diwali issue #5 november 3, 2010

Wednesday, November 03, 2010 www.diversityreporter.com

Community...3

Spooky Fun

Fashion... Page 12

Meera

Vancouver Island’s multilingual voice FREE

A Taste of Japan

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Martial Arts on Offer at Japanese Cultural Fair

黄色いタクシー Call: 381-2222 黄色出租车

The annual Japanese Cultural Fair was held on Sat-urday, October 23rd at the Esquimalt Recreation

Center. Hosted by the Victoria Nikkei Cultural Society, the event’s attendees were treated to performances by Vancouver Island taiko drumming group Uminari Taiko,

Brennan Storr

Diversity Reporter Staff

demonstrations of kendo by the Victoria Kendo Club and the martial art aikido by members of the Victoria-based Sanshukan Aikikai dojo.

Continued on page 2.

Cristina Shore (left) and Patti Kagawa (right) displaying pottery for the silent auction at the 2010 VNCS Japanese Cultural Fair in Esquimalt Recreation Centre.

Culture...Page 20

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2 November 03, 2010 www.diversityreporter.com

History of Japanese Canadians

The first Japanese settlers arrived in Victoria between 1877 and 1928. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour in 1942, Japanese Canadians were designated as “security threats” by the federal government.

Under the war measures act, 20,881 people, 75% of them Canadian citizens, were placed in detention camps and relocation centres.

Following the war, the province of British Columbia seized the propertyof all its Japanese Canadian residents. These residents were then toldby the federal government to either move east of the Rockies or return to Japan. In the late 1970s and 1980s, documents on the Japanese Canadian internment were released, and redress was sought. On September 22, 1988, Prime Minister Brian Mulroney provided $21,000 for each individual directly affected, a number that, by 1993, totalled almost 18,000.

Mulroney also formally apologized and a certificate of acknowledgment for past injustices was sent to each Japanese Canadian who was displaced.

Japanese Canadians from the first wave of migration and their descendants have shared their cultural traditions and knowledge of their history. Since then, Japanese Canadians have developed new and hy-brid forms of culture and art. For example, taiko drumming groups are found in many Canadian cities.

Well-known Japanese Canadians include novelist Joy Kogowa, scientist David Suzuki, architect Ray-mond Moriyama, and agriculturalist Zenichi Shimbashi. In 2004, Bev Oda became the first Japanese Canadian elected to Parliament.

The Japanese Canadian National Museum officially opened on September 22, 2000 with its inaugural exhibit, “Re-shaping memory, Owning History: Through the Lens of Japanese Canadian Redress.” The Museum is situated at the corner of Kingsway and Sperling, #120-6688 Southoaks Crescent in Burnaby, BC.

Randy Hume - Victoria

Continued from page 1.Those looking for a more relaxed introduction to the culture of the Japan had several options, including

tea ceremonies and an impressive gallery of ikebana, or Japanese floral arrangements. Also available were traditional foods like sushi, manju, a popular confection, and genmaicha, or green tea.

“What we try to do is expose the greater community to different aspects of Japanese culture,” explained VNCS president Tsugio Kurushima. The festival, now in its 11th year, also functions as a fundraiser for the organization, allowing them to pursue the goals set out in their constitution. Established in 1993, the VNCS helps to promote awareness of Japanese culture, identifying and serving the needs of the Nikkei community. The term “Nikkei” refers to Japanese citizens resettled outside of their homeland.

For more information about the VNCS including how to become a member, visit www.vncs.ca

Keiko Alkire displays her calligraphy skills writing people’s names in Japanese during the VNCS Japanese Cultural Fair at Esquimalt Recreation Centre. Photo by Dan Eastabrook/ Diversity Reporter Staff

Sensei Mike Chin of Victoria Aikikai demonstrates a defensive move against student Jared Holma during an aikido presentation at the VNCS Japanese Cultural Fair. Photo by Dan Eastabrook/Diversity Reporter Staff

Rina El-Nahas performs with her children’s choir from the Japanese Heritage Language School during the VNCS Japanese Cultural Fair. Photo by Dan Eastabrook/Diversity Reporter Staff

Victoria Nikkei Cultural Society president Tsugio Kurushima posesproudly during the 11th annual VNCS Japanese Cultural Fair.Photo by Dan Eastabrook/Diversity Reporter Staff

Martial Arts on Offer at Japanese Cultural Fair.

Satomi Edwards plays the koto during a performance at the VNCS Japanese Cultural Fair.Photo by Dan Eastabrook/ Diversity Reporter Staff

www.diversityreporter.com November 03, 2010 3

Writers Wanted

If you can write stories in English, Chinese, Punjabi, Tagalog,

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fl avourful, food choices, they’re turning more often to Middle Eastern fare.

Lebanese food is characterized by plenty of vegetables, lean meats, healthy grains, nutritional nuts and rich oils. Considered by many to be a more healthful diet choice, and an alternative to typical Western fast fare, healthy Lebanese food is attracting its fans, both to local restaurants and to new, fl avourful recipes to try at home.

Even better, with Lebanese food you won’t sacrifi ce taste for calories. Just try the shawarma, for example.

Shawarma is to the Middle East, what a burger is to the West.

In Greece, shawarma is known as “gyro,” while in Turkey, it is called döner kebab. Essentially, strips of beef,

lamb or marinated chicken are placed on a stick with an onion or tomato at the top to add fl avor to the stack. To roast the meat slowly on all sides, the spit is kept rotating for hours near a fl ame. When cooked, the meat is

shaved off the stack with a large knife, fi lling a pita to create a delicious sandwich wrap. Completing the tasty meal are a dressing and various vegetables, such as cabbage, cucumber, eggplant, lettuce, onion, parsley, pickled turnips, pickled gherkins or tomato. If chicken tempts your

tastebuds, you’ll enjoy it with a tasty garlic sauce, the requisite condiment for a chicken shawarma. Regardless of the fi lling,

a critical component of any shawarma – or gyro or döner kebab – is the wrap. The fl at pita bread is an integral part of Lebanese food; in fact, enjoying a Lebanese meal without pita bread would be extremely rare.Another healthy highlight of

Lebanese cuisine is hummus, a simple dip or spread made from chickpeas, tahini and garlic. Each Middle Eastern region has its own variation, including those made with yogurt, lemon juice and a variety of local spices and additions.

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Beirut Express787 Fort Street, V8W 1G9(250) 590-3005John’s Noodle Village823 Bay Street, V8T 1R3(250) 978-9328Fan Tan Cafe549 Fisgard Street, V8W 1R5(250) 383-1611Dragon GateUnit D - 1609 Fort Street, V8R 1H9(250) 592-1178Ocean Garden568 Fisgard Street, V8W 1R4(250) 360-2818Don Mee Seafood Restaurant538 Fisgard Street, V8W 1R4(250) 383-1032James Bay Fish & Chips211 Menzies Street, V8V 2G6(250) 383-5333Purple Garden Buffet#138-1551 Cedar Hill X Road, V8P 2P3(250) 477-886

Mama Rosie’s Philipino Restaurant 10153 Resthaven Drive, Sidney,(250) 656-7671

Indian Food MarketTake Out & Catering4011 Quadra St, Unit #8 250-479-8884Philippines-Oriental VillageManila Express, 3185 Quadra St. (250) 386-6525Zap Thai Restaurant1207 Esquimalt Road, V9A 3P1(250) 389-1845Sookjai Thai893 Fort Street, V8W 1H6(250) 383-9945Baan Thai1117 Blanshard Street, V8W 1Y8(250) 383-0050‎Siam Thai512 Fort Street, V8W 1E6(250) 383-9911‎King & Thai Restaurant1109 McKenzie Street, V8V 2W1(250) 360-1615Little Thai Place3613 Shelbourne Street, V8P 4H1(250) 477-8668My Thai Cafe1020 Cook Street, V8V 3Z5(250) 472-7574‎Sod-Sai Thai1692 Douglas Street, V8W 2G6(250) 388-9517‎

Sura1696 Douglas Street, V8W 2G6(250) 385-7872Cafe Ceylon104 -1175 Cook St.V8V 4A1 (250) 388-4949.King Sejong650 Yates Street, V8W 1L3(250) 382-1289Kuku’s24 Burnside Road West, V9A 1B3(778) 430-5858Santiago`s Cafe660 Oswego Street, V8V 4W9(250) 388-7376Real Taste of India766 Fort Street, Victoria250-477-8883Cafe Mexico1425 Store Street, V8W 3C6(250) 386-1425La Fiesta Cafe12 – 1001 Douglas Street, V8W 2C5(250) 383-6622Green Leaf Bistro1684 Douglas Street, V8W 2G6(250) 590-8302Kim’s Vietnamese Restaurant748 Johnson Street, V8W 1N1(250) 385-0455

Restaurant Guide

Events CalendarTo book events or submit your event pictures email us at [email protected]

the writing life. Saturday, November 6, 2010, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm at the University of Victoria David Lam Auditorium.

