FRASER Health on Monday announced the end of the measles outbreak in Fraser East. Dr. Paul Van Buynder, Fraser Health Chief Medical Health Officer, said the number of transmissions and new cases has vastly been reduced, and while occasional cases may still be seen, the outbreak response in Fraser Health is now coming to a close.
“The size of, and speed at which, this outbreak spread resulted in more cases of measles than the province has seen in the past 15 years, and was the largest outbreak in almost 30 years,” said Van Buynder, Chief Medical Health Officer for Fraser Health. “National Immunization Awareness Week is an important time to remind parents how quickly these diseases can come back, and that vaccinations are your best shot at protecting your children from these preventable illnesses.”
In a four-week period, the Fraser region had over 400 cases of measles with some patients requiring hospitalization. Although measles has been eliminated in Canada, it is still common in other countries, and cases of measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases are introduced to Canada on a regular basis. Your best protection against becoming ill, or worse, is being immunized against these infections.
“Life is busy and it’s easy to forget to stay on top of your children’s immunization schedule,” says Dr. Michelle Murti, Medical Health Officer for Fraser Health. “Fortunately, new tools make it easier to keep track of your child’s appointments and immunizations. ImmunizeBC.ca offers free text reminders for immunization appointments right to your mobile phone; and the new immunization app allows you to keep track of your whole family’s immunization records, as well as access reliable information about recommended and routine vaccinations for children, adults and travelers.”
For more information on these tools and other immunization tips visit fraserhealth.ca/immunize
Barinder Rasode enjoys strongest level of high familiarity over Linda Hepner, Tom Gill, Bruce Hayne
AS Dianne Watts announces her retirement from municipal politics, many residents of Surrey are satisfied with specific actions taken by their outgoing government, but also ready for change at City Hall, an Insights West poll has found.
When asked about the possible configuration of City Council after this year’s election, two thirds of residents (68%) say they are ready for either a significant change or a small change in their legislators, while only 20% would like to see no change at all.
The online survey of a representative sample of Surrey residents—conducted in late March before the Mayor announced she would not seek a fourth term—shows that half of residents (49%) regard crime as the most important issue facing the city, followed by transportation (22%), health care (7%) and education (6%).
The Surrey municipal government gets high marks on its handling of parks, recreation and arts (66% say it has done an “excellent” or “good” job on this file), governing the city (56%), development within the city (56%), economic development (55%) and improving the image of Surrey (52%).
The city’s residents offer mixed reviews on city services (47%), the way the government has handled the city’s finances (45%) and their efforts to keep property taxes low and control spending (37%).
Three issues get a very low rating, and emerge as key themes in the upcoming municipal election. Only one-in-four Surrey residents (24%) think their government has handled transportation well, and even fewer residents are satisfied with the way it has handled homelessness (18%) and crime and public safety (16%).
“While the outgoing government gets praise on economic development, there are issues where the public is undeniably more critical,” says Mario Canseco, Vice President, Public Affairs at Insights West. “The numbers of satisfied residents on homelessness and public safety is very low, and the next mayor will lead BC’s second biggest city into discussions about transportation infrastructure with the provincial government.”
The race for the mayor’s chair appears to be wide open, and four current councilors hold similar levels of acquaintance with the population. Councillor Barinder Rasode enjoys the strongest level of high familiarity over Linda Hepner, Tom Gill and Bruce Hayne.
“The Surrey councilors who may want to replace Dianne Watts start from a similar position, although Councillor Rasode has a slightly stronger name recognition in the community” continues Canseco. “The key to a successful campaign will be for candidates to put forward solutions on the biggest concerns, particularly regarding crime and public safety.”
SANDY, UTAH – A resilient Vancouver Whitecaps FC (2W-2L-4D) side battled back from an early two-goal deficit to claim a 2-2 draw with Real Salt Lake (4W-0L-5D) Saturdayevening at Rio Tinto Stadium.
After surrendering two goals in the first 10 minutes of the match, the ‘Caps hung around and clawed their way back into the match late thanks to a pair of second-half substitutes.
Uruguayan Nicolás Mezquida scored his first Major League Soccer goal in the 86th minute and countrymate Sebastián Fernández stunned RSL with a long-range strike in stoppage time to help the Blue and White come away with a gutsy point for the second straight week.
Things didn’t start as planned for the Blue and White, however, as undefeated RSL showed their class from the opening whistle. It was a dream start for the home side, who opened the scoring in the second minute of play.
Joao Plata got things going for RSL in his first start since returning from a hamstring injury. A Luke Mulholland dummy allowed Plata to break into the left side of the box and the crafty striker hit a low strike cross the face of goal to give the Royals an early advantage.
