Australian aircraft detects possible signal in MH370 hunt

10 April 2014

Canberra, Australia (IANS): A Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) AP-3C Orion aircraft has detected a possible signal consistent with the missing jet in the vicinity of the Australian Defence Vessel (ADV) Ocean Shield, an official confirmed Thursday.

“The acoustic data will require further analysis overnight but shows potential of being from a man-made source,” said Angus Houston, chief coordinator of the Joint Agency Coordination Center (JACC).

Joint Agency Coordination Center (JACC) is leading the multi-national operation to search for the missing Malaysian Airlines jetliner that vanished mysteriously with 239 on board.

According to JACC figures, the ADV Ocean Shield is narrowing down Thursday’s search area from 75,000 square km to 57,923 km, which lies approximately 2,280 km northwest of Perth, Xinhua reported.

The ADV Ocean Shield detected four signals Saturday and Sunday.

“Hopefully with lots of transmissions we’ll have a tight, small area and hopefully in a matter of days we will be able to find something on the bottom that might confirm that this is the last resting place of MH370,” Houston was quoted as saying.

Up to 14 planes and 13 ships have joined in Thursday’s search for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370.

Except for the search operation on the ocean surface, the underwater search also continued Thursday, with the Ocean Shield at the northern end of the defined search area, and Chinese ships Haixun 01 and HMS Echo at the southern end.

Two separate signals were detected Sunday by a US pinger locator being towed by the ADV Ocean Shield in the Indian Ocean search area, about 1,700 km northwest of Perth.

The first detection of the signal lasted for two hours and 20 minutes. After few hours, the second signal was detected which lasted for 13 minutes.

The two signals were about 1800 metres apart.

The ADV Ocean Shield detection Sunday came shortly after a Chinese patrol vessel, the Haixun One Zero, reported detecting two pulse signals Friday night, and then again Saturday at a frequency consistent with black box technology.

The Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 vanished mysteriously about an hour after taking off for Beijing from Kuala Lumpur shortly after midnight March 8.

The Boeing 777-200ER was scheduled to land in Beijing the same day. The 227 passengers on board included five Indians, 154 Chinese and 38 Malaysians.

Despite extensive scouring of the remote southern Indian Ocean area by planes and ships off the coast of Perth, where the plane is believed to have crashed, no trace has been found.

Canada Revenue Agency says service interruption will be taken into account for individual taxpayers

10 April 2014

CANADA Revenue Agency said Thursday that the Minister of National Revenue has confirmed that interest and penalties will not be applied to individual taxpayers filing their 2013 tax returns after April 30 for a period equal to the length of this service interruption.

After learning of the security vulnerability posed by the Heartbleed bug, Canada Revenue Agency said it took preventative measures and removed public access to its online services in order to protect the confidentiality of the taxpayer information it holds. Applications affected include online services like EFILE, NETFILE, My Account, My Business Account and Represent a Client.

It said it continues to work on resolving the issue. In keeping with industry practice, it is currently implementing a solution, or “patch”, for the bug, and is vigorously testing all systems to ensure they will be safe and secure once the site is re-launched.

CRA said it appreciated the cooperation and patience of the public and its business and taxpayer representative communities.

“We remain committed to maintaining the confidence of Canadians by taking all steps necessary to ensure the security of taxpayer information. We will continue to provide further information and daily updates at 3PM EDT on our home page,” it added.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University Foundation Chair says funds from foundation were not used to pay KPU executives

10 April 2014

KEN Hahn, Chair, Kwantlen Polytechnic University Foundation, in an email to The VOICE this week said that funds from foundation were not used to pay KPU executives.

Hahn said: “You may be aware of recent media reports about questions raised by NDP Advanced Education Critic David Eby about whether funds from the Kwantlen Polytechnic University Foundation were used to pay KPU executives. I want to reassure you that the answer to that question is no and allegations to the contrary are completely false.

“As you are likely aware, the KPU Foundation was established as an independent legal entity in 2000, with the mission of raising funds to create quality life-long learning opportunities for KPU students to achieve personal, social and career success. We are governed by a volunteer board of directors who take the upmost pride in assuring funds donated to the Foundation are used for the purpose that you made your contribution.

“Each year the Foundation is independently audited by a professional accounting firm, and in recent years KPMG has performed this service. Our financial statements can be found at kpu.ca/foundation, and within these you will see the Foundation pays no salaries. Additionally, you can visit the Canada Revenue Agency Charities listings for a full outline of KPU Foundation filings: www.cra-arc.gc.ca/charitiesandgiving. As you will note, our administration costs are 0% and our fundraising costs (for last year) were 1% or $17,749 (the expenses of our annual golf tournament that raises funds for KPU athletes).