This is a free event, open to the public. Seating is limited and pre-registration is required. Register at http://csrs.uvic.ca/

St. Aidan’s United Church Annual BazaarOn Saturday, November 6th, from 10am-2:30pm is the annual bazaar at St.Aidan’s United Church (Richmond Road at Cedar Hill Cross Road). 15stalls, selling Jewellery, Linens, Baking, Preserves, Handcrafted gifts,and more. Lunch $7.50 (11:15 am & 12:45 pm sittings). Coffee shop. Admission free. Wheelchair accessible. Cash only. ATM on site.

DIVA PartyJoin us at AFRO DIVA Salon, 1820 Oak Bay Ave, on Saturday, November 6th 2PM to 7PM, for our DIVA Party and check out our new services. Beginning October 30th, we are accepting used eye-wear donation for families inLiberia. For more info call 250-592-3482 or email at [email protected]

National Philanthropy DayEach year, National Philanthropy Day recognizes outstanding individualsand organizations in our community that are making a difference in thelives of others. By ‘changing the world with a giving heart’, local

philanthropists will receive this year’s National Philanthropy Day awards. The National Philanthropy Day cel-ebration will be held on Monday,November 15th, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Fairmont Empress Hotel.For event information contactTami Tate at (250) 595-8381 or [email protected]. For all otherinformation visit our website at www.npdvictoria.com

Tree Appreciation Day Join City of Victoria’s 5th Annual Tree Appreciation Day on Sunday, November 7, 2010 from 10 a.m. to noon at Banfield Park, 521 Craig-flower Road. visit: www.victoria.ca and click on What’s New?

Poets for Peace - A Poet laureate SummitVictoria City Hall on Saturday, November 13,2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is Free. No Registration required.

Annual Japanese Fall Bazaar

November 7, 12:00 - 3:00 at Fairfield Community Place:1335 Thurlow(near Moss & Fairfield) Free admission, many Japanese items, crafts, white elephant, and foods. Ramen, Takoyaki, and Inari-zushi sale. Entertainment is planned.

Online Art Auction

For original works by Canadian artists. All proceeds go to sending the UVic rab-bits to a safe sanctuary in texashttp://www.tracs-bc.ca/uvicbunauc.html

21st Annual “First Chance” Christmas Craft Show 2010Saturday, Nov. 6, 10-5 & Sunday Nov. 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Novmber 6 & 7Admission $3 for a weekend pass. Chil-dren under 12 free, wheelchair acces-sible, great door prizes. Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Ave., Sidney250-248-0637

The Genius of Ray, The Definate Ray Charles TributeFriday, November 19th, and Saturday Nov. 20th at Mary Winspear Theatre, Sidney. Adults $20, Students/eniors $18

Writing and Religion: A Literary Forum

Four renowned Canadian writers ad-dress the place of religion, spirituality and contemplative practice in literature and

all imaginable graphic design

services available250-661-4981

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Contributors: Brennan Storr, Raquel Gallego, Brendan Kergin, Jennifer Patel, Anthem Man, Prof. Darshan Singh, Waqar Yousaf Butt

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Foreign Correspondents:

Australia Syed Salman Shah

China James Foster

India Ajmer Alam Wani

Philippines Caroline Wong

Bangladesh Saleem Samad

Dubai Akbar J. Bajwa

Pakistan Ahmad Humayun Khan

Diversity Reporter is a leading multilingual newspaper with content published in more than 10 languages. It is published by Frontline Media every second Wednesday. We encourage newcomers and immigrants to write their stories and share it with the best community on earth. We welcome local event, news stories, features and pictures from community members. Opinions and views expressed are of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the views of Diversity Reporter.


On September 26th, Spirit (Centennial) Square played host to 50 of the best food producers on the island. When the sun finally burned away the clouds, it became

clear that some of the tastiest farm fresh produce, fish, meat, eggs, bread, salt, beer, wine and cider in the world comes from Vancouver Island. Moreover, Victoria’s Chefs proved once again that they know how to put all that great food to good use. 5,000 people turned out to support the idea of a permanent public market in downtown Victoria and the Victoria Downtown Public Market Society raised enough money for a feasibility study and business plan.

Following on that huge success the Victoria Downtown Public Market Society is pleased to announce a monthly local food market to be held in Market Square through the winter months. The Downtown Winter Market will feature local produce, baking, preserves, meat, cheese, music, hot drinks and more, all for sale under the covered half of Market Square’s inner courtyard. Visit the Market between 11AM and 3PM on Saturday, November 20th and Saturday, December 18. 2011 dates will be announced soon.

For more information, please visit www.victoriapublicmarket.com.

Eat Here Now: Victoria Harvest Fest

Annual

Japanese

Fall Bazaar

November 7 (Sun)

Place: Fairfield Community Place 1335Thurlow(Near Fairfield Moss St

Time: 12:00 ~ 3:00

Many Japanese items, Craft,

White Elephant Sale, Bake Sale

Ramen・Takoyaki・Inari-zushi

Entertainment

For Further Information

Call Calder at

250 598-4416

An Uphill StruggleJose Figueroa Fights to Remain in Canada After 13 Years

Salvadoran refugee Jose Figueroa was at Cafe Simpatico in Victoria on Friday,

October 29, to speak about his impending deportation by the Canadian government. In 1985, while attending the University of El Salvador, Figueroa became a student activist for the Frente Farabundo Martí para la Liberación Nacional, or FMLN. During the 1980s, El Salvador’s ruling government is thought to have murdered more than 80,000 of its own citizens and often used brutal violence to repress dissent.

The FMLN was the underground op-position and after the signing of a peace accord in 1992 was formally recognized as a legitimate political party.

The peace accord was not the end of the violence, however, and so Figueroa fled with his wife to Canada on May 6, 1997. Since then, he and his wife have had three children and Figueroa has always worked to pay his own way, never rely-ing on the system for support. Now, the Canadian government say that his role as an activist with the FMLN in the 80s is

reason enough to justify his deportation, on the grounds that the FMLN is classified, in Canada, as a terrorist organization. This decision completely ignores the fact that the FMLN is now the democratically elected government in El Salvador and has diplomatic ties to both Canada and the United States.

Figueroa challenged the deportation order in court and lost, then had his appeal to have the case heard before a judicial review denied. Now his only hope is an appeal to the public safety minister for an exemption on the grounds that he does not represent a danger to the country. He was in Victoria to raise awareness of his cause, in the hope that Canadians will pressure the government to reverse their decision. He believes that many Salvadorans liv-ing in Canada could now be in danger of deportation because of ties to the FMLN but remain silent out of fear for their own immigration status, “The Salvadoran peo-ple do not need to be afraid – they need to speak up,” he says. “After all, they [the Canadian government] is not referring to me as a terrorist, they’re referring to our whole government.”

For more information, including how to show your support for Jose Figueroa, go to http://josefigueroaimmigrationor-deal.blogspot.com/

Brennan StorrDiversity Reporter Staff

Jose Figueroa with his son, Ivan Jose. Photo by Brennan Storr


Religion 101: Exploring JudaismSt. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church in Vancouver hosted a six week exploration of different world religions. From October 6-10, St. Andrew’s explored Judaism. Rabbi Laura Duhan Kaplan grew up in New York City, with a strong education in Jewish religion and culture. For fifteen years, she served as Professor of Philosophy at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. In 2005, she was ordained as a rabbi in the Jewish Renewal movement, and came to Vancouver with her husband and children. Currently she serves as spiritual leader of Or Shalom Synagogue in Vancouver. Rabbi Kaplan shared her thoughts on Judaism with Embrace BC.

Where does Judaism come from?

Judaism began about 3,000 years ago in the ancient Near East, in the areas that are now Iraq and Israel. Just like other people in that region, ancient Jews practiced an earth-based reli-gion, with rituals marking the sea-sons. However, they added a mono-theistic interpretation, which means that instead of worshipping a variety of natural forces, they understood all natural phenomena as being the work of one divine power. Modern Judaism came into being during the

first century C.E. (common era), as Jews became dispersed all over the world. At that time, Jewish leaders consciously discussed how best to practice the teachings of Judaism in less land-based ways.

What are the beliefs and practices of Judaism?Judaism is an interesting religion, be-cause it teaches universal ethical and spiritual issues, yet is also connected with a specific civilization or cul-ture. For instance, our sages – who were like Rabbis – shaped modern Judaism and articulated some of the universal teachings such as that we keep the world sustainable through three activities: Torah (Bible) study – spiritu-al inquiry, developing our intellects, knowing our cultural history Prayer – personal and com-munal connections with God Repair of the world - through righteous giving, personal acts of loving kindness, ethical self-develop-ment, and political action

Many Jewish holidays celebrate specific times in our cultural history, with rituals that help us to interpret the meaning of historical events for us today; the most famous of these is the Passover Seder, which is the celebration of moving from slavery to freedom. Our prayerbook (a col-lection of great spiritual poetry from Biblical times to the present) is an-other celebration of Jewish culture. What is the Jewish concept of God? In Judaism God is ONE. However, Jews interpret this in many ways, including:

We should devote our life to only one highest goal; All religions aim at the same spiritual and moral truths inspired by a single higher power; Everything that exists is made of Divine energy, which is the only real substance of the universe; and Jews should re-member that even with our diverse interpretations, we are still one peo-ple.

