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Canada’s Leading South Asian Newspaper - Tel: 905-795-0639 Friday, DecemberJune 2, 2017 25, 2020 www.WeeklyVoice.com VolVol 26, 23, No. No. 52 22 PM: 40025701

Ottawa, Ontario To Support Beef Farmers, page 7 Brampton Queen Street Rapid Transit Study, page 13 It’s Lockdown Again In Ontario! Move Expected To Minimize Transmission Of COVID-19 Virus As Hospitals Get Overwhelmed TORONTO: As COVID-19 to shutdown the province and ask cases continue to rise at an alarm- people to stay home. Nothing is ing rate, the Ontario government, more important right now than in consultation with the Chief the health and safety of all Ontar- Medical Officer of Health and ians.” other health experts, is imposing In response to these excep- a Provincewide Shutdown. tional circumstances, the Prov- Additional restrictions will be incewide Shutdown would put in put into place and reinforce that place time-limited public health Ontarians should stay at home and workplace safety measures as much as possible to minimize similar to those in other jurisdic- transmission of the virus and pre- tions. It would help stop the trend vent hospitals from becoming of high COVID-19 transmission overwhelmed. The Provincewide in communities, preserve health Shutdown will go into effect as of system capacity, safeguard vul- Saturday, December 26, 2020, at nerable populations and those 12:01 a.m. who care for them, and save Details were provided on Picture: Doug Ford/Twitter lives. Measures include, but are Monday by Premier Doug Ford, not limited to: Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier Officer of Health, and Dr. Naveed continue to rise putting our hos- deadly virus. That’s why, on the • Restricting indoor organized and Minister of Health, Stephen Mohammad, President and CEO, pitals and long-term care homes advice of Dr. Williams and other public events and social gather- Lecce, Minister of Education, Dr. William Osler Health System. at risk,” said Premier Ford. “We health experts, we are taking the ings, except with members of the David Williams, Chief Medical “The number of daily cases need to stop the spread of this difficult but necessary decision Continued on page 2 Moderna Vaccine Also Ottawa Launches 10-Year Gets Approval; Will Start Arriving In Few Days Plan For Two Billion Trees $3.16 B Program Aims For Zero Greenhouse Emissions by 2050

OTTAWA: The Government Meeting this commitment will nities and support for biodiver- of Canada has launched a mas- help Canada address climate sity. It also provides spaces for sive plan to plant two billion trees change by reducing carbon pollu- recreational opportunities that over 10 years, with an investment tion and is a key part of Canada’s improve quality of life and form of $3.16 billion. efforts to achieve net-zero green- part of our Canadian identity. Announcing the program, Min- house gas emissions by 2050. Canada’s plan to plant two bil- ister of Natural Resources, Sea- There is no path to net-zero lion trees over the next ten years mus O’Regan, said that “Plant- emissions that does not involve is projected to reduce greenhouse ing two billion trees is more than our forests. Planting trees is a gas emissions by up to 12 mega- a plan for climate action. It’s a natural climate solution that re- tonnes by 2050. It will create up PM Trudeau interacts with Moderna co-founder Noubar Afeyan. plan for creating thousands of duces emissions while providing to 4,300 good jobs. good, green jobs. We’re confront- other benefits such as improved Simply Science - Natural Re- OTTAWA: Health Canada parency. As such, Health Canada ing the urgency of climate change air and water quality, particularly sources Canada tweeted : “In 10 HAS authorized the second CO- is publishing a number of docu- and getting trees in the ground in urban settings; decreased risk years, the #2BillionTrees Canada VID-19 vaccine in Canada, man- ments related to this decision, starting this spring.” of wildland fire to rural commu- Continued on page 3 ufactured by Moderna. Moderna including a high-level summary is an American biotechnology of the evidence that we reviewed company based in Cambridge, to support the authorization of the Massachusetts vaccine. More detailed informa- Health Canada received Mod- tion will be made available in the erna’s submission on October 12, coming weeks, including a de- 2020, and after a thorough, inde- tailed scientific summary and the pendent review of the evidence, it full clinical trial data package. has determined that the Moderna Health Canada and the Public vaccine meets the Department’s Health Agency of Canada will stringent safety, efficacy and closely monitor the safety of the quality requirements. vaccine once it is on the market Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and will not hesitate to take ac- said:”The first doses of Moder- tion if any safety concerns are na’s COVID-19 vaccine will ar- identified. rive in Canada in the coming days Safety & Efficacy - and we’ll roll them out across The terms and conditions of the the country as soon as possible. Moderna vaccine authorization Canada launches ambitious ‘Greening Plan’. Picture: Simply Science - Natural Resources Canada As for the Pfizer vaccine, we’ll be require the manufacturer to con- receiving an additional quarter of tinue providing information to a million doses next month. Health Canada on the safety, ef- That takes us up to a total of al- ficacy and quality of the vaccine Federal Funds To Help most 751,000 doses from Pfizer in to ensure the benefits of the vac- January. Between the early doses cine continue to be demonstrated we’ve already received, and the through market use. Long Term Care Homes shipments now scheduled, we’re To further support the safe use on track to have at least 1.2 mil- of the Moderna vaccine, the Na- TORONTO: Through funding dian Red Cross’s support expand- lion doses of vaccines from both tional Advisory Committee on provided by the federal govern- ed to include retirement homes Pfizer and Moderna delivered by Immunization (NACI) will up- ment, Canadian Red Cross teams and will continue until at least the January 31st.” date its recommendations on the are providing short-term support end of March 2021. Wednesday’s authorization is a use of COVID-19 vaccines to in- to an additional 20 long-term care The Canadian Red Cross will critical step in ensuring additional form federal, provincial, and ter- and retirement homes in Ontario. assist each home with their in- COVID-19 vaccines are available ritorial immunization programs. They will assist with ongoing ef- dividual needs. In addition to to all Canadians in all parts of The vaccine is indicated for use forts to keep residents, staff and supporting the improvement of the country. The different stor- in people 18 years of age or older. caregivers safe in homes facing infection prevention and control Broker age and handling requirements of Moderna is currently conduct- significant challenges due to CO- measures, they may also help BROKER the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine ing additional studies in children VID-19. with daily living activities such mean that it can be distributed to from 12 years of age and older, Today’s announcement is an as the delivery of meals, house- isolated and remote communities, and this indication could be re- expansion of the province’s exist- keeping and light cleaning duties. REMAX REAL ESTATE CENTRE INC., BROKERAGE including the territories. vised in the future to include chil- ing partnership with the federal Resident Support Aides will also The Department said it was dren if the data from these studies government for seven long-term continue to socialize and engage committed to openness and trans- Continued on page 2 care homes. It will see the Cana- Continued on page 3 A-2 | Friday, December 25, 2020 national www.WeeklyVoice.com THE WEEKLY VOICE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Restrictions Detailed In Lockdown Order Bala Menon same household (the people you CONTRIBUTING WRITERS live with). Individuals who live Amb. Praveen Verma (Retd.) alone may consider having exclu- Dr. Nivedita Das Kundu sive close contact with one other Harj Chaggar household. Amitabh Saxena • Prohibiting in-person shop- ping in most retail settings - curb- Graphic Design side pickup and delivery can Tamarind Tree continue. Discount and big box Account MANAGERS retailers selling groceries will be Manu Ramachandran limited to 25 per cent capacity for Maha in-store shopping. Supermarkets, grocery stores and similar stores ONLINE MARKETING that primarily sell food, as well as MANAGER pharmacies, will continue to op- Amitabh Saxena erate at 50 per cent capacity for in-store shopping. LEGAL ADVISOR • Restricting indoor access to Dr. Keshav Agnihotri shopping malls - patrons may only go to a designated indoor ACCOUNTS Asha J Singhh pickup area (by appointment only), essential retail stores that are permitted to be open (e.g. photographer Picture: Doug Ford/Twitter Manohar Sagoo pharmacy, grocery store), or, subject to physical distancing a Provincewide Shutdown, we istry of Labour, Training and January 11, 2021, and second- Gross Circulation: 30,000 and face covering requirements, can work to stop the virus in its Skills Development is leading a ary school students will continue CCNA Verified Circulation: to the food court for takeout tracks, safeguard hospital capac- multi-ministry COVID-19 Safety learning remotely until January 29,997 purchases. Shopping malls may ity, and save lives.” Team. The team will partner with 25, 2021, at which point they Aug 14, 2015 also establish outdoor designated The government is also provid- local authorities to carry out addi- may resume in-person learning. pickup areas. ing $12.5 million to implement a tional enforcement blitzes in sec- • Currently, hospitalizations • Prohibiting indoor and out- High Priority Communities Strat- tors where they are needed most. for COVID-19 have increased door dining. Restaurants, bars egy to contain the virus in high- While transmission in schools by 74 per cent over the last four and other food or drink establish- risk communities. The strategy remains low, all publicly funded weeks and are more than 15 times All advertising in The Weekly ments will be permitted to oper- will take a tailored, community- and private elementary and sec- higher than they were at the be- Voice is subject to the publisher’s ate by take out, drive-through, based approach to fund com- ondary schools are to move to ginning of September. Intensive approval and the advertiser and delivery only. munity agencies in 15 priority teacher-led remote learning when care unit (ICU) occupancy for agrees to indemnify the publish- All Ontarians are advised to communities in the York, Peel, students return from the winter COVID-19 has more than dou- ers against claims arising from stay home as much as possible Durham, Ottawa, and Toronto break on January 4, 2021. bled over the last four weeks and publication of any advertisement with trips outside the home lim- regions. Schools located in the follow- is 20 times higher than at the be- submitted by the advertiser. ited to necessities such as food, The province will work with ing Public Health Unit regions ginning of September. medication, medical appoint- our local municipal partners to can resume in-person instruction • Ontario currently has 915 COPYRIGHT NOTICE ments, or supporting vulnerable establish new isolation centres to on January 11, 2021 for both ele- COVID-19 patients requiring All copyright and other intellectual community members. Employers property rights in the contents here of help those who may need to iso- mentary and secondary students: acute care, 265 patients in ICU, are the property of The Weekly Voice in all industries should make ev- late following testing. • Algoma Health Unit with 152 on a ventilator. and not that of the customer. Contents ery effort to allow employees to “We continue to see the num- • North Bay Parry Sound Dis- • Based on the latest modelling of this publication are covered by work from home. ber of cases in the province grow trict Health Unit data, cases across the province copyright and offenders will be pros- “This was not an easy decision and the trends in public health in- • Northwestern Health Unit are continuing to grow and the ecuted under the law. before the holidays, but we have dicators worsen. Additional mea- • Porcupine Health Unit number of people requiring an reached a tipping point,” said sures are needed provincewide in • Sudbury and District Health intensive care bed is projected to The Weekly Voice Minister Elliott. “We continue to order to interrupt this concerning Unit rise well above 300 people within 7015 Tranmere Dr, Unit # 16 see sharp increases in hospitaliza- growth,” said Dr. Williams. • Thunder Bay District Health the next 10 days. Mississauga, ON L5S 1T7 tions and occupancy in intensive The government is working Unit • If you have questions about Phone: (905) 795-0639 care units is reaching concern- to limit the transmission of CO- • Timiskaming Health Unit what will be open or impacts to Fax: (905) 795-9801 ing levels. Urgent action must www.weeklyvoice.com VID-19 in workplaces by sup- For schools in all other Public your business or employment, Email: [email protected] be taken to prevent our health porting essential businesses in Health Unit regions, elementary call the Stop the Spread Business care system from becoming doing whatever is necessary to school students will be able to Information Line at 1-888-444- Agreement # 40025701 overwhelmed. By implementing keep workers safe. The Min- return to in-person learning on 3659. Ontario Will Get 53,000 Doses Of Moderna This Month Continued from page 1 for all Canadians, but we have The federal government has homes, congregate care settings, are ready to distribute these vac- support it. The vaccine was au- a long road ahead and we must allocated approximately 53,000 rural and remote locations, and cines as soon as the province re- thorized under Health Cana- maintain our public health mea- doses of the Moderna COVID-19 other places where our most vul- ceives them. da’s Interim Order Respecting the sures.” vaccine for Ontario in December nerable populations live. For the As we await the arrival of more Importation, Sale and Advertis- TORONTO: Premier Doug 2020, and they will be delivered first time, we can take the vaccine vaccines, I continue to ask all ing of Drugs for Use in Relation Ford issued the following state- before the end of the month. directly to our priority groups. Ontarians to remain vigilant and to COVID-19. ment following approval of the These are the first of 40 million Phase Two of Ontario’s vacci- keep following the public health This process allowed Health Moderna COVID-19 vaccine: doses Canada will be receiving nation program is expected to be- measures, including wearing a Canada to assess information “This is phenomenal news for from Moderna. gin this spring when Ontario re- mask when required, maintaining submitted by the manufacturer Ontarians and Canadians - yet an- The Moderna vaccine is a real ceives more of the ordered doses physical distancing, and avoid- as it became available during the other life-saving COVID-19 vac- gamechanger as it does not need of vaccine from both Pfizer and ing social gatherings, especially product development process, cine has been approved for safe to be stored at extremely cold Moderna, and potentially other during the holiday season. These while maintaining Canada’s high and effective use in the province temperatures and is more mobile. vaccines, as they go through clin- measures remain our best and standards. and in the country. We are taking This means health staff can ad- ical trials and approvals. General only defence against fighting this Federal Health Minister Patty another step towards ending this minister this vaccine onsite in our Rick Hillier and the COVID-19 virus until the vaccine is more Hajdu said: “This is great news terrible pandemic. long-term care homes, retirement Vaccine Distribution Task Force widely available.” Virtual Internship For Summer Leadership Program 2021

OTTAWA: Call it what you will - a vir- motely from home and have a supervisor tual internship, remote internship or work- oversee their work. Interns will be in regu- ing online, it all means the same thing – it’s lar contact with their supervisor/team via a work experience where the work is done virtual methods such as video call, phone virtually and remotely rather than in per- call, email and instant messenger. son. It’s just like a regular internship expe- The Summer Leadership Program (SLP) rience, except you gain experience while is a unique political internship opportunity working remotely, rather than being physi- developed to invest in the future success of cally present in the office or job location. young people from across the country. Due to COVID-19, the Summer Lead- The program gives young people an op- ership Program 2021 will be administered portunity to contribute to Prime Minister as a virtual internship experience. When Trudeau’s team while gaining vital job completing a virtual internship many of experience serving in the offices of Mem- the same aspects of a traditional in-person bers of Parliament, Ministers’ Offices, The internship still exist including, meetings Prime Minister’s Office and the Liberal with supervisors or teammates, completing Research Bureau. a mix of individual and group projects, and Program Duration: May 3 - August 20, learning about overall company culture. 2021; Applications Are Now Open; Ap- Successful candidates will work re- plications Close - January 15, 2021. www.WeeklyVoice.com National Friday, December 25, 2020 | A-3 ‘Greening Of Canada’ Begins In Spring New Trees Will Cover 1.1 Million Hectares Across Rural & Urban Areas- Twice The Size Of PEI

Continued from page 1 hundreds of thousands of trees through has committed to plant should cover an the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation area twice the size of Prince Edward Is- Fund; partnering with provinces and ter- land. That’s more than 1.1 million hect- ritories to plant 150 million new seedlings ares! That’s a 40% annual increase in by 2022 under the Low Carbon Economy planted trees in urban and rural areas Fund; across the country!” • providing $30 million to provinces to While planting a tree may sound simple, help small and medium-sized enterprises ensuring that it can be done on a large scale operating in the forest sector defray costs and in a sustainable, inclusive manner re- associated with COVID-19 health and quires careful planning. The tree planting safety measures to ensure the 2020 tree process takes several years, and begins planting season was able to move forward with ordering the seeds of the desired tree successfully, resulting in 600 million trees species. From there, we must expand nurs- planted; and ery capacity; grow seedlings until they’re • supporting the Highway of Heroes big enough to plant in the ground; identify tree campaign, which has planted more and prepare available land in both cities than 750,000 of a planned two million and rural settings for adequate access and Investing in nature is among the most af- While the onset of the COVID-19 pan- trees between Trenton and Toronto. soil conditions; and monitor the health and fordable climate actions governments can demic created challenges in launching the Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Envi- survival of the planted seedlings. take. Canada is fortunate to have a vast tree planting program, it also reminded ronment and Climate Change, said: “Ca- The Government’s plan will get trees range of healthy and resilient ecosystems, Canadians of the importance of our green nadians want cleaner air, cleaner water, in the ground starting this spring in urban including forests and urban parks, which spaces, creating renewed enthusiasm and good, secure jobs when we recover areas across Canada. The Government has support the well-being of Canadians. amongst Canadians and potential partners from the pandemic. Planting two billion also already begun building long-term These ecosystems help absorb and store to help undertake this worthwhile initia- trees is an important part of our govern- partnerships so that Canada has the infra- enormous amounts of carbon, which can tive. The Government of Canada has a ment’s plan to do just that. These trees will structure, especially nurseries, to carry out mitigate the impacts of climate change and number of existing tree-planting programs absorb pollution, clean our air and water the full tree-planting plan. That includes keep our air clean. currently operating, including: and help communities adapt to the effects strengthening relationships with Natural Resources Canada is imple- • working with communities to plant of a changing climate.” • Indigenous organizations and commu- menting this plan with support from En- nities; vironment and Climate Change Canada • Other governments, including provin- and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. cial, territorial, and municipal, and Indig- This approach, which represents a 40 per- enous governments; cent annual increase in the number of trees • Industry, including forest management planted in Canada, will include both urban and silviculture companies, forest sector and rural areas across the country. In 10 associations, and nurseries/seed orchards; years, the additional two billion trees will • Farmers and agricultural stakeholders; cover over 1.1 million hectares, an area • Program delivery agents, organiza- twice the size of Prince Edward Island. tions with established tree planting pro- This is part of a broader Government of grams, such as conservation authorities Canada approach to embrace the power of and not-for-profit organizations; nature, recently announced as part of Can- • Corporate and philanthropic organiza- ada’s strengthened climate plan, A Healthy tions with an interest in supporting large- Environment and a Healthy Economy. The HIGH RATIO ONLY* scale tree planting and greening initiatives; Government will also establish an advi- • Others, such as woodlot owner asso- sory committee of experts on nature-based 5 Yrs Fixed ciations, private land and woodlot owners, climate solutions, who will provide advice @1.39%* community associations, universities and on program delivery considerations to colleges, private firms, and other non-gov- maximize emission reductions and deliver 5 Yrs Variable ernmental organizations. on key biodiversity and human well-being The plan also includes work to ensure co-benefits to improve the quality of life @1.35%* monitoring of trees for survival. for Canadians. Red Cross Assistance Will Help Secure LTC Homes Rajesh Khurana, MBA Principal Broker Cell: 416-616-1300

Tel: 289-521-6900 1305 Matheson Blvd. E, Mississauga ON L4W 1R1 • [email protected] • www.mortgagediligent.com

*Rates are subject to change without notice. • FSCO # 10252, OAC, E&O.E. Some conditions apply.*

