#1. PUNJABI MASIHI CHURCH BUILDING CONSTRUCTION INAUGURATION IN SURREY
Attorney General Wally Oppal, Surrey-Panorama MLA Jagrup Brar and Surrey Councillor Marvin Hunt are among the dignitaries who will be present at the July 5 building construction inauguration of the Punjabi Masihi Church in Surrey.
The church will be situated at 14474-72 Avenue.
Punjabi Maishi Church is affiliated with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada under the British Columbia and Yukon district.
In 2001, the church purchased a one-acre property and got it rezoned. The facility will seat about 300 people. The total budget of the building is $1.5-million.
The church plans to construct the building in five stages. The first stage – titled “let’s build the foundation” – is $200,000.
For more information, contact Rehan Garstin at 604-590-2032 or 604-339-5248.
www.PunjabiChurch.com
#2. PICS HOPES TO HELP ABANDONED WIVES, SINGLE PARENTS
The Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society says it’s hoping to offer aid for abandoned wives and single parents.
In a press statement, PICS said: “PICS plans on building a house for abandoned wives and single parents who are having difficulties in finding reasonable and affordable accommodation. When women are separated or divorced they need enormous social support. Since many abandoned wives have no social network in Canada, besides their in-laws, they are often alone with nowhere to turn. Their own families, friends and parents can’t be here for them and they are left to fend for themselves. Although support is given through friends and benevolent families who understand their predicament and view them as daughters of their own, many slip through the cracks and are in desperate need of help.
“As a community agency who has been meeting services needs in the community, we plan to build a home for abandoned wives and single parents if the need arises. This release is to make people aware of the initiative that PICS will undertake. In order to approach and convince authorities that this type of service is needed in the community, we need to hear from those would benefit from and need this type of service.”
Any woman who requires this facility is asked to call PICS and register. PICS needs at least 25 women to come forward. In order to register, call 604-596-7722.
#3. DELTA POLICE NEEDS YOUR HELP
The Delta Police are currently conducting an arson / mischief investigation and are asking for the public’s help regarding fire damage to Gray elementary school and Mackie Park.
On June 21 at about 2:45 a.m., the Delta Fire department responded to a report of a fire at
Mackie Park in the 10900 block of 82 Avenue. Unknown suspects set fire to the turf soccer field, causing damage of about $10,000 damage. The suspects also caused minor fire damage to an exterior wall of Gray elementary school.
At its regular council meeting on Monday, June 23, Delta Mayor Lois Jackson and Delta Council unanimously endorsed a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the damage.
Anyone with information regarding this incident or the individuals responsible are asked to call the Delta Police at 604-946-4411 and quote file 08-12734.
#4. THOUSANDS PARTICIPATE IN SECOND ANNUAL NEW WESTMINSTER NAGAR KIRTAN
Thousands of Sikhs walked through the streets of New Westminster on Saturday as the Khalsa Diwan Society held its inaugural “Sikh Day.” The festivities began with a colourful and musical parade from Gurdwara Sahib Sukh Sagar at 347 Wood Street to the New Westminster Community Centre. The congregation of thousands spread throughout the park where numerous events and exhibitions were held throughout the day, including music, historical seminars, dastar and Khalsa dress competitions, sports events, martial arts, discussion groups, and,of course, lots of Punjabi food.
This year’s event was again held to commemorate the martyrdom of the Sikhs’ fifth Guru, Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji. He was martyred in 1606 by the ruling Mogul empire for defending the rights of the oppressed. Guru Arjun Dev Ji taught all of humanity many lessons including living a peaceful, spiritual life, yet still standing up for many freedoms that society takes for granted today.
New Westminster Mayor Wayne Wright was in attendance among the crowd and was impressed by the event and the numbers of the Sikh congregation as well as the many non-Sikhs that were enjoying the food and learning about Sikhism.
Also at the event were world famous Sikh scholars and musicians such as Bhai Davinder Singh Sodhi, Giyani Ranjit Singh Gohar, Hari Nam Singh Khalsa and Bhai Pritpal Singh Bains, among others.
Khalsa Diwan Society, New Westminster, looks forward to working towards a brighter future for the public by providing more programs that can bring people and communities together in this wonderful multi-cultural nation we all call home - Canada.
(Contributed)
#5. PREMIER GORDON CAMPBELL ANNOUNCES CABINET CHANGES
Premier Gordon Campbell realigned the provincial cabinet this week. The changes include five new ministers and new portfolios for seven of the current ministers.
Campbell said: “Our government will continue to work as a team, concentrating on the issues that all British Columbians have told us are important to them. New ministry portfolios will enhance programs focused on training and skills development and provide new and ongoing opportunities and supports for children, seniors, women, new British Columbians and those most vulnerable. They will also directly respond to British Columbians’ call during the Conversation on Health for government to focus energy on healthy living.”
New ministers appointed:
* Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations – Joan McIntyre
* Minister of Community Development – Blair Lekstrom
* Minister of Healthy Living and Sport – Mary Polak
* Minister of Labour and Citizens’ Services – Iain Black
* Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts – Bill Bennett
Ministers with new portfolios:
* Minister of Agriculture and Lands – Stan Hagen
* Minister of State for Mining – Gordon Hogg
* Minister of Finance and Minister Responsible for the Olympics – Colin Hansen
* Minister of Forests and Range – Pat Bell
* Minister of Housing and Social Development – Rich Coleman
* Minister of Small Business and Revenue and Minister Responsible for Deregulation – Kevin Krueger
* Minister of Technology, Trade and Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Asia-Pacific Initiative – Ida Chong
Ministers retaining existing portfolios:
* Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation – Michael de Jong
* Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development – Murray Coell
* Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism – Wally Oppal
* Minister of Children and Family Development - Tom Christensen
* Minister of State for Childcare – Linda Reid
* Minister of Education and Minister Responsible for Early Learning and Literacy and Deputy Premier – Shirley Bond
* Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources – Richard Neufeld
* Minister of Environment – Barry Penner
* Minister of Health Services – George Abbott
* Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General – John van Dongen
* Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure – Kevin Falcon
Campbell said: “This new cabinet will continue to enhance partnerships and services that build strong, safe communities in both rural and urban British Columbia by providing supports in key areas of housing and homelessness; economic development; transportation and infrastructure; and multiculturalism. These changes will allow us to continue to seize on the economic opportunities of being Canada’s Pacific Gateway; ensure a healthy environment; strengthen the New Relationship with First Nations; and make ongoing improvements to health care and education.