“It is disappointing that Mr. Eby did not contact the KPU Foundation to discuss his concerns. Accordingly, I have reached out to Mr. Eby to ensure that he is aware of the facts. I took this step to protect the integrity of our organization, which we all know does so much good for students at KPU. We cherish our donors and the commitment you make to helping students. It is because of you, our donors, that many students who may not have been able to pursue higher education have been given this opportunity.”

Former finance minister Jim Flaherty passes away at 64

10 April 2014

FORMER finance minister Jim Flaherty passed away on Thursday. He was 64. He suffered a medical crisis at his Ottawa home.

Flaherty had denied that his health had anything to do with his resignation as finance minister last month.

He said: “As many of you know, I faced a health issue over this past year. I have received much support and good wishes from Canadians across the country and for that, I am thankful. I am happy to report that I am on the road to a full recovery and the decision to leave politics was not related in any way to my health. This decision was made because it is the right one for me and my family at this time.”

His family issued a statement, saying their “beloved husband and father passed away peacefully today in Ottawa.” They asked for privacy.

The afternoon question period in the House of Commons was suspended.

The Ontario Legislature also had a recess out of respect for Flaherty and his wife Christine Elliott, who serves as MPP, according to the Toronto Star.

Premier Christy Clark said: “I was shocked and saddened to hear that Jim Flaherty has passed away. This is a terrible loss for our country. Jim was a great leader and Canadian. He served with distinction in both provincial and federal politics, and made a difference in both. Under his watch, Canada returned to stability and balanced budgets.

“And while his achievements in Toronto and Ottawa will stand the test of time, perhaps his most important legacy was as a family man. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Christine and their three sons.”

HARPER had praised Flaherty’s performance. He said: “In a political career of almost 20 years, Minister Flaherty has exemplified the best qualities of those who enter public life: a true commitment to service, and a sincere desire to leave the country in better shape than it was when he entered politics.

“Canada has benefited immensely from Minister Flaherty’s contributions as one of the longest serving Finance Ministers in our history. Since 2006, he has been a steady hand, ably guiding Canada through the most challenging economic times since the Great Depression and gaining the country a solid global reputation for economic management.

“We emerged from the crisis in a position of strength. Today we lead the G-7 in job creation, Canada is recognized as one of the best places in the world to do business, and we are fulfilling our commitment to keep taxes low. And, thanks largely to Minister Flaherty, our Government will balance the budget by 2015, as we promised to do.”

HARPER in a statement on Thursday said: “I learned a short while ago that our colleague, my partner and my friend, Jim Flaherty, has passed away suddenly today.

“This comes as an unexpected and a terrible shock to Jim’s family, to our Caucus, and to Laureen and me.

“And it is with the heaviest of hearts that I offer my family’s condolences, and I know the condolences of the entire Parliament and Government of Canada, to Jim’s wife Christine, and his sons Quinn, Galen and John at this tragic time.

“Christine, Quinn, Galen, John, you’re in all of our thoughts and prayers.

“Jim will be sorely missed, not only by his many friends on both sides of the House, I know particularly his friends in this Caucus among whom he was held unanimously in great, a combination of great respect and affection.

“But he will also be missed by the countless thousands of Canadians that he devoted himself to and whom he helped during his long and successful career in public life.

“The days ahead will provide more suitable occasions for all of us to reflect on the legacy of Jim’s life in public service and for me to talk about the special relationship that I shared with Jim.

“But for now, to he and all of his loved ones, you are in our thoughts and prayers.

“Thank you.”

FEDERAL NDP Leader Tom Mulcair said: “It is with great sadness that Catherine and I learned of Jim Flaherty’s passing today. We join all New Democrats in offering our most sincere condolences to his family, loved ones and colleagues in this difficult time.

“As Minister of Finance, Mr. Flaherty served his country with dedication and conviction, even as he faced mounting health challenges. As both a man and a politician, I will remember him for his pleasant demeanour and strength of character.

“Today we all mourn this most proud Canadian.”

FEDERAL Liberal Party Leader Justin Trudeau said: “It is with great shock and sadness that I learned of Jim Flaherty’s death.“It was only last month that Jim resigned as Minister of Finance, and I joined with all Canadians then in wishing him well as he looked forward to retirement from public life.“Jim was a dedicated Parliamentarian with a strong social conscience and fundamentally committed to the ideal of public service. He was a proud Canadian and showed continued devotion and commitment to his country over many years. This is a loss to the entire family in the House of Commons.

“My heart goes out to his wife, Christine, their three children, and his family during this very sad time.”

