Horgan: NDP will make life more affordable, create 96,000 jobs, build 114,000 homes, fix services people count on

13 April 2017

NDP Leader John Horgan will make life more affordable, create 96,000 jobs, build 114,000 homes, and fix the services people count on as part of his plan to build a better BC.

Horgan made the announcement on Thursday morning as he released the BC NDP election platform in Coquitlam.

He said: “While Christy Clark is looking out for people at the top, my priority is making life better for people. Our plan will create good jobs that grow the economy, make life more affordable for families, and fix the services people count on, all with a balanced budget.

“We’ll pay for it by reversing Christy Clark’s tax cut to the top two per cent, raising corporate taxes, taxing housing speculators and cutting BC Liberal waste. Our investments in people will boost economic growth and create jobs and opportunity for the people of BC.

“Christy Clark’s choices have hurt families and made life harder for people. We’re going to make different choices – choices that help families and make their lives better.”

The platform includes $717 million in new spending for the current fiscal year. After taking into account the $295 million projected surplus in the current budget, and $530 million in projected revenue and savings, Horgan’s plan delivers a $108 million surplus for 2017/18, with projected surpluses of $131 million and $80 million in 2018/19 and 2019/20.

“The BC NDP’s fiscal plan is responsible, feasible, and prudent,” said Dr. Rob Gillezeau, Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics at the University of Victoria. “With the maintenance of both a forecast allowance and contingencies for the next three years, an NDP government would be able to meet its fiscal targets. The long run fiscal sustainability of British Columbia will be maintained under this plan.”

Backgrounder

Making life more affordable:

Eliminating Medical Services Plan fees. MSP will be cut by 50 per cent as of Jan. 1, 2018 and be eliminated completely in the first term of a BC NDP government, saving families up to $1,800 a year.
Building 114,000 rental, social, co-op and owner-purchased homes over ten years, directly and through partnerships.
Eliminating interest on BC student loans. Interest will not be charged on existing loans going forward, and will not be applied to new student loans. Students receiving assistance are eligible for a $1,000 completion grant.
Rolling back ferry fares by 15 per cent on small routes and freezing fares on major routes starting in 2018. The plan also restores the 100 per cent seniors’ weekday discount.
Stopping Christy Clark’s 42 per cent increase at ICBC.
Eliminating tolls on the Port Mann and Golden Ears bridges. The lost revenue will be recovered from Christy Clark’s LNG Fantasy Fund.
Supporting renters with an annual rebate of $400.
Freezing hydro rates while a review of BC’s crown corporations is underway.
$10 a day childcare will be implemented over the course of ten years, as recommended by the Coalition of Childcare Advocates.

Good jobs and a sustainable economy:

Creating 96,000 construction jobs by building schools, hospitals, roads, and rapid transit over the next five years.
Cutting the small business tax rate by a half-point to support small business.
Improving tax credits for BC’s technology sector and other strategies to grow innovation, including hiring local software developers and re-establishing the Innovative Clean Energy program cut by the BC Liberals.
Revitalizing BC’s forest industry and making BC a world leader in engineered wood products.
Leading on climate action. We have a plan to reduce our carbon footprint and invest in energy efficiency retrofits to public buildings and homes.
Raising the minimum wage to $15. Wage increases will happen incrementally over the first term of a BC NDP government.
Making reconciliation with First Nations a priority, creating certainty and opportunity for First Nations and BC’s economy as a whole.

Improve the services people count on:

Properly funding classrooms and school equipment, so parents don’t have to fundraise for school essentials.
Replacing portables with real classrooms and making schools earthquake safe.
Expanding BC’s apprenticeship and trades training programs.
Increasing access to doctors, nurses and health practitioners.
Relieving the pressure on emergency rooms and reducing wait times.
Ensuring faster access to mental health services, when and where people need it.
Increasing the time home care workers can spend with seniors, so they can stay in their own homes longer. We’ll also ensure publicly-funded care homes meet the minimum guidelines of care for seniors.
Reducing the backlogs in our courts and invest in programs to end gang violence.
Implementing a comprehensive poverty reduction plan. BC is the only province in Canada without one.
Investing in public transit to get people and goods moving. We’ll increase the province’s capital share of the Mayors’ transit plan from 33 per cent to 40 per cent.
Restoring parks, hiring park rangers and conservation officers, and building new campsites.