How does Judaism impact family life and day-to-day activities?Many Jewish rituals take place in the home; for example, our most basic spiritual practice is Shabbat (Sab-bath) – a day of rest from productive labour, and a day of enjoyment of simple things such as family, friends, food, nature, and awareness of God’s presence. The ritual that greets Shab-bat includes the lighting of candles, singing, and offering blessings to one another.Judaism is also a constant practice of self-awareness. Conscious eat-ing, watching our speech, and saying

Rabbi Laura Duhan Kaplan

Exploration in World Religions: PartTwo

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blessings are some popular aware-ness practices. For instance, The rules of kosher eating are designed to place limits on our consumption of meat. Many Jews today have deepened their practice to follow “Eco-kosher” rules, which include vegetarianism and buying from companies with good labour practices. By watching our speech (avoiding gossip, speaking posi-tively of others, choosing compas-sionate ways of communication), we also change the way we think

and become less negative. Jewish tradition also teaches that we should say 100 blessings each day. Blessings are short sen-tences that thank God for food, natu-ral wonders, opportunities to learn, for good things in our lives, and for the assistance we receive in coping with difficult things.

What are the major similarities between Judaism and other faiths being explored in the World reli-gions festival?All religious traditions are working together to remind people of their spiritual and ethical lives and to help people form spiritual communities where we take care of each other. Because of our different cultural ori-gins, we all have different stories and symbols that help us in this work. Because we all live in the same world and share the same human nature, we all struggle with similar issues within our communities.

What are the main thoughts or

ideas that people should know about Judaism?Because the State of Israel has been so prominent in world news, I would like others to know that the Jewish community is deeply divided in our own responses to current events. Some of us focus on Israel’s suc-cesses as a technologically advanced, multicultural society, where Jewish and secular arts flourish, while others focus on Israel’s challenges, such as being a militarized society with deep religious divisions.We all have family and friends who

live there, and we try to acknowledge the mixed nature of this tiny young country, as it works to find a place in the world. We hope that our dialogue and our action can influence it for the better.

What are your personal views about Interfaith Bridging?Some people say that faith traditions are similar because they all speak to the same human nature. I think there’s another reason – faith tradi-tions are similar because people of different faiths speak to one another and learn from each other! Interfaith dialogue should be a natu-ral part of life in Canada. We all have friends and colleagues of different faiths, with different cultural tradi-tions. Usually, these differences are not a barrier to friendship. We should welcome structured, friendly discus-sions in which we can specifically learn about each other’s faith tradi-tions, and sometimes in the process, we learn a great deal about our own backgrounds!


BRITISH COLUMBIA

Brennan Storr


This year’s Order of B.C. Investiture Ceremony took place on October 21 at Victoria’s Government House. 15 honou-rees were presented with an Order of B.C. medal and certificate by Lieutenant Gov-ernor Steven L. Point and Premier Gordon Campbell.

The honour is awarded to residents of British Columbia who are considered to have benefitted the province in an extraor-dinary way. Premier Campbell said of this year’s nominees: “Each individual has done something special; they have given, and given, and given again.”

Among this year’s recipients were ge-nome scientist Marco A. Marra, of Van-

couver, Aboriginal community worker Barbara Ward-Burkitt of Prince George and youth fundraiser Jeneece Edroff, of Victoria. At only sixteen years of age, Edroff has raised over $1.5 million for Va-riety, the Children’s Charity and becomes the youngest ever recipient of the Order.

Recipients are nominated by their peers, who submit a nomination form along with two letters of support to the Order of B.C. Advisory Council, chaired by the Lieutenant Governor. The deadline for applications is March and selections are made no later than April of the same year.

Province Honours Its Best and Brightest

Photo by Dan Eastabrook/Diversity Reporter Staff Photo by Dan Eastabrook/Diversity Reporter Staff

SHANGHAI EXPO BOOSTS PROFILE OF B.C. WOOD PRODUCTSVICTORIA - More than 600,000

Chinese citizens, developers and urban planners know more about the benefits of building with wood after

visiting the Vancouver Pavilion at Shanghai Expo 2010, which has now

concluded its six-month run.“The Vancouver Pavilion at Expo

2010 in Shanghai provided an excellentopportunity to showcase Canadian

wood products and wood constructiontechniques to an international audi-

ence,” said Natural Resources CanadaMinister Christian Paradis. “The Gov-

ernment of Canada’s investment of $2.5 million allowed the pavilion to display the quality and benefits of wood-frame construction, and strengthened Canada’s position in this important market.”

“The exposure we gained was equiva-

lent to hosting 400 trade shows on how wood-frame construction can sustain-ably meet China’s development needs,” said Forests, Mines and Lands Minister Pat Bell, who is currently in China lead-ing British Columbia’s largest-ever trade

mission. “It was a tremendous oppor-tunity to promote our products and tech-nology, and build on the market inroads we have made since 2003.”

Exit surveys indicate nearly 120,000 visitors to the Vancouver Pavilion were professionals involved in urban planning and development. Media coverage of the pavilion also amounted to more than $1 million in Chinese television, newspaper and Internet advertising.

Most people who visited the pavil-ion (titled Urban Sanctuary) were from Mainland China, where the majority of

people are not familiar with Canadian lumber and construction systems.

“Raising consumer awareness, and de-bunking myths about wood-frame con-struction, is an important step in building demand for B.C. wood and building sys-tems,” said Bell. “Thanks to tremendous support from the Government of Canada and City of Vancouver, we were able to demonstrate for the average Chinese citizen that building with wood is green, sturdy and cost-effective.”

The Vancouver Pavilion was a collabo-ration of the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia and the City of Vancouver. Vancouver was one of only four North American cities selected for the exposition’s Urban Best Practices Area, which provided a platform for par-ticipating cities to exchange experiences

in urban construction and development.The three-storey pavilion featured

exhibits on the transformation of False Creek after Expo 86 and the green ben-efits of wood-frame construction. It also housed meeting rooms for hosting re-ceptions and seminars for Chinese de-velopers, engineers, architects and gov-ernment

officials. More than $2.5 million in funding for

the project was provided by the Govern-ment of Canada under its $170-million Economic Action Plan.

Zen teacher Eshu Martin gives the opening speech during the Order of BC presenta-tion ceremony at Government House. 15 individuals were given the province’s high-est award for outstanding achievement.

Jeneece Edroff, 16, receives the Order of BC from premier Gordon Campbell and lieutenant-governor Steven L. Point. Edroff started a penny drive for Variety when she was seven, and by 14, had raised over one million dollars. She is the youngest ever recipient of the award.


It is no coincidence that the issues affecting the poor are year after year

given short shrift. Class interests on city council have almost unanimously been with those who stand for big development and private profits before people’s real needs, affordable housing, public transit and poverty alleviation.

Rose is no newcomer to social justice struggles. She operates on substance and not slick. She is one person who will put the urgency of Victoria’s pressing social issues at the top (rather than the bottom) of the agenda at City Hall. She is a com-passionate and hard-working advocate who will serve beyond the call of duty to press for solutions to the growing prob-lems that our community faces: addiction, homelessness, intolerance, housing af-fordability, public safety.

Meet Your CandidatesGeorge Sirk

Rose is experienced and embedded in local politics within downtown, university and advocacy groups. In addition to over 25 years of work with community-based organizations, in recent years Rose has also built partnerships at the university.

Paul Brown Marianne Alto

I love and am so proud of my City of Victoria. Our sense of community,

our environment, services and vision are second to none. I want to help preserve our city’s many unique attributes and contribute to meeting its challenges.

My principal reason for running is my concern that there are fiscal clouds on the horizon that need to be properly ad-dressed. Potentially large expenditures may be necessary to maintain or replace aging infrastructure.

These initiatives and projects need to be properly reviewed and debated in an open and transparent manner.

I have spent the past 20 years provid-ing advice and training on sound account-ability and governance practices to public servants across the Pacific Northwest. I believe this background and experience

uniquely qualifies me to make a meaning-ful contribution to our city’s challenges and opportunities.

My position on a range of issues can be found on my website www.paulbrown-victoria.org

I was born in Venezuela and came to Vancouver when I was ten years old.

My first language is still Spanish and I hope to represent all immigrants who need a voice. Here are some of my beliefs:1. Fiscal prudence - The taxpayers

should have the final say on the Blue Bridge expenditures. I would work to lower the cost of the bridge repairs and sewage treatment because the present plans are still too elaborate and expensive.

