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BY THE WAY … WITH RATTAN

Doug McCallum
Doug McCallum
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”!

 

DON’T TAKE THINGS FOR GRANTED, FEDERAL LIBERALS!: Things can change faster in politics than the weather in B.C. You know what happened to the NDP less than a year ago. And you saw how the Liberals thrashed the Parti Quebecois in Quebec just the other day. Yes, true, the Liberals under Justin Trudeau have managed to remain Number One in spite of all Trudeau’s blunders and the viciously negative, personal attacks on him by the Harper Conservatives. But the latest Nanos poll shows that on the question of preferred Prime Minister, Stephen Harper is ahead of Trudeau and NDP Leader Tom Mulcair. As Nanos noted: “Thirty percent of Canadians preferred Harper as PM, followed by Trudeau at 28 percent and Mulcair at 20 percent. Over the past three weeks, the trend line on the preferred PM front has favoured Harper over Trudeau.”

Nanos also said that its Party Power Index Scores were relatively unchanged over the past week: the Liberals registered 55 points out of 100, the Conservatives 50 points, the NDP 49 points, and the Green Party 33 points.

“When measuring the potential maximum vote for each of the parties, the Liberals still have the largest accessible pool of voters. Fifty percent of Canadians would consider voting for the federal Liberals (39 percent would not consider voting Liberal and 12 percent were unsure). Forty percent of Canadians would consider voting for the federal NDP, 39 percent of Canadians would consider voting for the Conservatives, and 27 percent would consider voting Green.”

So the NDP is still very much in the run, apparently because of Mulcair’s terrific pummelling of Harper day in and day out on a raft of issues in a calm, dignified manner. Trudeau can learn a lot from Mulcair.

 

WIFE KILLER MUKHTIAR PANGHALI HAS TO COUGH UP MORE THAN $500,000: Mukhtiar Panghali, a physics teacher at Surrey’s Princess Margaret secondary school, killed his pregnant wife, Manjit, a school teacher at Surrey’s North Ridge elementary school, in October 2006. Manjit’s brother Tarminderpal Singh Basra and sister Jasmine Kaur Bhambra, as administrators of Manjit’s estate applied for an assessment of damages on behalf of the victim’s 10-year-old daughter, Maya, under the Family Compensation Act. B.C. Supreme Court Justice Robert Punnett ordered Mukhtiar Panghali to pay as follows: “Past loss of dependency: $54,700; future loss of dependency: $165,000; past loss of household assistance and childcare: $129,000; future loss of household assistance and childcare: $172,000; loss of guidance: $35,000; public guardian and trustee fees of $58,600.”

Full judgment at: http://www.courts.gov.bc.ca/jdb-txt/SC/14/06/2014BCSC0647.htm

 

SOUTH ASIAN HOCKEY DAD LOSES IT!: Hockey dad Terry Mukhtiar Singh Litt, 57, of Burnaby is in deep doo-doo after a locker-room incident at North Vancouver’s Karen Magnussen Arena that led to him being charged with threatening a 10-year-old player on his son’s Atom A# Burnaby Winter Club rep team. The team lost 5-3 to a North Vancouver team on February 21. Litt is reported to have gone to the dressing room and verbally assaulted and threatened the player.

Kirpan to be accommodated at Canadian missions across the world

World Sikh Organization of CanadaTHE World Sikh Organization of Canada on Monday announced the release of accommodation guidelines for the kirpan in Canadian embassies and consulates across the world.

The Indo-Canadian Voice had reported last week that this announcement was to be made by Tim Uppal, Minister of State (Multiculturalism), on behalf of Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird at the Khalsa Community School in Brampton, Ontario. Parm Gill, MP for Brampton-Springdale, was also present.

The WSO said it worked with the Government of Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development to develop these guidelines.

The kirpan is an important article of faith worn by amritdhari or initiated Sikhs which represents spiritual wisdom and the duty to stand against injustice.

Sikhs will be permitted to wear the kirpan in Canadian missions based on the following guidelines:

* their kirpan is secured within a sheath, attached to a fabric belt, worn across the torso and under clothing prior to entering the mission premises, and

* they are in possession of the four other Sikh articles of faith (an attestation on the part of the visitor is acceptable for those articles that are not normally visible).World Sikh Organization of Canada

The accommodation policy for Canadian missions follows recent accommodation policies for the kirpan in courthouses in Toronto, Alberta and British Columbia which WSO helped to create. The kirpan is also accommodated at the Parliament of Canada and the Supreme Court of Canada.