“I want to thank the former ministers who have decided not to run for re-election for their dedication and their service to all British Columbians. Every one of them brought unique skills, abilities and insights to their portfolios and every one of them has had a positive impact on our province.”
PRIME MINISTER STEPHEN HARPER ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO HIS CABINET
Prime Minister Stephen Harper this week announced the following changes to the ministry at a swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall:
* David Emerson, as Minister of Foreign Affairs, “continues his work to strengthen Canada’s place in the world and to promote Canada's values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.”
* Michael Fortier, in becoming Minister of International Trade, “will keep advancing Canada’s trade interests in the Americas and around the world to open up new markets for Canada’s innovators.”
* Christian Paradis becomes Minister of Public Works and Government Services and continues his work in support of one of Canada’s key industries as Secretary of State (Agriculture).
* James Moore becomes Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific Gateway) (2010 Olympics) (Official Languages). Moore is a fluently bilingual British Columbian who is well suited for these assignments.
Harper said: “With these small but important changes to the ministry, we will continue to build on our record of achievement over the past two and a half years. We will also continue to deliver the strong leadership Canadians expect and deserve.”
#6. ‘CABINET SHUFFLE DEMONSTRATES LACK OF CONSERVATIVE BENCH STRENGTH’
Prime Minister Stephen Harper's cabinet shuffle demonstrates a woeful lack of bench strength in the Conservative caucus, Liberal MPs David McGuinty and Denis Coderre said this week.
"(The) shuffle demonstrates how little bench strength the Conservatives have -particularly in Quebec," said Coderre. "Once again the Prime Minister had to appoint unelected Senator Michael Fortier as Minister of International Trade. This means that the minister responsible for maintaining and improving Canada's crucial trade relationships will be unaccountable to the Canadian people.
"The fact that Christian Paradis is remaining as Secretary of State for Agriculture in addition to becoming the Minister of Public Works illustrates that few MPs in Quebec have the Prime Minister's confidence.”
McGuinty pointed to the Prime Minister's decision to ignore the opportunity to shuffle Environment Minister John Baird as a sign that his government continues to ignore the challenges of climate change.
"While Liberals are criss-crossing the country with our Green Shift plan to fight climate change by shifting taxes away from income and innovation and towards pollution, Mr. Harper continues to have his head stuck in the tar sands," he said.
McGuinty was also disappointed that Jim Flaherty was not removed as Minister of Finance as a signal that the repeated attacks on Ontario would come to an end.
Another sign of weakness in today's shuffle is the failure to address the ongoing gender imbalance in the Conservative cabinet.
"By choosing not to elevate women to cabinet roles today, is Mr. Harper telling Canadians he doesn't believe any of the female members of his caucus are up to the job?" asked McGuinty.
"The Conservatives can keep shuffling ministers, but it won't solve their problems. In fact, it was the Prime Minister's lack of judgement in appointing incompetent ministers such as Maxime Bernier that the created the need for a shuffle in the first place," said Coderre.
"This is now the fourth Conservative cabinet in just over two years. But despite these changes, it has become abundantly clear that Mr. Harper's policy of keeping tight reins on the entire Conservative agenda. This means that the government's failures rest only with him.”
#7. WELCOMEBC BUILDS ON SUCCESSES WITH NEW PROGRAM
A pioneering new program aimed at finding ways to ensure communities and workplaces are welcoming and inclusive was announced this week by Attorney General and Minister responsible for Multiculturalism Wally Oppal during the first-year celebration of the launch of WelcomeBC.
“Communities and workplaces across the province will be stronger for their participation in this program,” Oppal said. “All British Columbians can realize the benefits of building welcoming communities, addressing racism and valuing our cultural diversity. It’s a win-win for all of us.”
The Welcoming and Inclusive Communities and Workplaces program will strengthen community capacity to support immigrant settlement and integration, eliminate racism, and value and respect multiculturalism. The three-year initiative will receive funding of $10 million annually.
The program recognizes integration of immigrants as a two-way process that involves commitment on the part of newcomers to adapt to life in B.C. and on the part of British Columbians and Canadians to welcome and adapt to new people and cultures.
Initiatives will vary by community, depending on local needs and existing capacity. Initial funding will be provided to communities based on grant applications to support community partnerships.
Welcoming and Inclusive Communities and Workplaces is made up of four key elements: community partnership development, knowledge development and exchange, public education, and demonstration projects. Communities can apply for funding to support community partnership development starting July 2. Applications will be available at: www.WelcomeBC.ca. The remaining elements will be rolled out later this fall.
Over one-quarter of all British Columbians, and more than one-third of Vancouverites, were born outside of Canada. Canada’s Aboriginal population has also grown by 45 per cent since 1996, outpacing the eight per cent growth in the non-Aboriginal population. B.C. is home to 17 per cent of Canada’s total Aboriginal population.
“All British Columbians share a responsibility to recognize, respect and support the diversity of cultural and indigenous heritages across the province,” said Dave S. Hayer, parliamentary secretary for multiculturalism and immigration.
As B.C. was home to Aboriginal communities with distinct languages, cultures, spiritual beliefs and vibrant societies long before the recent era of immigration to this province, the program will support the building of communities that are welcoming and inclusive for all. Local communities will be encouraged to engage Aboriginal and First Nations communities in their initiatives.