2. Family - As a father, I strongly sup-port our recreation facilities, leaders and workers! For example, I sup-port building a new skateboard park in Victoria. It is low maintenance and would cost taxpayers very little. Our children and our elders need safe

places to walk and bike. We need to increase our efforts to maintain our parks and playing fields.

3. Tourism and small business - I be-lieve in this city, its history, wealth, children and future. I would listen to advice from our City’s key employers in tourism and other small businesses.

On November 20, Victorians have a chance to add a new voice to our City Council.

I’m asking for your support to be that voice because I’m a facilitator by trade, and a small businessperson. I’m also a volunteer with the Coalition to End Home-lessness and many other community or-ganizations.

Some people see social justice issues and business interests as opposites.

I see them as two sides of the same coin. We can’t have a thriving business sector without addressing the core issues of poverty and addiction in our city. At the same time, fiscal responsibility, competi-tive taxes and a good business climate are essential to nurture a strong private sector.

I bring people together, listen, probe,

challenge, and facilitate, then consider all their diverse perspectives, balance com-peting interests then I act with purpose to solve problems, and create solutions that work for everyone.

As city councilor, that’s what I want to do for Victorians.

Rose Henry

Victoria City Council By-election November 20, 2010

“Marianne is an honest, diligent, and progressive individual. Her practical outlook in ensuring the continued growth of our local economy is beneficial to small business owners and residents alike. I whole heartedly endorse Marianne for city council.” ~ Abudi Awaysheh, Rockland resident

Marianne Alto’s priorities as your City Councillor will be to:

• Work collaboratively with all levels of government, local businesses and community groups to foster a healthy economy that supports healthy communities.

• Bring the community together to address homelessness, public safety and addictions issues.

• Develop a regional transportation system that is environmentally and economically sustainable.

www.mariannealto.ca

Marianne Alto with Victoria MP Denise Savoie


victoria city council

VOTE

BARRY HOBBIS

To respond to the economic downturn, we need to see our downtown core and neighbourhood centres attract vibrant businesses - ones that will create new opportunities, increase environmental sustainability, add jobs, and increase our tax-base.

Our legacy should be a vibrant, dynamic society. A City that engages business, residents and visitors; with municipal services that exceed citizens’ expectations.

Y O U R C I T Y, Y O U R C O U N C I L

VIS

ION

www.ElectBarryHobbis.orgemail: [email protected]: @vicelect

Campaign O�ce932 Pandora AvenuePhone: 250 883 1419

www.ElectBarryHobbis.orgemail: [email protected]: @vicelect

Campaign O�ce932 Pandora AvenuePhone: 250 883 1419

VICTORIA - Beacon Hill Park is an oasis of both natural and landscaped beauty. Its open vista across the Strait of Juan de Fuca and unique recreation features make it

a destination for residents and visitors alike.Based on valuable community input to date, the City of Victoria has developed a draft

transportation plan that will guide traffic and trail improvements to make Beacon Hill Park safer and more enjoyable.

Drop by an open house in the community to learn more and provide input.Take the opportunity to view displays and discuss proposed road closures to reduce

cut-through traffic, methods to slow down traffic, ways to maintain access to the park’s recreation features, and trail improvements.Registration is not required. Complimentary refreshments will be served.Free childminding will be available.Participants will also have an opportunity to complete a short survey.Your input will help inform the transportation plan for Beacon Hill Park which will be presented to City Council in the New Year for consideration.

For more information, visit: www.victoria.ca and click on What’s New?

Proposed Traffic and Trail Improve-ments for Beacon Hill Park

OPEN HOUSE #1Proposed Traffic and Trail Improvements for Beacon Hill ParkTuesday, November 16, 2010, from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.Fairfield Gonzales Community Centre, Out of School Care Room1330 Fairfield Road

OPEN HOUSE #2Proposed Traffic and Trail Improvements for Beacon Hill ParkWednesday, November 17, 2010, from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.James Bay New Horizons, Activity Room, 234 Menzies Street

VICTORIA - There will be an opportunity to learn more about the architectural de-sign of the new bridge and its placement in Victoria’s historic district of Old Town, on Monday night. Sebastian Ricard, lead architect from Wilkinson- Eyre will provide an overview of the project from an architectural perspective, describing the inspiration and considerations involved in designing a landmark, world-class bridge.

As Victoria voters head to the polls on November 20, the City of Victoria is providing a number of opportunities for the public to learn more about the various aspects of the bridge.• What: Designing a Landmark Bridge: Meet the Architects• When: Monday, October 25, 2010 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.• Where: Victoria Conference Centre, Lecture Theatre

Are you a candidate or Victoria resident? Have Your Say on the City of Victoria by-election. Please send us your letters with a contact telephone

number at:[email protected]

The public will also have an opportu-nity to tour the Johnson Street Bridge on Saturday, October 23, to learn more about the condition of the current bridge and to learn about the many new features and improvements to be provided in the new bridge. Registration is required.• What: Public Tours of the Johnson

Street Bridge• When: Saturday, October 23, 2010 10

a.m. to 12:00 p.m.• Where: Johnson Street Bridge, near

Via Rail StationMembers of the media are invited to

attend both events.Wilkinson Eyre Architects is among

the United Kingdom’s leading design practices, and is responsible for a large portfolio of international projects. Their architecture is based on an informed use of technology and materials, combining a commitment to the spirit of the new with a strong awareness of context. Learn more about the variety of world class bridg-es they have designed at www.wilkin-soneyre.com/projects/type/bridges.aspx

View from City Hall

Left to right: Abudi Awaysheh, Marianne Alto, Khalilah Alwani meeting with voters around Victoria. Photo credit: Tony Sprackett

Send us your election photos for “OUR CITY” page at [email protected]

Tour the Johnson Street Bridge, Meet the Architect


Plant a Seed to Read Dinner and Dance at Literacy Fundraiser

Brennan Storr


The Rotary Club of Saanich and the READ Society hosted the “Plant a Seed to Read” gala fundraiser on October 23 at the UVIC University Club. The evening began with cocktails and the commencement of the silent auction, with musical accompaniment by the Esquimalt Jazz Band. Over $20,000 in donated items were up for auction, including golf lessons, artisan giftware and a variety of gift certificates, ranging from restaurant discounts to hotel stays.

After dinner and dessert, guests were treated to a series of performances by students from Pearson College, including an African “gumboot dance”, belly dancers and singers. The acts were part of the college’s “One World” show, presented each year at the Royal Theatre. Following the students’ performance was the “Balloon Pop”, where diners were given the opportunity to purchase and then pop inflated balloons in search of prizes. The Victoria-based dance band “Loose Change” then took the stage.

It was the first time that the READ Society had partnered with the Rotary Club of Saanich and the groups approached it with a common goal: helping literacy cross economic and cultural barriers. “Literacy is so very important for both children and adults in our world,” said Graeme Kirby, chairman of the READ Society. “Education, like anything, costs money and tonight’s event will provide funds to help subsidize those who cannot afford it.”

Brennan Storr


Gary Lunn, MP for Saanich-Gulf Is-lands and Minister of State for Sport,

and Ida Chong, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head and Minister of Science and Univer-sities joined Camosun executive, faculty, staff and students to officially open the Alan Batey Library and Learning Com-mons at Camosun’s Lansdowne campus on Friday, October 29, before touring the

Camosun Celebrates New Librarynew expanded fitness centre.

The completed works, along with the heavily upgraded Learning Commons at Camosun’s Interurban campus, represent 3 of Camosun’s projects under Canada’s Knowledge Infrastructure Program, or KIP, part of the Economic Action Plan. Under KIP, $2-billion dollars have been allotted for infrastructure enhancement at Canada’s universities and colleges.

Individual donors and non-govern-

mental organizations also helped the in-stitution reach its funding goal, and at the end of Friday’s ceremony a commemora-tive donor wall was unveiled at the en-trance to the Learning Commons.

The $2.75-million library now in-cludes an electronic classroom, addition-al computer stations, DVD/media view rooms, a seminar classroom and a lounge area. $500,000 was used to turn a WWI-era gymnasium located in the Young

Building into a modern fitness centre and weight room. The renovation of the Inter-urban campus’ Learning Commons was a $1.25-million project that brought new life to the library, with group break-out areas, computer classrooms, laptop- sup-ported study carrels, and many others im-provements similar to those at Alan Batey. Camosun’s other KIP projects, totalling

$3.75-million are expected to be com-pleted by March 31, 2011.

Former Camosun students Chris Marks and Ikuko Meguriya talk about their earlier years at Camosun College. Photo by Dan Eastabrook/Diversity Reporter Staff

MP Gary Lunn and MLA Ida Chong give speeches commemorating the construction of the new Library and Learning Commons at Camosun College. Photo by Dan Eastabrook/Diversity Reporter Staff

(Above) Nino Liberatore & Lois Theaker prepare to pop a balloon for charity. Photo by Brennan Storr/Diversity Reporter Staff

(Left) Pearson College students presented acts from their “One World” show. Photo by Brennan Storr/Diversity Reporter Staff


Victoria celebrates African HeritageStory & Photos by Raquel Gallego


The University of Victoria held the second annual African Eloquent

Youth Celebration on October 24th. The festival was a celebration of African culture through music, dance, food and art.