WSO President Dr. Amritpal Singh Shergill said, “We are very thankful to Prime Minister [Stephen] Harper’s government for recognizing the importance of accommodating this article of our faith. The accommodation of the kirpan in Canadian missions is a welcome move and a matter of pride for Canadian Sikhs. Anywhere across the world, Sikhs who wear the kirpan can go to a Canadian mission without fear of being turned away. Accommodation of the kirpan is integral to showing respect to the Sikh community, its faith and practices.”

Monday’s announcement is particularly significant as it coincides with Vaisakhi, the birth of the Order of the Khalsa in 1699, the day initiated Sikhs were enjoined to wear five distinct articles of faith, including the kirpan.

WSO legal counsel Balpreet Singh said, “Canada is a leader in human rights and a model of how diversity and religious freedom can be celebrated. The accommodation of the kirpan in Canadian missions sends a strong message that the Government of Canada is committed to upholding the values of equality and respect that we hold dear as Canadians.”

Field Hockey: Two South Asians in men’s roster named for upcoming champions challenge in Malaysia

Sukhi (Sukhpal) Panesar
Sukhi (Sukhpal) Panesar
THE Canadian Men’s National Program has named 18 elite athletes to a team that will travel to Kuantan, Malaysia, to take part in the 8th Men’s Champions Challenge 1 (CC1) tournament April 26 to May 4.

Two of them are South Asians:

* Sukhi (Sukhpal) Panesar, 20, of Surrey who plays midfield and is from United Brothers FHC. He was born in Surrey.

* Keegan Pereira, 22, of Ajax, Ontario, who plays midfield and is from UBC Thunderbirds. He was born in Mumbai, India. His former teams were University of Victoria Vikes, and Toronto Titans Field Hockey Club. His brother, Kevin, is a goalkeeper on the Junior National Team.

The National Team will return to Malaysia after finishing fifth in the 23rd Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh in March – their best finish ever at that tournament.

“This is a well balanced team,” says head coach Anthony Farry. “We have made a couple of changes from the Azlan Shah Cup squad with some of our overseas players returning to the group and this will add a bit of experience.”

Keegan Pereira
Keegan Pereira

Leading the group of experienced players are defender Scott Tupper (Vancouver), who has been capped 177 times and plays professionally in Belgium, and forward Mark Pearson (Vancouver), who is expected to reach his 150th international cap during the tournament.

Also named to the squad is defender Benjamin Martin (Vancouver), who will likely reach his 50th cap on the tour.
“Having guys achieve milestones like 150 or 50 caps is significant and shows their quality and commitment to the program and there’s no doubt both Mark and Ben contribute a great deal both on and off the pitch,” says Farry.

“Both these guys embody leadership in different ways and I’m hopeful they will be around the group for some time yet.”

Canada finished sixth at the 2012 Champions Challenge in Argentina, and has since exposed more than 20 new athletes to senior level international hockey. Canada looks to top its 2012 result at this year’s competition in Malaysia, where world ranking points will be on the line.

 

Roster

(Name / Position / Residence / Club Team)

 

* Adam Froese- Defender – Abbotsford, BC – India FHC

* Antoni Kindler – Goalkeeper – Vancouver, BC – West Vancouver FHC

* Ben Martin – Defender – Vancouver, BC – Vancouver Hawks FHC

* David Carter – Goalkeeper – Vancouver, BC – India FHC

* David Jameson – Defender – Vancouver, BC – Vancouver Hawks FHC

* Gabriel Ho-Garcia – Forward – Vancouver, BC – Burnaby Lake FHC

* Gordon Johnston – Defender – Vancouver, BC – UBC Thunderbirds

* Paul Wharton – Midfield – Vancouver, BC – UBC Thunderbirds

* Iain Smythe – Forward – Vancouver, BC – Vancouver Hawks FHC

* Richard Hildreth – Forward – Vancouver, BC – Vancouver Hawks FHC

* Hudson Stewart – Forward – Vancouver, BC – UBC Thunderbirds

* Keegan Pereira – Midfield – Ajax, ON – UBC Thunderbirds

* Mark Pearson – Midfield – Tsawassen, BC – West Coast Kings FHC

* Matthew Guest – Forward – Melbourne, Aus. – Altona Hockey Club

* Philip Wright – Forward – Vancouver, BC – Vancouver Hawks FHC

* Scott Tupper – Defender – Vancouver, BC – Racing Club de Bruxelles

* Sukhi Panesar – Midfield – Surrey, BC – United Brothers FHC

* Taylor Curran – Midfield – Vancouver, BC – UBC Thunderbirds

 