Image by klimkin from Pixabay

Continued from page 1 “The impacts of COVID-19 continue to with residents so that the home’s frontline put the most vulnerable at risk. The Red workers can continue to focus on provid- Cross is committed to providing expertise ing direct quality care to residents. and support to staff and residents in long- “Combatting COVID-19 has required term care and retirement homes in On- all levels of government to work together, tario,” said Tanya Elliott, Vice President, and by expanding our partnership with the Ontario at the Canadian Red Cross. Canadian Red Cross we will be able to bet- Assistance from the Canadian Red Cross ter protect and care for our most vulner- works hand-in-hand with other measures able,” said Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, Min- Ontario has taken on behalf of long-term ister of Long-Term Care. Conditions at care residents and staff, including invest- long-term care homes and across the prov- ments of over $780 million in emergency ince continue to be monitored and tracked funding, regulatory flexibility, expanded daily. The Ontario government will work testing, direction and guidance on out- closely with the Canadian Red Cross to de- break management, and infection preven- termine which homes would benefit most tion and control. from their assistance and what supports are The government has released A Bet- most helpful. Decisions will be made on a ter Place to Live; A Better Place to Work: case-by-case basis in consultation with all Ontario’s Long-Term Care Staffing involved parties. Plan which delivers on an historic com- “As all regions of Canada continue to re- mitment to increase hours of daily direct spond to the ongoing COVID-19 pandem- care to four hours per day for each long- ic, the federal government will continue to term care resident. To support the plan the be there, in lock step with provinces and province is investing up to $1.9 billion territories to provide support where it is annually by 2024-25 to create more than needed most. We will continue to provide 27,000 new positions for personal support support to provinces and territories to use workers, registered nurses and registered the Red Cross to bolster their COVID-19 practical nurses. response efforts,” said the Honourable Bill • Since October, the Canadian Red Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emer- Cross has assisted in seven long-term care gency Preparedness. ‘ homes. They have completed their work in “COVID-19 has created unprecedented four, assisting the homes to stabilize and challenges not seen for generations. To- return to normal operations. gether, we can push back against this ter- • The province’s vaccine strategy pri- rible pandemic, and protect our most vul- oritizes the most vulnerable populations nerable,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for first, including health care workers and Seniors and Accessibility. residents of long-term care homes. A-4 | Friday, December 25, 2020 national www.WeeklyVoice.com 40 Major Infra Projects Under Way In Province Latest P3 Market Update Represents Investments Valued At Over $60 Billion; Works Will Support Growth TORONTO - The Ontario gov- ernment continues to advance 40 major infrastructure projects across the province using the public-private partnership (P3) model. Laurie Scott, Minister of Infrastructure, released the lat- est P3 Market Update this week. “The s P3 Market Update pro- vides an update on our govern- ment’s ongoing commitment to key infrastructure projects in- cluding subways, health care, highways and community safety projects,” said Minister Scott. “Our infrastructure investments, especially those included in the pipeline, support local jobs and community improvement by con- tributing to the growth, renewal and long-term economic recov- ery of the province.” Highlights from the latest P3 Minister Laurie Scott releases the P3 Market Update. Pic: Laurie Scott/Twitter Market Update: • The Request for Qualifica- cial Close in 2022. liver vital infrastructure - smarter, the Government of Ontario’s • The P3 Market Update in- tions for the Hamilton Health • The Request for Proposal for better and faster than traditional commitment to P3s and public cludes a total of 40 P3 projects, Sciences - West Lincoln Memo- Grandview Children’s Treatment methods,” said Michael Lindsay, infrastructure. including 16 civil (such as tran- rial Hospital project was issued in Centre has moved to March 2021, President & CEO of Infrastruc- • The P3 Market Update, re- sit, subways, highways), and 24 November 2020. and Financial Close has moved to ture Ontario. leased quarterly, is a list of public social, in procurement or pre- • The QEW Credit River winter 2022. “IO worked with the Minis- projects in the pre-procurement procurement. Bridge will reach Financial Close • Under the newly created try of Long-Term Care during and procurement stages for which • The June 2020 Update was in December 2020. Rapid Procurement and Delivery the past summer to successfully Ontario has committed invest- the largest in Ontario’s history, • The Request for Proposals Program, the Solicitor General procure the rapid delivery of four ments. investing more than $60 billion in for the Ontario Line - Rolling — Segregation Capital Program new Long-Term Care facilities The list helps potential local large, complex P3 projects across Stock, Systems, Operations and procurement began in Novem- using a Modified Construction and global private-sector partners Ontario. Maintenance and Southern Civil, ber 2020 and will close in March Management model. The Decem- and organizations organize their • Infrastructure Ontario (IO), Stations and Tunnel packages, 2021. ber Update outlines IO’s current time and resources to make sure a Crown agency overseen by the will be issued in December 2020. “IO is working with Govern- rapid procurement and delivery Ontario gets robust, innovative Minister of Infrastructure, is re- • The Thunder Bay Correc- ment ministries and other broader projects in the justice sector.” and competitive bids for its P3 sponsible for delivering projects tional Complex will reach Finan- public sector partners to help de- The P3 Market Update affirms infrastructure projects. under Ontario’s P3 model. Food Delivery Fees Capped Ontario, Maryland Sign Historic To Help Small Businesses Investment-Procurement Pact TORONTO: The Ontario gov- • Impose fines of up to $10 ernment is helping small and million to food delivery service independent restaurants during companies that do not comply COVID-19 by capping high food with the law. delivery fees. “This new cap will provide The Supporting Local Restau- needed support for small and in- rants Act, 2020 came into effect dependent restaurants in commu- on December 19. Food delivery nities weighed down by the dev- companies will be required to astating effects of COVID-19,” limit the rates they charge to 20% said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Associ- for each transaction — with no ate Minister of Small Business more than 15% for commission and Red Tape Reduction. “We’re for food delivery services. all in this together. Food delivery The cap applies in areas where companies, consumers and com- indoor dining is prohibited, to munities are all part of the solu- help restaurants stay in business tion. This holiday season, let’s and continue contributing to their support local restaurants by get- communities. If indoor dining is ting takeout, ordering delivery, or prohibited in new regions, the buying gift cards for family and cap will also apply in those loca- friends. By giving to the people tions. who mean so much to us, we can To support this change, the give back to the restaurants that TORONTO: Premier Doug Canadian American Business The new Ontario-Maryland government will: make our main streets bright.” For, and Larry Hogan, Governor Council and the Wilson Cen- SIPA, also known as the Ontario- • Provide food delivery com- The Supporting Local Restau- of Maryland, finalized a new, ter. The leaders were joined by Maryland Sub-National Agree- pany employees or contractors rants Act is one of many ways the historic strategic investment and Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister ment, promotes economic coop- who perform delivery services government is supporting small procurement agreement (SIPA) of Economic Development, Job eration by providing access to with protection that their com- businesses and restaurants when this week that will increase trade, Creation and Trade and Kelly M. information, facilitating business pensation will not be reduced in and where they need it most. attract investment, and encourage Schulz, Maryland’s Secretary of delegations, or connecting busi- response to these changes. The government is also provid- job creation in both jurisdictions. Commerce. nesses with prospective clients or • Enable restaurants and food ing $600 million in COVID-19 Areas of focus will be advanced Premier Ford said: “Whether investors. Ontario and Maryland delivery company employees or support for businesses required manufacturing, infrastructure and it’s securing our PPE or auto sec- have also agreed to work col- contractors to file online com- to close or restrict services in ar- the agri-food sector. tor supply chains, this partnership laboratively to help mitigate the plaints if they are charged fees eas categorized as Red-Control The agreement was signed by can help us both overcome our impacts of unforeseeable events, that exceed the cap or if their or Grey-Lockdown. This funding Premier Ford and Governor Ho- current challenges, create jobs, such as natural disasters or pub- compensation or payments are helps cover costs associated with gan during a virtual ceremony and help businesses on both sides lic health emergencies, which reduced. property taxes and energy bills. and roundtable hosted by the of the border grow and prosper.” includes sharing best practices to support ongoing responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. “This agreement will strength- en an already vibrant relationship between Maryland and Ontario by fostering economic growth and workforce development, en- hancing cooperation, attracting investment, and reducing trade barriers,” said Governor Hogan. The agreement also creates a Procurement Cooperation Coun- cil, improving transparency and engagement on government pur- chasing for businesses based in Ontario and Maryland. The council will further allow Ontario and Maryland to main- tain an open dialogue about any existing and future rules related to public procurement. In 2018, Maryland’s state-level govern- ment spending was USD $36.7 billion (15th out of 50 U.S. VISITORS, states). In 2019, goods trade between Davinder Singh Ontario and Maryland was worth Call For Honest Advice CAD$2.3 billion. • In 2019, Ontario was the MONTHLY & ANNUAL PLANS - HARD TO BEAT OUR PREMIUMS top export destination for mer- chandise trade for 19 U.S. states, and ranked second for nine U.S. SUPER VISA INSURANCE states. www.WeeklyVoice.com National Friday, December 25, 2020 | A-5 Passenger Road Tests Across Ontario Cancelled TORONTO: As a result of open for essential indoor servic- the Provincewide Shutdown, on es, such as knowledge tests, with December 26, the Ontario gov- capacity limits and COVID-19 ernment will cancel all in-vehicle preventative measures in place. passenger tests across Northern The ministry will also continue Ontario until January 9 and for to offer commercial road testing all 27 public health unit regions and other commercial vehicle in Southern Ontario until January services during the shutdown to 23. This action is being taken to ensure the continued safe move- stop the spread of COVID-19. ment of essential goods and ser- “We know that these measures vices. may be a serious inconvenience • The current COVID-19 for people waiting for a road Response Framework will be test,” said Caroline Mulroney, paused when the Provincewide Minister of Transportation. Shutdown comes into effect. “However, these are unprece- The impacts of these time-lim- dented times and our number one ited measures will be evaluated priority remains protecting the throughout the 14 days in North- health and safety of individuals, ern Ontario and 28 days in South- families and workers.” ern Ontario to determine if it is Image by bobtheskater from Pixabay Road test cancellations are safe to lift any restrictions or if without penalty. DriveTest clients riod ends and the region is at a Ontarians are advised to stay tion, medical appointments, or they need to be extended. will receive a credit in the system lower-risk COVID-19 level. home as much as possible with supporting vulnerable commu- • Visit DriveTest.ca for more in order to rebook their test when On the advice of the Chief trips outside the home limited to nity members. information about DriveTest ser- the Provincewide Shutdown pe- Medical Officer of Health, all necessities such as food, medica- DriveTest centres will remain vices in your area. Massive Long-Term Care Staffing Plan Launched TORONTO: The Ontario gov- • Accelerating and expanding ernment is launching one of the education and training pathways largest recruitment and training in order to prepare and train the drives in the province’s history tens of thousands of new staff to deliver on its commitment to that will be required. improve care for seniors in long- • Supporting continued profes- term care homes. The province sional development and growth released its long-term care staff- of long-term care staff. ing plan that sets out actions to • Improving working condi- hire more staff, improve work- tions for staff by coordinating ing conditions for existing staff, with long-term care employers drive effective and accountable to increase full-time employ- leadership, and implement reten- ment and promote innovative ap- tion strategies. proaches to work and technology. Details were provided this • Driving effective leadership week at George Brown College’s in homes across the province to Waterfront Campus by Premier improve oversight, guidance and Doug Ford, Dr. Merrilee Fuller- medical outcomes. ton, Minister of Long-Term Care, • Measuring progress against and Effie Triantafilopoulos, -Par Premier Doug Ford at George Brown College/Rekai Centres. Pic: Doug Ford/Twitter key performance indicators. liamentary Assistant to the Min- “This plan will make long-term ister of Long-Term Care. like the one between George care resident, the new staffing registered nurses and registered care a better place for residents to “We want more people work- Brown College and the Rekai plan focuses on six key areas to practical nurses in long-term live, and a better place for staff to ing in long-term care to love what Centres.” be delivered over four years: care; in addition, providing a 20 work,” said Minister Fullerton. they do and thrive in their ca- The 2020 Ontario budget com- • Investing up to $1.9 billion per cent increase in direct care “Our plan is to solve the long- reers,” said Premier Ford. “That’s mits to increase hours of daily annually by 2024-25 to create time administered by other health standing and systemic challenges why our new staffing plan will direct care to an average of four more than 27,000 new positions care professionals such as phys- the sector has faced after decades pursue innovative partnerships, hours per day for each long-term for personal support workers, iotherapists and social workers. of neglect and underfunding.” A-6 | Friday, December 25, 2020 national www.WeeklyVoice.com Ontario Line Is Largest Subway Expansion Project In Canadian History; Proposals Issued The Line Will Extend 15.6 Km Between Exhibition Place To Science Centre And Will Have 15 Transit Stations TORONTO: The Ontario gov- • The Ontario Line will extend ernment is a step closer to getting 15.6 kilometres between Exhibi- shovels in the ground to build tion/Ontario Place to the Ontario the Ontario Line, the signature Science Centre, providing fast, project in the largest subway frequent, and reliable service and expansion program in Canadian significantly reducing crowding history. The province issued two on other lines and routes. Requests for Proposals (RFPs) • With 15 transit stations, in- for procurement packages to cluding new connections to GO design, build, finance, operate Transit, existing TTC subway and maintain the Ontario Line stations and streetcar lines, and project. The Preliminary Design the Eglinton Crosstown Light Business Case for the Ontario Rail Transit line, the brand-new Line was also released. Ontario line will create a more The announcement was made resilient and integrated transit by Caroline Mulroney, Minister network for commuters. of Transportation, and Kinga Sur- • Moving people and reducing ma, Associate Minister of Trans- emissions is a core benefit of the portation (GTA). Ontario Line, potentially reduc- Following the Request for ing overall energy expended for Qualifications (RFQ) process that After evaluating the propos- Line will be one of the most tech- could put more than 255,000 transport by up to 7.2 million li- began in June 2020, shortlisted als, IO and Metrolinx expect to nologically advanced subway people within a 10-minute walk tres of automobile fuel every year teams are now invited by Infra- award these contracts in 2022. systems in the world with the of a new Ontario Line station and – equivalent to nearly 120,000 fill structure Ontario (IO) and Metro- The Ontario Line is being built highest degree of automation, on serve up to 388,000 trips each ups at the pump per year. linx to bid on two RFP packages: under three separate public-pri- par with subway systems in Paris, day by 2041. • The Ontario Line has a bene- 1. The first package includes vate partnership (P3) contracts Copenhagen and Barcelona. “Our government is making fit cost ratio of 1.05, meaning that designing, building, financing, and a package of Early Works “We are closer to delivering a historic investments in our tran- for every $1.00 invested in the operating and maintaining the contracts. state-of-the-art subway that le- sit and transportation infrastruc- Ontario Line, up to $1.05 is gen- subway trains, communications “By issuing these first Ontario verages existing rail corridors to ture to support the province’s erated in socio-economic benefit and train control systems, a main- Line RFPs, Premier Ford’s vision minimize costs and disruption,” growth and economic recovery,” for the City of Toronto. tenance and storage facility, and for a world-class regional transit said Associate Minister Surma. said Laurie Scott, Minister of In- • In addition to the three P3 the fare equipment that will be system continues to make steady The Ontario Line Preliminary frastructure. In April 2019, the contracts, some segments of the integrated with PRESTO system. progress,” said Minister Mul- Design Business Case also high- province announced its historic Ontario Line will be procured 2. The second package includes roney. lights the economic benefits of new transportation vision, with separately, such as areas where designing, building and financ- Issuing of the RFPs was ac- this massive project with a fore- a preliminary estimated cost of it will run within GO Transit rail ing the tunnels and transit sta- companied by the release of cast of over 4,700 construction $28.5 billion. This includes four corridors. Work on these sec- tions for the southern segment of the Preliminary Design Business jobs per year between 2020 and priority transit projects: the all- tions is expected to start before the line from Exhibition Place to Case for the Ontario Line, which 2030, followed by continued em- new Ontario Line; a three-stop construction commences on the just west of the Don River. It also offers a more detailed under- ployment after 2030 for the sub- Scarborough Subway Extension; three major work packages, and includes utility and conduit work standing of the project’s design way line’s operations and main- the Yonge North Subway Exten- procurement has already begun and building structures to prepare and benefits for the community. tenance. In addition, the business sion; and the Eglinton Crosstown for the early works that will take for track installation. Once complete, the Ontario case estimates the Ontario Line West Extension. place at Exhibition Station. Volume Of Freight Traffic Up For Second Month In Row Says StatCan OTTAWA: Canadian railways While the overall tonnage in October’s decrease in carload- Similarly, gasoline and avia- er metallic ores and concentrates carried 32.6 million tonnes of October was still down year over ings reflected a lower volume of tion turbine fuel loadings, loadings, which have fallen 50% freight in October, down 1.9% year, it was the highest level ob- both domestic non-intermodal on a downward trend since or more year over year each from 33.2 million tonnes in Oc- served since March 2020, coming and international loadings. March 2020, were down 57.6% month since May, dropped 52.6% tober 2019. The volume of rail close to the previous five-year av- Domestically, non-intermodal (-176 000 tonnes) in October (or -287 000 tonnes). freight carried in Canada contin- erage for October. cargo loadings decreased 1.8% from the same month in 2019. Loadings of other basic chemi- ued to recover, moving closer to Tonnage in 2020 lags behind year over year to 26.1 million While coal loadings were 6.3% cals were also down 17.2% pre-pandemic levels, for the sec- last year. In the 10-month pe- tonnes, driven by large declines (-201 000 tonnes) lower than (-109 000 tonnes) from the same ond month in a row. riod from January to October in hydrocarbon-based com- in October 2019, this was a month a year ago. Large increases In October, Canadian rail- of 2020, 300.5 million tonnes modities. Loadings of fuel oils marked improvement from Au- in loadings of certain agricultural ways carried 32.6 million of freight were moved by rail, and crude petroleum declined gust (-26.2%) and September and food products throughout tonnes of freight, down 1.9% down 7.1% from the same period year over year for the seventh (-12.4%). Loadings of certain the pandemic have helped to off- from 33.2 million tonnes in Oc- last year and the lowest 10-month straight month, down 50.1% mineral and chemical commodi- set the declines in hydrocarbon- tober 2019. cumulative total in four years. (or -821 000 tonnes) in October. ties also declined in October. Oth- based commodities. Salvation Army Drive Did you see in the paper... To Colllect Toys & Gifts