A 2002 Statistics Canada national ethnic diversity survey shows over 66 per cent of Vancouver immigrant survey respondents have experienced discrimination at work or when applying for a job or promotion. This compares with 37.4 per cent of respondents who experienced discrimination in a store, bank or restaurant. Of visible minority respondents, 73.9 per cent of those who reported discrimination believe it is based on their race or skin colour.
“Multiculturalism is embedded in our constitution and it’s important that we recognize that,” Oppal said. “I asked to be the Minister responsible for Multiculturalism because I want to see our communities pull together to be more inclusive and deal with racism when it occurs.”
This program is supported by the Government of Canada through the Agreement for Canada-British Columbia Co-operation on Immigration. Funding is provided by the Ministry of Attorney General under WelcomeBC, a provincial initiative uniting B.C.’s settlement and integration services and initiatives under one umbrella, as announced by Premier Gordon Campbell on June 13, 2007.
For information on WelcomeBC, go to www.WelcomeBC.ca.
#8. S.U.C.C.E.S.S. LAUNCHES INFORMATION HOTLINE FOR NEW CANADIANS
Tung Chan, Chief Executive Officer of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. hosted the launch of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Multilingual Info Line in Punjabi at the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Surrey Service Centre at 206-10090 152nd Street on Monday June 23.
Tung Chan, Chief Executive Officer of S.U.C.C.E.S.S., said: “We appreciate the generous contribution from HSBC Bank Canada. With the launch of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Multilingual Info Line in Punjabi, we will be able to continue to expand our program services to the South Asian community much faster and to a wider audience.”
Bill Crawford, Senior Vice President, BC Region, HSBC Bank Canada said: “HSBC Bank Canada is proud to support this service for newcomers. The S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Multilingual Info Line will make it easier for new Canadians to access important information in their first language as they settle into their new home.”
The S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Multilingual Info Line (604-687-6300) is a library of pre-recorded messages that will provide practical settlement-related information for new Canadians in Punjabi, Cantonese, Mandarin and Korean. It will operate seven days a week, 24 hours a day and will cover important topics including Canadian citizenship, immigration, education, housing, medical and health, social benefits, transportation, and employment.
The hotline was established through a $50,000 donation from HSBC Bank Canada.
S.U.C.C.E.S.S. is one of the largest social service providers in BC. It offers a diverse range of programs and services, including new Canadians’ reception, settlement and public education, language and employment training, business and economic development, services for families, seniors, women and youth, as well as community development and advocacy through 20 service centres in Metro Vancouver.
#9. WATCH HOW YOU DRIVE THIS WEEKEND!
Lower Mainland Traffic Services are planning a “Joint Force Traffic Enforcement Operation” leading up to the Canada holiday.
On Saturday, June 28, the Greater Vancouver and Fraser Valley Integrated Road Safety Units will join forces with members of the Port Mann Traffic Services to target impaired drivers, aggressive drivers and unbelted occupants along the Highway 1 corridor. There will be approximately 20 officers focusing on the off and on ramps leading to and from the freeway. The project will start at around 3 p.m. and into the wee hours of the morning.
“Impaired driving is the Number 1 criminal cause of death in Canada. We are sick of going to these senseless crashes where someone has died”, says Cst. Dave Babineau of the RCMP Traffic Services. “We conduct our investigation and find out that one of the drivers was impaired, or the person who died was not belted. Over and over again we see the same thing and we’re tired of seeing families being destroyed by these pour decisions and senseless collisions.”
Officers will continue to focus there attention on the three behaviors that are known to claim the majority of lives on BC roads: drunk drivers (30%), unbelted occupants (40%) and aggressive driving (50%).
#10. DELTA LIBRARIES CELEBRATE MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES
Delta libraries celebrated milestone anniversaries on Saturday, June 14. George Mackie Library celebrated 25 years at its current location, South Delta Library celebrated 35 years as a library in Tsawwassen and Ladner Pioneer Library celebrated 45 years at its Memorial Park location.
More than 2,500 Deltans of all ages joined in the full day of family activities at their community library. Each library offered a variety of activities including magic and puppet shows, clowns, face painting, crafts and musical entertainment.
At George Mackie Library, a number of special guests were on hand – Delta Councillor Vicki Huntington, Delta North MLA Guy Gentner and Newton-North Delta MP Sukh Dhaliwal, several generations of the Mackie family, including Raymond Mackie, John Mackie and Gwen Zemlak, children of George and Jessie Mackie. Delta author / historian Gwen Szychter launched her newest book – Who Brought Us Books? History of Delta Libraries. The speeches and well wishes were followed by cake and coffee.
The North Delta Lions Club partnered with the George Mackie Library by manning the free BBQ. The North Delta Lions Club were thanked for their continuing and long-standing support of the library.
Envision Financial were thanked for their generous support; their sponsorship enabled us to offer a full day of performances at all Delta libraries.
#11. HEALTHY EATING GUIDES FOR PUNJABI AND CHINESE SENIORS
Chinese and Punjabi versions of British Columbia’s Healthy Eating for Seniors handbook will help more older British Columbians eat well and live well, announced Healthy Living and Sport Minister Mary Polak on Friday at a multicultural event.
“Chinese and Punjabi versions of the Healthy Eating for Seniors handbook give more of our seniors access to healthy eating information in their own language, supporting them to live healthy, active lives,” said Polak. “With a diverse and multilingual population in British Columbia, as well as an aging population, we realize that providing healthy aging information in other languages is important. Chinese and Punjabi are the top two non-English mother tongue and home languages in British Columbia.”
The new guides are customized with culturally specific stories and recipes, and designed to address the specific eating habits and nutrition needs of seniors in British Columbia’s Punjabi and Chinese speaking communities.