Ten contestants between the ages of 13 and 20 represented different African countries, showing their talent in a range of performances, from painting, to mod-ern dance and drums. Every performance brought forth a round of applause from the packed auditorium. At the end of the night the winners were: Aliya Mitchell, Gina Swasisa and Joel Kwanda.

“I am very happy with the response and I am looking forward to incorporat-ing any constructive criticism into next years’ event” says Kade Hardy-Agueh, organizer of the event. The pageant was presented by the the African Heritage As-sociation of Vancouver after a full year of preparations.

“The youth are our future,” says Kade. “Therefore all the encouragement and support generated in the community needs to center around the youth”.

Everyone has a different view of the city - we want to see yours! Send your photos, with a title and your name attached, (maximum size 2MB) to [email protected]. Submissions to “Our City” will also be displayed on our Flickr account and may be used in future editions of the Diversity Reporter.

“Care” submitted by Shan Ali - Calgary

OUR CITY


MEERAThe Queen of LollywoodPhotos by Ahmad Humayun Khan

Campus Scene

You are a model? Show world your talent on this page. Book your session at [email protected]

您是新到加拿大吗？您是新移民吗？您是来自中国的留学

生，学者，或来探亲的老人？我们热忱欢迎您的来信。您可以向本报投稿，中英文皆可。如果您是写作新手，我们会给您必要的培训。我们也在为我们的时装栏目寻找模特。如果您是大学生，又对做模特有兴趣，我们会经您同意后刊登您的专人采访和照片。如果您有任何问题，请联系我们。电子邮件：[email protected]电话：250-412-

1724.


We are Greater Victoria’s multilingual voice. Have a story? Send us at [email protected]

Citizenship Week

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The Art of Citizenship

For 30 new Canadians, the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria has become the set-

ting for one of the most pivotal moments of their lives. It was there, on Monday, Oc-tober 18th, they became Canadian citizens in a ceremony hosted by Citizenship and Immigration Canada and the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC), in partner-ship with the Victoria Community Citi-zenship Committee and the Inter-Cultural

Association of Greater Victoria (ICA). The event was scheduled to help kick

off Canadian Citizenship Week, described by ICA Executive Director Jean McRae as “a chance for all of us, not just those who choose Canada but those of us born here as well, to reflect on what it means to be part of this country.”

Annually, over 170,000 people become Continued on page 19.

Brennan Storr


New Canadian citizen Kalzang Lang, (far right) native of Tibet, poses with Jean McRae, Executive Director, the Inter-Cultural Association (ICA) of Greater Victoria.

Photo by Dan Eastabrook/Diversity Reporter Staff

Sid Emmanuel “The Pinoy Clowne” with friends during Halloween dinner and dance fundraiser held at the Cedar Hill Recreation Centre. (see more on page 14)

Kids enjoying the African Eloquent Pageant at the UVic. Photo by Raquel Gallego. (See more coverage on page 11)


Pinoy Halloween Dance 2010

Spooky Fun!The Victoria Filipino-Canadian Seniors Association held a sold-out Halloween dinner and dance fundraiser on Saturday, October 23rd at the Cedar Hill Recreation Centre. The

Seniors Association put a huge amount of work into making the evening come together, part of which included cooking the wide range of Filipino food on offer. 250 revellers, some costumed, some not, filled the venue to capacity. Joining the usual assortment of witches and ghosts were some fun contemporary costumes like pop star Lady Gaga and the Mad Hatter as envisioned in Tim Burton’s new adaptation of “Alice in Wonderland.” After dinner, partygoers of all ages danced for hours in the Recreation Centre’s auditorium.

Happy Diwali

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Try Being a Woman It’s not easy being a woman in a predominantly Catholic

society.Yolanda Omos of Barangay Tangub,

Bacolod City, had to wake up at 2 am daily for 20 years, doing her marketing at dawn. Her small barbecue business could hardly sustain her growing brood of 6. Family planning was out of the question for Yolanda, a devout Catholic. Six of her twelve children died due to lack of money for medical expenses. Not wanting to bur-den her family with medical bills, Yolan-da, herself, prematurely died of diabetes and exhaustion at 64.

Yolanda is one of the many self-sac-rificing mothers in the Philippines which counts 80% of its population as Catholics. Devoutly adhering to the Church’s doc-trines, mothers like Yolanda blithely ac-cept poverty as a consequence of having one too many children, staunchly refusing artificial contraceptives.

In an impoverished country where 32% of the population are poor; the coun-try’s soaring population of 88.57 million is a major issue. We rank 12 amongst the most densely populated countries in the world.

The links between poverty and popu-lation are well established: population growth reduces savings and growth in per capita incomes, increasing unemployment rates. National Statistics Office’s surveys show that the larger the family, the more likely it is to be poor.

It does not help that the Catholic Church is opposing the Reproductive Health Bill which seeks to provide alternative family planning methods, empowering poor peo-ple to make a choice about the number of children they want. A coalition of rural women have united, stressing that the RH

Faith or Health: The Dilemma of Filipino WomenCaroline Wong - Manila Philippines

bill is the ultimate solution to poverty and overpopulation. These women bear the brunt of 60% of the family’s food expen-ditures, toiling 10-12 hours a day.

“What can the priests do? Can they give us food?” asks Trinidad Domingo, president of the Pambansang Koalisyon ng mga Kababaihan sa Kanayunan (Na-tional Coalition of Rural Women). Ap-parently not, nor do they care.

The Church that denounces contracep-tives, claiming to value the sanctity of life, is indifferent to the plight of the Yolandas and Trinidads of the world, and the count-less of young lives rudely aborted by pov-erty.

An institution that thrives on disem-powering women and is apathetic to the deaths and suffering brought by poverty to its people, has no place preaching moral-ity.

Outside institutionalized marriage and the sole purpose of breeding (much like heifers), the Roman Catholic Church equates sexual pleasure with sin. Con-doms and contraceptives spoil the Church’s fun.

According to philosopher Robert An-ton Wilson, self-respect is a prerequisite for independence.

Is it without good reason then that the Church appears to like keeping the mass-es fearful, guilt-ridden, poor and thus de-pendent and easily controlled? Without its followers, it would fall apart. Love for its people is a sham; the Church only cares for its existence. It also shows particular misogyny: Eve the original seductress and sinner, Mary Magdalene the whore. It is only kind to Virgin Mary: the subservient unthreatening docile breeder, who blindly obeyed sans questions. We have millions of Marys in our country, languishing in poverty, subsrvient to Catholicism’s patri-archy.

The Church has recently made threats of ex-communicating President Aquino for his support of said bill. Do we have bullies in holy white robes?

Prior to this year’s elections, Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes threatened to rally against politicians supporting the RH Bill. “They will pay a political price,” he warns. Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardi-nal Vidal similarly had a list of politicians “whom people should not vote for.” “I have told my people not to elect the peo-ple who have sponsored this bill.”

Religion has no place in state affairs.

OPINION

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When the clergy bullies politicians into toeing their line or suffering their wrath, it is no longer about spirituality, but a group of holy clowns playing politics un-der the guise of organized religion. Astute politicians have toadied up to the Clergy, fully aware of the political repercussions. Congressman Manny Pacquiao of Sarang-gani, former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, Parañaque City Representative Eduardo Zialcita, and Parañaque City Representative Roilo Go-lez, to name a few.

Orlando Carvajal, a former priest puts it succinctly. “Politicians only think of what this can do for their candidacy. If they say it’s for their morality, it’s not.”

Meanwhile, Pacquiao cites the infalli-bility of the Bible’s teachings to

go forth and multiply, professing his devotion to the faith.

We’d like to ask Pacquiao, his likes, and the clergy to leave the sanctuary of their air-conditioned rooms and feel what it’s like to live amongst the poorest shan-ties. We’d like them to feel what it’s like to be a woman, carrying one’s child for 9 months with a swollen belly.

We’d like them to see hunger and suf-fering in their children’s eyes and feel the helplessness of not being able to do any-thing.

We’d like them to feel what it’s like to see their child die before their very eyes because they do not have money to pay for medical bills.

Maybe then, they would change their minds. Maybe.


Anthem Man’s 10 Best Foreign Films of the Last 10 Years

Since “The Girl that Kicked the Hor-net’s Nest”, the third and final chapter in the Swedish “Millennium” series, has been released, it is the perfect time to recap some of the decade’s best foreign films:Sin Nombre (Mexico - 2008)

The story follows Honduran teenager Sayra and her father as they try to make their way north through Mexico into the United States. This is an eye-opening look into both “illegal” immigration and the rapidly growing street gang Mara Sal-vatruches.Flame & Citron (Denmark - 2008)

The story of Flame and Citron, two Danish resistance fighters in World War II-era Copenhagen.