The BC NDP platform includes important government reforms, including:

Banning corporate and union donations to get big money out of politics.
Moving to a fair, proportional voting system to make every vote count.
Ending partisan advertising by government.

What’s happening at the George Mackie Library?

13 April 2017

Baby teeth influence a child’s health and development, not only assisting with smiling, chewing and speaking, but they guide the placement of permanent teeth as they come in. Start your infant off with good oral care! On Monday, May 1, from 11:30 am – 12 pm, the George Mackie Library presents Baby Oral Health Workshop, a fun, informative and interactive session for parents and young kids to learn how to properly car for teeth at an early age.

Storytimes continue into our Spring/Summer programming, along with a new evening storytime called Wind Down to Bedtime. Children are invited to wear their pajamas, bring their favourite stuffy, and join us every Thursday night beginning May 4 from 7 pm – 7:30 pm for specially chosen bedtime stories, breathing exercises, songs and some sleepy yoga poses.

What else is happening at the George Mackie Library?

CHILDREN

Baby Oral Health Workshop

Monday, May 1, 11:30 am – 12 pm

A fun, informative and interactive session where parents and young kids learn about how to properly care for teeth at an early age.

Storytime

Tuesdays until May 23, July 4 – August 8, 10:30 am – 11 am

Fridays, May 5 – 26, 10:30 am – 11 am

Introduce kids to the love of books and language with Storytime! Children and caregivers will enjoy interactive stories, songs, rhymes and more. Storytime prepares children to learn to read. Suitable for ages 2 – 6 years.

Babytime

Thursdays until 25, July 6 – August 10, 10:30 am – 11 am

Make language fun! Start early with Babytime. Help your baby develop speech and language skills – enjoy bouncing, singing, rhyming and stories. Babytime is a fun, social bonding activity for babies AND caregivers. Suitable for babies 23 months and younger.

Lego® Club

Thursdays until June 22, July 6 – August 10, 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Love Lego®? We provide the LEGO®, you bring your imagination! Come play, create, and experiment. Children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult.

Wind Down to Bedtime Storytime *NEW*

Thursdays, May 4 – June 29, 7 pm – 7:30 pm

Is your child ready for bed? Not until they wind down at storytime! Join us every Thursday night for specially chosen bedtime stories, breathing exercises, songs and some sleepy yoga poses. Wear your pajamas and bring your favourite stuffy.

Paws 4 Stories

Saturday, May 6, June 17, July 15, August 19, 2 pm – 3 pm

Paws 4 Stories is a St. John’s Ambulance Therapy Dog Community Service that promotes improvement in children’s reading skills. When a child reads with a dog, they start to relax and forget about feeling nervous about reading. Dogs make very supportive listeners! Therapy dogs and their volunteers will listen to children who want to practice reading aloud. This is a free program forages 6 and up. Space is limited! Please register by phone or in person after 10 am on the day of the program for your 15-minute reading session.

TEENS

Teen Night: Pizza and Games

Tuesdays, April 25, May 30, June 27, July 25, August 29, 5 – 7 pm

Do you love to play board games? Are you between 12 and 19 years old? Then come to the library for a fun night of gaming and free pizza. Games and snacks provided by Imperial Hobbies.

ADULT

Intermediate English Conversation

Tuesdays, April 4 – May 30, 1 pm – 3 pm (except May 2)

Intermediate English training for newcomers who want to improve their accent reduction, practice conversation skills and gain confidence with speaking in public. Held in partnership with the Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS) with funding from the Delta Literacy Committee.