the hardware Premier Doug Ford packs gifts at the Salvation Army. TORONTO: Premier Doug Meanwhile, the Salvation store is having I’ve got Ford stopped by the Salvation Army has shared Christmas joy two rooms Army head office earlier this with 6,766 vulnerable people a huge Home week. He later tweeted: “This across Norfolk, including 3,810 to paint. year, the goal is to collect 150,000 children who will have presents Improvement unwrapped toys & gifts for kids to open on Christmas Day. across Ontario. If you can, please The church and charity’s Toys Sale? donate. Visit http://ToyMountain. & Tins Appeal has seen a 27 per ca to donate and for more infor- cent increase in referrals for vul- mation on drop-off locations. nerable children from social ser- The Salvation Army said in a vices, schools and support groups statement: “In Canada, 1 in 11 as well as struggling parents Community Newspapers people live in poverty. Behind contacting The Salvation Army the cheerful lights, thousands of directly. Canadians are fighting to make Each family referred to The Your Local Social Network ends meet—especially during Salvation Army receives a Christ- Christmastime. mas hamper of food and each “Together, we can restore hope child receives on average five and dignity to those in need. I gifts, including one or two larger want to thank all the volunteers items and stocking fillers. Gen- THE WEEKLY VOICE and organizers at the @salva- erous donations from the public tionarmy for working tirelessly have enabled volunteers to sort, through this season to ensure oth- pack and deliver approximately ers can have a Merry Christmas. 19,000 gifts. www.WeeklyVoice.com National Friday, December 25, 2020 | A-7 Ottawa, Ontario Team Up To Support Beef Farmers And Protect Food Supply Chains WOODSTOCK:The govern- ments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $5 million in im- mediate, emergency assistance to help the province’s beef farmers manage costs associated with the impacts of COVID-19 and to help protect Ontario’s food sup- ply network. Starting Monday, December 21, 2020, Ontario beef farmers can apply for funding to help cover increased costs of feeding and setting aside market-ready cattle due to COVID-19 related processing delays. This funding flows from an agreement reached by the gov- ernments this spring to support these producers, in a timely man- ner, in the event that processing disruptions impacted the sector. “We care deeply about the well-being of our farmers and understand the repercussions that short-term capacity reduc- tions have on livestock produc- ers,” said the Honourable Ma- rie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of The project will set up a $26.6 millon Enhanced Agri-Food Workplace Protection Program. Image by Christian B. from Pixabay Agriculture and Agri-Food. “This VID-19 and builds on the efforts funding support was made avail- other agri-food sector business to help eligible Ontario farmers, is another measure we are taking we have already made in working able to Ontario cattle producers with labour needs to job seekers; processors, businesses and sector to support our cattle farmers and with the agri-food sector to ad- to help mitigate the impact of the • creation of the $26.6 mil- organizations innovate and grow. to continue to keep high-quality dress urgent needs.” disruptions we’ve experienced lion Enhanced Agri-food Work- • The Partnership is a five- and affordable meat products The Canada-Ontario CO- at processing,” said Rob Lip- place Protection Program; year, $3 billion investment which available to Canadians during the VID-19 Beef Emergency Feed sett, president, Beef Farmers of • a commitment of $25.5 mil- includes $1 billion for federal COVID-19 pandemic.” Maintenance Initiative is being Ontario. “BFO is committed to lion to help minimize COVID 19 activities and programs, and $2 “We are continuing to work offered through AgriRecovery, working with both levels of gov- exposure risks in the workplace billion in cost-shared programs with our farmers and all the agri- under the Canadian Agricultural ernment and our industry partners and support the province’s food delivered by provinces and terri- food heroes in our food process- Partnership. The provincial con- on other measures to help address supply chain through the Agri- tories on a 60-40 basis. ing network to help them meet tributions are part of Ontario’s the current challenges facing our food Prevention and Control In- • Ontario is home to nearly challenges posed by COVID-19 Action Plan: Responding to CO- sector.” novation Program; and, 6,800 beef farms. The province’s and to keep a steady supply of VID-19 which will provide fund- This funding is in addition • a recent investment of an ad- beef industry contributes an es- safe and nutritious foods avail- ing for eligible farmers. Addition- to other supports launched this ditional $50 million into the Risk timated $2.8 billion each year to able for Ontario families,” said al details on program mechanics year to assist the agri-food sec- Management Program, one year the province’s economy and its the Honourable Ernie Hardeman, will be released soon. Agricorp tor in meeting challenges related earlier than originally promised. value chain sustains an estimated Ontario Minister of Agriculture, will deliver the programming and to the COVID-19 outbreak. This Since June 2018, both the fed- 60,000 jobs. Food and Rural Affairs. receive applications. includes: eral and provincial governments • The Canada-Ontario AgriRe- “This is just one of the many “I commend the federal and • a $4 million Meat Processors have committed cost-share sup- covery COVID-19 Beef Emer- ways our province continues provincial governments for mov- Capacity Improvement Initiative; port to approximately 4,200 gency Feed Maintenance Initia- to support farmers during CO- ing swiftly to ensure this tool and • a portal to connect farms and projects through the Partnership tive is delivered by Agricorp. Action Urged to Improve Safety, End Carnage on - DC Motor Construction Sites TORONTO: In the past week, four workers have been killed at their job on an Ontario construction site, and just yesterday, a fifth worker died at an industrial workplace in Stoney Creek. The Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) said it was devastated by these fatal incidents. “While we mourn the lives that were lost, and hope the workers who were in- jured recover quickly, we demand immediate action to stop workers’ deaths on construction sites, and in every workplace across Ontario,”, it said in a state- ment. “The Ford government must immediately take ac- tion to improve protections for workers on construc- tion sites. Workers must be guaranteed their safety and well-being is the primary concern and focus,” said OFL President Patty Coates. “This recent string of tragedies makes it clear that we must do more to protect Ontario workers. We demand urgent action by this government.” After the Metron Construction Christmas Eve tragedy in 2009, the OFL launched a campaign for more robust and enhanced protections for work- ers. In that devastating swing stage collapse, five workers plunged 13 stories, four of those workers died. The OFL called for a more vigorous use of the Criminal Code of Canada’s ‘Westray amendments’ to ensure greater accountability for worker protec- tion. Once again, we need action and more robust measures to protect workers. In response to the Metron tragedy, the provincial government created an Expert Panel on Workplace Health and Safety and launched a province-wide re- view that resulted in significant amendments to On- tario laws designed to prevent future tragedies. “Similar urgent action is once again required,” said Coates. “We must redouble efforts to ensure that every worker is protected through robust health and safety measures and beefed-up protocols and proce- dures.” The OFL is calling on the Province to strike another Expert Panel, and immediately launch a tar- geted health and safety enforcement blitz. This December of death in Ontario workplaces is clearly unacceptable. The province must take urgent and immediate action to improve construction site safety. One death is one too many. The OFL, our af- filiated members and community allies vow to keep pressuring the Ford government into action to pro- tect Ontario’s workers. The Ontario Federation of Labour represents 54 unions and one million workers in Ontario. A-8 | Friday, December 25, 2020 national www.WeeklyVoice.com Ontario Seeks Public Input On Plan To Improve And Protect Lake Simcoe

Wesley Brooks Memorial Conservation Area. Pic: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority A Lake Simcoe walkway: Pic: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority

BARRIE: The Ontario gov- restore Lake Simcoe over the past part in the 75-day public review Protection Plan. coe the first Lieutenant-Governor ernment is engaging with local 10 years,” said Andrea Khanjin, of the Lake Simcoe Protection • The province released the 10- of Upper Canada, renamed it partners, Indigenous communi- Parliamentary Assistant to the Plan by completing an online year report on Lake Simcoe in Lake Simcoe in memory of his ties and residents from the Lake Minister of the Environment, public survey between Decem- July 2020, which highlighted father, Captain John Simcoe of Simcoe area to get their input on Conservation and Parks and ber 18, 2020 and March 3, 2021 progress towards the govern- the Royal Navy the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan. MPP for Barrie-Innisfil. “While and participating in a virtual town ment’s commitments and results • Lake Simcoe’s bays were The plan is the roadmap to im- this progress is encouraging, we hall early in the new year. For of monitoring programs. named for his father’s naval col- prove the lake’s water quality, know the watershed is under in- more information and other ways • The province recently invest- leagues – Rear Admiral Richard reduce pollutants such as phos- creasing pressure as the result of to get involved in the review, visit ed $581,000 in four new proj- Kempenfelt and Captain James phorus, support sustainable fish- population growth and climate the Protecting Lake Simcoe web- ects to help find better ways to Cook eries and address the impacts of change. page. reduce the amount of pollutants Lake Simcoe is the 4th largest invasive species. The feedback That’s why we are inviting all Based on the engagement and and nutrients, such as phospho- lake wholly in Ontario. received will help determine if our partners, including the gen- the findings from the review, the rus, from entering Lake Simcoe. • Its surface area is 722 square the document needs to be amend- eral public to participate in the Minister of the Environment, • Over 450,000 people living kilometres ed or updated. review of the Lake Simcoe Pro- Conservation and Parks will con- in 22 municipalities depend on • If you walked around its “Thanks to the hard work of lo- tection Plan to ensure we are do- sider making amendments to the the Lake Simcoe watershed every shoreline, you would travel 240 cal environmental and conserva- ing everything we can to keep the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan by day. kilometres tion organizations, advocates and lake beautiful for generations to the summer of 2021. Lake Simcoe wasn’t always • Its average depth is 15 me- all levels of government, consid- come.” Restoring Lake Simcoe and its known as Lake Simcoe. tres, but it gets as deep as 42 me- erable progress has been made to Members of the public can take watershed is a key commitment • The earliest known name for tres near the mouth of Kempen- of the government’s Made-in- the lake was Ouentironk (oo-ent’- felt Bay Ontario Environment Plan. er-onk) the Huron word meaning • The lake is part of a much • Since 2009, the province’s “beautiful water” larger system known as the Trent- actions to protect and restore • Early European settlers Severn Waterway Lake Simcoe have been guided called it Lake Toronto • Lake Simcoe water levels are by the expansive Lake Simcoe • In 1793 John Graves Sim- managed by Parks Canada.

Simcoe - Picturesque Scanlon Bridge. Pic: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Working Group Will Help With Conservation Strategy TORONTO: The Ontario gov- natural resources, the province ernment is creating a working introduced legislative changes group to help implement changes through Bill 229, Protect, Sup- to conservation authorities. Has- port and Recover from COV- saan Basit, President and CEO of ID-19 Act, 2020, which received Conservation Halton will chair Royal Assent on December 8, the new group which will provide 2020. Amendments were made to input on the development of reg- the Bill based on valuable feed- ulations under the Conservation back from stakeholder groups, in- Authorities Act, and on how such cluding conservation authorities. authorities are governed. The new working group will “As we move forward togeth- include representatives from con- er, we want to build stronger servation authorities and other relationships with conservation experts. Representatives of the authorities so we can work to- working group will be announced gether to ensure consistent best in the coming weeks. practices, good governance and Once they begin work in Janu- appropriate accountability to best ary, the group will provide input serve the people of Ontario,” to help the province develop reg- said Jeff Yurek, Minister of the ulations that will focus on: Environment, Conservation and • The mandatory core pro- Parks. “I’d like to thank Hassaan grams and services conservation Basit for the discussions over the authorities would be required to last few weeks which helped in- provide, form some recent amendments to • The agreements between the legislative changes to ensure municipalities and conservation conservation authorities have the authorities and the transition pe- tools they need to protect their riod associated with non-manda- communities. I look forward to tory programs and services, and continuing our positive and con- • How local members of structive dialogue towards our the community can participate shared goals.” through advisory boards. As part of the government’s “Partnerships and collabora- commitment to ensuring con- tion are critical to ensure that servation authorities focus and conservation authorities can deliver on their core mandate make watershed-based resource of protecting people and prop- management decisions,” said erty from flooding and other Hassaan Basit, President and natural hazards and conserving CEO, Conservation Halton. www.WeeklyVoice.com Friday, December 25, 2020 | A-9

“The Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce turned the Covid-19 crisis into an opportunity to reach out to the small business owners and professionals in the Indo-Canadian community. The pandemic transformed our organisation into a re-energized entity that re-established its credentials as a Chamber of Commerce. When we had to decide on the overarching theme that would encapsulate the year, the choice was straightforward. Globally and especially at our Chamber, we have entered an Era of New Transformation where the emphasis is on Resilience, Rebuild, and Rejuvenate.” Pramod Goyal, President, Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce

“I am honoured to be recognised by the ICCC, an organisation that has done so much for bilateral trade relations between Canada and India.”

The Honourable Minister Mary Ng ICCC 2020 President’s Award recipient

“Proud moments like this do not happen in your life without the blessings of God, and the support of your family, friends and colleagues... while I am humbled and touched with the honour bestowed upon me, I still have a long way to go...” “We need to do a better job at finding more Arjun (Andy) Jasuja women to recognise as corporate executives. Lifetime Achievement I think it is going to become easier because Sigma Group now more than ever businesses are doing their part to make sure that women are provided opportunities in the C suite and on the boards. So, let’s acknowledge that with more women “I’m deeply honoured to receive this in our corporate category as we go forward.” recognition from the Indo-Canada Chamber Goldy Hyder of Commerce. It is a moment of reckoning Corporate Executive and great hope.” Business Council of Canada Ananya Mukherjee Reed Woman Professional “It feels so nice to be recognised by a University of British Columbia homegrown association like the ICCC. The Chamber is no stranger to my family, and that makes it very special to me.” Jonita Gandhi Young Achiever “It is a true privilege to be recognised by Playback Singer the ICCC for my work with the Humanitarian award. I am honoured.” Jabeen Boga Humanitarian Community Activist “I and my family are humbled by the enormity of this honour. I feel privileged to join the ranks of the previous honourees.” Jagdish Butany Male Professional “Thank you ICCC for this tremendous honour, Renowned Pathologist it truly means a great deal to me.” Sachindra Jain Male Entrepreneur Soneil Group “Thank you for this recognition. It has been an honour for me to serve as a director and as an advisor to the ICCC and to serve the institution with dedication and sincerity.” B. K. SETHI Member of the Year

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924 The East Mall, Toronto 0N M9B 6K1 Tel: 416.224.0090 Fax: 416.916.0086 Email: [email protected] www. iccconline.org /ICCCONLINE /TheIndoCanada /indo-canada-chamber-of-commerce @IndoCandaCC A-10 | Friday, December 25, 2020 community www.WeeklyVoice.com Winter Fun In Brampton With Virtual Camps BRAMPTON: Free Virtual of Brampton Recreation’s Rec Holiday Camps and Work- At Home program, two FREE shops offer participants the op- craft kits will be made available portunity to build new friend- for pick-up beginning Decem- ships, increase social skills, and ber 19. Participants are invited work on exciting projects at their to create their own reindeer or own pace while interacting in snow globe using a City-provided real-time with their peers. ready-made, supply kit. Activities will be led by trained Children can take part at their City of Brampton instructors us- own pace by following step-by- ing the WebEx platform. step online tutorials,. Three-day camps are offered When finished, crafters can Monday through Wednesday be- share their creations on social ginning December 21, with two media and tag @CityBrampton. program sessions and streams Free activity kits are available to choose from, including Brain for curbside pick-up at select out- Box Camp (with activities in- door rinks while supplies last. cluding Elf Pulley, Santa Slime, No registration required. and Candy Cane Science experi- Pick-up a kit at one of the fol- ments), and Arts and Craft Camp lowing locations, daily from 10 (with activities including Snow am - 10 pm. Globes, Sock Snowpeople, and • Gore Meadows Covered Ornament Decorating). tively, residents are encouraged to-face program experience with- headphones/earbuds to partici- Outdoor Skating Rink One-hour workshops are to call 311 for support. out the need to come into a Rec- pate in the activities and commu- • Chinguacousy Park Skating offered throughout the holi- Materials reation Centre. Participants can nicate with their instructor; Recreational Trail days with various activities to FREE program material boxes join the program using a variety • A functional webcam or • Gage Park Outdoor Skating choose from, such as Ginger- will be available for curbside of devices with built-in cameras, built-in camera to participate in Recreational Trail bread House Making, Paint pick-up at Greenbriar Recreation including desktop computers, activities; • Mount Pleasant Outdoor Night, and an Inclusion Sensory Centre the week before the camp smart phones, and chrome books. • A reliable internet connec- Skating Rink Holiday craft. or workshop start date. Upon To participate fully, each par- tion. The City of Brampton has Registration registration, participants will be ticipant will require: Multiple participants can share made a Recreation at Home pro- Register online using an ex- asked to select their desired pick- • Access to a computer, laptop, the same device, but each child gram available year-round. From isting or new City of Bramp- up date and time. large tablet or another device that must register separately to re- printable worksheets to video ton Recreation registration Technical Requirements is large enough to view and fol- ceive their box and materials for tutorials, residents can explore a account. Should you have ques- Video conferencing is an en- low along with the instructor’s the week’s activities. variety of programs to keep kids, tions, please email recconnects@ gaging, highly interactive way lesson; HOLIDAY CRAFT KITS youth, and adults entertained and brampton.ca for support. Alterna- for participants to enjoy a face- • A microphone as well as Calling all crafters! As part engaged indoors. Tiger Jeet Singh Foundation Supporting Businesses

In front of the Khazana Restaurant in Milton. At the Pipers Arms Pub. Pics: Tiger Jeet Singh Foundation MILTON:The Tiger Jeet Singh Region of Halton. Last week, he Services to help support more dation has organized the “Miracle Support for the Foundation Foundation campaign #Mira- foundation also bought $2,000 in and more Halton families every on Main Street” event which has also came from Gallinger Ford cleOnMain w/ @HaltonPolice gifts cards were from Troys Diner year,” Tiger Jeet Singh said. raised millions of dollars through Lincoln - who launched the event continued supporting local busi- for distribution to needy families. The Tiger Jeet Singh Founda- donations and sponsorships for with a $5000 donation and RBC nesses this week - those truly As in years past, the foundation tion is a Milton-based charity children and families in need who Dominion Securities Burlington. care about their community! A is looking to collect as many do- started by wrestling legends, hu- live in the Region, as well as, pur- The foundation aims to con- total of $3,000 in gift cards were nations as possible to aid those manitarians, and philanthropists; chase thousands of toys for chil- tribute $60,000 in support of purchased from Khazana Milton less fortunate in Halton. “We Tiger Jeet Singh and his son Ti- dren admitted over the holidays restaurants, public schools, Sal- & Pipers Arms Pub that will be are continuing our partnership ger Ali Singh. For the last eleven at McMaster Children’s Hospital vation Army & Halton Women’s donated to families in need in the with the Halton Regional Police MEDIAyears, the Tiger Jeet KIT Singh Foun- and SickKids. Place.

www.weeklyvoice.com (905) 795-0639 Indian Consulate Issues Over 5,000 Life Certificates