Trevor Linden appointed Vancouver Canucks President of Hockey Operations

9 April 2014

THE Vancouver Canucks announced on Wednesday that Trevor Linden has been named President, Hockey Operations, and Alternate Governor, NHL. Linden returns to lead the team that he played on for 16 seasons, including seven as team captain.

In his role, Linden will be responsible for all hockey operations, including the coaching and scouting staffs, player procurement and development, and minor league affiliations and operations.

Since retiring after 19 seasons in the NHL, Linden has resided in Vancouver where he has led a number of successful business ventures ranging from commercial / residential development projects to fitness club chains. He has also remained involved in the community through the Trevor Linden Foundation.

Francesco Aquilini, Chairman, Canucks Sports and Entertainment, said: “It’s my honor to officially welcome Trevor Linden home in his new role as President of Hockey Operations for the Canucks. We believe in Trevor’s leadership abilities. His 20 years of NHL experience including seven as team captain, his role as NHLPA President, community leader and businessman offers a very special skill set; one that will positively shape the direction of this club in the future.”

Linden said: “Today is a real honour. I came to Vancouver 26 years ago and I have never left. I love this city. It is my home and the Canucks have always been part of my family.

“I’m passionate about the Canucks and I want to win – just like our fans. I believe in this team and share the organization’s commitment to excellence on and off of the ice. I am looking forward to getting started – getting to know everyone in the organization, and working together to win the Stanley Cup for this great city and Province.”

Key Facts about Linden’s career:

– Originally selected by Vancouver second overall in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft.

– Was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team, was a finalist for Calder Trophy and was named The Hockey News Rookie-of-the-Year following the 1988.89 season.

– Played for Vancouver 1988-89 to 1997-98 and 2001-02 to 2007-08.

– Recorded 30 or more goals in six of his first eight seasons in the NHL.

– Completed his NHL career ranking 38th in games played (1382), tied for 107th in goals scored (375) and ranks 111th in points (867) scored in NHL history.

– Holds Canucks playoff records for most games played (118), goals (34), assists (61) and points (95).

– Was the third longest tenured Canucks captain (behind Stan Smyl and Markus Naslund), wearing the ‘C’ from 1990-91 to 1996-97.

– Appeared in two all-star games (1990-91 and 1991-92)

– Represented Canada at the 1998 Winter Olympic Games, 1998 World Championships, 1996 World Cup of – Hockey (silver), 1991 World Championships (silver) and 1988 World Junior Championships (gold).

– Elected as President of the NHLPA in 1998, serving in that capacity until 2006.

– In 1997, received the King Clancy Award which is given annually to the NHL player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and who has made a significant humanitarian contribution in his community.

– In 2008, received the NHL Foundation Player Award awarded annually to the NHL player “who applies the core values of hockey – commitment, perseverance and teamwork – to enrich the lives of people in his community”

– At his retirement, ranked first in games played (1,140) and assists (415) and second in goals (318) and points (733) in franchise history.

– Retired as a Canuck on the 20th anniversary of his draft day, June 11, 2008.

– Appointed into Order of Canada in 2010.

ON Tuesday, Canucks Sports and Entertainment announced that Mike Gillis has been relieved of his duties as president and general manager.

“On behalf of my entire family, I would like to sincerely thank Mike Gillis for his hard work and the many contributions he made on and off the ice during his tenure,” said Aquilini, Chairman, Canucks Sports and Entertainment. “The Vancouver Canucks had success under Mike’s leadership, and we nearly reached our ultimate goal; but I believe we have reached a point where a change in leadership and new voice is needed.

“I also want to thank our fans for their support for the Vancouver Canucks through a difficult and frustrating season. We haven’t met their expectations or ours. We are committed to bringing the Stanley Cup to Vancouver for our fans and we will continue to do everything possible to reach that goal.”

Gillis replaced Dave Nonis in April 2008 after the Canucks missed the playoffs for the second time in three years. The Canucks made the playoffs every year under Gillis except this season.

(Photo courtesy of Trevor Linden Foundation)

Horgan’s juggernaut unnerves Mike Farnworth

8 April 2014

BC NDP leadership hopeful John Horgan’s juggernaut clearly unnerved Coquitlam MLA Mike Farnworth – whose dreams of being the party leader were shattered after the mass signups of Adrian Dix’s camp led to his defeat in the 2011 leadership campaign in spite of the fact that he was the most popular NDP contender with British Columbians.