Settlement Workers – Punjabi/English

Tuesdays, April 25, May 9, 23, June 6, 20, July 4, 18, August 1, 15, 29, 1 pm – 5 pm

Are you a newcomer to Canada who needs help adjusting to your new life? Free and confidential services are offered to help newcomers – with all their needs – during the process of settling into their new community. Settlement and Integration Services are free for immigrants, refugees and their families in BC.

Next Chapter Book Club

Wednesday, May 3 – June 14, 1 – 2 pm

The Next Chapter Book Club offers a weekly opportunity for adults with differing abilities to read and learn together, talk about books, make friends, and have fun in a relaxed community setting.

Knit & Stitch

Fridays until August 25, 2 pm – 4 pm (except April 14)

Pack up your needles and yarn and head to the library. Knitting, crocheting, quilting and weaving are fun ways to connect across the generations. Join members of all ages and abilities to share ideas, techniques, and good conversation.

Threats on social media in connection with South Delta Secondary School unfounded: Delta Police

13 April 2017

IN the evening hours of April 12, Delta Police received information from concerned parents regarding a conversation among high school students on a social media platform that was threatening in nature. Initial reports were that there were threats against the safety of the students of South Delta Secondary School (SDSS).

Delta Police said the original comment – “Do not come to school tomorrow” – grew and was added to and embellished to the point that there was a belief that there was a threat to students at SDSS. This belief of a threat is completely understandable and it was most appropriate for parents to call police.

Police took this matter seriously and investigated it thoroughly engaging parents, school administration and the School Liaison Officer.

Delta Police said that through their efforts they were able to determine there was no threat to the safety of the staff or students at SDSS. This was a case of social media having a far reach and the message growing beyond the original intent taking on a life of its own.

To ensure confidence and reassurance for parents and students and to dispel rumors, the school administration sent a message to parents providing an overview of the situation and actions taken. Additionally, on Friday morning the principal and staff of SDSS along with the School Liaison Officer are making themselves available to answer any questions and concerns parents may have.

Delta Police said they are encouraged and thankful that parents reached out and called for assistance. This allowed police and school administration to bring this to a resolve as quickly as possible.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Vaisakhi greetings

13 April 2017

PRIME Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday issued the following statement on the occasion of Vaisakhi:

“THIS week, Sikhs in Canada and around the world will celebrate Vaisakhi, a festival that marks the most important date in the Sikh faith.

“Vaisakhi celebrates the founding in 1699 of the Khalsa – the community of baptized Sikhs – by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Family and friends will gather to pray at Gurdwaras and to participate in Khalsa Day parades.

“Next week, we will mark the 35th anniversary of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Just as the creation of the Khalsa defines Sikhism, the Charter defines our country. It defends our individual rights and freedoms and, for Canadians of Sikh faith, ensures the Five Ks are protected.

“This year, as we mark the 150th anniversary of Confederation, let us take the opportunity to honour the many cultures, traditions, and beliefs that make Canada such a wonderful place to live. Canada is proud to be home to one of the largest Sikh populations in the world. Sikh Canadians help make Canada the strong and diverse country it is today.

“On behalf of all Canadians, Sophie and I wish everyone celebrating a joyful Vaisakhi.

“Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.”

Travel tips for the Good Friday/Easter Monday long weekend: CBSA

13 April 2017

THE Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) advises travellers to prepare for a busy Good Friday and Easter Monday long weekend at the border.

Last year, approximately 77,058 vehicles entered Canada through the five Lower Mainland border crossings during the Good Friday and Easter Monday long weekend (March 25 to 28, 2016). The busiest crossings were the Douglas and Pacific Highway ports of entry (POE), which processed approximately 31,247 and 20,241 vehicles respectively.