TORONTO: The Consulate the Consulate to get the Life Cer- General of India, Toronto has is- tificate issued. sued more than 5,000 Life Cer- The documents required are tificates since October, 2020 to duly filled in updated application the pensioners from BLS Bramp- form (click here) in duplicate and ton office, its own premises in a copy of passport. Toronto (365 Bloor St E #700, Applicants will be required to Toronto, ON M4W 3L4) and at bring these documents in person the Consular Camps organized at to the Consulate. Life Certificate various places under its Consular will be issued on the spot. Jurisdiction. LIFE CERTIFICATE BY Pickwww.awa aYourzpunjabi.c oFreem Copies From (905) 795.0639 Indian national are asked POSTAL MEANS to please note that Govern- The Life Certificate requests Transit And South Asian Stores ment of India vide it’s OM may be sent by Post/Courier to YOUR COMMUNITY No. 18/1/2020-P&PW(H)-Vol- the Consulate (365 Bloor St E III-6786 dated 23 November, #700, Toronto, ON M4W 3L4). YOUR , YOUR EVERYNEWSPA PFRIDAYER LIFE 2020 has further extended the pe- The applicants can send their riod for submission of Life Cer- application in a sealed envelope, Pick Your Free Copies From South Asian Stores, Transits, Bus shelters, Shopping plazas Every Friday tificate by Central Government duly filled in application forms pensioners till February 28, 2021. (click here) in duplicate along THEDistri bWEEKLYuting over 10,00 0VOICE copies The Leader In South Asian News In Canada Applicants who still need their with copy of the passport, with a Life Certificate can get it in the self addressed pre-paid envelope following ways: of Canada Post or any courier LIFE CERTIFICATE IN company to facilitate return of PERSON AT CONSULATE the serviced document. Life Certificates can also be For postal applications, appli- taken in person from the Consul- cants are requested to provide a ate for which prior appointment local whatsapp number so that a is required to be taken from Con- video call can be made for verifi- Leader in South sulate by writing at – reception. cation purpose. [email protected]. Life Certificate will be issued Asian News in Canada Applicants will be informed by only after verification of the ap- email of a date and time to visit plicant through the video call. www.WeeklyVoice.com community Friday, December 25, 2020 | A-11 Christmas Hope ‘Thank You’ Baloch Activist Karima Parade Held In Mississauga Baloch Found Dead TORONTO: Balochistan ac- tivist Karima Baloch who es- caped persecution in Pakistan in 2016 and was granted asylum in Canada has been found dead at Harbourfront. The police found her body drowned off an island near To- ronto’s lakeshore. Karima went missing on December 20. Her husband, Hammal Haider, and brother identified her body. Toronto journalist Tarek Fatah was quoted by media as saying, “Toronto Police and Canadian se- curity agency CSIS must investi- gate the possibility of Pakistan’s hand in Karima’s death. Prime Minister Trudeau must act to rid Canada of Pakistan ISI agents.” Further, a joint statement by Karima Baloch. Pic: Twitter dissident groups in Canada has called the death of Karima as a Azad. bWhile in Pakistan, she violations against Human Rights murder and demanded a probe was a fierce voice against the anywhere in the World and Can- into the incident. militarization of Balochistan, ada’s image as one of the safest The Christmas Hope Parade. Pic: Natalia Kusendova “Though the Toronto Police enforced disappearances and places for refugees and asylum has said that the death of Karima extrajudicial murders of Baloch seekers, any lack of a concrete MISSISSAUGA: A Christmas Mississauga ErinMills and Par- Baloch is investigated as a non- people. action to this end might jeopar- Hope parade was held in Mis- liamentary Assistant to the Min- criminal death and there are not “The death of Karima Baloch dize the global image/reputation sissauga to say ‘Thank You’ to istry of Heritage, Sports, Tour- believed to be any suspicious has reminded us the cold-blooded Canada has. all healthcare workers in Missis- ism and Culture industries. and circumstances, we believe that murder of Sajid Husain, a Baloch “Therefore, we urge the gov- sauaga dna cross Ontario. Kaleed Rasheed MPP for Missis- given the threats to her life by journalist forced into exile in ernment of Canada to undertake Natalia Kusendova, MPP Mis- sauga East-Cooksville, Govern- Pakistani authorities because of Sweden after covering violence, immediate and thorough investi- sissauga Centre and Parliamenta- ment Deputy Whip, Chair of the her political activism, a much crime and a simmering insur- gation, bring perpetrators to jus- ry Assistant for Francophone Af- Committee on the Legislative thorough investigation into the gency in Pakistan. He was found tice, and take just diplomatic and fairs tweeted: “Thank you to all Assembly. It was great to help death of Karima Baloch is need- dead on April 23, 2019 in north of political course of action in cases who joined our Christmas Hope spread the Christmas spirit during ed,” said the statement. Stockholm, after remaining miss- any foreign country or group Parade, including my colleagues these difficult times.” The event The joint statement was issued ing for more than a month,” the were found to be involved behind Stephen Lecce, Minister or Edu- was organized in front of the Tril- by Baloch National Movement, statement said. this brutal murder of this human cation, Sheref Sabawy, MPP for lium Health Partners Hospital. Balochistan National Party- Karima figured among the the rights activist.” Canada, World Sindhi Congress- world’s 100 most “inspirational Meanwhile, the Baloch Na- Canada, Pashtun Council Canada and influential” women in 2016 tional Movement has announced and PTM Committee Canada by the BBC. During her refuge forty days of mourning for Kari- We, Baloch National Movement, in Canada, Karima Baloch con- ma Baloch Balochistan National Party-Can- tinued to raise her voice against The spokesperson of the Baloch ada, World Sindhi Congress-Can- the human rights abuses in Balo- National Movement said that the ada, Pashtun Council Canada and chistan by the Pakistani State au- martyrdom of Karima Baloch, is PTM Committee Canada. thorities. a great loss to the Baloch nation The Canadian civil aociety too Thousands of people have dis- and the national movement. demanded further thorough in- appeared without trace in Balo- “With the death of Banuk vestigation. chistan since 2007. Karima, we have lost a vision- Karima identified herself as The statement added: “While ary leader and a national symbol. a human rights activist and had we take immense pride in Cana- Compensation for this great loss served as the Chairperson of da’s long record of taking coura- is impossible for centuries,” said Elected officials at Trillium. Pic: Natalia Kusendova Baloch Students Organisation geous stance against all kinds of a statement. Applications Open for 2021 Advance Brampton Fund BRAMPTON: The City of Emerging, Developing, and Am- new and emerging projects in • Brampton is a Healthy and the local non-profit sector and Brampton is now accepting ap- plifying. Brampton, will accept applica- Safe City: Thursday, January 14, Brampton community. plications for the 2021 Advance The annual call for projects tions on a quarterly basis. The 2021, 6 pm Community Safety and Well- Brampton Fund (ABF). Council for the Developing and Amplify- first quarterly call for applica- • Brampton is a Green City: being was identified as an emerg- approved the program framework ing program streams is now open tions opens on January 4, 2021 Monday, January 18, 2021, 6pm ing need within the ABF under in October 2020. Following ap- for applications until February 3, for projects taking place between All details are available the Term of Council priority that proval of the City’s 2021 annual 2021: January and June 2021. The dead- at Brampton.ca/ABF. Brampton is a Healthy and Safe operating budget, Brampton- • Developing Projects sup- line to apply is January 29, 2021. The ABF supports Brampton- City. As a result, the City has based non-profit and charitable port organizations that have ex- A workshop on Grant Writing based non-profit and charitable committed $150,000 in grant organizations can now apply for ecuted the project at least once 101 will be held online on Tues- organizations starting, develop- funding under the ABF to support funding for projects that advance in Brampton – eligible for up to day, January 12, 2021 at 6:30 pm ing, and amplifying projects that Community Safety and well-be- Term of Council Priorities. $12,500 in matching funds. to assist those applying for fund- support Term of Council priori- ing projects led by non-profit and Brampton-based Registered • Amplifying Projects support ing. Registration is required. ties. Grantees are encouraged, charitable organizations. Charities, incorporated non-profit established projects taking place Information sessions will be through matching funds, to move Mayor Patrick Brown said. organizations and unincorporated in Brampton – eligible for up to held online as follows, organized towards project sustainability and “Brampton’s non-profit and char- non-profit organizations can ap- $25,000 in matching funds. by Term of Council Priority: a strengthened ability to partner, itable organizations help make ply for funding. Three program New this year, the Emerging • Brampton is a Mosaic: collaborate and lead well-man- our city a great place to live, streams are available, including: Projects stream, which supports Wednesday, January 13, 6 pm aged and meaningful work within work and play.” A-12 | Friday, December 25, 2020 community www.WeeklyVoice.com Toronto History Museums Launches Series Of Virtual Awakenings Art Projects Program TORONTO: Mayor John Tory has launched the Awakenings program – a virtual series of art projects by Black, Indigenous and artists of colour. Awakenings is a new program that will feature art projects that explore untold stories, awaken a new perspec- tive and invite the public to join the conversation. The series is part of the City of Toronto’s ef- forts to address anti-Black racism and will be released over the next couple of years. Mayor Tory was joined by An historic inn from the 1830. Pic: City of Toronto, Awakenings. Pic: City of Toronto, Deputy Mayor Michael Thomp- son (Scarborough Centre), Chair Truth and Reconciliation Com- with the histories of her ancestors producer and multidisciplinary Black, Indigenous and people of the City’s Economic and Com- missions Calls to Action in the and the present-day violence rav- artist Byron Kent Wong, Food of colour filmmakers to present munity Development Committee, Museum sector, the Toronto His- aging her community, and begins Network host, restaurateur, au- short films that aim to disrupt, as well as Cheryl Blackman, Di- tory Museums sites are embrac- to imagine what her future looks thor and award-winning record- discover and display colonial nar- rector of Museums and Heritage ing partnerships that embody like through dance. Conceived ing artist Roger Mooking reflects ratives. Each of the filmmakers Services, renowned director Ju- Indigenous voices, stories and by an internationally-recognized on the effects of racism on men- focuses on one of the 10 Toronto lien Christian Lutz, profession- knowledge into programs, collec- Black creative team and featur- tal health and shares untold sto- History Museums to bring to ally known as Director X, and tions management and sites. The ing the words of Assata Shakur, ries of his experiences growing light untold stories. Five of these choreographer Esie Mensah. Awakenings program begins to this piece spotlights 15 women up in the Canadian Prairies and films will launch this month. In July, the City committed address the lack of representation as they come together to re-frame working in the American South. Awakenings Task Force more than $1.2 million in cultural in the stories of Toronto’s history. revolution in the name of love. The conversation explores how The Awakenings Task Force and economic investments to More than 80 per cent of creative Esie Mensah choreographs, Wey- food, art and music formed his was formed to develop art proj- confront anti-Black racism. The people involved in Awakenings ni Mengesha co-directs, Lucius journey. Part one launches today ects within Toronto History City’s Confronting Anti-Black art projects are from the Black, Dechausay co-directs and edits, and part two launches on January Museums, operating under the Racism Unit and Economic De- Indigenous and people of colour and d’bi.young anitafrika com- 12, 2021. Behind the Curtain was principles of anti-oppression, velopment and Culture division communities. poses in this digital short film. “A filmed at Toronto History Muse- anti-colonialism, sustainability, have been developing oppor- This month, Awakenings Revolution of Love” was filmed ums’ Montgomery’s Inn, www. advocacy and storytelling. tunities such as Awakenings to launches with three online art at Toronto History Museums’ toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/history- The City recognizes the United increase support for Toronto’s projects and will also feature Fort York National Historic Site, art-culture/museums/montgom- Nations’ International Decade for Black creative communities. Awakenings Reflections: Behind in partnership with Soulpepper erys-inn/. People of African Descent (2015 Toronto History Museums rec- the scenes discussions. Theatre. We Were Always Here to 2024) and has aligned the ognized the need to reassess the A Revolution of Love Behind the Curtain World-renowned director Ju- Awakenings program to meet the way in which it develops, deliv- A Revolution of Love is a digi- In conversation with award- lien Christian Lutz, profession- goals of the Decade, which are ers and evaluates its program- tal short film that follows a young winning hip-hop recording art- ally known as Director X, men- recognition, justice and develop- ming. In accordance with the Black woman as she grapples ist and broadcaster Shad and tors 10 emerging Toronto-based ment. Cricket Canada Appoints Two Development Officers To Boost Sport

On left: Keith Deonarine. On right: Kulbir Jaswal TORONTO: Cricket Canada with key stakeholders to ensure has announced the appointments the sustainability and growth of of its two Development Officers. grassroots programs. Keith Deonarine has been ap- Deonarine and Jaswal were ap- pointed as Cricket Development pointed following Cricket Can- Officer with responsibilities for ada’s review of the volumes of Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic applications that were received Provinces. from individuals expressing their Kulbir Jaswal will hold identi- interest in the positions. cal Cricket Development Officer Keith Deonarine’s involve- responsibilities for British Co- ment with Canadian cricket has lumbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan been outstanding. He represented and Manitoba. Canada at the U19 and U23 lev- The respective appointments els and was the 1992 recipient of were made towards the execu- the prestigious EMU Award as the tion of Cricket Canada’s mandate country’s most outstanding Junior to significantly increase both the Cricketer. levels of participation and popu- Deonarine has also served as larity of Canadian cricket. a Manitoba Development Coach The primary focus of the Crick- and was directly responsible for et Development Officer’s role introducing cricket to many el- will be on significantly increasing ementary, middle and high school male and female participation, students within the Province. He InternatIonal Cargo & travel ServICeS while ensuring that there is a solid has also served (2010-2012) a Send your Gifts, Parcels, Personal Effects, Commercial pathway to the further nurturing Canadian National men’s Crick- of identified talented players. et Team Selector and as Cricket Company Products, Automobiles all over the world - Cricket Canada’s October 6, Canada’s Performance Analyst Moving or relocating overseas 2020 Advertisement had listed the (2012-2016). (Please note : if you purchase an airline ticket through us, you will get a following four Key Responsibili- Kulbir Jaswal’s Canadian 10% discount on your next cargo booking) ties for the two Development Of- cricket involvement is equally ficer Positions: impressive. As a certified Cricket ShIP froM AnywhErE In USA or CAnAdA By AIr, LAnd & SEA 1. To increase the num- West Indies Level 3 Coach, Jas- ber of regular junior cricketers wal has fulfilled several National Express Letter to: wE ALSo SELL STAndArd in Canada through sustainable and Provincial Coach roles. USA……….$25.00 ShIPPInG BoXES 18” X 18” X24” Door Delivery Worldwide growth of the current Cricket Most recently he was the As- India……...$30.00 Courier Service by DHL, TNT, Canada Kids Program. sistant Coach for the Canadian U.K……….$30.00 UPS & FEDEX at very low price 2. Increase the number of team’s participation in the 2019 females involved in cricket pro- South Africa hosted ICC u19 Middle East & For more information call : Pakistan….$39.00 grams and playing in organized World Cup. competitions. He also served as the Head Africa...... $50.00 905-677-6957 3. Assist Cricket Canada’s Coach of the Canadian National General Manager with other do- Team at the 2018 West Indies Re- VISTA CARGO BUILDING CORE”F” mestic development initiatives gional U19 Tournament. He was 6500 SILVErdArT drIVE, SUITE 271 MAIL BoX # 95, MISSISSAUGA, onT. L5P 1A2, CAnAdA and competitions. also the Canadian Team Analyst www.icscargo.com Toll free: 1-888-786-2595 4. Develop partnerships for the 2018 ICC U19 World Cup. www.WeeklyVoice.com community Friday, December 25, 2020 | A-13 Brampton And Metrolinx Move Forward On Queen Street Bus Rapid Transit Study

Artist’s concept of the Brampton Bus Rapid Transit. Picture: City of Brampton BRAMPTON: The City of and provides a competitive travel • Brampton has one of the nent of the Frequent Rapid Tran- Council looks forward to con- Brampton and Metrolinx have choice for Brampton residents fastest-growing transit systems sit Network in the 2041 Regional tinuing to work with our partners reached a major milestone in The Queen Street BRT study in Canada. Over the past decade, Transportation Plan. at Metrolinx to advance this im- their transit planning, advancing recommends upgrading the exist- ridership has grown 160 per cent • The Metrolinx Brampton portant project.” to the next stage of the Queen ing Züm services on Queen Street compared to the 27 per cent in Queen Street Rapid Transit busi- Rowena Santos, Regional Street Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) to full bus rapid transit with dedi- population growth, and transit ness case can be found here. Councillor, Wards 1 & 5; Chair, study. cated lanes along with extending ridership per capita doubled over Note: ridership data under nor- Community Services, said: Queen Street, a designated the Viva BRT Rapidway from the same time period. mal operating conditions prior to “Brampton is one of Canada’s rapid transit corridor in the York Region. In this next stage of • Planning for rapid transit COVID-19 service changes in fastest-growing cities and invest- City’s Transportation Master the study, the City and Metrolinx on Queen Street is aligned with March 2020. ment in transit is key to building Plan, is the busiest transit corri- can begin preparing for an envi- the overall regional transporta- Mayor Patrick Brown said: an inclusive city that is safe, sus- dor in Brampton with more than ronmental assessment that could tion plan being led by Metrolinx. “We welcome this announce- tainable and successful. Advanc- 28,000 transit customers each begin early next year, leading to • The Queen Street BRT Initial ment and thank Metrolinx for ing the Queen Street BRT is key weekday. the preliminary design business Business Case primary study area their leadership and commitment to improving access to transit, With population and employ- case. is centred on the Queen Street- to continuing to advance the while also enhancing Brampton ment anticipated to grow in the For more information on Highway 7 corridor between Queen Street Bus Rapid Tran- as a Green City and achieving our city by approximately 40 to 50 Queen Street Bus Rapid Transit, Mississauga Road in Brampton in sit study. Transit is an integral climate change target of reducing per cent over the next 25 years, visit www.brampton.ca/QSBRT the west, to Vaughan Metropoli- part of a healthy community and greenhouse gas by 80 per cent by transportation needs within the Background: tan Centre in the City of Vaughan economy, and moving forward 2050. corridor will also grow. Rapid • Close to 21,000 customers in the east. on foundational work like this “This is another great example transit is essential to support- use Brampton’s current Rapid • This plan has reaffirmed will help us support the growth of how residents benefit when our ing population and employment Transit Züm service (routes Queen Street as an “In-Develop- of a diverse, young, dynamic and different levels of government growth, improves connectivity 501/501A/501C). ment” project and a key compo- fast growing city. Brampton City work together.”

Artist’s concept of the Brampton Light Rail Transit. Picture: City of Brampton Major Outdoor Events And Festivals Of Toronto Cancelled TORONTO: The City of Toronto • Himalayan Mela, (cancelled) away, (cancelled) • Bloor Yorkville Holiday Magic, • Fairbank Village – Light Up the has extended cancellation of outdoor • Canadian and Chinese Tradition- • Hanley Halloween 2020, (pend- (pending) Holidays, (pending) major events. al Art Show, (cancelled) ing) • Beaches Santa Claus Parade, • Etobicoke Lakeshore Santa City Hall, Metro Hall and Civic • Toronto Waterfront Marathon, • Riverside Halloween Fest, (pend- (pending) Claus parade, pending Centres continue to be closed to the (cancelled) ing) • Cavalcade of Lights, (cancelled) • Holiday Fair in the Square, public. Events impacted include: • Light the Night, (altered, online) • Heddington Halloween, (pend- • Beaches Lions Christmas Tree (pending) • Nuit Blanche, (altered, online) • Just for Laughs Toronto Street ing) Sale, (pending) • 30th Annual Kensington Market • CIBC Run for the Cure, (altered, Festival, (cancelled) • Halloween on Church, (can- • Christmas in the Square with Winter Solstice, (pending) online) • Korean Week, (cancelled) celled) The Salvation Army, (pending) • New Year’s Eve on Nathan Phil- • Ride to Defeat Diabetes for • Greek OHI Day Parade, (pend- • Festival of Lights, (altered, on- • KidzFest, (pending) lips Square, (cancelled) JDRF, (cancelled) ing) line) • North Etobicoke Santa Claus Pa- Many organizers are considering • 10th Annual Smoke’s Poutinerie • MEC Toronto Race SIX, (can- • Christmas Market, (cancelled) rade, (pending) alternative delivery models such as World Poutine Eating Championship, celled) • The 115th Santa Claus Parade • Fred Victor’s Share the Warmth, virtual events. Contact CultureTO@ (cancelled) • Fairbank Village Pumpkin Give- Toronto, (altered, online) (pending) toronto.ca. CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIED 7015 Tranmere Drive, Suite #16, Mississauga, Ontario L5S 1T7 Only $30/week Phone: 905-795-0639 = Fax: 905-795-9801 For 35 words Be Seen in 2 Newspapers Email: [email protected]