Canadian Schedule

 

Canadian Schedule

* Saturday, April 26 – vs Korea – 19:00

* Sunday, April 27 – vs France – 19:00

* Tuesday, April 29 – vs Malaysia – 21:00

* Thursday, May 1 – Quarterfinals

* Saturday, May 3 – Semi-Finals

* Sunday, May 4 – Final

(All times local to Kuantan, Malaysia)

 

Floated policy highlights spousal sponsorship challenges

spousal sponsorship THE current government has implemented changes to immigration rules for several years, in all categories of immigration, to address several of its concerns. The first concerns the ability of immigrants to adapt to the economy and their ability to contribute to society. The second is to crack down on fraud in obtaining permanent immigrant status and ultimately citizenship.

For the most part, the changes related to adaptability have focused on economic immigrants, but has included changes to sponsoring parents and grandparents. However, several weeks ago the Toronto Star reported the immigration department was thinking of requiring sponsored spouses to meet language and other requirements. If carried out, this would be the most dramatic change to spousal sponsorship since the category was formally started in 1962. Earlier rules had expressly exempted spouses from literacy tests.

This alarmed a number of groups and arose after the Immigration Minister, Chris Alexander, reportedly raised the issues at public meetings earlier this year. Critics suggested the idea would prevent many spouses, particularly from non-English and non-French-speaking countries, from qualifying under family sponsorship. They also suggested the government was thinking about requiring sponsors to meet minimum income requirements to sponsor their spouses. The government was quick to respond to the criticism. The minister’s spokesperson, Alexis Pavlich, deflected the issue by saying the issues were raised by stakeholders as meetings and did not mean that it would become government policy.

Since 1962 citizens and permanent residents have had a right to sponsor their spouses to the country. Following a court ruling the rules were amended in early 1984 to prevent “immigration marriages” by excluding spouses who did not intend on living permanently with their sponsor. The current rule requires spouses, common-law partners and conjugal partners to prove their relationship is genuine and was not entered into primarily for the purpose of acquiring any immigration status.

While immigration officers are trained to spot fraudulent marriages, the decision-making process can appear subjective. It is difficult to determine what a person is thinking by objectively viewing their actions and statements. As a further deterrence, when the current Act was started in 2002, a rule was added to prevent a sponsor from sponsoring a new spouse while they still were responsible (currently for three years) for a previous one. Some persons had abused the system by sponsoring a spouse, obtaining a divorce within a few years and remarrying another person to sponsor. A few cases involved serial sponsors, involving more than two immigration marriages in a row.

To deter immigrants who deceive their sponsor and terminate the relationship soon after coming to Canada, the rules were changed in 2012 to bar a recent immigrant from sponsoring a new spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner for five years after getting their permanent status. The consequences can be harsh for a person whose previous relationship breaks down for legitimate reasons and wants to start a new relationship with another immigrant.

There is nothing guaranteed about sponsoring a spouse or other partners. Red flags are raised when the parties to a relationship appear incompatible due to age, education, race or religion. Arranged marriages are looked at to see if they fit within customary norms. The sponsorship process requires the immigrant applicant to complete a questionnaire about their relationship. If the written application doesn’t address potential concerns the applicant will be called to an interview, where their answers will be compared with the written application.

If refused, the sponsor may appeal the decision to the Immigration and Refugee Board. This does not apply to refusals of applications made within Canada. New evidence can be submitted to the board. Other witnesses to the relationship may testify. The Border Agency may investigate by visiting the sponsor’s home. Credibility is a primary issue. False statements, whether regarding employment, education, family relationships or other matters, may affect a decision. They might also lead to criminal charges for sponsors. The Border Agency is also seeking removal orders against permanent residents under the current law for making misrepresentations in subsequent sponsorships.

De Cervantes, the Spanish author of Don Quixote, is quoted as saying: “Forewarned, forearmed; to be prepared is half the victory.” Anyone contemplating a relationship with a potential immigrant should be aware of the responsibilities and obligations of sponsoring that person. In order to avoid a delayed application or having to appeal a refusal, they should arm themselves with knowledge of how to prove it is a genuine relationship and to deal with any potential matter an immigration officer may be concerned about. Inadequate information can result in an uninformed response. Since the onus is always on the applicant to prove they qualify for immigration, an officer will not be faulted if the information is not provided.