The Secret in Their Eyes (Spain - 2009)A retired criminal investigator decides

to write a novel about a past homicide case that has haunted him for years.

There was a lot of material, so I cut it in half, cutting out some movies in the process. Can you please ask Bruce not to use material from IMDB or other sources without crediting? Most of the informa-tion he provided was copied and pasted from there and I had to rewrite it. Thanks!Black Book (Holland - 2006)

A Jewish singer working for the Dutch resistance uses her charms to spy on the occupying Nazi force.Downfall (Germany - 2004)

Hitler’s final days as seen through the eyes of his secretary.

City of God (Brazil - 2002)A heart-stopping account of gang life

in Rio de Janeiro’s favelas.Amelie (France - 2001)

A young French girl takes it upon her-self to help people find love. Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s masterpiece.No Man’s Land (Bosnia-Herzegovina - 2001)

Two soldiers from opposing sides of the conflict become trapped in no man’s land. Brilliantly shows the UN being a great audience that can do nothing to end the violence.

The Lives of Others (Germany - 2006)A Stasi agent in 1984 East Berlin spies

on a beautiful couple he suspects of trea-son. Slowly he is drawn into the drama of their lives.Malena (France - 2000)

Set in Italy during WWII, the beautiful Malena is widowed when her husband is killed at war. Typical town gossip springs up, but one boy’s love for Malena won’t allow him to participate.

Anthem Man

AROUND TOWN

The Taste of Montreal La Belle Patate serves up Quebecois comfort food in EsquimaltRandy Hume Diversity Reporter Staff

If you’ve ever wanted to experience a typical Montréal hole-in-the wall poutine joint without having to get on a plane, check out La Belle Patate at 1215 Esquimalt Road.

Housed in a 70-year-old building next to Esquimalt’s former Hotel de Ville, now City Hall, La Belle Patate offers Montréal fare like traditional poutine, hand-made hamburgers, smoked meat sandwiches and steamed hot dogs.

Mathieu Lott, the proprietor of La Belle Patate, moved west to Victoria from Montréal in 2006 with his wife Dora and son Cameron. When they first arrived, Mathieu was a stay-at-home dad while his wife Dora opened the Arthur Murray Dance School in April 2007.

Mathieu recalls that everywhere he went he heard French-speaking people: at the park, the recreation centre and grocery store. “I thought to myself,‘they must be missing the food as much as I am’,” he says.

While on a walk with his son Cameron, Mathieu came across 1215 Esquimalt Road. The location caught his eye as the perfect place to open a restaurant specializing in the kind of comfort food he was missing. The rest is history.

La Belle Patate1215 Esquimalt RoadMonday to Thursday

11 a.m. - 11 p.m.Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. - 1:00 a.m.

Closed Sunday

“I thought tomyself,‘they must be missing the

food as much as I am.”

Photo by Randy Hume/Diversity Reporter Staff

Mathieu Lott, owner of La Belle Patate


Send us your event photos, and stories in Chinese at [email protected]

6th Annual E.U. Film Festival ApproachingThe sixth edition of the European Union Film Festival will take place at The Royal Cinema in Toronto in November from 18-30. The festival will present a selection of new movies from 21 European countries, and the audience will be in charge of choos-ing this year’s winner. This is a free admision event organized by the European Union Consulates and Cultural Institutes in Toronto.

For more information about movies, tickets and location, please check: www.europeunionfilmfestival.com.

El cine europeo llega a Toronto

La sexta edición del Festival Cinematográfico de la Unión Europea (European Union Film Festival) tendrá lugar en The Royal Cinema en Toronto del 18 al 30 de noviembre. El festival proyectará una selección de nuevas películas de 21 países eu-

ropeos, y será el público el que vote el ganador de este año. Este festival de entrada gratuita, está organizado por los Consulados de la Unión Europea y por Insti-

tutos Culturales en Toronto. Para más información sobre películas, entradas y localiza-ción, pueden visitar: www.europeunionfilmfestival.com

古晨（资料图）

在中国男篮为备战亚运四处征战的同时，国手孙悦却又被曝光私事。10月31日，孙悦的前女友古晨在微博中声称，孙悦曾拿着银行卡向其求婚，但被自己拒绝。

古晨在自己的博客中这样写道：“亲爱的粉们，前几天有朋友误认为我的一双白球鞋是与前男友情侣的，告诉大家不要误会，并不是那样。我与此人在两年前已分手，最后一次联系只是他拿一张一年前工资及一些广告赞助费用的银行卡表示想要结婚，本人并未同意，鞋子只是无意中穿了一次，没有任何特殊意义。最后祝大家万圣节快乐！”

虽然微博中并未提及孙悦的名字，而是将他称为“此人”，但是从两人分手的时间以及整个事件来推断，这个“此人”无疑就是孙悦。（文字来源：扬子晚报）


延宕七年的卑詩鐵路出售貪污案，本周突然宣告結案。更出人意料的是，卑詩自由黨的兩名高級廳長助理巴斯（Dave Basi)和維爾克（Bobby Virk)，突然願意認罪。然而這個結果並未平息眾人對貪污案的疑問，最新發展反而揭露更多尚未解答的問題。

我們得知巴斯和維爾克之所以認罪，是因為卑詩自由黨決定用納稅人的錢，支付他們高達六百萬元的訴訟費─明顯悖離一般處理公務員宣判有罪的標準程序，事態發展更對卑詩自由黨的動機充滿懷疑。

卑詩人民不禁要問：省府願意支付六百萬元訴訟費，是否為了挽救卑詩自由黨？卑詩鐵路貪污案揭露了卑詩自由黨高級官員的醜行，隨著案情發展只會招來更嚴厲的

批判。

試想前財政廳長范高廉，原本已被安排到法院提供證詞，辯護律師更打算傳召省長本人出庭，卻在此時突然逆轉終結本案，也難怪社會

各界對此充滿疑慮。

省府究竟出於什麼動機，同意這項認罪協議？為何要為兩名犯法自由黨內線人士支付六百萬元的律師費？省府拒絕公開附帶賠償協議的內容，是否隱藏了什麼不為人知的秘密？省府儘快結束貪污案審訊，到底想迴避什麼？

新民主黨要求答案。因此我要求卑詩自由黨立刻澄清疑慮，公佈所有關於支付這筆六百萬律師費的相關細節。儘管現在他們無法再以法院在審理中作為藉口，但卑詩自由黨卻仍繼續迴避問題，拒絕交代省府是如何介入這項認罪協議。

新民主黨要求召開公聽會，全面檢討卑詩鐵路出售案。卑詩人民有權知道全部的真相，全方位的公聽會是讓民

省府為何要為兩名自由黨內線人士支付600萬律師費？

眾獲得答案的途徑之一。

自由黨政府必須召開省議會秋季會期，回答卑詩鐵路出售貪污弊案的所有相關問題。這件突然結束的案件，有太多未解答的疑問，尤其當人民要支付案件的法律和訴訟費，當然有權知道全部真相。

卑詩自由黨希望人民忘記卑詩鐵路貪污弊案，希望這項認罪協議能把一切關於自由黨政府核心，貪污腐敗的指控與懷疑帶來終結。

顯而易見，卑詩自由黨關心自己的問題多於公眾利益。人民實在受夠了，我們需要重建民眾對政府的信任。卑詩省民有權獲得一個以民為先、値得信賴的政府。

新民主黨黨領詹嘉路Carole James

您是新到加拿大吗？您是新移民吗？您是来自中国的留学

生，学者，或来探亲的老人？我们热忱欢迎您的来信。您可以向本报投稿，中英文皆可。如果您是写作新手，我们会给您必要的培训。我们也在为我们的时装栏目寻找模特。如果您是大学生，又对做模特有兴趣，我们会经您同意后刊登您的专人采访和照片。如果您有任何问题，请联系我们。电子邮件：[email protected]电话：250-412-

1724.

Campus Scene

您是新到加拿大吗？您是新移民吗？您是来自中国的留学生，学者，或来探亲的老人？我们热忱欢迎您的来信。您可以向本报投稿，中英文皆可。如果您是写作新手，我们会给您必要的培训。我们也在为我们的时装栏目寻找模特。如果您是大学生，又对做模特有兴趣，我们会经您同意后刊登您的专人采访和照片。如果您有任何问题，请联系我们。电子邮件：[email protected]，电话：250-412-1724.

CHINESE

Promote and showcase your talent with your very own online portfolio website.Voice your opinion with your own stylish blog.Update or rebuild your old website.Affordable rates and Free quotes.


Hafiz Iqbal, Reporter Dunya TV

A journalist’s encounter with murder and life

DUBAI - Witnessing a murder and having to break the gruesome story to the world is an experience that Hafiz Iqbal never wants to go through again.

On August 15, two teenaged brothers, Mughees and Muneeb, were brutally bat-tered to death with metal rods and wooden sticks by a frenzied mob in broad daylight, claiming them as dacoits, in Sialkot, Pa-kistan.