Plata’s strike partner Alvaro Saborio got in on the action in the ninth minute. Again it was RSL’s build-up play in midfield that started the sequence. After Ned Grabavoy was tackled at the top of the box, the ball trickled to Saborio and he made no mistake with a quality left-footed strike into the top left corner.
After a few more RSL chances – midfielder Kyle Beckerman was stymied by Whitecaps FC goalkeeper David Ousted in the 16th minute – the ‘Caps began to settle into the match around the 20-minute mark.
Fullback Jordan Harvey, who looked lively along the left flank throughout the match, was involved in both of Vancouver’s first-half chances.
In the 26th minute, he sent in a cross that was deflected to Manneh, but the Gambian was dispossessed before he could get off a shot. And in the 36th minute, RSL goalkeeper Nick Rimando tipped a Harvey header just over the goal.
At the other end of the park, Ousted came up with a big stop on Plata in first-half stoppage time to keep the score 2-0 heading into the half.
The visiting ‘Caps got off to a much better start in the second half, as they began to use their width and find space along the flanks.
Robinson used his full allotment of the subs in the second half, bringing on Fernández and Erik Hurtado in the 61st minute and then Mezquida in the 67th. Accordingly, a more urgent-looking Whitecaps FC side continued to push forward and create opportunities.
With their backs against the wall, the ‘Caps finally got their breakthrough in the 86th minute. That’s when Mezquida flicked home a rebound from in tight after Rimando saved the initial shot off Darren Mattocks, who started the play with a great run down the left side of the box.
Then, moments before the final whistle, Fernández completed the comeback with a wonder strike from 35 yards to cap off an inspired second-half performance. This was the second straight week Whitecaps FC had come back late to earn a 2-2 draw against one of the toughest teams in MLS.
New Delhi/Lucknow (IANS) A day after his comment on Rahul Gandhi visiting Dalit homes for his “honeymoon” sparked outrage, Baba Ramdev Saturday apologised and said he was misinterpreted, even as a police complaint was filed against the yoga guru in Lucknow.
“I did not mean to insult Rahul Gandhi or Dalits. Rahul Gandhi indulges in publicity with photos of him sitting in homes of Dalits. If my statement hurt the Dalits, I regret it,” Ramdev said Saturday.
Ramdev had Friday said in Lucknow: “He (Rahul Gandhi) goes to Dalits’ houses for honeymoon and picnic. Had he married a Dalit girl, his luck could have clicked and he would have become prime minister.”
A first information report has been registered in Lucknow against the yoga guru.
The Congress Saturday reacted strongly to the comment, accusing Ramdev of insulting Dalits and women.
“Yoga has a physical and spiritual dimension. The spiritual dimension is more important. How can someone call himself a yoga guru with this kind of mentality?” said Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi.
“This is an insult to Dalits and women, all for a deep seated venom for Rahul Gandhi. I think people have forgotten that Baba Ramdev has spent all his energy on BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi and his party in the last few weeks,” Singhvi said.
Three women leaders of the Congress accused Ramdev of being “anti-women”.
“These are extremely objectionable comments and we strongly condemn them. These remarks about Dalits and women show his mentality. He claims to be a Yoga guru. Does our culture teach him to talk this way about Dalits? Are Dalit women commodities to be used?” said Kumari Selja, former social justice and empowerment minister.
She was accompanied by Women and Child Development Minister Krishna Tirath and Congress’s women’s wing head Shobha Ozha.
The Bharatiya Janata Party, meanwhile, defended Ramdev, who has extended support to Narendra Modi.
“Ramdev’s comment was twisted. He was referring to the ‘honeymoon period’ that is used in common figure of speech… What he meant was that Rahul Gandhi casually goes to Dalit homes, and does nothing for them,” BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said.
THE VOICE was the first to announce (Friday night on our website and early Saturday in the print edition) that Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts was going to announce on Saturday that she was not going to run again for mayor at the grand opening of the new City Hall.
Well, that’s what Watts did at the ceremony Saturday afternoon.
THIS is what I wrote in my column BY THE WAY … WITH RATTAN:
“SURREY CIVIC SCENE AND RUMOURS GALORE: All kind of rumours are circulating about the possible makeup of Surrey First and the most sensational one is that Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts will announce she’s quitting to run for the Conservative Party in a riding in Surrey (now it’s supposed to be South Surrey-White Rock) on Monday, if not earlier, after celebrating the grand opening of the new City Hall (some call it the Palace of Queen Dianne Watts) on Saturday. Councillor Linda Hepner is expected to be declared the mayoral candidate for Surrey First.