BY WILLIAM MACINTOSH
William Macintosh started practising as an immigration lawyer in 1984. You can reach him for advice or help on any immigration or citizenship matter at 778-714-8787 or by email at [email protected]

Surrey RCMP celebrate Vaisakhi Day, caution parents to take care of kids

SURREY RCMP BILL FORDYON Saturday, April 19, the Surrey RCMP will be participating in this year’s Surrey Vaisakhi Parade, one of the largest Vaisakhi celebrations in the world outside of India.

The Surrey RCMP are involved with the Vaisakhi parade not just for traffic control and public safety, but to take part in the festivities as well. In addition to an information booth with resources about programs and initiatives, there will also be a stage with an RCMP vehicle and officers wearing their traditional red serge. The public is invited to come by and say hello and take photos at this location on the west side of 128th Street and 77th Avenue.

A number of road closures will be taking place in the City of Surrey this weekend due to the festivities and police advise members of the public to make the necessary preparations and arrange to use alternate routes. For a full list of road closures and route details, visit surreyvaisakhiparade.ca.

Every year the Surrey RCMP responds to dozens of incidents of missing children at the Vaisakhi parade due to children becoming separated from their parents. All children were eventually reunited with their parents, however the Surrey RCMP reminds parents to have conversations with their children before attending this weekend’s events about what to do if they become separated. Simple tips include:Vaisakhi

* Familiarize your children with their surroundings and have a pre-planned meeting place

* Equip your child with some form of identification and your contact information

* Point out the Surrey RCMP’s missing children’s tent and emergency services personnel

* Keep a current photo of your child on you in case you need to describe them to police

* Keep your child within eyesight at all times.

“We are always proud to participate in the Surrey Vaisakhi Parade and I expect another joyous celebration that showcases the true diversity of our city,” says Surrey RCMP Officer in Charge, Chief Superintendent Bill Fordy. “On behalf of the Surrey detachment, I wish you and your family a safe and fun event. Happy Vaisakhi!”

Vaisakhi parade a great opportunity to enjoy Sikh culture

TERESA WATLAST Saturday, Premier Christy Clark and tens of thousands of people took time to enjoy the annual Vaisakhi parade in Vancouver – and for good reason. This special day celebrates the beginning of the Nanakshahi calendar year, which usually occurs on April 13 and April 14 once every 36 years. It also marks the beginning of harvest season for the winter crops in India so in many ways it is similar to Thanksgiving in North America.

Events like the Vaisakhi parade attract people from every culture, and give us a chance to experience the diversity that makes Vancouver, and all of British Columbia, so special.

Since I became Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism last spring, I have attended many events throughout the province. One thing that really stands out for me is how proud we are in B.C. of our cultural heritage. I’ve seen beautiful art installations, amazing dance and theatre performances, and talked one-on-one with people from many cultures.

These are just a few examples of the many ways we can all experience the unique cultural mosaic that is British Columbia.

This blending of cultures and traditions has made us what we are today. Our diverse communities have always played an important role in the development of our society – socially, economically and culturally. They have contributed mightily to our past and to our present and will play a vital role in our future. Today, British Columbia continues moving forward as a welcoming and inclusive society.

Cultural diversity is the fabric of our province and is a competitive advantage to creating a strong economy. As Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism, I am proud to be part of a province, a government and a community of many voices. Our government remains committed to challenging racial intolerance and promoting the inclusiveness that we all value as a modern, tolerant, multicultural society.

While the Vancouver Vaisakhi Parade took place last weekend, the good news for those who could not attend is that Surrey also holds a huge Vaisakhi Parade. This Saturday the parade will begin at approximately 9:30 a.m. at Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar Temple, located at 12885-85 Avenue.

The parade attracts about 100,000 spectators and some of the many good reasons to go are to enjoy the people, the culture, and of course, the delicious Sikh cuisine.

Every day we are given opportunities to reach out to our communities, our families and our neighbours to appreciate the differences that define us and to recognize that diversity enriches us all – the Vaisakhi parade is a prime example. I encourage all to attend and join in celebration, and look forward to seeing you there.

BY TERESA WAT
Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism

Amar Karma enthusiasts from Ontario now launch in Surrey

AMAR Karma Organ Donation SocietyAMAR Karma Organ Donation Society, Canada’s first South Asian organization to raise awareness about organ donation, is now set to expand in Surrey, after reaching out to the masses in the Greater Toronto Area.

The Karma team comprises a dynamic team of youngsters, who organize events around the region every month such as walks, seminars and booths at different settings. The team Amar Karma has successfully involved many students, politicians, businesses and organizations into the mission.