The CBSA anticipates higher than normal traffic volumes; therefore, here are a few things you can do to make your cross-border trip a little easier:

Plan ahead:Cross the border in the morning, especially if you plan to cross on a Sunday or Monday. The Douglas POE is the busiest land border crossing in British Columbia, and longer wait times begin building in the afternoon and carry on throughout the evening. Alternatively, travellers can return to Canada through nearby POEs like the ports of Aldergrove, Abbotsford-Huntingdon, Boundary Bay or Pacific Highway. For border wait times, download the mobile CanBorder app or visit the CBSA website.

Be prepared:Have your travel documents, proper identification for all persons in the vehicle, and receipts from purchases outside of Canada ready to present to the border services officer. Be ready to declare all goods purchased and/or received while outside the country.

Know your exemption limits:If you plan to make purchases or pick up online purchases across the border, be aware of your exemption limits. Be sure to check the CBSA duty and taxes estimator to calculate taxes on goods purchased in the United States and to help you make informed decisions when shopping abroad.

Ask the CBSA officer:To enter into Canada as quickly as possible, the single best thing you can do is to simply be open and honest with the CBSA officer. If you are not sure about what to declare, don’t hesitate to ask. The officers are there to help you.

Check if you need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): eTA is a new entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals, other than U.S. citizens, travelling to Canada by air. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, cannot apply for an eTA and need to travel with a valid Canadian passport. Canadian permanent residents (PRs) are also not eligible for an eTA and, as always, need to travel with a PR card or a PR travel document. Lawful permanent residents of the U.S. need an eTA to board a flight to Canada.

To expedite the border clearance process, apply to become a NEXUS member. For information on the NEXUS enrollment process and hours of operation, visit the CBSA website.

For more travel tips from the CBSA, visit the travel tips section on the CBSA website.

NEXUS Hours of Operation: Friday, April 14 to Monday, April 17, 2017
Location (Canada)	Location (U.S.)	NEXUS Hours of service into Canada
Abbotsford-Huntingdon	Sumas	8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Aldergrove	Lynden	10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Boundary Bay	Point Roberts	7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Pacific Highway (Surrey)	Blaine	7 a.m. to midnight
Douglas (Surrey)	Peace Arch (Blaine)	7 a.m. to midnight

Filing your first tax return in Canada

13 April 2017

IF you or your family members have recently moved to Canada, you understand the incredible level of change that takes place. Your check list might include: settling into a new neighbourhood, building a network of friends and landing a new job. But there’s another nuance to living in Canada that should be on your list –filing a tax return before April 30.

“Being a newcomer means you are likely new to the routines and requirements of the new country,” said Ivy Chiu, Senior Director, Cultural Markets at RBC. “As you adjust to life in Canada, make sure you plan ahead in your first year and for years ahead. Lean on your community and trusted experts to set you and your family up for success while navigating your way through the changes.”

If you are a resident of Canada for part or all of the tax year (January 1 to December 31) , you are required to file a tax return if you have taxable income or would like to claim a refund. Even if you have not received an income, you would still need to file a return to claim benefits that you would be eligible for so ensure you do so by the April 30, 2017 deadline. Here are a few questions you might want to ask your accountant or financial advisor before filing your tax return.

Hint: If you have a low income or a simple tax return, you may be eligible for the Community Volunteer Tax Income Program.

What income needs to be reported? I still have income/property back home – do I need to report that?
Be sure to clarify what income (including when you became a resident of Canada and prior) that needs to be reported on your tax return.
What benefits and credits am I eligible for?

There are lots of benefits and credits available including the Canada Child Benefit for eligible Canadian residents. Find out what credits and benefits you are entitled to and how and when to apply for them.

What information do I need to compile to complete my tax return?

Be prepared and find out what identification, property ownership details and income information are needed before you file.

What tax sheltering options am I eligible for?

Be sure to ask what tax sheltering options (i.e. Tax Free Savings Account or Registered Retirement Savings Plan) you are eligible for.