JOB OPPORTUNITIES CAREGIVER Serve Nutritious Meals, Contact I, MANPREET KAUR GREW- CHEF REQUIRED specializing in CAREGIVER REQUIRED for an Maria At E-Mail: Ritathomson27@ AL, daughter of GURWIND- Indian food, Tandoori and Curry at elderly north Indian couple in Mis- Outlook.com Or Fax At 9052641396 HOST Restaurant - Toronto, Rich- sissauga for 4 to 6 hours a day help- Location Brampton, Ontario ER SINGH GREWAL, wife of mond Hill & Mississaugan lo- ing with cooking, cleaning, driving ------AMARDEEP SINGH KHA- cations, F/T, Salary 30k-40K Fax etc. Reasonable wages References NAME CHANGE KH, holder of Indian Passport 647-439-1404 or call 905-882-4678 Required Call LATA 905-607-8639 I, AMARDEEP SINGH, son of No. N2338140, issued at Chan- S308 1026 GURDEV SINGH KHAKH, digarh, India, on 19 August ------F/T Care Giver With Minimum One holder of Indian Passport No. 2015, permanent resident of H. REAL ESTATE Year Of Experience Required To H6812656, issued at Jaland- NO. 57/2A Gobind Nagar, Pak- Look After 71 Years Old Lady With har, India, on 14 August 2009, howal road, Ludhiana, Punjab, permanent resident of VILL Disablities. Salary $ 16/Per Hour India, and presently residing at Khakh, PO Zahura PS Tanda, Duties: Launder Clothing And 57 Brunswick st, Brampton, Household Linens, Assist In Reg- DISTT Hoshiarpur, Punjab, Ontario, Canada, do here by ular Exercise-Like Walk, Assume India, and presently residing at 57 Brunswick st, Bramp- change my name from MAN- Full Responsibilty For Household ton, Ontario, Canada, do here PREET KAUR GREWAL to (In Absence Of Householder), Shop by change my name from MANPREET KAUR KHAKH, For Food And Household Supplies, AMARDEEP SINGH to AM- with immediate effect. Provide Personal Care, Companion- ARDEEP SINGH KHAKH, ------ship, Perform Light Housekeeping with immediate effect. And Cleaning Duties, Prepare And A-14 | Friday, December 25, 2020 astro www.WeeklyVoice.com Your Fortunes This Week Weekly forecast from 25th Dec. to 31st Dec. 2020 By Dr. Prem Kumar Sharma (Astrologer, Palmist , Numerologist & Vastu Consultant) Email: [email protected] / Url: http://www.premastrologer.com Contact: +91-172-2562832, 2572874 Mobile/Whats app: +917814441456/9216141456 / Facebook: www.facebook.com/askpremastrologer By Dr. Prem Kumar Sharma ARIES CANCER LIBRA CAPRICORN (March 21-April 20) (June 22-July 22) (September 24-October 23) (December 22-January 21) There is someone who is watching you Things remain unsatisfactory on the Mounting expenses may get you in a Mistiming a request may get no for an closely, so watch your behaviour. You professional front. Distractions may hit state of panic. Offending someone on a answer and disappoint you. Your calcula- are likely to be well catered for in a new your performance hard on the academic trivial matter will not be in your interest. tions regarding completion of a job may place without having to loosen your purse front. Previous investments are set to im- Your attempts to appease partner on the go haywire in the absence of adequate strings. A journey by rail will be more prove your financial situation. Homemak- romantic front may not cut ice with him supervision. There is much you can do comfortable than road, considering the ers may have to carry out tasks in the ab- or her. Those craving for a breath of fresh to improve your financial standing, but distance. Someone you have a soft corner sence of any outside help. You are likely air may not get the break they seek. A re- solid efforts on your part may be required. for may make the first move on the- ro to effectively deal with competition on the petitive job on the professional front may Meeting an old friend or colleague may mantic front. It will be easier to approach romantic front. Neglect on your part can prove boring, but just cannot be wished not generate the kind of excitement antici- a particular destination by a longer route make you unwell, so take precautions. away. pated. It may be a case of once bitten twice than face the traffic. Lucky No.: 17 Lucky No.: 6 shy for those feeling reluctant to romance. Lucky No.: 7/Lucky Colour: Magenta Lucky Colour: Navy Blue Lucky Colour: Light Green Lucky No.: 1 Lucky Colour: Pink TAURUS LEO SCORPIO (April 21-May 20) (July 23-August 23) (October 24-November 22) AQUARIUS It is best to patch up with whomever Property acquired previously may give Your supremacy on the professional (January 22-February 19) you are crossed with to avoid getting un- excellent returns. Implementing some front is likely to be acknowledged by Your outspokenness and basic honesty necessarily tensed. Limited success is unique ideas is likely to get you unprec- all. A positive feeling promises to keep is likely to endear you to seniors. A deci- foreseen on the academic front, but you edented success. Hurdles on the profes- you elated the whole week. You will find sion on the career front may come as a can certainly do better. Bringing a bit of sional front disappear as you resolve to things improving in your work sphere. A big relief. Those facing a competition are orderliness into your work will contribute tackle all problems head on. Love bug joint effort is likely to get you recognition. assured of success. Previous investments positively towards efficiency. You may be may bite some as their discerning eye set- You will be able to realise the full pay- are likely to add to your wealth. Buying in the mood to give out, but discretion is tles on someone who seems just perfect! ment for something you have purchased a luxury item will no more be a problem. warranted if you want to conserve your Those bound for distant shores may find for a senior at work. Home environment An adventurous trip with friends is on the savings. A cheerful family member will the going smooth. will encourage you to relax and let your anvil for some. help drive out negative thoughts from Lucky No.: 22 hair down. Lucky No.: 18 your mind. Lucky Colour: Lavender Lucky No.: 9/Lucky Colour: Pink Lucky Colour: Peach Lucky No.: 11/Lucky Colour: Orange VIRGO SAGITTARIUS PISCES GEMINI (August 24-September 23) (November 23-December 21) (February 20-March 20) (May 21-June 21) You will not get a better chance to cash You may find yourself more inclined Something that you desire may not ma- A personal decision by a family young- on in matters professional, so don’t get to pursue something intellectual. A new terialise by itself, so make efforts to get ster regarding profession or marriage will caught napping! Not going by doctor’s mode of conveyance is set to ease your it. You are likely to plan something with elate you. There is certainly an opportu- advice can prolong ailment, so pay heed if commuting problems. Putting money in the family in this week. An exciting time nity hiding in whatever you are involved you want to be up and about soon. Getting property is indicated as it may prove a is foreseen for those travelling to meet in at work and it comes to you with open crucial notes on the academic front is in- goldmine at a later date. You are likely to their near and dear ones. Someone will re- arms! Leave will not be a problem for dicated and will prove beneficial. Some of develop romantic feelings for a co-worker main grateful for your help and guidance those in uniform. Some of you are likely you may become boss’s favourite by sheer in the office and receive positive signals at work. Good advice given to a superior to get an immense sense of satisfaction by hard work. too! Expenses may need to be brought un- is likely to raise your professional stature. serving on the social front. Lucky No.: 22 der control. Lucky No.: 7 Lucky No.: 6/Lucky Colour: Cream Lucky Colour: Lavender Lucky No.: 9/Lucky Colour: Rose Lucky Colour: Off White

Sanjay B Jumaani is a renowned numerologist based in Mumbai, India. His advice has helped leading film stars, cricketers, corporate executives, industri- Your Number alists, politicians, corporations, TV serials et al change their fortunes. To know more about Sanjay and his numerology forecasts, write to sbjumaani333@ya- Defines You hoo.com or visit www.jumaani.com. Here, he shares with us the knowledge he has acquired about numerology over decades of study and practice.

Weekly Predictions for the sitions. 22nd and 31st in any month} You may come out to be rather born on the 8th, 17th and 26th week {27th December ’20 to wIt’s the end result that mat- Ingenious and creative, you ‘shallow’ to others, and so try to in any month} 2nd January ’20} ters, and we all are far from the may inspire others with your lower the pitch just a bit. You will find more courage finish line; there is still a lot of works, if only you could be a Your intention and efforts are than usual, so use this in organi- Number 1 {SUN}: {Those time left. little more patient. A relaxed at- incontestable, but possibly the zational thoughts; others could born on the 1st, 10th, 19th and Lucky Days: Monday, Tues- titude in your planned schedule method is a little too crass, or feel the heat, but if you think and 28th in any month} day, Friday and Saturday. can help you gain momentum misunderstood for those who are know you are right, it’s definitely Don’t waste time in just plan- that can help you reach your in- not from your school of thought. going to be worth it. ning, rather get going; being be- Number 3 {JUPITER} tention. A changed approach could You can’t be a ‘Yes-Man’ {or hind schedule will only mar your {Those born on the 3rd, 12th, Lucky Days: Monday, Tues- make you see many other dimen- woman!} all the time, as its im- prospects and make the situation 21st and 30th in any month} day, Friday and Saturday. sions, and give you more divi- possible to please all the people bleaker. That’s why a good start You may get the rewards for dends. all the time. in a race is often detrimental. past efforts, and why not? Who Number 5 {MERCURY} Lucky Days: Sunday and Lucky Days: Monday, And if you do take the plunge, deserves it more than you, or at {those born on the 5th, 14th Wednesday. Wednesday and Friday. certain facts and truths could least that’s what you would be and 23rd in any month} well surface. Try to look beyond thinking? Indecisive about a certain situ- Number 7 {NEPTUNE} Number 9 {MARS} {those the immediate and you will have Even if others consider you ation, you have been putting too {those born on the 7th, 16th born on the 9th, 18th and 27th reason to rejoice. materialistic, you also have the much thought and time unneces- and 25th in any month} in any month} Lucky Days: Monday, Tues- ability to be content with the sarily. What can give you more plea- Being brutally truthful about day, Friday and Saturday. non-materialistic splendors of Now is the time to put this to sure than an adventurous, gruel- your convictions, you will take life; so enjoy the palate of good- an end by making astute judg- ing debate? As long as it remains the bull by the horn, which is not Number 2 {MOON} {Those ness, bon-appetite! ment; the matter has to be put at a healthy one, and you are forgiv- a bad idea. born on the 2nd, 11th, 20th and Personal relations could also rest sooner or later. ing and siding the underdog, all But a little diplomacy wont 29th in any month} improve, bringing smiles to those Multi-tasking is good as long is fair in love and war. hurt; remember, it’s a jungle out If you think you do not get around you, and there is hardly a as your main occupation remains It’s usually difficult to subdue there! rewarded for your efforts, re- better feeling than this. unaffected. or ‘contain’ yourself, so better di- Try to be a little more relaxed, member, there are many like you Lucky Days: Sunday and Lucky Days: Wednesday. rection could yield more takings. and forgiving; a little more tran- who think the same; patience and Wednesday. Lucky Days: Monday, Tues- quility from the stressful monot- resolve helped the ant reach its Number 6 {VENUS} {those day, Friday and Saturday. ony will do you very good. destination, despite several futile Number 4 {URANUS} born on the 6th, 15th and 24th Lucky Days: Sunday and attempts, and falls from high po- {Those born on the 4th, 13th, in any month} Number 8 {SATURN} {those Wednesday. Reduce, Reuse And Recycle Right This Holiday Season TORONTO: The City of Toronto is en- • All mailer bags including those la- couraging residents to be mindful of the belled as compostable go in the garbage. amount of waste they generate over the • Bubble wrap, bubble envelopes, plas- holiday season and to look for opportuni- tic strapping from boxes and packing pea- ties to reduce and reuse. nuts go in the garbage. This holiday season, the City is remind- • Dispose of foil/metallic wrapping pa- ing everyone to protect themselves and per, ribbons, bows, and fruit crates in the loved ones from COVID-19. . garbage. The City manages approximately • Use the Green Bin (organics) for 900,000 tonnes (two billion pounds) of fruit and vegetable scraps, meat including waste each year which requires money, en- bones, spoiled cakes and cookies. ergy and resources, and takes up valuable terials that you have around the house. • Shop online for quality second-hand Never put recycling in black bags or landfill space. Small changes can have a • Say “no” to single-use items such as options. throw black plastics in the Blue Bin (re- big impact. During the holiday season re- cutlery, plates and cups when ordering de- Recycle right: As more people turn to cycling). member the three Rs – reduce, reuse and livery/ takeout. online shopping this season, it’s important Soiled paper napkins and tissues should recycle right, and waste less with the fol- • Plan meals ahead and store food cor- to know how to properly sort items used be placed in the Garbage Bin and all gar- lowing tips. rectly to reduce the amount of food waste. for shipping. Reuse online packaging if bage should be bagged. Reduce: • Consider low-waste gifts Reuse: • Save gift bags, gift wrap, rib- possible and check how to dispose of items For more tips and ideas on how to re- such as buying gift cards from local shops bons and bows to reuse year after year. before placing them in the Blue Bin. duce waste this holiday season, watch for and restaurants or a charitable donation in • Get crafty when wrapping by using re- • Recycle flattened cardboard, paper gift your 2021 waste management calendar in a loved one’s name. usable fabrics, newspapers, old cards and wrap and rinse plastic plates and plastic the mail or visit www.toronto.ca/reduce- • Get creative and make gifts from ma- calendars. cups before placing them in the Blue Bin. reuse. www.WeeklyVoice.com Matrimonial Friday, December 25, 2020 | A-15