“There is also a rumour that Watts wants well-known Surrey Conservative Dr. Allison Patton to join the team as a replacement for Barinder Rasode, who also is expected to run for mayor. Last February I had written about how Patton, a naturopathic physician who co-founded the Mountainview Wellness Centre in Surrey and is well-known in the community, was contemplating to run for the Conservative nomination in South Surrey-White Rock. But rumours are that Hepner is pissed off at Watts for trying to bring in Patton. She wants her own candidate. Surrey First will also have to get a second candidate. I know of one candidate who snubbed them royally because of their rude, arrogant behaviour. Patton didn’t return my calls on Thursday – earlier, she always did so promptly. Hmmm, I wonder if the rumours are correct!”
And last week, this is what I wrote in the column:
SO WHAT’S UP IN SURREY?: Things have been developing over the past many months in Surrey’s civic politics as various councillors and would-be councillors and mayoral hopefuls have been forming coalitions of various sorts and seeking advice – and anticipating Dianne Watts to announce that she will not run again as mayor.
Former mayor Doug McCallum (see photo), who got his butt kicked good and proper by Watts, plans to run for councillor, it’s rumoured, and former MLA Brenda Locke told me this week that she will run for councillor, too. Right now she regards herself as an independent.
There are rumours that a group is forming to oppose the Surrey First slate. Both Councillor Linda Hepner – with the backing of Councillor Tom Gill – and Councillor Bruce Hayne want to be the next mayor.
The NDP guys are believed to be pressuring MLA Bruce Ralston to run for mayor, but they say he’s not keen about it.
Barinder Rasode, who’s quit Surrey First (no surprise really – and a good, courageous move), will also in all probability announce she’s running for mayor once Watts announces she’s moving out. Watts has had family problems, too, I believe.
The scene in Surrey is getting more and more interesting – but, as Shrek said to the donkey in one of the Shrek movies, “Change is good, donkey”!
AFTER going 101 km/hour above the posted 80 km/hour limit, a 49-year-old man from Langley driving a 2005 Ferrari F430 was pulled over by Fraser Valley Integrated Road Safety Unit police officers on April 19 in Surrey.
“Despite the driver’s extremely excessive speed, the real surprise for officers was when they saw a young child in the vehicle with the man,” said Cpl. Robert McDonald on Thursday. “I don’t know how someone could put a child at risk like that.”
The Ferrari was travelling Southbound on 176th Street at 32nd Avenue, and the vehicle was pulled over without incident. The driver was issued a violation ticket for excessive speed ($483) and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.
“What’s more, the driver admitted to police that he was aware that very intersection was the scene of the horrific motor vehicle accident where an entire family lost their lives,” said McDonald.
LAST year, the driver of a mini-van who had a medical condition hit a car broadside at that very intersection on April 28 at 11 a.m.
Gurmit “Jolly” Sachdeva of Surrey lost his wife, son, daughter, mother and sister in the horrific crash that Surrey RCMP said was one of the worst they had seen in 20 years. Sachdeva, who runs Sachdeva Sweets and Restaurant in 7500 Scott Plaza, also had twin babies who were not involved in the crash. His sister had a husband and two teenage children. The family were returning from a prayer service and were to celebrate their son’s fifth birthday
The five family members who died: Sachdeva’s daughter Jessica Sachdeva, 3, son Annish Sachdeva, 5, wife Pawandeep Arjot, 31, who was driving, sister Neelam Rani Dhingra, 47, and mother Vidya Wanti Sachdeva, 68. All died at the scene.
The crash was so horrific that debris lay scattered for some 150 metres.
THE federal NDP is calling for a moratorium on the use of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program for lower-skilled jobs, until the Conservative government finds a way to stop the blatant abuses of the program.
“The bottom line is, there are people living here in Canada who are being laid off or having their hours cut to facilitate the use of foreign workers – this needs to end immediately,” said NDP Critic of Employment and Social Development Jinny Sims (Newton—North Delta) on Thursday. “Even McDonald’s has taken action – why hasn’t the government?”
After the media reports regarding its use of the TFW Program, McDonald’s put a moratorium on hiring temporary foreign workers, and has called in a third party to review the program. New Democrats are asking why the Minister of Employment and Social Development hasn’t taken action.
“Canadians deserve swift action from the government,” said Sims, who was joined in Victoria by fellow NDP MPs Murray Rankin (Victoria) and Randall Garrison (Esquimalt). “We are asking them to halt the program and call an immediate independent review.”