Seniors, cultural experts, and nutritional and health professionals contributed to customizing the content of each handbook to make sure they will be relevant and helpful to their target populations. Ten thousand copies of each handbook have been produced and they will be distributed at no charge to seniors throughout British Columbia.
“We welcome government’s release of the translated and culturally adapted Healthy Eating for Seniors handbook,” said Mr. Tung Chan, CEO of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. “More Chinese seniors in communities will be able to access valuable health information written in their own language.”
Development of Chinese and Punjabi-language handbooks builds on the English version of the Healthy Eating for Seniors handbook that was released by government in October 2007.
“The translated Healthy Eating for Seniors handbook will become an important resource for seniors in South-Asian communities,” said Mr. Charan Gill, CEO of the Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society. “The Punjabi translation of the handbook has been widely anticipated and it builds on the success of the translated BC HealthGuide, which has become popular.”
The Healthy Eating for Seniors handbook supports two of government’s Great Goals, to lead the way in North America in healthy living and physical fitness and to build the best system of support in Canada for persons with disabilities, those with special needs, children at risk and seniors.
The Chinese and Punjabi versions of the Healthy Eating for Seniors handbook are available through a wide range of community agencies across the province. To get a free copy, seniors can call the Health and Seniors’ Information Line (1-800-465-4911) or download it from the ActNow BC web site www.ActNowBC.ca.
#12. REPORT FINDS CHILD TRANSPORT DEATHS PREVENTABLE
Transport tragedies remain the most frequent preventable child deaths in B.C., according to the findings of an annual report released this week by the Child Death Review Unit (CDRU) of the BC Coroners Service.
Male youth driving with their peers at unsafe speeds are risk factors that are seen repeatedly. As well, impaired driving, inexperience, and failure to use a restraint continue to be leading risk factors for all young drivers.
“It was also alarming to see the number of transport-related deaths where young drivers had infractions or were prohibited drivers,” said Kellie Kilpatrick, director of the CDRU. “Many had received tickets for speeding, in some cases excessive speeding. That's one of the reasons why we're encouraging parents to make sure they are aware of their youth’s driving behaviour."
The report looks at common risk factors among 395 deaths involving children and youth ages one day to 18-years-old that occurred between 1999 and 2007, and issues recommendations that aim to prevent future child deaths. The review determined 126 deaths were preventable and of those deaths, the cause most often cited as responsible for the loss of life were 58 transport related incidents. Notably, five of the report’s 12 recommendations relate directly to those specific deaths and were developed collaboratively with the Office of the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles and ICBC.
These recommendations are:
* The offence of failure to wear a seatbelt be assigned demerit point penalties to align with the majority of the other provinces in Canada.
* Legislation and / or regulations be changed to ensure that upon a review or intent to prohibit a young person’s license in the Graduated Licensing Program, that the young person’s parent also receive notification of that prohibition (or intent to prohibit) by registered or certified mail.
* The OSMV review the current policy relating to excessive speed and other high-risk driving infractions to consider longer prohibitions and that a combination of these infractions would result in a review of that license by the OSMV.
* A review of the legislation take place to ensure that young persons who receive infractions within the Graduated Licensing Program are unable to move to the next stage of the GLP or full license until that infraction has been adjudicated.
* The “Drive” program piloted by ICBC be implemented throughout the province of British Columbia to help educate and inform young drivers about the risks inherent as a young driver.
Other key findings from the 395 deaths reviewed for the report include:
* In cases of sudden infant death, less than half of the infants were placed to sleep on their backs and the majority were sleeping on an unsafe sleep surface such as an adult mattress or couch.
* Half of the children who died by suicide had made a previous attempt and had expressed thoughts of suicide to a peer, family member or health professional.
* The highest number of fatal assaults involved female preschoolers and male youth. Preschoolers were most often killed by an adult caregiver within their own home; common risk factors included complex family challenges, social isolation and communication breakdown between service providers.
* Alcohol and substance use continues to be a risk factor in all categories of sudden and unexpected deaths involving youths.
The CDRU Annual Report 2007 is available online at:
www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/coroners/child-death-review/docs/CDRU-2007annualreport.pdf
The Child Death Review Unit of the BC Coroners Service is committed to a comprehensive review of all child deaths to better understand how and why children die, and to use those findings to take action to prevent other deaths and improve the health, safety and well being of all children in British Columbia.
#13. FUNDING SUPPORTS ANTI-RACISM AND MULTICULTURALISM
More than $475,000 in WelcomeBC funding is going to 20 projects across the province that promote multiculturalism and prevent racism, Attorney General and Minister responsible for Multiculturalism Wally Oppal announced this week.
“Involving young people and the public in creating communities that are respectful and inclusive helps them to be more aware of the substantial benefits cultural diversity brings to British Columbia,” Oppal said. “We want to put a stop to attitudes that contribute to racism, and make our communities safe for everyone.”
BC Anti-Racism and Multiculturalism Program (BCAMP) funding helps to prevent and eliminate racism by enhancing community understanding of multiculturalism and cultural diversity. The new projects are located in northern and Interior communities from Terrace to Kelowna, and throughout the Lower Mainland, as well as Duncan, Campbell River and Victoria.
Proposed youth projects, totalling over $270,000, include a theatre project for secondary schools, peer mentoring and workshops to promote understanding of cultural diversity. Community engagement proposals will help create welcoming and inclusive communities through approaches like community dialogues, diversity training and teaching resources.
“This funding will empower communities and our youth to create awareness about racism and promote diversity in our community,” said Sharon Pannu, acting executive director of the Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society of Prince George. “Young people can be particularly effective at working with their peers to develop inclusive, welcoming communities.”
Groups were given the opportunity to apply for funding of up to $30,000 for projects, through a request for proposals (RFP) on the BC Bid website. Thirty-four proposals were received, with 20 meeting the RFP criteria. Contract negotiations to finalize the successful proposals are underway.