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Toll Free: 1-844-864-2322 H Tel: 905-795-0639 H Fax: 905-795-9801 H Email: [email protected] 7015 Tranmere Drive, Unit 16, Mississauga, ON L5S 1T7 A-16 | Friday, December 25, 2020 national www.WeeklyVoice.com Voice Real EstaTe Friday, December 25, 2020 www.WeeklyVoice.com Section B Canadian Home Sales Remain Historically Strong In November Ottawa, ON, December 15, 2020 trailing 2016 by only 0.3% at this – Statistics released today by the point. Canadian Real Estate Association “Many Canadian housing mar- (CREA) show national home sales kets continue to see historically continued running at historically strong levels of activity, so much strong levels in November 2020. so that a new annual sales record Summary: this year is looking more likely ev- • National home sales ery day,” stated Costa Poulopoulos, edged back 1.6% on a month-over- Chair of CREA. month (m-o-m) basis in November. “At the same time, with COVID • Actual (not seasonally ad- cases on the rise in a number of justed) activity was up 32.1% year- provinces, we will remain extreme- over-year (y-o-y). ly vigilant, as we have all along, in • The number of newly list- adhering to government and health ed properties also fell back by 1.6% officials’ directives and leveraging from October to November. all the virtual technology available • The MLS® Home Price to keep our clients safe. Now more Index (HPI) rose 1.2% m-o-m and than ever, REALTORS® remain was up 11.6% y-o-y. the best source for information and • The actual (not season- guidance when negotiating the sale ally adjusted) national average sale or purchase of a home,” continued price posted a 13.8% y-o-y gain in Poulopoulos. November. “If I had to sum up the Canadian Home sales recorded over Cana- housing story in 2020, I would say dian MLS® Systems edged back it’s gone from weakness because by 1.6% between October and No- of COVID to strength despite CO- vember. Small declines in October VID,” said Shaun Cathcart, CREA’s and November notwithstanding, Senior Economist. monthly activity is still running well “It will be a photo finish, but it’s above most of history. looking like 2020 will be a record The decline from October to No- year for home sales in Canada de- vember reflected fewer transactions spite historically low supply. We’re in about 60% of all local markets, almost in 2021, and market condi- notably in large markets – Toronto, tions nationally are the tightest they Vancouver, Montreal and Ottawa. have ever been and sales activity Actual (not seasonally adjusted) continues to set records. sales activity posted a 32.1% y-o- “Much like this virus, I don’t see y gain in November – the same as it all turning into a pumpkin on New in October. It was a new record for Year’s Eve, but at least vaccination that month by a margin of well over is a light at the end of the tunnel. 11,000 transactions. Immigration and population growth For the fifth straight month, year- will ramp back up, mortgage rates over-year sales activity was up in are expected to continue to remain almost all Canadian housing mar- very low, and a place to call home is kets compared to the same month in sis, it is likely the handful from in So far this year, some 511,449 from the first 11 months of 2019. It more important than ever. On top of 2019. Among the few markets that Ontario reflect a supply issue rather homes have traded hands over Ca- was the second-highest January to that, the COVID-related shake-up were down on a year-over-year ba- than a demand issue. nadian MLS® Systems, up 10.5% November sales figure on record, Continued on page 2 Toronto Accelerates 150 New Supportive Housing Plans TORONTO: Toronto City Coun- several weeks, particularly housing ate commitment of $12.24 million a combination of vacant Toronto Support and Housing Administra- cil has approved the 24-Month suitable for those living outside in annually from the federal and pro- Community Housing Corporation tion’s capital budget and approxi- COVID-19 Housing and Homeless- encampments or in the shelter sys- vincial governments for operating (TCHC) units plus new acquisitions mately $3.5 million in Open Door ness Response Plan – Update. The tem. funding. The $12.24 million per and renovations. incentives to support these housing update was provided in response The report outlines how the City year is part of the request previ- The City has sufficient operating efforts. The additional $12.24 mil- to direction from the Planning and can accelerate 150 new supportive ously made to the other orders of funding for 150 new homes for one lion in annual operating funding is Housing Committee earlier this housing opportunities for people government for $48 million in an- year. This operating funding will needed immediately from the other month to review any programs, experiencing homelessness within nual operating funding for the 2,000 provide the support services neces- orders of government to support the funding sources, and legislative eight to 10 weeks through existing supportive homes, as part of the sary to assist those living outside in implementation of the remaining tools available to the Government operating funding. It also outlines 24-month COVID-19 Housing and encampments or inside in shelters 510 supportive housing units. of Canada, the Province of Ontario that a further 510 housing oppor- Homelessness Plan. to successfully move into housing. Since the onset of the COVID-19 and the City of Toronto, to increase tunities could be created within 10 The new and accelerated oppor- City funding will include the use of pandemic, the City has moved the supply of housing in the next to 12 weeks if there is an immedi- tunities could be delivered through up to $47 million from the Shelter, Continued on page 2 B-2 | Friday, December 25, 2020 realty www.WeeklyVoice.com Toronto Aims To Create 588 CMHC, Habitat Partner To New Rental Homes By End-2021 House Black Canadians OTTAWA: A new investment systemic barriers faced by Black of $40 million to create 200 home Canadians. While we have made ownership opportunities across progress in advancing equitable the country for Black Canadians access to support and opportuni- has been announced by Ahmed ties, our Government knows that Hussen, Minister of Families, much more needs to be done. Children and Social Develop- That’s why we are proud to be in- ment and Minister responsible for vesting more than ever in Habitat Canada Mortgage and Housing for Humanity Canada, as we fo- Corporation (CMHC), Marci Ien, cus our efforts on helping Black Member of Parliament for To- families across the country. As ronto Centre, Evan Siddall, Presi- we make our way through this dent and CEO of CMHC, and second wave, we will make sure Julia Deans, President and CEO that no Canadian is left behind.” Toronto Buildings. Image by Lucas Wendt from Pixabay of Habitat for Humanity Canada. Marci Ien, Member of Parlia- Habitat for Humanity homes ment for Toronto Centre, said: Continued from page 1 to address the city’s housing and 24-Month COVID-19 Housing and will be energy-efficient and one “This is wonderful news for quickly to create new affordable homelessness challenges. Howev- Homelessness Response Plan – in every five homes will be built Black families all over Canada, rental and supportive housing op- er, ongoing operating funding and Update are part of the HousingTO to meet accessibility standards. including right here in Toronto. tions for people experiencing home- housing benefits are still required 2020-2030 Action Plan, a compre- This new funding is in addition to Having access to affordable lessness. In total, almost 2,000 new to fulfil the plan. As new affordable hensive blueprint to assist more the $32.4 million partnership be- homeownership will serve as a permanent housing opportunities and supportive housing units be- than 341,000 people with a focus tween the Government of Canada solid foundation for them to grow were created between March and come available, it is critical that the on creating permanent housing so- and Habitat for Humanity Canada and prosper. When families have December. federal and provincial governments lutions. to create up to 414 new homes access to housing that meets their This includes an initial 100 mod- provide immediate and ongoing op- Mayor John Tory said: “We are across Canada. needs, we start to see the trans- ular supportive homes, more than erating funding to support residents doing everything we can as a City In Canada, systemic racism formative effect this has on com- 350 new homes through the Open in these new homes. Ongoing oper- government to help people have a and discrimination is a reality for munities.” Door program and more than 1,500 ating supports remain the missing safe place inside during the COV- Black Canadians. Global events Evan Siddall, President and households (2,850 people) who piece of the puzzle. ID-19 pandemic. Today, City Coun- during the pandemic have also CEO, CMHC, said: “It is abun- were assisted to move from shelter The current pandemic highlights cil took action to open up even more shone a light on these realities dantly clear that racism is a sys- into housing through a combination both the urgency and the opportu- supportive housing units for people. as racialized Canadians face ad- tem and not a behaviour. To that of rent-geared-to-income units and nity for all governments to make in- And with the help of the provincial ditional socio-economic barriers end, Canada’s housing system has housing allowances. vestments that will quickly provide and federal governments, we have a as a result of racism, particularly unfortunately been racially moti- The City is also already work- housing options to successfully sup- plan to create even more affordable, anti-Black racism. vated for far too long. CMHC is ing on creating 588 new affordable port vulnerable and marginalized supportive housing and a path out of CMHC continues to review its about equal access to housing af- rental homes that are planned to be residents while reducing long-term homelessness for more residents.”” product development through a fordability, and for us to achieve opened before the end of next year. costs to all governments. Accom- Deputy Mayor Ana Bailão (Dav- racialized lens and taking actions that aspiration we need to start These affordable homes could be modating one person in a shelter enport), Planning and Housing to eliminate biases. Other mea- taking concrete actions to support used to create supportive housing costs more than $3,000 per month Committee Chair, said: “Now more sures include potentially adjust- a portion of our population that opportunities for people experienc- before COVID-19 and costs have than ever we are keenly aware of ing some underwriting standards has been victimized by this racist ing homelessness with a further more than doubled due to the extra the connection between affordable for homebuyers, new flexibilities system for far too long.” commitment of $14 million annu- space and other protective resources housing and public health. People for BIPOC developers and tenant This announcement adds to ally in operating funding from the needed during the pandemic. Ac- need to have access to a range of support measures. the Government of Canada and federal and provincial governments. commodating one person in per- housing solutions, from supportive This new funding builds on the Habitat for Humanity Canada The City acknowledges and is manent, supportive and affordable housing to affordable rental units, Government of Canada’s work to three-year, $32.4 million partner- thankful for the range of federal and housing, such as a studio apartment, in order to protect their own health address systemic racism against ship, which is expected to create provincial initiatives, as outlined in costs $2,000 per month. and the health of others. The time is Black Canadians. This includes up to 414 new homes across the the report, that are already helping The actions outlined in the now, and we must act.” taking steps to advance Canada’s country. Anti-Racism Strategy, justice re- According to Statistics Canada forms, and enhanced local com- 2018 Canadian Housing Survey, Canadian Home Sales Strong munity supports for young Black there is a large proportion of BI- Canadians. POC in core housing need. Continued from page 1 There were just 2.4 months of bridge, Grey-Bruce Owen Sound, The Government of Canada The Government of Canada to so much of daily life will likely inventory on a national basis at the Kitchener-Waterloo, Northumber- will continue to support Black is currently rolling out its Na- continue to result in more people end of November 2020 – the lowest land Hills, Peterborough and the Canadian families so that they tional Housing Strategy (NHS), choosing to pull up stakes and move reading on record for this measure. Kawarthas, Montreal and Greater can recover from the impacts an ambitious 10-year, $55-billion around. If anything, our forecast for At the local market level, some 21 Moncton. of COVID-19 and thrive in the plan that will create 125,000 new another annual sales record in 2021 Ontario markets were under one Prices were up in the 10-15% months and years to come. housing units and lift 530,000 may be on the low side.” month of inventory at the end of range compared to last November Ahmed Hussen said: “The families out of housing need, as The number of newly listed November. in the GTA, Oakville-Milton and COVID-19 pandemic has high- well as repair and renew more homes declined by 1.6% in Novem- The Aggregate Compos- Mississauga. lighted and exacerbated existing than 300,000 housing units. ber, led by fewer new listings in the ite MLS® Home Price Index Meanwhile, y-o-y price gains Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and (MLS® HPI) rose by 1.2% m-o-m were in the 5-10% range in Great- Ottawa. in November 2020. Of the 40 mar- er Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Majority Of Indians Plan To With sales and new supply down kets now tracked by the index, all Chilliwack, Victoria and elsewhere by the same percentages in Novem- but one were up between October on Vancouver Island, the Okanagan ber, the national sales-to-new list- and November. Valley, Regina, Saskatoon, Win- Purchase Property In 2021 ings ratio was unchanged at 74.8% As of this release, Chilliwack nipeg, Quebec City and St. John’s — still among the highest levels on B.C. is the newest market in the NL. Price gains also climbed to record for the measure. The long- MLS® HPI. around 1-2% y-o-y in Calgary and term average for the national sales- The non-seasonally adjusted Ag- Edmonton. to-new listings ratio is 54.2%. gregate Composite MLS® HPI was The MLS® HPI provides the best Based on a comparison of sales- up 11.6% on a y-o-y basis in No- way to gauge price trends because to-new listings ratio with long-term vember – the biggest gain since July averages are strongly distorted by averages, only about 30% of all lo- 2017. (Chart B) changes in the mix of sales activity cal markets were in balanced mar- The largest y-o-y gains – between from one month to the next. ket territory in November, measured 25- 30% – were recorded in Quinte The actual (not seasonally ad- as being within one standard devia- & District, Tillsonburg District, justed) national average home price tion of their long-term average. The Woodstock-Ingersoll and a number was just over $603,000 in Novem- other 70% of markets were above of Ontario cottage country areas. ber 2020, up 13.8% from the same long-term norms, in many cases Y-o-y price increases in the 20- month last year. well above. 25% range were seen in Barrie, The national average price is The number of months of inven- Bancroft and Area, Brantford, Hu- heavily influenced by sales in Apartments buildings in Hyderabad. Pic: IANS tory is another important measure ron Perth, London & St. Thomas, Greater Vancouver and the GTA, of the balance between sales and the North Bay, Simcoe & District, two of Canada’s most active and ex- New Delhi: Around 82 per a top factor from last year, saw a supply of listings. It represents how Southern Georgian Bay and Ottawa. pensive housing markets. Excluding cent of the people across the ma- decline in the 2020 in the wake of long it would take to liquidate cur- This was followed by y-o-y price these two markets from calculations jor cities plan to buy a residential the ‘work from home’ culture, as rent inventories at the current rate of gains in the range of 15-20% in cuts almost $122,000 from the na- property in 2021, according to a per the report. The insights were sales activity. Hamilton, Niagara, Guelph, Cam- tional average price. report by NoBroker.com. derived based on a survey con- The purchase sentiment among ducted across Delhi-NCR, Ben- the people last year was 64 per galuru, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, cent. The report titled ‘India Real and Hyderabad. Estate Report 2020’ showed that Speaking on the latest findings, 89 per cent of people consider the Saurabh Garg, Co-Founder & current phase to be the best time CBO, NoBroker.com, said: “Af- for buying a house. ter surviving the peak of a global It showed that more than half crisis and sluggish economy for of these potential homeowners the last 9 months, it is refreshing indicated a preference for society to see homebuying gaining prom- flats (61 per cent) over indepen- inence amongst Indian consum- dent houses (28 per cent) or plots ers in 2021.” (11 per cent). He said that the pandemic has Around 84 per cent of home driven many changes such as a owners wanted ready-to-move-in need for larger houses, suburbs or resale houses. gaining prominence, switch to The survey showed that bud- digital modes of rent payment get continued to remain the most and larger number of people important determinant in terms of starting their home search online. choosing a property. The percent- “People have realised the im- age of people looking to buy a portance of security provided by house price over Rs 80 lakh has physical assets in crisis situations jumped substantially with almost and the home loan rate cuts and 30 per cent buyers having this builder discounts have helped. budget as compared to 17 per These trends indicate a favour- cent last year. able environment for the real es- Distance from the workplace, tate sector in 2021,” Garg said. www.WeeklyVoice.com realty Friday, December 25, 2020 | B-3 Are You Planning A Renovation? Staying Safe Should Be Your Number One Priority (NC) Whether it’s for safe- you have some in your home. ty, work, or play, many of us Never disturb or try to remove are spending more time in our asbestos materials yourself. Hire homes. Renovations and DIY an asbestos removal specialist. projects are great ways to en- 5. Hire a professional to hance your living space. check for lead-based paint in Whether it is just a new coat homes built before 1990 as it can of paint, wallpaper, or some- release harmful dust if disturbed thing more involved like updat- or removed during renovations. ing your kitchen, safety should 6. Find all mould and sources always be priority number one. of excess moisture through- Here are six tips to keep you out your home. Depending on and your family safe during reno- where you’re renovating, check vations: basements, closets, windowsills, 1. Gather the appropri- roofs, and around sinks, tubs and ate personal protective equip- pipes. ment. Protective gear may in- Consider hiring a professional clude gloves, a proper mask or to clean it up, especially if there respirator and safety glasses. is a large amount of mould. If the Product labels and additional in- mould keeps coming back after structions included with the prod- you clean it, seek professional uct may provide more detailed advice for help identifying and Always be safety concious. Picture: NewsCanada information on what you need repairing persistent moisture is- to wear, including special types and sealants) can emit harm- important when refinishing fur- 4. Asbestos can be found in old- sues. of masks or respirators. ful gases called volatile organic niture, using paints, varnishes, er building materials like insula- Now that you’ve done your all- Remember – a dust mask will compounds (VOCs) into your in- glues and adhesives, or doing oth- tion, cement, plaster, ceiling and important safety homework, not protect you from chemical door air.?So be sure to buy low- er renovation projects that may floor tiles, house siding, and you’re ready to get down to busi- fumes. and zero-VOC emission products create dust or release chemical automobile parts. Hire a profes- ness with picking colours and de- 2. Some building materials wherever possible. fumes. Open windows and doors, sional to test for asbestos before signs. Find more information on (like wallpaper, cleaning prod- 3. Keep your work areas well run your exhaust fans and work doing any renovations, remodel- keeping a healthy home at cana- ucts, glues, particle board, paints ventilated. This is especially outdoors, if possible. ling or demolitions if you think da.ca/healthy-home. Trreb Wants Exemptions In Vacant Home Tax Debate TORONTO: With Toronto City cluding: vacant homes in Toronto, should observe how market conditions To assist with these types of tax Council deciding on how to move • Principal residences; be evidence-based. As such, it is unfold over the next year before design features, City staff are rec- forward with a new tax on vacant • Owners who are unable to important to have a clear under- turning to a non-market mecha- ommending studying the creation homes, the Toronto Regional rent the property due to market standing of the intended purpose nism like a vacancy tax in an at- and governance of an external ad- Real Estate Board (TRREB) is conditions; and policy objective of a mu- tempt to achieve more supply in visory team consisting of indus- asking City Councillors to ensure • Snowbirds; nicipal tax on vacant homes in the marketplace. try experts and academic institu- that their decision is data-driven • U.S. citizens; Toronto. Given the current state It is also important to point tions who can advise the City on and results-based, and to make • Legal matters pertaining to of the Toronto rental market, the out that while a vacancy tax may evaluating and implementing a certain appropriate exemptions court orders prohibiting occu- purpose of such a tax is not im- prompt some investors to list their potential Vacant Home Tax. are included if this tax is imple- pancy; mediately clear at this time,” said unit for rent, others may simply “TRREB has worked closely mented. • Commuters; Lisa Patel, TRREB President. choose to list their unit for sale. with City Finance staff to assist If City Council approves the • Properties undergoing reno- In 2020, year-over-year growth This could especially be the case with their analysis of the City’s current staff recommendations, vations or ownership changes in the number of condominium if they have owned their unit for real estate and rental housing additional work and approval of during the calendar year; apartments listed for rent has far a number of years, thereby ben- markets to help inform the need, the tax details will be conducted • Owner or other occupier un- outstripped growth in the number efitting from a significant gain in or lack thereof, for such a tax. We during the first half of 2021. In- dergoing medical or supportive of units rented. This trend began value. If this scenario played out believe the creation of an adviso- cluded in this work is identify- care; and in the pre-COVID period and ac- en masse, the potential pool of ry team would be of benefit, and ing appropriate exemptions that • If the owner is deceased and celerated after the onset of the available rental units could actu- we would welcome the oppor- should be included. The current grant of probate or administration pandemic in March. The end re- ally decline in the City tunity to participate and provide City staff report indicates a pref- pending. sult has been a dramatic increase “TRREB is not opposed to our insights on real estate market erence to define a home as vacant “It is important to ensure appro- in choice for would-be renters a vacant home tax, and we un- conditions,” said John DiMi- only if it is vacant for greater priate exemptions are put in place and marked year-over-year de- derstand the rationale behind it; chele, TRREB CEO. than six months of the year. If for property owners, including clines in average rents. Given that however, it is unclear whether it TRREB looks forward to con- City Council moves ahead with principal residences. Moreover, the market has already become will add rental housing that is af- tinue providing input on on this this tax, TRREB looks forward to TRREB believes that all hous- better supplied and that average fordable or affordable home own- issue as City Council deliberates working with City staff in iden- ing policy decisions, including rents have adjusted as a result, ership to the market, at this time,” on whether and how to move for- tifying potential exemptions in- whether or not to impose a tax on it arguably may make sense to added Patel. ward with the proposed tax. Mortgage Pitfalls You Need To Avoid... Did you see in the paper...

that the Rebel-O’s are Insuring your house debt is a good idea. Pic: NewsCanada (NC) Throughout life, you situation anyone would wish for,” playing at the may have moments where you’ll explains Shirley Malloy, vice I love make a large purchase or invest president at TD. “Fortunately, we Queens this in a costly item, like your family offer mortgage protection to pro- that home. But whether you’re in the vide coverage for your outstand- weekend? market for your first new property ing balance should you face a band! or already have a mortgage, leav- covered critical health event.” ing this asset unprotected can be Mortgage protection can be costly. purchased whether you’re in the Insuring your housing financial process of applying for a mort- debt, as well as debt for other big- gage or already have a home fi- ticket items like a new boat for nancing solution. But what about your lakefront cottage or keep- protection options for credit card sake jewelry like an engagement debt? ring, is a smart investment in your “Given the unprecedented cir- Community Newspapers well-being. cumstances of this year, many To help protect your debt bal- Canadians are trying to plan for ances like a mortgage, your bank the unexpected to protect them- Your Local Social Network may have optional credit protec- selves and their finances,” says tion insurance products. Malloy. “TD balance protection “Your home is one of your big- plus is an optional product de- gest assets, yet illness can hap- signed to help you deal with your THE WEEKLY VOICE pen at any stage of life. Worrying credit card payment obligations about your mortgage when the in the event of a covered event, focus should be on health isn’t a such as loss of employment.” B-4 | Friday, December 25, 2020 www.WeeklyVoice.com

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All-New 2021 F-150 Tremor - Rugged 4x4 For Work And Recreation

DEARBORN: Ford is expand- tools, an air compressor or elec- ing its rugged off-road family tric chainsaw. of trucks with the all-new F-150 The hood and front end are Tremor. The 2021 F-150 Tremor redesigned for a more muscular, combines all-terrain upgrades aggressive profile, while a unique perfect for tackling the trails with grille featuring a blacked-out the outstanding towing and pay- Ford oval is highlighted by the load capability its owners expect. signature Tremor color of Active “Like Super Duty Tremor and Orange, which also accentuates Ranger Tremor, introducing the two front recovery hooks. Rap- all-new F-150 Tremor is a direct tor-inspired off-road fixed run- response to seeing how custom- ning boards are mounted close to ers use our trucks to enable their the body to limit damage, while outdoor lifestyles,” said Todd a cutout rear bumper features a Eckert, Ford truck group market- high-flow dual exhaust flanking ing manager. “F-150 Tremor pro- its two rear recovery hooks. vides the additional off-road ca- Active Orange punctuates an pability they’re looking for with interior loaded with Tremor de- our latest off-road technologies.” tailing, including unique seat trim F-150 Tremor has been de- with special stitching, materials signed and engineered for cus- and finishes for the instrument tomers seeking more off-road panel, center console and doors. capability than the available Functional off-road hardware FX4 package and is the result even extends to the cabin, with of watching how customers use a six-position auxiliary power their trucks for life out in corn- switch pack mounted in the over- fields, on dusty two-tracks, in head console so owners can eas- muddy bogs and on rock-strewn ily add off-road winches and air trails. Ford off-roading veterans compressors. A variety of off- listened to those customers to road lighting options can be deal- create a truck that would handle er-installed on all models. their demanding lifestyle. All the Tremor technology is built for added capability comes without the trail, there to help custom- ignoring the core duties of a truck ers get deeper into the outdoors – outstanding towing and payload without frequent stops for spot- performance with a level of inte- ters. The available 360-degree gration and technology only Ford camera package provides an in- can offer. cabin view of obstacles around Like every other F-150, Trem- the truck and the front-view cam- or uses a high-strength steel era provides a real-time tire track frame and high-strength, mili- overlay to dynamically show the tary-grade, aluminum alloy body. path of the wheels ahead. It comes in SuperCrew configu- Ford Trail Toolbox, a set of off- ration with a 5.5-foot box, 3.5-li- road assist features, is available ter EcoBoost® V6 engine and in the all-new Tremor. Available 10-speed automatic transmission running gear includes a lock- In addition to its off-road abili- deep woods adventure or fun at Trail Turn Assist reduces steering plus standard four-wheel drive. ing rear differential and op- ties, F-150 Tremor maintains the the dunes with a beefy maximum radius in tight off-road terrain sit- Available in standard, mid and tional late-availability upgrade kind of day-to-day capability ex- payload rating of 1,885 pounds. uations by applying brakes to the high equipment groups, F-150 to a Torsen® limited-slip front pected out of every F-150 pick- This generous payload can be ful- inside rear wheel, allowing for Tremor includes a range of stan- across all equipment levels. up. Tremor has a maximum con- ly kitted out for overland setup so tighter turns in low-speed maneu- dard and available features. All Tremor customers get a torque- ventional tow rating of 10,900 customers can put up a campsite vers. F-150 Tremor also features equipment levels share core sus- on-demand transfer case similar pounds – meaning recreational when the trail ends. Perhaps more selectable drive modes. pension hardware that helps bal- to the high-performance unit in gear comes along for the ride, exciting, those remote campsites In addition to standard Hill De- ance work with off-road prowess. F-150 Raptor. This cutting-edge whether it’s a sand rail with spare don’t have to be without conve- scent Control, Tremor also has The upgraded suspension starts case merges all-wheel-drive and parts, the family camper, boat or niences – like other F-150 models available Trail Control which op- with retuned springs front and four-wheel-drive capabilities to a small fleet of UTVs. equipped with the 3.5-liter Eco- erates like cruise control for off- rear for added ground clearance handle virtually any off-road en- Tremor owners can handle Boost V6, Pro Power Onboard road use. The all-new 2021 Ford and to help keep tires more firmly vironment. weekday work needs then easily is available with 2.0 kilowatts of F-150 Tremor will be available in contact with terrain. Front hub Never leave the toys at home load up dirt bikes or quads for exportable power in the bed for next summer. knuckles and upper control arms are revised while Tremor-specific monotube shocks at the front and twin tube shocks at the rear are tuned for softer damping at low speeds, with additional damping and control for more severe off- road events. New 33-inch General Grab- ber all-terrain tires mounted on unique matte-finish 18-inch wheels offer added ground clear- ance and a 1-inch wider stance for more confidence off-road. A Raptor-style bash plate serves to protect front end components in challenging off-road situations. All of these modifications togeth- er result in an approach angle of 27.6 degrees, breakover angle of 21.2 degrees and departure angle of 24.3 degrees. Tremor has 1.5 inches more total travel in the rear and an additional inch of to- tal travel in front. To really get in to and through For Car News, Reviews, Test Drives And Great Deals tough, rocky trails, standard voice automobile B-6 | Friday, December 25, 2020 auto www.WeeklyVoice.com Multiple Successes For Bmw In Connected Car Awards And Car Connectivity Awards 2020

