British Columbia Archives - National Times

09 Oct

Sturko Demands Clarity From Lorne Doerkson Over ICBC Reform Plans and Insurance Costs

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, TrendingLorne Doerkson

SURREY, B.C. (Richa Walia): CentreBC Leader Elenore Sturko is demanding greater transparency from B.C. Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson over his proposed changes to the province’s public auto insurance system, warning that British Columbians need to understand how the plans could affect their premiums and support for injured motorists. In a statement issued October 8, Sturko questioned the apparent difference between Doerkson’s written commitments regarding insurance reform and his subsequent public comments denying that he had made promises. According to Sturko, a letter dated September 29 outlined plans to replace ICBC’s existing no-fault insurance system with a hybrid model, while also…

08 Oct

Chhath Puja 2026 Celebrations in Metro Vancouver

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, TrendingMetro Vancouver

Surrey (Richa Walia): The BAJA Cultural Association BC is set to host Chhath Puja Celebration 2026 on November 14 and 15 in Metro Vancouver, bringing more than 1,000 expected devotees and visitors together for a major celebration of the traditional Hindu festival dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, and Chhathi Maiya. National Times is the media partner for this event. The celebration will take place at Durga Bhameshwari Temple, 7984 123 Street, Surrey, BC V3W 3V4, with devotees observing the traditional rituals associated with the four-day Chhath Puja. The festival highlights devotion, discipline, purity, gratitude for nature and the Sun,…

07 Oct

Punjab-Origin Vancouver Cop Among Four Officers Honoured for Saving Women From Armed Attacker

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, TrendingVancouver

Vancouver (Rajeev Sharma): A police officer of Punjabi origin in Canada has been recognised alongside three colleagues for his role in a dangerous hostage situation that ended with two women being rescued from an armed attacker. Constables Opinder Kooner, Riley Nelmes, Brian Rogger and Michael Wu have received the Vancouver Police Department’s Chief Constable’s Citation for their actions during the incident, which involved an armed man attacking an employee at a convenience store and threatening two women inside. The recognition followed an investigation into the incident, including a review of the crime scene and accounts provided by the victims. Officers…

06 Oct

Raman Sharma’s 28-Year Record of Business and Civic Activity in Surrey

nishuthapar10 CommentsBritish Columbia, CanadaRaman Sharma, South Asian Construction Excellence Awards, Surrey BC, Tradesman Association of BC

Surrey (Richa Walia):: Raman Sharma, a Surrey resident and entrepreneur, has spent more than 28 years in Canada working in the construction sector and participating in civic, cultural and charitable activities. After arriving in Canada in 1998, he became involved in political volunteering and worked with municipal, provincial and federal representatives on initiatives involving residents, businesses and local organizations. In 2016, he founded the Tradesman Association of BC, where he remains President. The association offers programs in builder licensing preparation, energy advisor education, safety training, professional development and industry networking. He also established the Annual Construction Expo and the South…

06 Oct

Lights of India Brings Food, Culture and Community Together in Burnaby

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, TrendingBurnaby

Surrey (Amrit Dhot): The inaugural Lights of India drew thousands of visitors to Swangard Stadium in Burnaby for a two-day celebration of food, culture, music, dance and community. The festival featured live entertainment, cultural performances, an open Garba celebration, a marketplace, family activities and a food plaza with more than 20 food vendors. Local businesses and organizations engaged attendees through sponsor activations, product showcases and interactive experiences. More than 600 artists and 100 volunteers helped deliver the event, which attracted families, professionals, students, entrepreneurs and seniors from Burnaby, Vancouver, Surrey, Richmond, Delta, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Langley,…

06 Oct

Former Liberal Minister Herb Dhaliwal Backs CentreBC Leader Elenore Sturko

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, TrendingHerb Dhaliwal

SURREY, B.C. (Richa Walia): Former federal cabinet minister and longtime British Columbia politician Herb Dhaliwal has announced his support for CentreBC and its leader, Elenore Sturko. Dhaliwal said his decision is based on the values he believes are reflected in CentreBC and the direction Sturko is taking the emerging political organization. The endorsement gives CentreBC the backing of a former federal cabinet minister with a long record in British Columbia public life. Dhaliwal served as the Liberal MP for Vancouver South and later Vancouver South—Burnaby before leaving the House of Commons in 2004. During his time in Ottawa, Dhaliwal held…

05 Oct

Community Service Recognised: Chardi Kala Brotherhood Welfare Association Honoured for Punjab Flood Relief Efforts

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, TrendingCanada

Surrey (Amrit Dhot): The Chardi Kala Brotherhood Welfare Association has been formally recognised by the Sikh Awareness Foundation (SAF) for its contribution to relief efforts for flood-affected communities in Punjab, highlighting the association’s growing role in community service and humanitarian initiatives. SAF presented the association with a commemorative memento in recognition of its relief work and broader community involvement. While speaking with National Times, Founder Director Jaswinder Singh Dilawari, Director and Advocate Avtar Singh Dhanoa, Harpreet Singh Mankatala, Gulab Arora, Amarjit Singh Brar and Damanjit Singh Bassi said the recognition was a meaningful acknowledgement of the team’s efforts and would…

05 Oct

Vikas Gautam Enters Burnaby Centre Race, Bringing Community Experience to Politics

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, TrendingBurnaby, Vikas Gautam

Burnaby (Richa Walia): Community volunteer and communications and event organizer Vikas Gautam is entering the provincial political arena as the CentreBC candidate for Burnaby Centre, highlighting his years of community involvement, grassroots engagement and experience connecting diverse communities. Gautam’s community work includes volunteering with the Hindu Temple Burnaby and supporting fundraising and relief initiatives involving the Surrey Food Bank, Vancouver Food Bank, B.C. flood relief efforts and other community organizations. His community engagement expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he organized and supported online events connecting participants across Canada, the United States, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and South and…

04 Oct

Friends for Cause Foundation Presents ‘The Joy of Siring’ to Support Cataract Care in India

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, TrendingFriends for Cause Foundation

Surrey (Richa Walia): Friends for Cause Foundation (FFCF) is presenting The Joy of Siring, a community fundraising and awareness event supporting an ongoing initiative to provide free cataract surgeries and eyeglasses to people facing financial hardship in rural northern India. The event is part of a broader effort led by Yogesh Kumar Bhatia, whose involvement in the cause began following the death of his younger brother, who was closely connected with the issue of cataract blindness. Bhatia immigrated to Canada in 2010. A chemical engineer by profession, he worked as a water treatment consultant and RO plant designer. Following his…

04 Oct

Megan Knight’s MLA Campaign Launch Draws Support from Former Surrey Mayors and Community Leaders

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, CanadaMegan Knight

Surrey (Richa Walia): The campaign of Megan Knight, the incumbent Mayor of White Rock and a candidate for the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), officially launched on October 3, 2026, at her campaign office at 15550 32nd Avenue, Surrey. The launch brought together community leaders, business representatives, volunteers, residents and political supporters, reflecting strong local engagement with Knight’s candidacy. Former Surrey mayors Dianne Watts and Linda Hepner were among the prominent supporters present, adding significance to the campaign’s opening event. The gathering provided an opportunity for attendees to meet Knight, discuss her campaign priorities and exchange views on issues…