The projects are supported under WelcomeBC, a provincial initiative announced by Premier Gordon Campbell on June 13, 2007. Funding is provided in part by the Government of Canada through the Agreement for Canada-British Columbia Co-operation on Immigration. WelcomeBC helps immigrants moving to B.C. access existing and expanded services under one umbrella, to assist them in better adapting to life in their new communities.
#14. PREMIER’S STATEMENT ON MULTICULTURALISM DAY
Premier Gordon Campbell released the following statement on Friday in celebration of Canadian Multiculturalism Day:
“As demographics change in our province, country and around the world, Canadian Multiculturalism Day is an opportunity to renew our commitments to create safe, secure and economically vibrant communities for newcomers and to break down barriers to equal opportunities for immigrants.
“British Columbia has a strong foundation of respect for cultural diversity and we continue to step up our efforts to be inclusive, building on our national and international reputation as a leader for our progressive multiculturalism values and beliefs.
“Our province’s social and cultural diversity is one of our greatest assets. The mutual respect and understanding we have for one another has strengthened our nation and our province, helping ensure that every culture, race and religion has the opportunity to find its own space.
“Today British Columbians and Canadians from coast to coast can join together to celebrate the social, cultural and economic contributions being made every day by our diverse communities.”
#15. FEDERAL LIBERAL LEADER ON CANADIAN MULTICULTURALISM DAY
Stéphane Dion, Leader of the Official Opposition, made the following statement on Canadian Multiculturalism Day:
“On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada and our parliamentary Caucus, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to all Canadians on Multiculturalism Day.
“People have come to Canada from all over the world bringing with them histories, cultures, and languages that enrich the fabric of our country. This joyous occasion is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the richness of Canada’s multicultural spirit as well as the tremendous contributions that Canada’s varied ethnic and cultural communities have made to our great country.
“Since 1971, when Canada became the first country to adopt an official policy of multiculturalism under Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, we Canadians have demonstrated the value of diversity. And today, as our country faces up to the great challenges of the 21st century – an increasingly competitive global economy, climate change, and child poverty – it is more important than ever that we tap into the diverse talents and skills of our population.
“Together we can ensure Canada remains an open, peaceful, and caring society while at the same time making it richer, fairer, and greener.
“To all Canadians from coast to coast to coast celebrating this special day, please accept my best wishes.”
#16. NURSES SHORTAGE WILL GET WORSE UNLESS RETENTION STRATEGIES PURSUED
The recent cancellation of surgeries at the BC Children's Hospital because of nursing shortages are only a glimpse of what lies in the future unless the provincial government and its health authorities pursue strategies to retain existing nursing staff. Statistics released by the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions last week demonstrate the scope of the nursing shortage in Canada and its potential impact on the future:
- 20.8% of Canadian nurses represented by the federation are 55 years of age and nearing retirement (almost 33,000)
- Canadian nurses worked almost 18 million hours of overtime - the equivalent of 10,000 full-time nursing positions.
"We've been telling the provincial government and health authorities for a long time that thousands of nurses are reaching retirement age. Unless working conditions improve nurses will leave the profession and we'll have a healthcare crisis that was entirely preventable," said Margaret Dhillon, Executive Councillor at BCNU.
The provincial government has increased enrolment at nursing schools by 97 percent but it will not be enough to replace those who may leave on retirement. More needs to be done to further increase enrolment so people on nursing school waiting lists receive training.
But even increased enrolment at nursing schools will not replace the number of retirement-eligible nurses if they leave the profession. Part of the solution is retaining experienced nurses to provide healthcare for Canadians and mentor new graduates.
"BCNU has solutions to improve nursing conditions such as the reduction of violence and the delegation of clerical duties to appropriate personnel. Measures like these will attract retirement-eligible nurses to stay in their careers. We hope the government will work with us seriously on this problem before we have a full blown healthcare crisis in BC," said Dhillon.
#17. JUSTICE INSTITUTE OF B.C. HONOURS PETER WEBSTER, BOB STEWART
Businessman, philanthropist and former Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) Foundation Board Chair Peter Webster and former Vancouver Police Department Police Chief and JIBC Board of Governors Chair Bob Stewart last week became the first recipients of the JIBC’s Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa (LLD). The degrees were presented by JIBC President Jack McGee.
The honorary degree affirms and recognized Stewart’s and Webster’s connection to the work of the Institute and the communities it serves. The degrees were conferred at the June 20 convocation at the Massey Theatre in New Westminster.
“Convocation is a celebration of accomplishment for both graduates as well as the institute,” said McGee. He called this year’s summer convocation one of particular significance, as the institute celebrated the conferring of its first honorary, as well as earned degrees.
Bruce Hall, Chair of the JIBC Board of Governors and former Fire Chief of the Resort
Municipality of Whistler said, “This is a huge milestone for the JIBC. When I look back at the 30-year history of the institute, Bob was one of its founding fathers and devoted much of his career to enhancing the education provided to justice and public safety professionals. Peter, who still sits as a member of our Foundation Board, has also been a staunch advocate for the Institute, as well as criminal and social justice programs in the community. This recognition is well-deserved and we're very excited to see this day come.”
Every day, everyone in BC benefits from the graduates of the JIBC who keep communities, businesses and homes safe. The JIBC, Canada’s leading public safety educator, is a dynamic, post-secondary learning organization recognized nationally and internationally for continuous improvement and innovative education in the areas of justice and public safety. JIBC graduates include paramedics, police officers, firefighters, search and rescue personnel, deputy sheriffs, trauma counselors, mediators and others who protect the quality of life in BC. It delivers programming to students in over 160 communities throughout the province, as well as across Canada and in or from 10 countries. Over 31,000 students enroll in the programs annually, with 10 percent taking courses on-line.
#18. CTF: GOVERNMENT BELITTLES CARBON TAX CONSEQUENCES WITH $100 CHEQUE
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) reacted with skepticism this week with the receipt of the $100 climate action “bribe” from the government.