Munich. The ongoing com- Driving Assistant Professional mitment of BMW to transforma- assistance systems to be shown in tion and digitalisation has earned real time in the instrument cluster the brand several awards once through 3D visualisation of the again this year. The readers of surrounding area. motoring magazines Auto Bild Christoph Grote, Senior Vice & Computer Bild and auto, mo- President Digital Car, BMW tor und sport / Moove singled out Group, expressed his apprecia- innovative connectivity features tion for the awards: “On behalf and digital services for special of the whole team at BMW I praise. They were particularly would like to sincerely thank all impressed by BMW’s strategic the readers involved for the three development of digital prod- awards,” he said. ucts and services, as well as the “For us, these distinctions brand’s seamless integration of represent the best reward and smart devices and its intuitive op- motivation – above all, because erating concept. the readers have decided the out- The BMW Digital Key topped Christoph Grote, SVP Digital Car, BMW Group with the “Car Connectivity Award 2020 come. This vote of confidence the rankings in this year’s Con- from you confirms to us that we nected Car Awards presented by etc.), which is ideal for novice first model range to be equipped easily over the air. are heading in the right direc- Auto Bild & Computer Bild. The drivers, for example. with the voice-controlled BMW Meanwhile, BMW Driving tion, and we will continue to do smartphone-based digital car key More than 11,000 of the read- Intelligent Personal Assistant Assistant Professional collected everything we can to delight our allows owners to lock and unlock ers who cast their votes in the Car based on the digital operating the most votes from readers in customers over and over again.” their vehicle easily and safely. Connectivity Award 2020 poll concept BMW Operating System the “Driver Assistance Systems The ongoing expansion of con- They can also send a Digital Key conducted by the auto, motor und 7.0. Another connectivity high- Safety” category. This tech pack- nectivity towards a digital, emis- for their car to as many as five sport / Moove magazines judged light is Remote Software Up- age features Steering and Lane sion-free future is – alongside other people. And there is also the BMW 3 Series to be the car grade, which enables customers Control Assistant including automated driving – one of the the option of releasing a special with the most innovative connec- to keep their vehicles supplied the new Active Navigation and central areas of activity through Digital Key with limited rights tivity features in the “Connected with the latest software updates. Emergency Lane Assistant func- which the BMW Group is driving (e.g. restricted maximum speed Cars” category. Here, new functions can be im- tions. And Assisted View allows forward its strategic transforma- and acceleration, stereo volume, The BMW 3 Series was the ported into the car quickly and the workings of the individual tion of the mobility sector. Buying An Electric Vehicle Has Multiple Benefits Electric vehicles reduce green- power the electric motor. When house gas emissions and can sig- operating in electric-only mode, nificantly reduce your fuel costs. series PHEVs produce no tailpipe There are two types of electric emissions. vehicles on the market – plug-in In blended PHEVs, an internal hybrid electric and battery-elec- combustion engine and an elec- tric – and each has its benefits. tric motor are connected to the On this page, we describe them wheels, and both drive the ve- and give you information you hicle under most conditions. The need to decide which is best for PHEV may operate in electric- you. only mode at lower speeds. Plug-in hybrid electric vehi- \Battery-electric vehicles cles (PHEVs) (BEVs) PHEVs are hybrids that have BEVs are powered by motors high-capacity batteries that can that draw electricity from on- be recharged by plugging them board storage batteries. You plug in. PHEVs do not have to be in your BEV to recharge it. plugged in, but will be more fuel- Two types of PHEVs electricity only. An electric mo- mode until the battery needs to be BEVs don’t produce emissions efficient and have a longer driv- In series PHEVs, an internal tor drives the vehicle. Series recharged. The engine will then from the tailpipe. This means ing range if they are. combustion engine generates PHEVs can run in electric-only generate the electricity needed to they can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other pol- lutants that form smog. If the source of the vehicle’s electricity is clean (such as solar or hydro- electric power) the vehicle will have no overall GHG emissions. Electric vehicles are energy and cost efficient Electric-drive motors are much more efficient than combustion engines and drivetrains. The effi- ciency of energy conversion from on-board storage to turning the wheels is nearly five times great- er for electricity than gasoline, at approximately 76% and 16%, re- spectively. Electric vehicles also increase a vehicle’s efficiency by using regenerative braking tech- nology to recover energy that would otherwise have been lost. PHEVs and BEVs can be re- charged from a charging station that uses standard 240-volt elec- trical power (the kind used for stoves and clothes dryers in most homes). Most can be recharged from a 110-volt service, although charging time will be significant- ly longer. The cost of electricity per kilo- metre is much lower than that of gasoline: a BEV costs about 2 to 3 ¢/km (at 13 ¢/kWh), compared to a typical 4-cylinder gasoline ve- hicle at 7 to 8 ¢/km (at $1.00/L). Report and Picture: Natural Resources Canada. www.WeeklyVoice.com auto Friday, December 25, 2020 | B-7 2021 Subaru Impreza: Most Affordable All-Wheel Drive Vehicle In The Market MISSISSAUGA: The com- pact Impreza continues its strong value story for 2021, with sharp looks and a plethora of features. It remains the most affordable all- wheel drive vehicle in the Cana- dian market. Though its starting price re- mains unchanged at $19,995 for 2021, the compact Impreza bun- dles plenty of features into an af- fordable package. Impreza benefits from Eye- Sight® Driver Assist Technology, along with driver-selectable Suba- ru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) engine management system. Both systems are standard on CVT- equipped models. Working alongside Subaru’s legendary Symmetrical full-time all-wheel drive and Lineartronic continuously variable transmis- headlights and halogen fog lamps. sion (CVT), SI-DRIVE allows The Touring trim now gets a drivers to toggle between Sport standard heated steering wheel and Intelligent modes to suit their and includes features like SUBA- mood or driving style. RU STARLINK™ Connected Subaru maintains its empha- Services, 16-inch alloy wheels, a sis on world-class safety through 6.3-inch colour multifunction dis- features such as standard rear seat play, LED fog lights and proxim- reminder and collision detection ity key with push-button start. unlock function, all built on the Other features included on the Subaru Global Platform. Impreza Touring are heated front The Subaru Global Platform un- seats, premium cloth upholstery, derpins Subaru’s new generation automatic headlights, a leather- of vehicles, along with an increase wrapped steering wheel, and a car- in the use of structural adhesive go-area privacy cover on 5-door and ultra-high tensile-strength models. steel, contributing to improved The Sport trim includes LED responsiveness and driving dy- steering-responsive headlights, namics. Not to mention increased 17-inch alloy wheels, a power sun- space and enhanced levels of roof, a power driver’s seat, alumi- safety, especially in the event of a num pedals, an 8-inch touchscreen collision. SUBARU STARLINK™ Con- lision Notification in the event of own smart devices. infotainment system, premium Subaru’s goal is not only to re- nected Services on nearly all Im- a collision, SOS Emergency As- TWO MODEL cloth upholstery, and enhanced duce the impact of collisions, but preza models. Using the nation- sistance, Enhanced Roadside As- CONFIGURATIONS, safety through the Subaru Rear/ to also prevent them wherever wide cellular network, separate sistance and Concierge Service. CHOICE OF FOUR TRIMS Side Vehicle Detection (SRVD) possible. from customers’ mobile devices, Customers can also receive au- Available in both sedan and system with Blind Spot Detection The Impreza offers Subaru Eye- SUBARU STARLINK™ allows tomatic emergency assistance in 5-door configurations, standard and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. Sight® Driver Assist Technology, customers to stay connected to the event of a collision, schedule equipment on all Impreza models The top-of-the-line Sport-tech which includes adaptive cruise their vehicles while also allowing service appointments, start their includes a 6.5-inch touchscreen trim, meanwhile, comes fully control, pre-collision braking and them to receive important infor- engine remotely (with the CVT), infotainment system with Apple equipped, and also includes 18- lane departure and sway warning, mation to keep them safe. adjust climate control, remotely CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise inch alloy wheels, leather seat- as well as lane-keep assist, among Integrated directly into the ve- lock and unlock the doors, remote- control, air conditioning, auto- ing, dual-zone automatic climate others, available on all trims when hicle, the system uses voice-re- ly locate their vehicle, as well as matic door lock/unlock, power control, a premium Harman Kar- equipped with the Lineartronic sponse technology with the addi- get vehicle alerts such as speed, windows, 60/40-split fold-down don eight-speaker audio system, CVT. tion of live assistance for features boundary or curfew alerts, all con- rear seats, and power side mirrors. and an eight-inch infotainment As well is the inclusion of such as Advanced Automatic Col- trolled directly from customers’ Plus, for this year fully automatic system with GPS navigation. Auto Industry’s Role in Canada’s Climate Change Plan TORONTO: The Global Auto- said David Adams, President and the heavy-duty and commercial els, robust charging (electric) and understand the benefits of ZEVs, makers of Canada, whose fifteen CEO. on-road sectors, as well as the fueling (hydrogen) infrastructure, but also their own contribution to members represent the Canadian “Our members know that the current on-road light duty vehicle reliable supply of incentives at GHG emissions based on their ve- distributors of the world’s lead- future of light-duty vehicle trans- fleet by getting older, more pol- the manufacturer level to re-equip hicle choices specifically and their ing automakers commented on portation is decarbonized and luting vehicles off of the road,” factories and at the consumer level mobility choices generally. the release of the federal govern- they are doing their part with added Adams. to encourage the purchase of ve- “Vehicle manufacturers and dis- ment’s “A Healthy Environment the introduction of more than The transition to a decarbonized hicles that currently have much tributors will continue to do their and a Healthy Economy” climate 125 new zero emission vehicles future of the automotive industry higher prices. part in this transition, however it change plan. (ZEVs) between now and 2025, is revolutionary. Additionally, investments in is essential that we have not only “GHG emissions from new however, the sale of ZEVs alone It will require new or com- R&D and innovation in the de- consultation but ongoing collabo- light-duty vehicles have decreased won’t achieve the necessary emis- pletely re-tooled assembly plants, carbonized transportation space, ration with the federal government 21% since 2005 and automakers sions reductions. new suppliers, new supply chains, along with the crucially important – as well as the provinces – to will continue to be part of Can- It will be important for the gov- re-trained workers at both the educational and awareness cam- achieve these challenging goals ada’s climate change solutions,” ernment to seek reductions from manufacturing and retail sales lev- paigns so that consumers not only and targets,” said Adams. - CNW B-8 | Friday, December 25, 2020 Friday, December 25, 2020 | B-8 voice entertainment Priyanka Thrilled To Present Global Citizen Award To Warren Buffett Mumbai: Actress Priyanka Chopra says she feels beyond honoured to celebrate and ac- knowledge American business tycoon Warren Buffett’s leader- ship, kindness, and undeniable Malaika generosity. believes in smiling and being happy

Dancing diva Malaika Arora has posted a stunning picture dressed in all white “I feel beyond honoured to present Warren Buffett with ensemble and asked every- the 2020 Global Citizen Prize one to smile and be happy. for Philanthropy. In 2006, he Malaika posted a picture shocked the world and promised on Instagram. In the image, that he would give away almost she is seen wearing a white all of his wealth to those in need. plunged neckline halter So far he has donated $37 bil- lion,” Priyanka wrote on Insta- blouse paired with a white gram. He co-founded the Giving skirt. She completed her Pledge, calling on the world’s look with chunky gold ear- wealthiest to also give at least rings and minimum make- half of their net worth. He rec- up. ognised that the moment to help In the image, wrote “Hello was now, so he took action and encouraged others in his position Sunday .....jus smile n be to do the same. Today, we cele- happy” as the caption. brate and acknowledge Warren’s Recently, Malaika and her leadership, kindness, and undeni- best friend Kareena Kapoor able generosity. Thank you... and Khan were in Dharamshala, congratulations. #GCPrize.” where actors Saif Ali Khan The awards ceremony, hosted by singer John Legend this year, and Arjun Kapoor were recognizes people working to- shooting for their next film, wards ending extreme poverty. “Bhoot Police”, a horror Global Citizen Prize Awards comedy. 2020 will be available for view- ers in India on December 26 on Vh1 and Voot Select. Deepa Mehta’s ‘Funny Boy’ Kareena Kapoor Khan Writing A Rejected For Oscar Listing Guide Book On Pregnancy Mumbai: Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan is all set to pen her first book titled Kareena Kapoor Khan’s Pregnancy Bible, which will be a comprehensive guide to pregnancy and will come out next year. Kareena made the announce- ment on her son Taimur Ali Khan’s fourth birthday on Sun- day. “Today is the perfect day to announce my book- Kareena Kapoor Khan’s Pregnancy Bible for all you moms-to-be. I’ll talk about everything from morning Deepa Mehta. Pic: IANS sickness to diet and fitness and Toronto: Indo-Canadian life of the film follows a similar being a mom-on-the-go! I can’t filmmaker Deepa Mehta’s “Fun- arc. Each time we reached an im- wait for you to read it,” she wrote. ny Boy” has been rejected for passe, we pushed on leading us to Kareena and Saif Ali Khan got Oscar nomination in the best In- something even better. married in 2012. She gave birth to ternational Feature Film category “This is the heartbeat of Funny their first born, Taimur, in 2016. at the 93rd Academy Awards. Boy, reflected through our be- She is currently expecting her The filmmaker has co-written loved Arjie, a graceful determi- second baby with Saif and she her shoot for the upcoming film and co-directed the film that tells nation to be the very best version often shares photographs of her nounced on August 12 that they “Laal Singh Chaddha” co-star- the story a gay Tamil boy growing of ourselves no matter what the baby bump on social media. are expecting their second child. ring Aamir Khan in Delhi. up in Sri Lanka during the ethnic obstacles are; to break down pre- Kareena and Saif had an- The actress recently completed conflict of the 1970s and 1980s. conceived ideas and to shed light To be a contender for Oscar into shadows.” Vir Das: Shooting Comedy Is Like Cinema in the International Feature Film “We were surprised that the category, the film must be pro- film was not able to compete New Delhi: Comedian and duced outside the US, with more in the Academy’s International actor Vir Das has talked about than 50 per cent dialogue in a for- Feature category, but then were what it takes to make a stand up eign language. equally surprised and more than comedy and he shared that it is But according to the Academy thrilled that Telefilm decided to like shooting a piece of cinema. of Motion Picture Arts and Sci- support the submission of the film “It takes a lot. Shooting com- ences, Mehta’s one hour and 49 for Best Picture and other catego- edy standups is like shooting a minutes long film has only 12 ries at the Academy Awards. piece of cinema. It really is! In minutes and 27 seconds of Tamil “My hope is for ‘Funny Boy’ terms of it takes cameras, there’s or Sinhala dialogue. to continue to transcend expecta- directors, audiences, lightings. It Mehta said: “Every step of the tions with its story of love, cour- is very much like making a mov- Comedian Vir Das on location. Pic: IANS way of the ‘Funny Boy’ journey, age and compassion.” Telefilm ie. In fact much tougher because has been an important one for Canada, which nominated the you’re making a one hour movie special, Outside In. The comedy cial captures the mundane aspect myself and the ‘Funny Boy’ team. film, says ‘Funny Boy’ will now in one day and you spend many special is created out of 30 virtual of being stuck at home, besides The message of the book has al- be submitted for consideration in many months preparing it,” Vir shows he did during lockdown heartwarming stories about ev- ways been one of resilience and the Best Picture and general entry told IANS.” and features audience joining in erything that lockdown put us courage. It seems as if the after- categories. Vir has dropped a new comedy from all over the world. The spe- through. www.WeeklyVoice.com bollywood Friday, December 25, 2020 | B-9 Youtube Star CarryMinati To Will Coolie No 1 Release In Theatres Also? Make Bollywood Debut In Mumbai: The Varun Dha- wan-Sara Ali Khan starrer Coolie No. 1 is all set for an OTT release on around Christmas, and there Big B-Ajay Devgn’s ‘Mayday’ have been speculations that the mass entertainer might release in theatres, too. Putting an end to all such speculations, trade analyst Taran Adarsh tweeted on Saturday: “EXCLUSIV... While #Cooli- eNo1 premieres on #Amazon this #Christmas, an update on its *the- atrical* release... #India: Won’t release at single screens, puts all speculations to the 1995 hit of the same name rest. starring Govinda and Karisma #Overseas: No theatrical re- Kapoor. The film is directed by lease, unlike #Laxmii [released in Varun’s father David Dhawan, select markets simultaneously].” and is set for premiere on an OTT Coolie No. 1, is a remake of platform. Aashika Bhatia: I Love From left: Amitabh Bachchan, CarryMinati and Ajay Devgn. Pics: IANS Mumbai: Ajey Nagar, who is bring my alias, Carry Minati alive Ki Kasam. The new film, which popular as CarryMinati on You- on the 70 mm screen. I remember belongs to the drama genre, sees To Enjoy Myself Tube, will enter Bollywood with enacting these skits as a child and the two stars collaborate after a role in the Amitabh Bachchan- my parents always thought I’d over seven years. Their last out- Mumbai: Actress and influ- Ajay Devgn starrer, MayDay. He grow up to be an actor. You see ing together, Satyagraha, released encer Aashika Bhatia does not will play a social media sensa- acting is something that comes in August 2013. care about negative perceptions tion. to me naturally just like music so Unconfirmed sources have said that many people have about her, “I am absolutely thrilled and it’s no rocket science for me.” that Ajay plays a pilot in the film. and says people should not judge honoured to be aligning creative CarryMinati has a message for Rakul Preet will be seen as a co- her before getting to know her. forces with such reputed person- his fans. “For all my anxious fans pilot in the film, billed as an edge- “Some people, who see my alities from the film fraternity. out there, I’m just exploring and of-the-seat drama. Details about videos, try to judge me thinking I’m eagerly looking forward to experimenting within the creative Big B’s character is under wraps. she might be arrogant. How’s her being a part of this brand-new gamut, but content creation will The film also stars Rakul Preet nature? She must be arrogant. But adventure and learning a thing or always be my passion and true Singh, Angira Dhar and Aakank- it’s not that I’m too difficult to ap- two about acting while I’m at it,” calling,” he shared. sha Singh in pivotal roles. The proach. I love to enjoy myself, I CarryMinati said. The film is directed and pro- movie went on the floors earlier talk a lot but I also make a lot of “In the past I’ve got offered duced by Ajay, and the film this month. CarryMinati will join friends. Just don’t judge a book film roles but I agreed to be a part marks his return on screen with the cast and crew later next week. by its cover,” she said. of this project because I had the Big B after Major Sahab, Kha- The film is slated to release on Aashika has been associated opportunity to play myself and kee, Satyagraha and Hindustan April 29, 2022. with shows such as “Meera”, “Parvarrish: Kuchh Khattee Kuchh Meethi” and “Kuch Rang Gauahar Shares Animated Glimpse Of Lockdown Love Pyar Ke Aise Bhi”, and was seen Mumbai: For Gauahar Khan, sounds of the cover version of the tionship, which blossomed during in the film “Prem Ratan Dhan her Happily Ever After with Zaid song, “Best day of my life”. lockdown period. They started Payo”. Aashika Bhatia Pic: IANS Darbar started during lockdown, “Jab we Met @zaid_darbar out as friends and went grocery At the moment, the actress is and the actress has shared a #6daystogo #GazabKaHaiDin,” shopping, and fell in love. seen in the first season of “MX excited that we’re going to stay glimpse of their love story in an she wrote with the short video. The summary of the video read: TakaTak Fame House”, where 18 in the same house, because that is animated video. The animated video shows how “What started as a lockdown ritu- influencers collaborate and cre- something I’ve only seen on tele- Gauahar’s Instagram video fea- they connected over messages, al, turned into love at first beep. ate short video content to win the vision. I was like, this will also be tures a caricature version of the and termed that it was not love at Quarantine drives and parking battle of Fame. a new experience for me, so let’s couple. The video narrates their first sight but love at first beep. garages is what date night looked On her experience of being part go for it.” The show streams on love story, with the tunes and The video highlights their rela- look like!” of the show, she said: “I was very MX Player.