The incident that shocked the world exposed the callousness of authorities that egged the crowd on doing this crime. The boys were hung upside down and the crowd allegedly stoned them to death.

A series of life-threatening events fol-lowed Hafiz Iqbal, a reporter of Dunya TV, after he broke the story and he had to seek refuge in Dubai. He is also the first Pakistani journalist to be summoned by the Supreme Court of Pakistan as a key witness.

“It was an experience that I never want to go through again,” he said in an inter-view with Khaleej Times.

Recounting the incident, Iqbal said he was too shocked to react initially. “I reached the venue when the boys were semi-conscious. I was too shocked to re-act but when I did, I was violently pushed back by the crowd,” he recalled.

“I sensed I would also get a beating if I tried to intervene. My next thought was to film the event since my journalistic in-stinct said that it needed to be recorded.”

Iqbal managed to shoot three four-sec-ond clips which showed the local head of police being a witness to the beatings be-fore he was spotted by the crowd. A full-fledged TV footage, that also included mobile camera clippings, was shown just after 7am. “It was then hell broke loose.”

“The police was already threatening me. And the other media too wanted de-tails,” he said. Iqbal claims his investiga-

tive reporting also showed that the boys were not dacoits but were victims of a larger conspiracy and rivalry. Following the reporting, over 15 people were arrest-ed including police officers.

“We could not find any weapons near the bodies so we asked the police how they knew the murdered boys were dacoits,” explained Iqbal. It was also on Iqbal’s re-porting that a judicial inquiry was ordered and he was given 24-hoursecurity. The

Punjab government took notice of the incident only when the story was picked up by the international media. “Authori-ties put all the pressure they could on me by setting up base outside my house and

intercepting my calls,’ he alleged. Also for the first time in Pakistan’s history, po-lice officers were put under house arrest.

“My role in the case was also ques-tioned. But the original footage of the in-cident is proof enough that I was just do-ing my job,” he said. According to Iqbal, ‘agencies’ are still monitoring each of his moves. “I have been stopped from ap-pearing in court and have been beaten up twice as a warning. But this will not stop me from highlighting the truth,” he said.

The case is still pending in court. How-ever, after the life-threatening attacks, his

Continued from page 13.

new citizens of Canada in ceremonies held throughout the year. This was the first time that the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria has hosted such a ceremony. Jon Tupper, gallery director and ICC board member, explained the decision: “It was an opportunity to celebrate the arts along-side immigration. Art is perhaps the best way to involve new citizens in the cultural dialogue,” he said.

Justice George Gibault presided over the hour-long ceremony, which featured guest speaker Lydia Kasianchuk, manager of the Lafayette String Quartet. Gibault told the crowd to simply “be the best per-son you can be in an uncertain world.” A thrill went through the room as he finished with, “Ladies and gentlemen, congratula-tions. You are now Canadians!”

To become Canadian citizens, adults must be permanent residents living in

How You Can Help:Iqbal is appealing for help from Canadian community members to support his visa application. If you like to support please contact us at [email protected]

See below Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney’s statement encouraging Canadians to refugee sponsors. Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney met with community groups to encourage them to consider sponsoring refugees to come to Canada.“Canada has a long history of helping those most in need,” said Minister Ken-ney. “I’m encouraging the groups I’ve been meeting with, and others across the country who are interested, to be part of this history in a very personal and direct way.”Groups who sponsor refugees commit to providing financial assistance for one year or until the refugees can support themselves financially, whichever comes first. Assistance includes accommodation, clothing and food. Beyond providing for their physical needs, sponsors also offer emotional support and friendship to the refugees for the duration of the sponsorship period, and often well beyond. Through the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program, Canada has welcomed more than 200,000 refugees from all over the world, over and above the number of refugees resettled through the Government-Assisted RefugeesProgram. As part of the Balanced Refugee Reform Act, which was passed into law earlier this summer, the Government of Canada will increase the number of resettled refugees per year by 20 percent. This includes 2,000 more spots inthe Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program.

family and friends pleaded with Iqbal to leave Pakistan and seek refuge in Dubai.

“I am not going to stay here for ever,” said the young man. “I still have lots of stories waiting for me at home though I

know I may lose my life once I go back.” “How can I talk about freedom and not

believe in it myself,” he added.

Canada for at least three of the four years prior to their application.

Following approval, applicants must then pass a general knowledge test that demonstrates their proficiency in one of Canada’s two official languages, an awareness of a citizen’s rights and respon-sibilities, as well as Canadian history and geography.

Hesham Zedan was among the 30 tak-ing their oaths at the ceremony. He arrived from Egypt in 2006 and has been work-ing towards citizenship ever since: “It is amazing to be here. This is one of the most important days of my life,” he said.

The Art of Citizenship

The first step during the citizenship ceremony is for all candidates to surrender their permanent residence card. Photo by Dan Eastabrook/ Diversity Reporter Staff

IMMIGRATION


We are Vancouver Island’s multilingual voice. Have a story? Send us at [email protected]

Campbell River & Area

Multicultural & Immigrant

Services Association

We need the skills to communicate effectively

in our multicultural community. Workshop

participants will:   Experience immersion in a foreign

language

  Discover some common cross-cultural

communication barriers

  Learn skills to communicate more effectively when language and culture are a

barrier.

To register or for more information, Please contact [email protected] or

250.830.0171. Limited seating available.

Diwali or Deepawali is the festival of lights and sweetness. It is basically a

symbol of the victory of good over evil, brightness over darkness, and truth over falsity. Each and every legend associated with this fabulous festival gives the same message. The thick dark new-moon (Amavasya) night on which the Diwali festival is celebrated, seems like a full-moon (Purnima) night, because of the effulgent light of numerous diyas or deepaks lighted on this night. These diyasnot only make Diwali, the festival of lights, but they also symbolize the supremacy and consequence of brightness over darkness. The same message is given by the Hindu Upanishads by saying, ‘Asato Ma Sadgamaya’. The lighted diyas on Diwali also remind us of the same teaching of the Upanishads.

Diya can be defined as a small earthen lamp that is specially lit on Diwali for pujan and decoration purposes. A cot-ton wick is used in diyas, and oil or ghee serves as the burning fuel. Diyas are plain and colored, big and small, simple and fancy, and so. Different types of diyas are appropriate for different applications. Children could also make their own diyas as a fun activity on Diwali. This could be done by using clay or dough. It is better

not to use a wool wick in ghee diyas.As the festive season approaches near,

markets get flooded with various types of gifts, decoration, and puja items. The crafted and designer diyas are one of the big attractions in such markets. Diyas em-bellished with zari, painted patterns, mir-rors, etc. are quite enticing by their very appearance. Diwali melas, markets, and haats, showcase a multitude of handcraft-ed items made by ceramic and handicraft artists throughout the country. Diwali di-

yas are one of the major attractions in such markets.

Besides the conventional single spout diyas, multi spout diyas like 10, 11, and 21 spout diyas, and Laxmi-Ganesha di-yas can be seen in Diwali markets. Also, multicolored and vibrant colored diyas present in diwali haats and diwali melas look fabulous.

However old may be the tradition of diyas on Diwali, it has never lost its sig-nificance and charm. Diwali celebrations

Diwali DiyasDiwali is one of the biggest festival of Hindus, celebrated with great enthusiasm and happiness in India. The festival is celebrated for five continuous days, where the third days is celebrated as the main Diwali festival or ‘Festival of lights’. Different colorful varieties of fireworks are always associated with this festival. On this auspicious day, people light up diyas and candles all around their house. They perform Laxmi Puja in the evening and seek divine blessings of Goddess of

Wealth. The festival od Diwali is never complete without exchange of gifts. People present diwali gifts to all near and dear ones.

are incomplete and graceless without the use of Diwali diyas. There is no doubt, diyas were, are, and will remain a significant part of the Diwali festival.

CULTURE


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“mW- bolI jy Bul jwagy , kuKW vWgU rul jwaugy”

idvwlI dw iqauhwr

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primMdr kOr ivrk M.A,M.Phill

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PUNJABI

22 November 03, 2010 www.diversityreporter.comURDU wwwwww.jangcanada.com.jangcanada.com

Page Page 88OCTOBER 28 To NOVEMBER 03, 2010


Thank you for nominating your neighbor. Only complete nominations will be reviewed. Finalists will be contacted directly. Please keep reading coming issues of Diversity Reporter for more details. Community and business sponsorship opportunities

are available.

Call for Nominations

Readers can nominate more than one neighbor please include a letter of support for the nominee,

and a letter referencing sources are encouraged.

Eligibility:Nominees must be resident of Greater Victoria area Nominees must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or on student/work visa.

Send your entry form with the letter of support for the nominee to Email: [email protected] OR via Canada Post Mail: P.O. Box 49022 Victoria, BC V8P 5V8

Nominee Information: ......................................................................Nominator Information: .............................................................