Filing your first tax return is one of the many steps thousands of newcomers take in their first year. Asking the right questions will help you file with ease. The Canada Revenue Website has lots of information on helping newcomers understand the Canadian tax system. For other newcomer advice, visit rbc.com/newcomers.

MP Sukh Dhaliwal on Vaisakhi in House of Commons

12 April 2017

WSO welcomes exemption for Alberta Sikhs from mandatory helmet law

12 April 2017

THE World Sikh Organization of Canada on Wednesday welcomed the exemption for turbaned Sikh Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) riders from helmet requirements in Alberta’s amendments to the Traffic Safety Act and Off-Highway Vehicle Regulation.

Bill 36 An Act to Enhance Off-Highway Vehicle Safety makes helmets mandatory for those riding off-highway vehicles (OHVs) on public land such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), snowmobiles, dirt bikes, utility terrain vehicles, and side-by-sides. The law will go into effect May 15, 2017. The law sets fine amounts for those in violation of the helmet requirements.

Initially, exemptions to the helmet requirement were announced that did not include turbaned Sikhs. The WSO along with other representatives of the Sikh community were consulted in Edmonton on February 27 and Calgary on March 1 regarding the helmet requirements. The WSO made submissions with respect to the importance of exempting turbaned Sikhs from mandatory helmet requirements. On Tuesday, the Government of Alberta announced that after listening to concerns about compatibility of OHV helmets with turbans, the law was written to exempt members of the Sikh religion who wear a turban.

WSO Alberta Vice-President Tejinder Singh Sidhu said, “We are pleased that the Government of Alberta has listened to the voice of the Sikh community and exempted turbaned Sikhs from OHV helmet requirements. We are glad the government took the time to engage in dialogue with the community and to understand our concerns and has arrived at a decision that provides religious accommodation to turbaned Sikhs who cannot wear helmets while riding OHVs.”

Canadian Food Inspection Agency recalls flour including Golden Temple Sooji creamy wheat

12 April 2017

A national recall of flour due to E. coli contamination is being expanded to cover additional products.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s recall on March 28 affecting Robin Hood flour now covers products produced by Ardent Mills of Brampton, Ontario.

They include one-kilogram bags of Brodie self-raising cake and pastry flour; Creative Baker all-purpose flour in 20-kilogram bags; Creative Baker whole wheat flour in 10-kilogram packages; and Golden Temple Sooji creamy wheat in two-kilogram packages – each with various best-before dates.

The agency said after the initial recall there had been 26 cases of people being infected with E. coli in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Alberta and Newfoundland and Labrador.

No deaths have been reported, but at least six people have required hospital care. The CFIA says there are no reported illnesses associated with the products added to the expanded recall.

If you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, call your doctor.

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.

Full details at:

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/about-the-cfia/newsroom/food-recall-warnings/complete-listing/2017-04-12/eng/1492038924857/1492038929165

Excerpts from Malala Yousafzai’s speech to Parliament

12 April 2017

MALALA Yousafzai on Wednesday became the youngest person ever to address Parliament and the sixth person to receive honorary Canadian citizenship.

Here are excerpts from her prepared text:

“This is my first trip to Canada, but not my first attempt. On October 22, 2014, my father and I landed at the Toronto airport, excited for our first visit to your wonderful country.

“We soon learned that a man had attacked Parliament Hill — killing a Canadian soldier, wounding others and threatening leaders and civil servants in the building where I stand today.

“Canadian security professionals advised us to reschedule. With sorrow in our hearts, we headed back to England, promising to return to Canada one day.

“The man who attacked Parliament Hill called himself a Muslim — but he did not share my faith. He did not share the faith of one and a half billion Muslims, living in peace around the world. He did not share our Islam — a religion of learning, compassion and mercy.

“I am a Muslim and I believe that when you pick up a gun in the name of Islam and kill innocent people, you are not a Muslim anymore.