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YOURCOMMUNITY YOURNEWSPAPER, YOURLIFE Leader in South Asian News in Canada... Pick Your Copies From Transit and South Asian Stores Every Friday B-10 | Friday, December 25, 2020 Bollywood www.WeeklyVoice.com Unpaused: Uneven Storytelling Mars Movie Unpaused (On Amazon Prime); ry is about a couple (Richa Chad- a sample flat of half-constructed Cast: Gulshan Devaiah, Sayyami ha and Sumeet Vyas), whose lives highrise amid lockdown. The film Kher, Sumeet Vyas, Richa Chad- are irreparably damaged when he uses TikTok in a quirky way to ha, Lillete Dubey, Rinku Rajgu- is charged with multiple MeToo carry the story forward -- in the ru, Abhishek Banerjee, Geetika allegations. He denies, she is al- time of the Wuhan-origin virus, it Vidya Ohlyan, Ratna Pathak most driven to suicide. When is ironic that the banned Chinese Shah, Shardul Bharadwaj; Direc- she presses, he retorts saying she app should play havoc in the lives tion: Raj and DK, Nikkhil Advani, should have stopped him. There of the protagonists. Tannishtha Chatterjee, Avinash is no specific reason why this Nitya Mehra directs the final Arun and Nitya Mehra; Rating: * story should have been set dur- story, Chand Mubarak, which * and 1/2 (two and a half stars) ing lockdown and, as such, there traces an unlikely bond between is hardly any factor that might a posh aging loner named Uma By Vinayak Chakravorty hold your attention through the (Ratna Pathak Shah) and an au- runtime. torickshaw driver Rafique (Shar- Anthologies can be erratic -- in Tannishtha Chatterjee di- dul Bharadwaj), in whom she sees pace, tone and overall storytell- rects Rat-a-Tat, about a young her late brother. The idea lacks ing. When you have multiple di- girl (Rinku Rajguru) and her originality but Mehra makes up rectors calling the shots on mul- grumpy elderly neighbour (Lil- for that drawback by getting the tiple sets of actors in standalone lete Dubey). The neighbour is emotional core of the tale right. stories, it is hard to find cohesion hostile towards the girl to begin Unpaused thrives on some of quality. The parts that make up Poster of the film ‘Unpaused’. Pic: IANS with, but they strike a bond some- fine acting -- Ratna Pathak Shah, the entirety are often never con- where in their quest for purpose Shardul Bharadwaj, Abhishek sistently good or bad. be the first story, Raj and DK’s companionship draws him to the in life and hope. Unfolding at a Banerjee, Lillete Dubey and Unpaused, with five stories that Glitch. The story is quietly scary girl, and he would personally love languid pace, the film captures Gulshan Devaiah are particularly attempt to define the mood of ur- in the way it imagines an India in to meet her. But there is always the essence of human relationship outstanding. The cast deserved ban India during lockdown, suf- the future that has all but lost its the fear of infection to psyche making interesting use of music. better writing and execution. fers from that problem. The film battle with the coronavirus. Cov- him out. Raj and DK’s storytell- Avinash Arun Dhaware’s story Lockdown could be a subject starts off on a high note, hits a id-19 is a first generation menace ing reveals relish and irreverence that follows vaguely resonates of immense potential for story- slump immediately after that, and that is in the past now, and sci- despite the uncomfortable future the spirit of Bong Joon-ho’s tellers, we have seen over the past somehow manages to recover in ence is struggling to fathom Co- the storyline imagines. Oscar-winning gem, Parasite. months. Random recall would the stories that follow. vid-30 in the narrative, as a lone- The second story, Nikkhil Ad- Titled Vishaanu, the story casts bring to mind the series The Gone The uneven quality about Un- ly and nervous ‘hypo’ (Gulshan vani’s The Apartment, tries mix- Abhishek Banerjee and Geetika Game, or the Malayalam thriller paused extends to the film’s abil- Devaiah) goes on a virtual date ing the malaise outside with one Vidya Ohlyan as a migrant cou- C U Soon in the Indian OTT ity to surprise, too. The top pick, with a spirited Covid warrior that threatens to tear apart the ple in Mumbai who, along with space. Unpaused, for all its rich- in terms of a unique idea, has to (Sayyami Kher). The urge of protagonist from within. The sto- their boy, find luxurious haven in ness in cast ‘Indoo Ki Jawaani’ Is The Story Of A Rappers Big Deal-G’nie Judgemental Girl: Director Sengupta Song ‘I’m A Chinkey’ Mumbai: Abir Sengupta, the director of the Kiara Advani-starrer Indoo Ki Jawaani, says that the central character of the film is a judg- Talks Of Racism mental girl and he has often met her sort in real- ity. “’Indoo Ki Jawaani’ is the story of a judge- mental girl who judges the book by its cover and eventually discover something totally dif- ferent. I am a filmmaker who does not calculate and strategise to convey message through my film. Being a storyteller I am a thinking indi- vidual and in every story I somewhere reflect my thoughts. So when I wrote the character of Indoo from Ghaziabad, she represents all those people who are judgmental that we have come across in reality. Then again, I am not trying to be serious about it, but want to be telling an important story in a lighthearted manner. The dating app is a cool thing that has happened to the new generation. So in the film, I have fused these two elements,” Sengupta told IANS. On working with Kiara, he said: “After work- ing with Kiara, I think I have become her fan. She was so punctual even when we had morning Samir Mohanty - Big Deal. Pic: IANS reading sessions. She really brought much life New Delhi Indian-Japanese ping the same word that demeans to Indoo. Together we made a colourful story.” rapper Big Deal and Gnie from us into empowering us. This is Indoo Ki Jawaani also features Aditya Seal, Mizoram have teamed up for a for the entire Asian community Guru Randhawa and Mallika Dua. Kiara Advani. Pic: IANS song that addresses racism they around the world,” he said. have faced. The track titled “I’m G’nie aka Zonunmawia Fanai a Chinkey” is the second single also shared about working on the by Big Deal from his upcoming track and the emotion behind it: debut album. “Rapper Big Deal and me have Big Deal, whose real name is been great friends from the time Samir Mohanty, has faced many we were in Bengaluru together moments where his nationality and both of us have gone through was questioned. Hence, the song racism first-hand to be talking “I’m A Chinkey” is personal to about it in this song.” him. “I’ve been called this word “When Big Deal approached my entire life...in small towns me to do the song, it only felt and in big cities by strangers and right and natural. A collabora- by friends. I’ve been quiet about tion between us was pending for it and I’ve had fights about it. Fi- a while and the fans were asking nally, I’ve embraced it and I’m for it too, so, we had to do it for about to tell you our story by flip- them,” he added Akriti Wraps Up Her Directorial Debut Film ‘Toofaan Mail’ Mumbai: Actress Akriti Singh has wrapped up her directorial debut film, Toofaan Mail. The shoot was completed in February, but post-production got delayed owing to the Covid-19 pandemic and ensuing lockdown. “We crowdfunded the film in October. The crowdfunding cam- paign was scheduled for 45 days, but we got the required funds in just 40 days.... The response was overwhelming,” said Akriti. “For actors to write their own text and to make something ab- solutely from scratch is thrilling. I am thrilled about this new ap- proach to filmmaking. I aspire to make many films after this. I have Akriti Singh. Pic: IANS already written the second film film, also starring Surya Rao and that we might shoot in March. I Arshad Mumtaz is based on a true am also working on the script of incident from the 1970s, where a my third film,” she added. woman arrived at the New Delhi Akriti has not just directed the railway station claiming to be the film, but has also written, edited Begum of Oudh, seeking to meet and starred in it. The independent Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. www.WeeklyVoice.com Bollywood Friday, December 25, 2020 | B-11 Bigg Boss: What Makes Rakhi Sawant Perfect Contestant For The Show? Mumbai: You might hate her or love “creating” a narrative of a personal life, her, but you certainly cannot ignore Rakhi as the wedding show underlined. Hardly Sawant. Controversy’s favourite child is anyone would have forgotten the instance back in the news again, this time as a chal- when she slapped onetime boyfriend Ab- lenger on the ongoing season 14 of Bigg hishek Awasthi in front of media. Boss. Over the years, there has been a lot of Rakhi, who was a contestant on season Rakhi Sawant Reality TV -- The Rakhi one of the show, has been there, done it all Sawant Showz, Pati, Patni Aur Woh, Rakhi -- from fights to melodrama to crazy an- Ka Insaaf, besides, of course, the Swayam- tics. She has always seemed like a perfect war gimmick. fit in the Bigg Boss house, a place where Put together, these would seem like a sanity is the last thing expected from con- training ground, for the uninhibited avatar testants to make a mark. that she today displays on Bigg Boss 14. There is a method to the madness, Along with throwing open her personal though. If Rakhi seems like she was made life for public consumption, Rakhi also for the Bigg Boss madness, she probably knows how to grab attention with absurd prepared for this stage over the decades claims -- about everything from getting through a very eventful life that she has botox and breast implants, to her experi- lead. ences with the casting couch. Be it Prime She started out as a dancer flaunting sul- Minister Narendra Modi today or Shah try moves in a string of music videos, and Rukh Khan in the past, she also always by the early 2000s, was counted among knows the right important person to con- Bollywood’s most wanted item stars. As stantly gush about. item dances led to small roles in big films She is a dancer. She is an imperfect like Main Hoon Na (she did make an heroine. She is a laughing stock. There are impact in a skimpy role in skimpier cos- Rakhi Sawant. Picture: IANS many avatars of Rakhi. She is also a one- tumes), Rakhi also realised she had an in- time politician -- correction, onetime wan- nate sense of humour and gift of gab that once famously quipped about getting cos- show. Over the past decade and half she nabe politician (remember she launched a the press simply liked to lap up. metic surgery). When singer Mika kissed has added colour on every type of reality party called Rashtriya Aam Party and then She realised opening up about person- her at a birthday party, she claimed he had television -- from dance to comedy. The joined Republican Party of India (A)?). al life in public led to instant drama and forcibly done so. The ensuing controversy big bang, of course, has to be Rakhi Ka All of the above can only be summed grabbed eyeballs. Being outrageous let kept her in the limelight for months (till Swayamwar, the ‘reality wedding show’ up in a line -- whenever she comes in the you stay in the limelight, irrespective of this day, an overwhelmingly large number where she was supposed to go groom hunt- public eye, the audience anticipate the un- whether the reason was right or wrong. By of Bollywood watchers insist the kiss was ing. predictable to occur. Normally, she never the time she entered Bigg Boss season one a publicity stunt). Years later, she would The show ended with Rakhi picking one lets them down. in 2006, she was already courting a bizarre allege Tanushree Dutta had raped her at a eligible guy (Elesh Parujanwala) as her life When she entered Bigg Boss 14, she ini- brand of stardom -- she was a star without “rave party”. partner. For the record, 11 years after the tially added laughter to the show with her a starry Bollywood presence. Some of her bizarre statements include show, Rakhi still remains unmarried. To jokes and wit. Gradually, however, she has When her antics got her an invite on Kof- the one where she demanded to “ban ceil- top it all, she actually went on record to opted for a different avatar. She is lately fee With Karan, she was a natural sizzler in ing fans to stop suicides” and the one declare that she had pretended to choose a more in the news for her fights with Nikki the limelight the popular show provided. where she said she is a virgin. suitable boy for herself just to make some Tamboli and Manu Punjabi. Over the years, she has been a darling of With Rakhi Sawant, sensationalism nev- money. As the show continues, let’s see what the media thanks to her quotes (“Jo bhag- er runs out. Her behaviour on Bigg Boss If she has no qualms living her personal other versions of Rakhi one gets to wit- van nahin deta, who doctor deta hai,” she naturally looks like she was born for the life out in the open, she also has no qualms ness. It should be fun to look forward to. Rahul Dev Completes 20 Years In Films Taapsee’s Varicose Veins Mumbai: Actor Rahul Dev have had four releases on differ- made his Bollywood debut two ent platforms, with completely MumbaI: Actress Taapsee decades ago with the action film diverse characters. I received a Pannu shared a picture and remi- Champion. He said it has been a nomination as the best supporting nisced about how she got her long and fruitful journey. actor comedy for my web series varicose veins operated and re- In “Champion”, which also ‘Who’s Your Daddy’, and got moved weeks before she started starred Sunny Deol, Rahul was some great my film reviews for her training. seen playing the antagonist. ‘Operation Parindey’,” he said. Taapsee posted a picture on In- “Gosh been two decades! It’s His film “Torbaaz”, which also stagram, where she is seen work- been a long and fruitful journey. stars Sanjay Dutt, is currently ing out dressed in grey shorts and Two decades down, with over streaming on a digital platform. black T-shirt. “When I see this a hundred feature films and a “It was a great opportunity to picture I remember how I got bagful of experiences, I am still work with Sanju Baba. We have my varicose veins operated and learning,” said Rahul. Rahul Dev. Pic: IANS known each other since ‘Dus’, removed just 6 weeks before I “I feel humbled with the love acters with more variation in my which was supposed to be my de- started training. Now those scars that I have received over the performances,” he added. but film,” he said. can act as an evil eye,” she wrote. years. I can’t thank my fans and Apart from Bollywood, Ra- “I am grateful for all the love Taapsee has been working out really hard for her upcoming well wishers enough. Their ac- hul also featured in south Indian and support that I have received Taapsee Pannu. Pic: IANS ceptance means everything. I films such as “Narasimha” and and I feel glad to be playing the film “Rashmi Rocket”, where feel the only way to express my “Parasuram”. “Marred with bi- role of Qazar, who’s a leader of she plays a runner runner from athlete. Priyanshu Painyuli plays Taapsee’s husband in the Akarsh gratitude is to push myself even zarre incidents and the pandem- a Talibani terrorist group in Bthisolly woPtheoadren tinRanng of Kutch who fights harder and attempt newer char- ic, this year has been kind too. I film,” heA saddedtro for her identityBu sandine sbecomess an KhuranaAutomo directorial.tive Heal th Pakistan Automotive Business World Canada Manasi Promises Exciting Cars Bollywood Classiieds India Drama In ‘Do Not Disturb’ Local Community South Asian World News News

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Manasi Parek in ‘Do Not Disturb’. Pic: IANS MumbaI: Actress Manasi With their marriage completing Parekh Gohil says the second sea- seven years, Maulik and Meera’s son of the Gujarati web show Do relationship is neither too old Not Disturb will bring back lots now, nor too young. From get- of action, drama and oomph. ting on a strict health regime to Directed by Sandeep Patel, the bringing the oomph back, the au- Don’t forget to check us out at six episodic series will see Ma- diences will have a lot of excit- nasi along with Malhar Thakar ing drama to watch out for in this www.WeeklyVoice.com reprising their roles as Meera edition of the show,” Manasi said. Pick Your Copies From Transit and South Asian Stores and Maulik. The show revolves Malhar said: “Our jodi has been around a couple who have been a superhit in the film Golkeri, and married for the last seven years, teaming up again with Manasi, as they explore the complexities along with director Sandeep Pa- of being together, facing identity tel, has been an absolute pleasure. crisis, desires, societal pressures Seven is considered to be a spe- and the need to reinvent them- cial number and with Meera and selves, while still having fun. Maulik completing seven years “It is the love that we’ve re- in their relationship, there is so ceived from the viewers that has much more in store for the view- brought Maulik and Meera back ers. Barring all the other ‘distur- www.weeklyvoice.com again. We are so thrilled to have bances’, this season will see a Toronto Tel: (905) 795 8282 a season two of ‘Do Not Disturb’. rollercoaster of emotions.” B-12 | Friday, December 25, 2020 www.WeeklyVoice.com www.WeeklyVoice.com zaika Friday, December 25, 2020 | B-13 Steak & Ale Mushroom Pie Is A Pub Favourite

No-Bake Vegan Cheesecakes with Coconut & Pineapple (NC) Most vegan cheesecake Directions: recipes call for soaking cashews 1. Stir together ¼ cup (60 mL) overnight and whirling them in a shredded coconut, walnuts, 1 tbsp food processor to get that sought- granulated sugar and coconut oil after creamy texture. But you can in a small bowl. Press into bot- skip that step with a prepared toms of six ½-cup (125 mL) glass plant-based spread. jars or ramekins, or small serving “I love our plant-based plain glasses, dividing evenly. coconut cream cheese-style Tip: Toasting the shredded co- spread,” says Michelle Pennock, conut and walnuts adds crunch executive chef for the President’s and enhances their flavour. Choice test kitchen.” 2. Beat cream cheese-style Ingredients: spread with coconut yogurt in • 1/3 cup (83 mL) unsweetened large bowl using electric hand shredded coconut, toasted, divid- mixer on low speed until smooth. ed (see tip, below) Increase speed to medium; beat Delectable Steak and Ale Mushroom Pie. Pic: NewsCanada • ¼ cup (60 mL) walnut halves, until creamy. Beat in icing sugar (NC) Many of us have been • 1 package button or cremini 2 tablespoons flour. Stir. Mix in toasted and finely chopped and lemon juice. avoiding going out to eat dur- mushrooms boiling water and stir until incor- • 2 tbsp (30 mL) granulated 3. Spoon cheesecake mixture ing the pandemic, staying safe at • 12 ounces brown or red ale porated and dissolved. sugar, divided into jars over top of shredded home while grabbing takeout or beer 4. In the same pot where you • 1 tbsp (15 mL) coconut oil, coconut mixture, dividing even- enjoying our own cooking. But if • 2 tsp liquid beef bouillon or 2 seared the beef, add liquid bouil- melted (or liquid coconut oil) ly. Cover and refrigerate until you’re getting bored of the same beef bouillon cubes lon mixture and Worcestershire • 1 tub (227 g) PC plant-based chilled, about 1 hour. staples or craving your winter- • 1/2 cup boiling water sauce. Skim the bottom of the pan plain coconut cream cheese-style 4. Stir pineapple with remain- time pub favourites, it’s time to • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce with a wooden spoon to deglaze spread, room temperature ing 1 tbsp granulated sugar in experiment in the kitchen with • 3-4 whole sprigs of fresh and get up all that goodness left • ¾ cup (188 mL) plant-based separate small bowl. DIY recipes. thyme over from searing the meat. plain cultured coconut milk yo- 5. Spoon pineapple mixture Featuring wholesome ingredi- • Several pieces of whole fresh 5. Toss meat back into stewing gurt alternative over top of cheesecakes and ents like fresh mushrooms, this parsley, stems included pot along with sweated vegeta- • ½ cup (125 mL) icing sugar sprinkle with remaining shredded steak and ale pie recipe by Jenny • 1 large bay leaf bles. Pour in ale. Give a good stir • 2 tsp (10 mL) lemon juice coconut, dividing evenly. Top from The Brunette Baker lets • Salt and pepper, to taste and add in fresh herbs, submerg- • ¾ cup (188 mL) finely with fresh mint (if using). you easily recreate English-style • 1 box ready-made frozen puff ing them. Remove from heat, chopped cored peeled pineapple Try this: Swap out the pineap- comfort food in your very own pastry, thawed cover pot with a lid and place • Fresh mint sprigs (optional) ple for any tropical fruit. home, at a fraction of the cost of Directions: in oven at 325°F (162°C) for 90 takeout. Bold, hearty and deli- 1. In a frying pan over medium- minutes. cious, it’s everything a savoury high heat, sweat onions and garlic 6. Remove from oven, allow pie should be. until transparent. Add in mush- to rest and completely cool. Re- Tip: While you can make and rooms and cook for 2 minutes. move thyme sprigs, parsley and eat the stew filling the same day, Remove from heat and set aside. bay leaf and discard. Refrigerate the flavours will be more con- 2. Place a large stewing pot on overnight for best results. centrated and delicious if you re- the stove over medium-high heat. 7. Once ready to bake, transfer frigerate overnight. It’s worth the Toss the beef in 2 tablespoons stew mixture into a casserole dish wait for best results. flour and season with salt and or individual ramekins for single Prep time: 30 minutes pepper. Once the stew pot is hot, serve. Carefully place thawed Cook time: 2.5 hours add oil to coat the bottom surface. puff pastry over top, leaving an Serves: 4 Add in beef, but only enough so inch hanging over. Press and seal Ingredients: there is room for each piece to pastry to the side of the dish. Ap- • 1.5 pounds bottom properly sear. Shake the pot occa- ply egg wash for shine if you de- round beef, trimmed and cut into sionally and the cubes will come sire. small chunks undone as they finish searing. 8. Bake at 375° F (190°C) for • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour, di- Don’t force it as it will tear the 40 to 45 minutes or until puff pas- vided meat. Continue to sear remaining try is golden brown and filling is • 1 tsp vegetable oil pieces of beef. Once completed, warmed through. • 2 carrots, peeled. roughly cut remove meat from pot and reduce 9. Remove from oven and al- • 1 large onion, chopped heat. low to rest before cutting. coarsely 3. In a heat-safe container, pour Find more delicious mushroom Everyone’s favourite dessert, vegan style. Pic: NewsCanada • 2 cloves garlic, chopped in liquid bouillon and remaining recipes at mushrooms.ca. Tune in to Radio Voice 101.3 FM To know latest News, Views, Discussions, Traffic Updates,Live Phone-ins and lots more!! Monday to Friday 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM B-14 | Friday, December 25, 2020 auto www.WeeklyVoice.com

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utsavmatrimony

We o er a superior matchmaking experience for prospective brides and grooms to meet and com- municate with each other by expanding the opportunities available to meet potential life partners and build fullling relationships, through our database of registered proles.

Registering/entering your personal information is free. All those who register are o ered a free astrological horoscope reading, related to matrimony. However, our matrimony o er Membership Plans which open up our data banks for you to peruse and contact other members, and also o er several exclusive benets.

Contact for more information or registration [email protected] / www.rishteyrishtey.com