"The government sends our money back to us to keep us quiet about the carbon tax, charges us to do it, and we're supposed to feel good about it?" said Maureen Bader, B.C. Director of the CTF. "$100 will do little to help families whose cost of living has already increased with the skyrocketing price of gasoline."
The government took $440 million from the 2007 surplus to fund the cheques, and an additional $10 million to pay Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to administer and mail the cheques out.
"Instead using the surplus to fund political trickery, use it to cut taxes permanently and to reduce the provinces debt, which costs taxpayers $6 million per day in interest," said Bader. "B.C.'s across-the-board tax cuts of 2001 set B.C. on the growth path we're benefiting from today - the carbon tax is a step in the wrong direction."
The government claims personal and business income tax cuts will make the carbon tax revenue neutral, but as the full effect of the income tax cuts will not be felt right away, the $100 refund is intended to help people assume the low carbon lifestyle now.
"The last time Canadians were hit with a so-called revenue neutral tax, it was called the GST," said Bader. "The GST brought in billions of dollars in new revenue for the federal government - it was a tax grab, just as the carbon tax will be.
"The latest polls show people are rejecting the government's carbon tax. The government's own figures show the carbon tax will do little to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the high price of gasoline has provided a glimpse of just how much the government's jump onto the global warming bandwagon will cost families in B.C."
#19. OMBUDSMAN'S OFFICE CAN HELP RESOLVE LONG-TERM CARE COMPLAINTS
Ombudsman Kim Carter wants people who feel that health authorities or the Ministry of Health have not properly addressed their concerns about the treatment of seniors in long-term care facilities to know they can bring their complaints to her office.
"It's important that people know they can come to us if they feel a health authority has not dealt with their problem adequately or fairly. Often when we're able to resolve one person's complaint, it can lead to policy changes that improve things for many others in similar situations," Carter said.
Carter said that she's noted the high level of public concern about the treatment of seniors in long-term care homes, and wants to ensure that people are aware of all the options they have for addressing problems.
She said: "While many residents and their families know they can bring problems to the attention of licensing staff in the health authorities, some may not be aware that my office can also respond to these complaints, and may be able to find resolutions. We have investigated in the past, and are currently investigating, complaints about the care of seniors, including how they are treated while living in long-term care facilities."
The Ombudsman's office can conduct impartial and confidential investigations to determine whether a public agency is treating the people it serves fairly, and in most cases is able to achieve satisfactory resolutions of complaints. When necessary, the Ombudsman can also make findings and recommend solutions to complex, systemic problems to the legislative assembly.
The public bodies over which the Ombudsman has jurisdiction include: provincial ministries, health authorities, Crown corporations, colleges and universities, boards of education and municipalities. The Ombudsman's office dealt with approximately 7,000 complaints and enquiries in 2007.
#20. CANADA’S LATEST POPULATION ESTIMATES
Population as on April 1 (and percentage change from January 1 to April 1):
CANADA: 33,223,840 (0.24)
Ontario: 12,891,787 (0.23)
Quebec: 7,744,530 (0.18)
British Columbia: 4,428,356 (0.32)
Alberta: 3,512,368 (0.41)
Manitoba: 1,196,291 (0.23)
Saskatchewan: 1,010,146 (0.35)
Nova Scotia: 935,962 (0.04)
New Brunswick: 751,527 (0.04)
Newfoundland and Labrador: 508,270 (0.03)
Prince Edward Island: 139,407 (0.23)
Northwest Territories: 42,514 (-0.19)
Yukon: 31,530 (0.90)
Nunavut: 31,152 (0.03)
(Statistics Canada)
#21. BCAA TRAFFIC SAFETY FOUNDATION PLEASED WITH DRUG IMPAIRMENT LAW
As of July 2, drivers will have to submit to a Standardized Field Sobriety Test for impairment when demanded by a peace officer who suspects they are driving while impaired by drugs.
Bill C-2 empowers Canadian police who suspect a driver of being impaired by any drug, illegal, prescription or over-the-counter, to demand the subject submit to a breathalyzer test, physical coordination tests and an assessment by a Drug Recognition Expert using the Drug Evaluation and Classification (DEC) assessment along with a demand of bodily fluid samples (blood, saliva or urine).
“We are very pleased with this new law,” said Allan Lamb, executive director of the BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation. “Reducing the number of drug impaired drivers on B.C.’s roads is a priority for the Foundation.”
During the month of June, the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse held random roadside drug surveys in several B.C. communities to gather baseline information about the extent of impairment by drugs as well as alcohol. Results of this survey should be known this fall.
“I am particularly concerned that young drivers who act responsibly toward the problem of drinking and driving, have no idea that they are also impaired after using cannabis,” said Lamb, who was present at one of the roadside surveys in the Lower Mainland.
Research supporting this legislation is clear. Epidemiologic studies of drug use among fatally injured drivers in Canada indicate that drugs, often in combination with alcohol, are detected in up to 30 per cent of fatally injured drivers. Public opinion surveys indicate that about 17 per cent of Canadian drivers report having driven within two hours of using an impairing substance. According to CCSA's Canadian Addiction Survey, 5 per cent of drivers in Canada admitted driving within two hours of using cannabis, a 50 per cent increase since 1989. Among those 16 to 18, 21 per cent reported having driven after using cannabis, slightly higher than the 20 per cent who reported driving after alcohol use.
"Such findings suggest that the drugs and driving problem is by no means insignificant and may in fact be increasing," said CCSA Manager of Research and Policy Doug Beirness.
New penalties under the law include a fine of not less than $1,000 for the first offence, and imprisonment for the second offence of not less than 30 days and not less than 120 days for each subsequent offence.
Anyone convicted of operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs, alcohol or both will be prohibited from driving a vehicle for one to three years for the first offence and two to five years for the second offence.