Titled………………………… ...........................................................Title…………………………….. .................................................

First Name…………………………….Last Name ……………… ..First Name………………………. Last Name …………………

Address…………………………………………………………….. ..Address………………………………………………………… .

City………………………….. Daytime Phone…………………….. City………………………….. Daytime Phone…………………

Email:…………………………………………………………… ...... Email:……………………………………………………………

How long have you known the nominee? .................................................................................................................................

B est Neighbors in Victoria

2010 Awards Nominate the Neighbor’s Making Victoria the best place to live!

“Connecting Culture and Communities!”

Nominations must be received by 4 p.m. December 31st, 2010


250-412-1724 [email protected]

Many Languages One Mission Connecting Communities

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wwwwww.jangcanada.com.jangcanada.com

SEPTEMBER 02 To SEPTEMBER 08, 2010

SEPTEMBER 02 To SEPTEMBER 08, 2010

Ramadan 22 To Ramadan 28VOLUME 02ISSUE 60

Page Page 11

Tel: 416-835-1693

Fax: 416-981-7124

303-3025 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON L5A 2H1

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NEW DELHI: A freak blast in

Mogadishu has sent tremors all

the way to New Delhi, with

indications that Indian terrorists

might be fighting for al-Qaida’s

group Al Shabaab in Somalia.

Over the weekend, the

Somali ministry of information

announced that two Indians,

three Pakistanis and an Afghan

were among 10 Al Shabaab

terrorists killed while trying to put

together a suicide car bomb in

Mogadishu. The dead even

included one leader ‘‘who was in

charge of praying for suicide

bombers before they are

dispatched’’.If the Indians’ identity is

borne out, this would be a first.

Thus far, Indian terrorists have

stopped short of venturing out

that far for transnational jihadi

terrorism.Al Shabaab is no ordinary

Islamist terror group. In February,

the group publicly declared its

allegiance to al-Qaida, though

that linkage had long been

suspected by western terrorism

analysts.

Indian jihadis in

Qaida’s Somalia arm?

If you’ve ever sent an email

and instantly regretted it, this is

the button you’ve dreamed of.

Google Labs is testing an

“undo” button on Gmail that gives

you 30 long seconds to stop an

email from reaching your boss,

your husband or your soon-to-

be-former best friend.

Being a Google Labs feature,

it comes with the caveat that it

“may break at any time” or

“disappear temporarily or

permanently.”

“Undo send” is one of a dozen

or more experimental features

that Gmail users can try out by

burrowing into the Settings page

on the Gmail Labs website and

enabling the feature.

The feature, which could also

be called the “second thoughts”

button, used to give you only five

seconds to rewrite your personal

history. Now you can tailor it to

just how skittish you’re feeling

each day.

Google tests a hidden

‘instant regrets’ email button

Surrey, BC – The BC Sikh

community will be helping raise

funds for the victims of the

Pakistan floods this Saturday,

August 21, 2010.Pakistan has been heavily

flooded. The damage done is

quite extensive, according to the

Canadian Red Cross, the floods

have affected over 20 million

people, across 70% of the

country. Aid has been slow to

reach the area, as UN Secretary

General Ban Ki-moon stated:

“This has been a heart-

wrenching day - I will never forget

the destruction and suffering I

have witnessed. In the past I

have witnessed many natural

disasters around the world, but

nothing like this. I am here... to

share my sympathy and

solidarity of the United Nations

together with the people and

government of Pakistan at this

time of trial. I am here also to

urge the world community to

speed up their assistance to

Pakistan.” (news.sky.com)

It is imperative that

Canadians respond to this

tragedy with gusto. The BC Sikh

Community will be raising funds

this Saturday, August 21, 2010

from 9am – 9pm. Donations will

be collected at the Guru Nanak

Sikh Gurdwara and other

Gurdwaras around the lower

mainland. (Full list can be found

at www.gnsg.ca).After hearing about the heart

wrenching tales coming from

Pakistan, and the scale of

damage, GNSG decided to take

a lead in raising funds for the

victims. “The Sikh Community

needs to rally for Pakistan like it

did for Haiti”, said GNSG Society

President Bikramjit Singh, “the

damage is great, and donations

for Pakistan have been coming

slow, from all over the world. It

will be for the BC Sikh

Community to lead the charge

and help their fellow men in their

time of struggle”.

BC S

ikh C

omm

unity to R

aise

Funds for P

akistan F

lood V

ictims

As it happens with all families

split over fortunes and women,

the conflict over top banker and

actor Bobby Deol’s father-in-law

Dev Ahuja’s legacy has

intensified after his death. At

stake is a Rs 300-crore property

with several claimants — his 35-

year-old son Vikram, daughter

Tania and her husband Bobby,

his other daughter Munisha, his

estranged wife Marlene and his

mistress, 20 years his junior.

On August 1, we brought you

the story behind the very public

and acrimonious fallout between

Devendra Ahuja, promoter of

Centurion Bank and MD of 20th

Century Finance company, and

his son Vikram.Vikram had accused his 74-

year-old father — who had

moved out of his family home and

moved in with his girlfriend in

1996 — of being biased towards

his sister Tania and brother-in-

law Bobby Deol. The flurry of

complaints and counter-

complaints over 14 long years

saw father and son pitted in a

no-holds barred battle. While

Ahuja cut out Vikram from his

home, business and life, Vikram

accused Tania and Bobby of

trying to influence his father into

investing in Bobby’s flagging

career.The feud took an unexpected

turn on Friday with Dev Ahuja’s

sudden death. Vikram was told

in no uncertain terms that he

would not be permitted to

perform the last rites of his dead

father. Instead, Bobby was

asked to step in and do the

needful.A friend of Vikram, who had

access to the developments,

comments, “Mr Ahuja’s close

friend, Ravi Kiran Agarwal

(Chairman,

Orbit

Communications) had taken

complete charge of the funeral

arrangements. Tania was

constantly by his side. Vikram

even hugged her and the two

broke down, but that did not

change the decision.”

“Vikram was told by one of

his uncles that Agarwal and Tania

did not want him to perform the

last rites of his father. This goes

completely against the Hindu

tradition,” added the friend.

A family friend claims that the

news of Ahuja’s demise was

conveyed to Vikram nearly 45

minutes after it happened.

“Vikram was not told about his

father’s cardiac arrest on August

20. And when he rushed to the

hospital all formalities had been

completed and the body was

being taken to the morgue, where

it was kept till yesterday morning

for Bobby to return from his film

shoot in Toronto.”

Bobby Deol’s pa-in-law passes away

Billionaire dad chose Bobby over his son, leaves behind fortune

Veteran Bollywood actor,

Dharmendra, who completes 50

years of acting this year, is

completely off alcohol after a recent

health scare.He promised daughter Esha on

the sets of their new movie Tell Me

Oo Khuda in Goa that he will not

touch alcohol again. He now says

that no power on earth can make

him take to the bottle again - even if

it means doing a less convincing

drunken sequence than the

“suicide” act in Sholay where the

star had taken large swigs for a

scene.For a scene in his new film,

Dharmendra and his two sons, who

also star with him in the film, were

required to do a drunken boys’ night

out act and he refused to consume

alcohol. Says director Samir Karnik,

“Sunny has always been a teetotaler.

But it was surprising to see

Dharamji ordering apple juice for

the scene. Dharamji has made a

promise to somebody that he won’t

drink. The only one who really drank

in the sequence was Bobby Deol.”

He says, “My days of masti are

over. I wake up early, do yoga and

meditate.”While on the subject of family,

there is a twinge of regret in his voice

when he talks about his clan being

unable to market itself as a brand

in Bollywood. “I never knew how to

do these things, be media friendly

and get myself in the news. My boys

are worse. They are more shy than

I used to be,” he ends

Dharmendra is completely off alcohol

Continued.... Page 30




Victoria BC



Victoria BC


Desjardins Financial Security Independent Network - Victoria and Vancouver wishes

Happy Diwali and a very prosperous new year to all of the readers

We understand needs of different cultures and their philosophies of wealth protection, risk tolerance and values of inter-generational wealth transfer.

Diversity Reporter team wish you

Happy Diwali

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Authentic East Indian cuisine

766 Fort Street Victoria(between Douglas and Blanshard)

Wishing everyone a prosperous and

HAPPY DIWALI

250-477-8883

For Advertising Call:

Only Restaurant on the island serving Authentic South Indian Cuisine!

- Serving Victoria for over 20 Years- Come try our Dosas, Idlis and Vadas!- A wide selection from the Tandoor and North and South Indian Thalis.- Lunch Buffet - Monday to Thursday

Open 11 AM to 2 PM and 5 PM to 9 PM 7 Days a week102-506 Fort Street (Corner of Fort and Wharf) Tel: 250-361-9000

Wishing all our valued customers a very Happy Diwali, may the coming year bring

peace and prosperity in your lives.

diwali issue #5 november 3, 2010

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