Farnworth was clearly unprepared for the momentum that Horgan’s election machine garnered as he first won support from as many as 15 MLAs, including South Asian MLAs Harry Bains (Surrey-Newton) and Raj Chouhan (Burnaby-Edmonds), and then went on to gain the support of

Coquitlam-Maillardville MLA Selina Robinson, former Port Moody-Coquitlam MLA Joe Trasolini, former interim B.C. NDP leader Dawn Black and New Westminster-Coquitlam and Port Moody MP Fin Donnelly – and that was on Farnworth’s turf.

Farnworth’s campaign crumbled like a house of cards and on Tuesday he announced he was out of race.

It appears that Farnworth’s organizational skills were lacking – or had he become too complacent when Horgan announced that he had decided not to run?

Also, it seems that NDP party members were looking for a younger face, but with some political experience that MLA David Eby was lacking. That’s why they managed to convince Horgan to enter the race.

After all, Horgan made a surprisingly strong show in the last leadership election and those who didn’t like Farnworth started pressuring him to run when all the others who had been expected to enter the race, backed out.

In the last leadership contest, Harry Lali and Jagrup Brar supported Farnworth, while Dix had the backing of Harry Bains. MLA Raj Chouhan remained neutral. Lali and Brar lost in the last election.

HORGAN said on Tuesday: “Mike Farnworth is a great MLA. He has done so much for our party and our province,” said Horgan. “I am grateful for his support, and the support of so many members of our caucus, as we build a team that will earn the votes of British Columbians in 2017 and make life better for all B.C. families.”

Farnworth said: “John and I share a commitment to ensuring that our party is focused on providing a progressive alternative to the B.C. Liberals that can gain the confidence of voters. There’s too much at stake for us to be distracted and I’m proud to stand with John to ensure that the B.C. NDP is united and ready to win in 2017.”

Horgan, who in the past three weeks had visited New Democrats in B.C.’s interior, northern Vancouver Island, Vancouver and Victoria’s suburbs, said: “Everywhere I go I hear from New Democrats that they want us to be united, strong and proud of who we are and what we represent. And most importantly, they want us to build a team that can and will win in 2017. Today is a major step forward in that effort.”

Horgan said that he was taking nothing for granted, and that he would continue his campaign to bring real leadership for all of BC, with stops in Vancouver, Merritt, Kamloops, Nanaimo, the Okanagan and the Kootenays in the weeks ahead.

LAST January, the NDP had announced that their new leader would be announced at an event on September 28 in Vancouver following a four-day voting period.

Leadership voting has been scheduled from September 24-27, with party members voting by preferential ballot ahead of September 28. The party’s chief electoral officer will tabulate the results on September 28, and the winner will be announced at an event that evening. Members will cast their ballots using a telephone and Internet voting system.

The deadline to become a member of the BC NDP in order to vote is June 26. British Columbians can join the party by visiting bcndp.ca/join.

But now there may be no need for an election – unless, of course, someone decides to challenge Horgan after all this!

BY RATTAN MALL

Parmeet Matharu, Nimrit Plaha, Sukhjot Bains among five awarded Surrey RCMP Basketball Classic scholarships

8 April 2014

THREE South Asians were among the five athletes who received this year’s Surrey RCMP Basketball Classic scholarships which were awarded following the Surrey RCMP All Star Classic on Friday, April 4 at Enver Creek Secondary.

The scholarships were presented to deserving athletes who participated in this year’s Surrey RCMP Basketball Classic tournament and who are encouraged to continue their academic students and athletic careers.

The recipients:

* Parmeet Matharu (Enver Creek) – Chris Mohan Memorial Scholarship

* Nimrit Plaha (Panorama Ridge) – Surrey School District Scholarship

* Sukhjot Bains (Tamanawis Secondary) – Surrey School District Scholarship

* Nicholas Smith (Lord Tweedsmuir) – Pierlet Memorial Scholarship

* Skylar Sheehan (Semiahmoo Secondary) – Surrey School District Scholarship

“This year’s scholarship winners are role models in our community and serve as a reminder for youth to continue to work hard towards achieving their educational and athletic goals,” says Surrey RCMP Cpl. Bert Paquet. “The Surrey RCMP is very proud of this long standing event which is just one of the many initiatives that we are involved in to help strengthen the bonds between police and youth in our community. Thanks to all those who participated and helped make it another successful event.”

Vancouver Canucks fire president and general manager Mike Gillis

8 April 2014

CANUCKS Sports and Entertainment announced on Tuesday that Mike Gillis has been relieved of his duties as president and general manager.

“On behalf of my entire family, I would like to sincerely thank Mike Gillis for his hard work and the many contributions he made on and off the ice during his tenure,” said Francesco Aquilini, Chairman, Canucks Sports and Entertainment. “The Vancouver Canucks had success under Mike’s leadership, and we nearly reached our ultimate goal; but I believe we have reached a point where a change in leadership and new voice is needed.