Amar Karma is now launching their campaign in Surrey on April 19 at the Khalsa Day Parade, enthusiastically attended by tens of thousands of community members.

The team in British Columbia will be led by Jas Gill, who is a liver recipient and has been passionately advocating organ donation for many years.

This event will be attended by Loveen Kaur Gill, founder and organizer of Amar Karma Organ Donation Society, based out of Toronto.

Team Amar Karma is anticipating the support of community while they raise awareness to highlight the need of organ and tissue donation in British Columbia, as mandated by the B.C Transplant organization.
For more information, contact them at 604-721-8063 or 604-767-7274.

Surrey students teach music and English and share Canadian culture with Indian students

Surrey’s Pacific Academy Secondary STUDENTS from Surrey’s Pacific Academy Secondary recently returned from a spring break community outreach trip to Nagpur, India. The 11 students volunteered their holidays to work and help at the Prem Sewa Boy’s and Girl’s Hostel in the central Indian city.

The school and students seized an opportunity to experience the Indian culture while also developing long-lasting friendships and mutual understating. Pacific Academy students filled their days by teaching music, English and sharing Canadian culture. They contributed to the upkeep of the school by doing daily chores in the 40 C temperature, waking at 6 a.m. to clean, paint, cook and garden.

Many of the Surrey school’s students are now fans of cricket as they learned just how popular the sport is in India by playing the sport daily. They capped their hard work off with an unforgettable visit to the Taj Mahal.

Kudos to Pacific Academy and the 11 students for leading and participating in such a worthwhile program. Indeed, it’s through these types of endeavors that our next generation will mature with a respect for all cultures.

Surrey and Delta high school students showcase science smarts at KPU

South Fraser Regional Science Fair.
Ministers Peter Fassbender and Stephanie Cadieux, and Patti Leigh, executive director of Science Fair Foundation BC, with the winners of South Fraser Regional Science Fair.
AN impressive showcase of science projects were on display at last week’s South Fraser Regional Science Fair (SFRSF) held at Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s (KPU) Surrey campus. In all, 138 students from grades 7-12 participated in the annual science fair.

Minister of Education Peter Fassbender, Minister of Children and Family Development Stephanie Cadieux, proud parents and science enthusiasts viewed the publicly displayed science projects, and attended the awards ceremony Friday evening. Students also toured KPU’s physics and biology labs for hands-on experiments and demonstrations designed to give them a feel for science at the post-secondary level.

Gold, silver, bronze and recognition awards were handed out to junior, intermediate and senior science projects. Eight students will be advancing to the Canada-Wide Science Fair, which will be held May 10-17 in Windsor, Ontario.

“The science fair has greatly contributed to my growing interest in science and I have learned a lot through my project,” says Devika Vishwanath, a grade 10 student from Seaquam Secondary, and one of the winning students going on the all-expenses paid trip to Windsor. “My project this year on free-space laser communication has given me a new field to consider.”

Over 55 expert judges evaluated the inventive projects and determined scores based on scientific thought, original creativity, visual display and oral presentation.

The competition routinely attracts some of the most talented student scientists from across the Surrey and Delta school districts. It encompasses several scientific disciplines, including biotechnology, earth and environmental sciences, engineering and computing sciences, health sciences, life sciences, and physical and mathematical sciences.

“This event is a great showcase of the wealth of scientific talent found in our local community,” says Betty Worobec, dean of KPU’s faculty of science and horticulture. “KPU Surrey was abuzz with scientific energy.”

The SFRSF is jointly sponsored by KPU, SFU, the Surrey and Delta school districts, Advanced Systems Integrators and the Science Fair Foundation of BC. For a complete list of winners, visit: SFRSF.

Local organizations facing difficulties as funding for Skills Link Program faces unexplained delays: Jinny Sims

NDP MP Jinny SimsCOMMUNITY organizations in Surrey are facing difficulties as funding for the Skills Link Program has faced unexplained delays. NDP MP Jinny Sims said: “Local service providers have been contacting my office because they are unable to obtain information about their Skills Link funding applications.”

Federal funding through the Skills Link program aims to help youth with barriers to employment to develop the skills necessary to join the job market. Organizations which have received funding for many years are now waiting and unsure about how they will afford to pay staff and rent.

“Local Service Canada staff have been very helpful with inquiries, but the delays and lack of information appear to be happening in Ottawa,” said Sims, “At this point, I have sent a letter to Minister [Jason] Kenney asking for an answer for these organizations, so they can get back to their work rather than worrying about funding.”

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