MEANWHILE, Federal Employment and Social Development Minister Jason Kenney announced Thursday an immediate moratorium on the Food Services Sector’s access to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
Kenney said in a statement: “Accordingly, ESDC will not process any new or pending LMO applications related to the Food Services Sector. In addition, any unfilled positions tied to a previously approved LMO will be suspended.”
MOSAIC Executive Director Eyob Naizghi this week in a letter said: “The Temporary Foreign Worker Program has been in the news frequently these past few weeks, with stories often focused on how some employers are abusing the program. It is MOSAIC’s viewpoint that the entire program inherently lends itself to abuse because it lacks consistency and oversight.
“The Federal Government introduced the Temporary Foreign Workers Program to meet human capital demand, and has paid some attention to putting corrective systems in place. But while the case for needing migrant labor is clear – especially in BC, which is the destination for almost one quarter of all migrant workers – the word “temporary” is misleading as the labor shortage is forecast to become a chronic condition.
“The presence of Temporary Foreign Workers contributes to the overall economy by providing labor in areas that are under resourced or remain unfilled by local residents. Migrant workers also pay taxes and contribute to social benefit programs such as EI, although most will never be able to access benefits from their contributions.
“And yet, despite the fact that Temporary Foreign Workers are proven contributors to the overall economy of our communities and country, they have few rights and no official recourse if those rights – including basic civil rights – are not respected or abused.
“MOSAIC has provided programs since 2010 to assist Temporary Foreign Workers with English conversation classes, legal clinics and workshops, funded by private donors and the City of Vancouver. After April 1, 2014, the BC Government has provided one year of funding to organizations to deliver settlement and integration support services to Temporary Foreign Workers.
“It is our perspective that temporary foreign workers are a particularly vulnerable population since there is no mandatory monitoring or watchdog organization to ensure their rights are protected. In our interactions with these migrant workers, we found that many are economically exploited, charged illegal recruitment fees, misled about the work conditions, or paid sub-par wages. Even more concerning, some have been victims of human trafficking. Many are afraid to make complaints as this has previously led to being fired and / or deported.
“Even what protection they are entitled to is confusing as different rights are accorded to different classes of Temporary Foreign Workers, and other programs are just simply unregulated.
“Canada is traditionally recognized for having a welcoming, inclusive and just society. It is a reputation that has made this country a desirable destination for all who seek a better life than what their own countries can offer them. It can be a disillusioning reality when these individuals arrive to find that they have been misled or are mistreated and that there is no governing oversight to address those issues.
“The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms offers protection for its citizens and permanent residents to live in a free and democratic society. It is past the time for the Canadian Government to provide basic rights and protection to all migrant workers coming to work in this country that would apply to all categories of foreign workers and have accountability for agencies or employers who fail to respect those rights. And it is equally time that we acknowledge Temporary Foreign Workers as contributing members of our community, and provide them with supportive services.”
SUCCESS in a statement said: “S.U.C.C.E.S.S. values an equitable and just society where all people are treated with fairness and respect – behaviour that is exclusionary, prejudicial or demonstrates bias based on race, religion, gender or sexual orientation is unacceptable and should not be tolerated.
“All individuals who are eligible to work in Canada should be treated equitably and fairly by employers. Employees should not experience mistreatment in the workplace and any mistreatment should not be condoned.
“S.U.C.C.E.S.S. upholds the value that all residents in Canada, irrespective of their temporary or permanent status, should be provided with, and have access to, complete and transparent information regarding their workplace and other rights and responsibilities in Canada.”
BY DR. JAT SANDHU
Regional Director of Public Health Surveillance
Vancouver Coastal Health
PEOPLE of South Asian descent are at greater risk of developing heart disease and stroke – and at a much earlier age – compared with other ethnic groups, contributing to this is the greater chance of high blood pressure and diabetes. Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) and Fraser Health (FH) want you to keep healthy, and one way to do this is to ensure you have the health care and community services you need.
VCH, FH and UBC’s eHealth Strategy Office are conducting an unprecedented survey called My Health My Community, to learn about the health and well-being of its residents, so that they can plan future programs and services that are more relevant to its residents’ needs. The survey aims to get between 2-4% of the population of the regions. It’s critical to hear from a diverse group of people to ensure everyone is heard and represented.
So far, less than 400 people, identifying themselves as South Asian, have completed the survey. This is about 40% of the goal for South Asian respondents, which would give us an accurate representation of the community.
How to take the survey: The survey is online and is in English. It takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete. You can take the survey here. The survey asks questions such as how often you exercise, how long your commute is and how safe your neighbourhood is. Where you live, work and play affects your health. (www.myhealthmycommunity.org)
Prizes: Complete the survey and you’ll be entered in a draw for prizes such as an iPad! Chances of winning a prize are one in 500.
