investigations our investigators forge strong bonds with our victim’s family and this was certainly the case here.”

He added: “Amandeep’s family has shown tremendous patience, trust and faith in us. Thank you for that. We hope that this result eases some of the pain and answers some questions.”

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh calls Sajjan ‘Khalistani sympathiser,’ opposition leaders slam CM

13 April 2017

Chandigarh (PTI): Calling Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan a “Khalistani sympathiser”, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Wednesday said he would not meet him during his expected visit to India later this month.
“Harjit Sajjan is a Khalistani sympathiser and so was his father,” Amarinder Singh said during a program on a private TV channel.
“There were, in fact, five ministers in the Justin Trudeau government who were Khalistani sympathisers and I will not have any truck with them,” he declared.
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal reacted strongly to the “irresponsible statement” by asking Amarinder Singh not to act in a “petty and spiteful” manner and give the defence minister of a sovereign country the respect he deserved.
He said: “Amarinder should not have let a personal incident cloud his judgement and he should have refrained from making disparaging remarks against Sajjan as well as all other Punjabi representatives in the Canadian parliament.”
Punjabis worldwide were proud of their elected representatives in Canada and Sajjan was an example of personal accomplishment for the entire Punjabi diaspora, Sukhbir added.
“He (Sajjan) should not be shown disrespect in this manner,” the former Punjab deputy chief minister said here.
Describing such stands as “counter-productive”, he warned that it would not augur well for Punjab and come in the way of trade and bilateral relations with Canada.
“Moreover, it is not in the fitness of things for senior political leaders to show such rancour. One can take a lesson from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He was denied visa by the US, but that did not make him bitter towards that country. In fact, he has gone out of the way to improve the relations between India and the US,” said Sukhbir.
Punjabis worldwide expect Amarinder to behave similarly, show political statesmanship and use his office to improve the relations with Canada, not ruin them, he added.
If the Centre and the other states are giving due respect to Sajjan, so should Amarinder and the Punjab government, the Akali leader said.
“This is the least that is expected of them, considering Sajjan is from their state,” he added.
Sukhbir also mentioned how the previous SAD-BJP government in Punjab had witnessed a number of visits by Punjabi ministers from Canada.
“We had always accorded due respect to visiting dignitaries and even invited elected Punjabi representatives from around the world to the NRI [Non-Resident Indian] sammelans [functions] to focus on the issues of NRIs and find solutions,” he said.

The AAP [Aam Aadmi Party] also slammed the Chief Minister, saying it reflected Amarinder Singh’s “vindictiveness” towards Punjabis living in the North American country.
“It is unfortunate. Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has not only insulted the Canadian defence minister, but Punjabis in general and Sikhs in particular, who have already proved their mettle in foreign land, not only in the business sector but in the political arena by getting elected as MP to become ministers,” Punjab AAP spokesman Sukhpal Khaira said.
The “outburst” against Sajjan, is Amarinder being “vindictive” towards NRIs living in Canada as they did not welcome him during his pre-poll visit to the country, he alleged.
“The Captain [Amarinder Singh] must understand that the people of Canada not only elected Harjit Sajjan as MP, but he also represents the government of Canada. As Chief Minister, he should welcome the visiting the defence minister,” Khaira said.
Amarinder has also alleged that “these Khalistani sympathisers had last year prevailed upon the authorities to block his entry into Canada.”
Khaira demanded that Amarinder immediately withdraw his remarks against Sajjan.
The AAP leader said as the party’s chief whip he would organise a welcome for the Canadian defence minister if Amarinder continued to stay adamant.