There are currently over 1,100 officers in B.C. trained to recognize drug impairment in drivers. Officers with drug recognition training will now be present at road checks in communities around the province.
“Summertime marks the highest rates of driving while impaired in BC. With the enactment of Bill C-2 on July 2 we hope to see a reversal in this trend,” said Lamb.
Time is the only thing that reduces the effects of impairment. Don’t get behind the wheel if you have consumed alcohol or drugs.
#22. STRONG MESSAGE TO DRIVERS: NO EXCUSES FOR DRINKING AND DRIVING
ICBC, the province and police are sending a message to impaired drivers this summer - it's time to bury all excuses for drinking and driving.
This week, ICBC and police launched a month-long public awareness and enforcement campaign at a graveside service at Hatley Memorial Gardens. Nicolas Jimenez, ICBC's road safety director, along with the police and Colwood's mayor, Jody Twa, buried signs with common excuses for drinking and driving in a grave (e.g. "I can handle my liquor."; "It's only a short drive home."; "I don't want to pay for a taxi."; "I'm OK to drive.").
"More than 100 British Columbians die every year as a direct result of drinking and driving," said John van Dongen, minister of public safety and solicitor general. "The tragedy behind that number is the terrible cost to B.C. families and the fact that those deaths are preventable."
Although the Drinking Driving CounterAttack campaign is one of the many initiatives that has helped reduce B.C.'s alcohol-related crash fatalities by some 50 per cent over the past 30 years, the consequences remain severe. On average, 3,170 people are injured and 116 are killed in 4,980 alcohol-related crashes each year (average annual figures from 2002-2006 police data). Annually, this costs ICBC and drivers more than $140 million in claims costs.
"Everyone benefits when we all drive safely," said Jimenez. "First and foremost, we minimize the tragic toll car crashes have on people's lives. But we're also reminding drivers that the insurance rates you pay reflect how you drive. Higher risk drivers will simply pay more," added Jimenez. With the introduction of the Driver Risk Premium, if you're convicted of drinking and driving, you'll pay more for your insurance.
ICBC's campaign features radio, television, and restaurant and bar advertising reminding drivers about the increased police presence and the need to stop making excuses for drinking and driving. ICBC is also working with employers to help spread the message to their staff.
Police throughout the province will ramp up roadchecks throughout the summer.
"The police, ICBC and the provincial government have been working hard to combat drinking and driving over the years. While we've helped to reduce the number of fatalities, impaired driving is still the number one criminal cause of death in Canada," commented deputy chief Mike Chadwick of the Saanich police, also president of the B.C. Association Chiefs of Police.
"The RCMP's goal is to have the safest roads in the world by 2010," added staff sergeant Andrew Isles of the RCMP and Capital Regional District Integrated Road Safety Unit. "Working with partners like ICBC to combine enforcement with education is a vital step in achieving this goal."
For more information on the impaired driving campaign, visit www.icbc.com.
#23. CUPE BC PART OF MULTI-UNION LEGAL CHALLENGE OF CAMPBELL’S ‘GAG LAW’
The British Columbia division of the Canadian Union of Public Employees is among seven of the province's largest unions, along with the BC Federation of Labour, that have launched a legal challenge against Bill 42, the Election Amendment Act.
CUPE BC and the other unions are challenging the BC Liberals' notorious gag law based on freedom of expression guarantees in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Joseph Arvay and Leo McGrady, the lawyers acting on the unions' behalf, will argue that several features of Bill 42 exceed reasonable limits imposed by the Charter.
"Before the last election, there were only three NDP MLAs in the legislature. We needed to be there, to assist in presenting alternatives to the government's agenda," says CUPE BC president Barry O'Neill.
"The Campbell Liberals dreamed up Bill 42 to prevent us from ever having that kind of influence again. Well, we're not going to 'just shut up' like the government wants us to. As CUPE members, there are 75,000 of us in B.C., and we deserve a voice."
Bill 42 was one of several bills introduced late in the last legislative session and rammed through the house after the government invoked closure to pass them.
The bill originally attempted to severely restrict third party election advertising for five months before the next provincial election - a period eventually reduced to three months, thanks to broad-based and sustained criticism. The legal action announced today will challenge any such term limits as undemocratic.
Apart from reducing spending limits, Bill 42 also broadens the definition of 'advertising' prohibited under the law, introduces a 'combined expenditures' feature that inhibits third-party ability to contribute funds to other organizations that happen to be active on election issues, and curtails third-party ability to produce messaging that's associated with any particular political party.
The legal challenge is being prepared on behalf of CUPE BC, BC Teachers Federation, Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union 378, BC Nurses Union, BC Government and Service Employees Union, Federation of Post Secondary Educators, Hospital Employees Union and the BC Federation of Labour.
#24. ‘LAND TITLE SYSTEM IS SAFE AND SECURE’
The Land Title and Survey Authority of British Columbia (LTSA) reinforced this week the safety and security of the province's land title system which has been in place since 1870. Over the past 18 years, the land title system processed 15 million transactions. During this time, two claims related to land ownership fraud were successfully resolved and only 14 claims related to mortgage fraud had been filed.
The Assurance Fund is an essential component of the land title system in British Columbia and is available to compensate registered owners of title in the event of loss. Protection of title is provided to both the seller and purchaser of property, and is critically important for economic stability, investment and social stability.
As with any area of commerce, there may be people who want to misrepresent ownership of an item, such as land. Identity theft is a concern these days and the LTSA encourages lawyers and notaries to continue to be vigilant and always ask for identification when dealing with any individual with regard to land title to ensure that they are dealing with the true owner of the land.
There are 1.8 million active titles in BC and only a handful have been the subject of an assurance fund claim related to fraud. However, if a property owner feels that their land holdings are at risk, there are simple steps that may be taken to provide additional protection.
These include:
* An owner, via a lawyer or notary, may use the Activity Advisory Service provided by BC Online. This service provides an email notice to the lawyer or notary when an application is made that may affect the owner's title.