“He did not share my faith. Instead, he shared the hatred of the man who attacked the Quebec City mosque in January, killing six people while they were at prayer.

“The same hatred as the man who killed civilians and a police officer in London three weeks ago.

“The same hatred as the men who killed 132 school children at Pakistan’s Army Public School in Peshawar.

“The same hatred as the man who shot me.

“These men tried to divide us and destroy our democracies, our freedom of religion, our right to go to school.

“But you refuse to be divided. Canadians — wherever they were born and however they worship — stand together. And nothing proves this more than your commitment to refugees.

“Around the world, we have heard about Canada’s heroes.”

“Like the refugees in Canada, I have seen fear and experienced times when I didn’t know if I was safe or not. I remember how my Mom would put a ladder at the back of our house so that if anything happened we could escape.

“I felt fear when I went to school, thinking that someone would stop me and harm me. I would hide my books under my scarf.

“The sound of bombs would wake me up at night. Every morning I would hear the news that more innocent people had been killed. I saw men with big guns in the street.

“There is more peace in my home of Swat Valley, Pakistan today, but families like mine — from Palestine to Venezuela, Somalia to Myanmar, Iraq to Congo — are forced to flee their homes because of violence.”

“I was also so happy to meet your Prime Minister this morning. I am amazed by his embrace of refugees, his commitment to appointing Canada’s first gender-balanced cabinet and his dedication to keeping women and girls at the centre of your development strategy.

“We have heard so much about Prime Minister Trudeau — but one thing has surprised me: people are always talking about how young he is.

“They say:

“”He’s the second-youngest prime minister in Canadian history!”

“”He does yoga!”

“”He has tattoos!”

“While it may be true that he is young for a head of government, I would like to tell the children of Canada: you do not have to be as old as Prime Minister Trudeau to be a leader!

“I used to think I had to wait to be an adult to lead. But I’ve learned that even a child’s voice can be heard around the world.

“Young women of Canada, step forward and raise your voices. The next time I visit, I hope I see more of you filling these seats in Parliament.

“Men of Canada, be proud feminists. And help women get equal opportunities as men.”

“I have travelled the world and met people in many countries. I’ve seen firsthand many of the problems we are facing today — war, economic instability, climate change and health crises. And I can tell you that the answer is girls.

“Secondary education for girls can transform communities, countries and our world. Here’s what the statistics say:

“* If all girls went to school for 12 years, low and middle income countries could add $92 billion per year to their economies.

“* Educated girls are less likely to marry young or contract HIV – and more likely to have healthy, educated children.

“ The Brookings Institution calls secondary schooling for girls the most cost-effective and best investment against climate change.

“* When a country gives all its children secondary education, they cut their risk of war in half.

Education is vital for security around the world because extremism grows alongside inequality — in places where people feel they have no opportunity, no voice, no hope.

“When women are educated, there are more jobs for everyone. When mothers can keep their children alive and send them to school, there is hope.

“But around the world, 130 million girls are out of school today. They may not have read the studies and they may not know the statistics — but they understand that education is their only path to a brighter future. And they are fighting to go to school.”

“Dear Canada, I am asking you to lead once again:

“First, make girls’ education a central theme of your G7 Presidency next year.

“Second, use your influence to help fill the global education funding gap. You raised billions of dollars and saved lives when you hosted the Global Fund replenishment in Montreal last year. Show the same leadership for education.

“Host the upcoming replenishment of the Global Partnership for Education, bring world leaders together and raise new funding for girls to go to school. If Canada leads, I know the world will follow.

“Finally, prioritize 12 years of school for refugees. Today only a quarter of refugee children get secondary education. We should not ask children who flee their homes to also give up their dreams. And we must recognize that young refugees are future leaders on whom we will all depend for peace.

“The world needs leadership based on serving humanity — not based on how many weapons you have. Canada can take that lead.”