Survey results: The survey closes June 30. The results will be shared with municipal governments and community groups to help plan future programs and services that are more relevant to our residents’ needs.
Neighbourhood progress: You can view how many surveys have been completed in your neighbourhood, city or town. The survey posts its progress reports on its website https://www.myhealthmycommunity.org/Progress.aspx.
More info: To get a general overview of the survey watch a one-minute video with Punjabi subtitles: http://youtu.be/PColBengzuE
SURREY RCMP announced this week that they are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying suspects who may be responsible for a number of recent daytime robberies over the past few weeks at cell phone stores.
Police have responded to four robberies at cell phones stores in the City Centre and Newton areas of Surrey. On March 25 a store located in the 12800 block of 96th Avenue was robbed by two suspects. On April 3 and 11, a store located in the 8300 block of 128th Street was robbed, and on April 17, a fourth robbery occurred at a store in the 13500 block of 88th Avenue.
Due to the similarities of these incidents, investigators believe these crimes are related with at least one of the suspects being responsible for all four incidents. This suspect is described as a Caucasian male, in his early 20’s, wearing dark clothing, ball cap, and hooded sweater. Police released a surveillance photo of the suspect in the hopes of identifying him.
“Our Robbery Unit continues to advance these investigations by identifying persons of interest and interviewing numerous witnesses,” said Surrey RCMP Cpl. Bert Paquet. “Information from the public surrounding those responsible or their associates, however, would assist greatly us in our efforts.”
Cellphone store owner Rob Riarh told The Province newspaper that he has 27 stores across B.C. and Alberta and the only problem is in Surrey where he has lost almost $70,000 worth of merchandise in three recent robberies.
Anyone with more information is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP Robbery Section at 604-599-0502 or Crime Stoppers, if they wish to remain anonymous, at 1-800-222-8477.
This recent robbery series also serves as a warning to individuals purchasing mobile phones online and through means other than licensed sellers. The phones that were stolen in this series were immediately deactivated by the business owner, which in effect rendered them useless for anyone attempting to activate them afterwards.
“As a customer, always do your due diligence and be weary of meeting up with unknown persons for purchasing of these items,” said Paquet. “If you are purchasing a phone, check the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number on the phone at www.protectyourdata.ca to ensure it has not been reported lost or stolen in Canada.”
Investigators have also been engaged with local businesses that sell cell phones to encourage them to consider extra security measures including video surveillance systems and a locked door or buzzer system for their customers.
For more information on robbery prevention, contact your local Surrey RCMP District Office and arrange for a meeting with a Community Safety Officer or visit the Protect Yourself section of the Surrey RCMP’s website.
MANRICK Singh, 27, former Malaysian national cricketer who used to play for West Vancouver Cricket Club, received a 90-day conditional sentence order last week in North Vancouver, while his brother, Tekbinderpal Bhar, 20, was given a suspended sentence in a case involving a 13-year-old girl.
Singh, who was caught thanks to a Facebook security monitoring team for inappropriate sexual chat, pleaded guilty to a charge of Internet luring. The Surrey man received a term of house arrest and 18 months probation, the North Shore News reported.
Bhar pleaded guilty to sexual assault on the same victim and was put on probation.
Last May, North Shore News had reported that Bhar had been charged with sexual touching of a person under 16 between June 21 and August 11, 2012, in West Vancouver, while Singh faced a charge of Internet luring of a child under 16 during the same time frame. Singh also faced a charge of possession of child pornography.
According to information presented during the sentencing hearing, the girl asked during one sexual chat, “I’m almost 14. Is this illegal?” and Singh replied: “Yes it is. LOL. Don’t let anybody find out about this.”
Singh’s lawyer Michael Shapray said Singh is deeply remorseful, said the girl had tried to persuade Singh to meet in person a number of times but he refused and that he never asked her to send photos to him.
Bhar had sexual contact with the girl whom he met in a forested area of West Vancouver. Although the sexual contact was consensual and was stopped by Bhar after 10 or 15 minutes, Crown counsel Lindsay Heron noted that, however, was no excuse. Relationships with anyone under the age of 16 is against the law in order to protect young people “who have no judgment, little experience and make bad choices.”
Shapray said Bhar was extremely remorseful.
Judge Steven Merrick said he considered Bhar’s actions to be at the low end of such offences but noted that “children are vulnerable and need to be protected from adults who would take advantage of them” and that Bhar knew his behaviour was wrong.
Both the brothers have been placed on the national sexual offender registry for 10 years.