* Alternatively, an owner can apply for a Duplicate Certificate of Title through the Land Title and Survey Authority, if the land title does not have a mortgage or agreement for sale registered against it.
* An owner who takes possession of their Duplicate Certificate of Title, should ensure it is kept in a safe and secure location to avoid the time and cost associated with replacing it.
Land title is legally protected in British Columbia under the Land Title Act. The Land Title and Survey Authority is responsible for managing the land title system in a manner that protects and maintains the security of land ownership records and documents.
British Columbia's land title system includes numerous checks and balances to identify and prevent fraud. In British Columbia, most land title and related lending transactions are conducted through professionals such as notaries and lawyers, who require proof of identity as part of their professional due diligence requirements. When land title documents are registered through the LTSA, land ownership is again confirmed against existing land title records. Documents submitted to the Authority require certification by a recognized professional.
#25. LIBERALS CONDEMN CONSERVATIVE ‘ATTACK” ON INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY
The Conservative government has used the confidential income tax information of Canada's sitting judges in an attempt to politicize salary negotiations, a move that could be in violation of Canada's privacy laws, said Liberal Justice Critic Dominic LeBlanc this week.
"This is a serious situation that should make all Canadians nervous," said LeBlanc. "Imagine if you were trying to negotiate a raise with your boss, and he pulls out your income tax file and tells you that there's no raise, since your investments seem to be doing alright for themselves already."
The Conservative government provided a list of over 600 judges to the Canada Revenue Agency, and asked them to match that list with tax records the judges filed as lawyers before they were appointed to the federal courts. This list was used in an attempt to intimidate the independent commission studying judicial salaries into accepting the federal government's offer of reduced pay increases.
"The purpose of appointing an independent commission to study judicial salaries was to avoid the politicization of the process, to remove partisanship, and this government has completely thrown this idea out the window," said LeBlanc.
These revelations are not the first time this Conservative government has attacked the independence of Canada's judiciary. Most of the Conservative justice agenda has focused on removing sentencing discretion from judges, and putting that discretion into the hands of politicians, say the Liberals.
"This government is all about confrontation, and in pursuing that agenda they've shown that they have no respect for the Canadian taxpayer, no respect for our judges, no respect for the idea of transparency and accountability," said LeBlanc.
"We need the Privacy Commissioner to investigate whether or not the spirit, or the letter of the Privacy Act was violated by these actions."
#26. LAUNCH OF CIBC YMCA ACCESS TO OPPORTUNITY
A new partnership between CIBC and the YMCA of Greater Toronto will help newcomers to Toronto overcome many of the challenges they face settling in Canada. The CIBC YMCA Access to Opportunity initiative will give newcomers meaningful information about day-to-day banking, starting a business and most importantly, getting financial advice to help them plan their future in their new country. As well, qualified foreign-trained newcomers will get assistance finding a job in their field in the financial services sector.
“Toronto is the most diverse city in the world,” said Bahadur Madhani, Chair of the YMCA. “According to the 2006 census, immigrants account for 45.7% of Toronto’s total population. That’s more than 2.3 million people. Most immigrants come to Ontario because they’re looking for opportunity - opportunity to succeed in this new country they now call home.
“The YMCA is building on its strong history of connecting with newcomers and has partnered with CIBC to deliver a unique program that will provide insight to newcomers about the financial landscape in Canada. This partnership will open doors for newcomers by providing them with information through a series of financial literacy seminars delivered by YMCA facilitators and CIBC employees.”
“More than 250,000 newcomers come to Canada each year, and becoming comfortable with banking and getting a job are just two of the many challenges of starting a new life here,” said Christina Kramer, Executive Vice-President, CIBC Retail Markets.
“CIBC YMCA Access to Opportunity consists of two key parts,” Kramer explained. “The first is a series of information seminars called Facts and Finance, which will build on the Y’s existing offering to newcomers and help give them the information needed to establish credit, save for their families’ future, or perhaps start a business.
“Informing newcomers about banking in Canada shortly after their arrival will help them get housing, achieve self-sufficiency more quickly, integrate into their new communities more successfully, and to ultimately access the opportunities Canada has to offer.
“The second aspect of the program is a job readiness training program called CIBC Connection to Employment. One of the most important steps to getting started in Canada is finding a job. For many newcomers, it is difficult to find employment in their field. That is why we are very excited to partner with the Y to connect qualified newcomers to jobs in financial services. CIBC Connection to Employment will run for six weeks starting in September of this year. The program is free to qualified newcomers, and we hope to hire the majority of graduates, starting them off in careers at CIBC,” Kramer said.
Nasirul Islam of Bangladesh is one example of a newcomer to Canada who left his home and his family in 2000 in search of new opportunities in business and finance here.
“With a post-graduate education in Accounting, majoring in Accounting, Costing and Economics, I’m trying to secure a good job that uses my education and experience,” Islam said at the launch. “But so far, my foreign credentials and lack of Canadian work experience in my professional field has not opened any doors to my desired career. CIBC YMCA Access to Opportunity is very exciting and will definitely help many newcomers who have chosen Canada to make a new start. This is a promising program and I look forward to learning more about how I can apply to the CIBC Connection to Employment in order to secure employment in my professional field.”
Islam is now reunited with his wife and two teenage daughters in Toronto since January after receiving permanent resident status last fall. All four are actively involved with the Y.
“My eldest daughter, Shorno, joined the YMCA’s Newcomer Youth Leadership Development program and is very excited about making new friends and learning about her community,” said Islam. “My wife and I have attended the YMCA’s newcomer parent workshops which have helped us understand the Canadian teenage experience. And now I am volunteering with the YMCA Newcomer Centre to help other newcomers and to gain Canadian experience and connections.
“I am a positive person,” added Islam. “I know there will be opportunities for me and my family.”
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