“I also want to thank our fans for their support for the Vancouver Canucks through a difficult and frustrating season. We haven’t met their expectations or ours. We are committed to bringing the Stanley Cup to Vancouver for our fans and we will continue to do everything possible to reach that goal.”

Gillis replaced Dave Nonis in April 2008 after the Canucks missed the playoffs for the second time in three years. The Canucks made the playoffs every year under Gillis except this season.

“Express Entry” to qualified economic immigrants from January 2015

8 April 2014

CANADA’S Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander on Tuesday announced that Canada’s active recruitment model for economic immigration will officially be called “Express Entry.” Set to launch in January 2015, “Express Entry” is a major step forward in the transformation of Canada’s immigration system into one that is fast, flexible and focused on meeting Canada’s economic and labour needs, he said.

“Express Entry” will allow for greater flexibility and better responsiveness to deal with regional labour shortages, and help fill open jobs for which there are no available Canadian workers. “Express Entry” candidates who receive a valid job offer or nomination under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) will be quickly invited to apply for permanent residency – a key distinction between “Express Entry” and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, which is only used to fill temporary labour and skill shortages.

Formerly referred to as “Expression of Interest,” “Express Entry” will be open to skilled immigrants and allow the government to select the best candidates who are most likely to succeed in Canada, rather than those who happen to be first in line. It will also prevent backlogs and allow Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) to better coordinate application volume with the annual immigration levels plan.

Qualified applicants can expect faster processing times of six months or less when invited to come to Canada in four key economic streams: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, Canadian Experience Class, and a portion of the PNP.

With “Express Entry,” employers will have a key role in selecting economic immigrants and providing advice to the Government of Canada. To this end, Alexander also announced that over the course of spring 2014, CIC will work with provincial and territorial governments to hold a series of cross-Canada information sessions to provide employers with more information about this new system.

* Canada’s Economic Action Plan 2014 will invest $14 million over two years and $4.7 million per year ongoing to ensuring the successful implementation of Express Entry.

* With Express Entry, Canada will be able to select the best candidates who are most likely to achieve success in Canada, rather than the first person in line.

* The Government of Canada’s new and improved Job Bank will help facilitate matches between Canadian employers and Express Entry candidates.

* Having a valid job offer or provincial / territorial nomination will guarantee Express Entry candidates an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

Alexander said: “Express Entry promises to be a game-changer for Canadian immigration and Canada’s economy. It will revolutionize the way we attract skilled immigrants, and get them working here faster. Our government is actively engaged with our provincial and territorial partners, and with employers, to make January’s launch of Express Entry a success.”

Twitter, Facebook driving couples to break relationships!

7 April 2014

Washington (IANS): Arguments over social media platforms among romantic partners are damaging relationships, ending in negative outcomes like emotional and physical cheating, breakup and divorce, a significant research reveals.

Individuals who are active Twitter users are far more likely to experience Twitter-related conflict with their romantic partners, researchers said.

“I found it interesting that active Twitter users experienced conflict and negative relationship outcomes regardless of length of romantic relationship,” said Russell Clayton, a doctoral student in University of Missouri’s school of journalism.

Couples who reported being in relatively new relationships experienced the same amount of conflict as those in longer relationships, he noted.

In his study, Clayton surveyed 581 Twitter users of all ages.

Clayton asked participants questions about their Twitter use such as how often they login in to Twitter, tweet, scroll the Twitter newsfeed, send direct messages to others, and reply to followers.

Clayton also asked how much, if any, conflict arose between participants’ current or former partners as a result of Twitter use.

He found that the more often a respondent reported being active on Twitter, the more likely they were to experience Twitter-related conflict with their partner.

“The aim of this study was to examine whether my previous study that concluded that Facebook use predicted Facebook-related conflict – which then led to breakup and divorce – were consistent with Twitter,” Clayton commented.

In his previous research on Facebook, Clayton found that Facebook-related conflict and negative relationship outcomes were greater among couples in newer relationships of 36 months or less.

If Twitter users are experiencing Twitter-related conflict with their partner, Clayton recommends “couples of all ages limit their daily and weekly use of social networking sites to more healthy, reasonable levels”.

According to him, although a number of variables can contribute to relationship infidelity and separation, social networking site usage such as Twitter and Facebook use can be damaging to relationships.

Cut back to moderate, healthy levels of Twitter use if you are experiencing Twitter or Facebook-related conflict, he advised in the study published in the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking.