Latest news with #Indo-Canadian
Hindustan Times
12 hours ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Gunfire hits Nijjar-linked business in Canada; cousin blames Bishnoi gang
Toronto: A business owned by a cousin of murdered pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar, was fired upon in the early hours of Thursday, the latest in a series of such incidents targeting prominent Indo-Canadian businessmen in the area. Multiple shots were fired on the premises of Nijjar Trucking owned by Raghbir Singh Nijjar at around 3 am on Thursday. The outlet Red FM reported that on June 18, there was an attempt to set vehicles afire at the same business. It cited Nijjar as alleging that the Lawrence Bishnoi gang was behind the attack, as part of an extortion attempt. His residence had been similarly targeted in August 2024. Nijjar also said that criminal gangs were using international students for these violent acts. While he is related to Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was killed on June 18, 2023, in Surrey, British Columbia, a person familiar with them said they had not been close. This incident followed the murder of another businessman Satwinder Sharma on June 11 in neighbouring Abbotsford. Sharma, 56, was shot while at his business location. The case is being handled by the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team or IHIT which said, 'Early indications suggest this was a targeted incident and no one else was injured as a result of the shooting. Investigators are working diligently to determine the motive and the circumstances surrounding the homicide.' Another repeat victim is Satish Kumar, president of the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey. On June 7, Reflections Banquet Hall, which he owns, was shot at. Early on Saturday, another business, Satish Accounting Services, was similarly targeted. Kumar told the outlet Vancouver Sun, 'My life is on the line. My family's life is on the line.' In December 2023, the residence where his son and family live in was fired upon. British Columbia Premier (equivalent of an Indian Chief Minister) David Eby has called upon the Federal Government to designate such violent criminal groups as terrorist organisations. In a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney on Wednesday, he wrote, 'On February 15, 2025, the Government of Canada announced the listing of seven transnational criminal groups as terrorist entities under the Criminal Code. British Columbia believes that this legal instrument should be applied to groups, such as the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, engaged in extortion and violent crimes in multiple Canadian provinces. This is a complex and nationally impactful criminal issue deserving of a national criminal law response to investigate and prosecute those participating in, promoting and/or facilitating these crimes.'
Winnipeg Free Press
3 days ago
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
McDonald's franchisee nominated to police board
A business owner hopes to raise his own concerns about repeated incidents of retail crime as a new member of the Winnipeg Police Board, while Winnipeg's mayor prepares to leave the oversight body. Mayor Scott Gillingham has nominated Amit Kapoor to join the board that oversees the Winnipeg Police Service, pending a final council vote. After being on the front lines of retail theft, Kapoor said he hopes to advocate on behalf of businesses in the new role. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES Mayor Scott Gillingham has nominated Amit Kapoor, RIGHT, to join the Winnipeg Police Board that oversees the Winnipeg Police Service, pending a final council vote. 'There have been quite a few break-ins in my restaurants and people have come even in… broad daylight. Sometimes they are armed, and sometimes they're not, but they have threatened our guests as well as my staff,' said Kapoor, in an interview Tuesday. 'Once you're part of retail, you understand and you see what happens around you.' Kapoor, whose company Kapson Family Restaurants Ltd. owns several McDonald's franchises across the city, believes retail crime began increasing seven or eight years ago and is not limited to a specific neighbourhood or type of business. In addition to break-ins and threats, he said one of his employee's cars was stolen. While his restaurants now have multiple cameras and alarms, the business owner said further measures are needed to address the nagging issue. He said safety concerns have hurt some businesses and forced a few to close. 'I saw a couple of people shut their shops in downtown because of retail crime,' said Kapoor. He declined to discuss specific changes he'd like the police board to pursue, noting he's still learning about the role he would like to take on. In the meantime, Kapoor said he welcomes the business community's feedback on crime and safety. Coun. Markus Chambers, chairman of the police board, said Kapoor will offer valuable insight. 'Given the fact that we're dealing with retail crime, it's great to have that perspective on the board and somebody that can speak to the issue that retailers are going through currently … He also provides another perspective in terms of being from the Indo-Canadian community,' said Chambers (St. Norbert-Seine River). The mayor noted Kapoor has been on the 'front line' of key public safety concerns. 'He's got a really good view and an understanding of what it means to work in the city of Winnipeg, run a business, the impact of public safety on businesses, and employees and customers. I know he'll bring a wealth of experience,' said Gillingham. Kapoor will fill the seat recently left vacant when Kevin Selch's term expired. Meanwhile, the mayor announced his own departure from the board. During his 2022 election campaign, Gillingham promised to seek council approval to join the board, pitching the move as a way to help hold WPS accountable on crime-prevention strategies. On Tuesday, the mayor said he's confident police Chief Gene Bowers is now tackling many of the goals Gillingham hoped to achieve as a board member. 'We have a chief… that really fulfils a lot of the vision that I laid out in my campaign platform, one who is a collaborative chief, one who is focused back on crime prevention,' he said. Gillingham noted leaving the board will allow him to focus on other key issues. 'We have got to get the third phase of the north end (sewage treatment) plant (upgrade) funded. We've got to talk to the federal and provincial governments about other key infrastructure projects that are growth-enabling and trade-enabling, and that includes (expanding) Kenaston/ Route 90 and the Chief Peguis Trail extension. We've got the new Transit network that's got to be rolled out… I'm going to pour my time and energy into those matters,' he said. While a member of city council is expected to replace the mayor, Gillingham said there's no set date for that appointment. Weekday Mornings A quick glance at the news for the upcoming day. Coun. Evan Duncan (Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood) said he is 'strongly considering' seeking the role. 'With my justice background, I think that I could bring some value to the board. I'm interested and I'll contemplate (that) over the next couple of weeks here before council considers people,' said Duncan. Prior to being elected, Duncan worked for Manitoba Justice in conflict resolution, often with youth as a councillor. X: @joyanne_pursaga Joyanne PursagaReporter Joyanne is city hall reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press. A reporter since 2004, she began covering politics exclusively in 2012, writing on city hall and the Manitoba Legislature for the Winnipeg Sun before joining the Free Press in early 2020. Read more about Joyanne. Every piece of reporting Joyanne produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Canada Standard
3 days ago
- Business
- Canada Standard
Indo-Canadians welcome PM Modi's visit to Canada for G7 summit
Brampton [Canada], June 17 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi's arrival in Canada for the G7 Summit has been warmly welcomed by members of the Indo-Canadian community, who hope the visit will mark a turning point in strained India-Canada relations. Sumit Singh, a Brampton-based Indo-Canadian businessman and immigration consultant, expressed optimism about the visit. 'I wholeheartedly welcome Prime Minister Modi to Canada,' he said. 'I appreciate Prime Minister Mark Carney's invitation to Mr. Modi. This is a positive step and I hope it leads to the restoration of normalcy in India-Canada relations.' Singh also voiced concern over the impact of diplomatic tensions on the Indian diaspora. 'More than 1.5 million people of Indian origin live in Canada. The deterioration of ties over the past two years has been disheartening for them,' he said, adding, 'This visit is a sign of hope.' Canadian broadcaster Haleema Sadia also hailed the visit as a diplomatic breakthrough. 'To attend the G7 Summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Canada. Our Prime Minister, Mark Carney, has done a tremendous job by extending the invitation and easing tensions,' she said. 'There has been a prolonged period of discomfort and concern among Canadians. This invitation, and PM Modi's acceptance, will make a significant difference in improving India-Canada relations,' Sadia said. Vishal Saini, Director of Hindu Forum Canada, also welcomed the visit and emphasised the contribution of Indo-Canadians. 'There are approximately 1.5 million Indo-Canadians who are contributing significantly to both the Indian and Canadian economies,' he said. 'Prime Minister Modi's visit will further strengthen the cultural and economic ties between the two countries.' After arriving in Canada's Calgary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (local time) said that he will meet various leaders at the G7 Summit and share his thoughts on important global issues. PM Modi said he would also emphasise the priorities of the Global South. This visit is part of his three-nation official tour, which began with Cyprus and will conclude with Croatia. In a post on X, PM Modi stated, 'Landed in Calgary, Canada, to take part in the G7 Summit. Will be meeting various leaders at the Summit and sharing my thoughts on important global issues. Will also be emphasising the priorities of the Global South.' (ANI)
India Gazette
4 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
Indo-Canadians welcome PM Modi's visit to Canada for G7 summit
Brampton [Canada], June 17 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi's arrival in Canada for the G7 Summit has been warmly welcomed by members of the Indo-Canadian community, who hope the visit will mark a turning point in strained India-Canada relations. Sumit Singh, a Brampton-based Indo-Canadian businessman and immigration consultant, expressed optimism about the visit. 'I wholeheartedly welcome Prime Minister Modi to Canada,' he said. 'I appreciate Prime Minister Mark Carney's invitation to Mr. Modi. This is a positive step and I hope it leads to the restoration of normalcy in India-Canada relations.' Singh also voiced concern over the impact of diplomatic tensions on the Indian diaspora. 'More than 1.5 million people of Indian origin live in Canada. The deterioration of ties over the past two years has been disheartening for them,' he said, adding, 'This visit is a sign of hope.' Canadian broadcaster Haleema Sadia also hailed the visit as a diplomatic breakthrough. 'To attend the G7 Summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Canada. Our Prime Minister, Mark Carney, has done a tremendous job by extending the invitation and easing tensions,' she said. 'There has been a prolonged period of discomfort and concern among Canadians. This invitation, and PM Modi's acceptance, will make a significant difference in improving India-Canada relations,' Sadia said. Vishal Saini, Director of Hindu Forum Canada, also welcomed the visit and emphasised the contribution of Indo-Canadians. 'There are approximately 1.5 million Indo-Canadians who are contributing significantly to both the Indian and Canadian economies,' he said. 'Prime Minister Modi's visit will further strengthen the cultural and economic ties between the two countries.' After arriving in Canada's Calgary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (local time) said that he will meet various leaders at the G7 Summit and share his thoughts on important global issues. PM Modi said he would also emphasise the priorities of the Global South. This visit is part of his three-nation official tour, which began with Cyprus and will conclude with Croatia. In a post on X, PM Modi stated, 'Landed in Calgary, Canada, to take part in the G7 Summit. Will be meeting various leaders at the Summit and sharing my thoughts on important global issues. Will also be emphasising the priorities of the Global South.' (ANI)
Canada Standard
4 days ago
- Business
- Canada Standard
Canada and India can build long term ethical economic friendship: Dr Rishi Singh
Alberta [Canada], June 17 (ANI): As the world's most influential leaders gather for the G7 Summit in Alberta, Rishi Singh, Honorary Director of the Kendriya Likhari Sabha (North America) has emphasised the importance of rekindling and strengthening ties between Canada and India during this pivotal global event. Speaking in an exclusive interview, Singh lauded the Canadian leadership under Prime Minister Mark Carney for hosting the prestigious summit in the picturesque Canadian spring. 'All the G7 leaders will be present and will be discussing vital economic trends and other global issues that significantly impact the world scenario,' he said. Singh highlighted the key figures attending this year's summit beyond the core G7 nations. Among the invited global leaders are Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung. The UAE President was also invited but could not attend. Additionally, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and World Bank President Ajay Banga are participating. As a proud Canadian citizen of South Asian heritage and a keen observer of regional dynamics, Singh stressed that the summit offers a crucial opportunity for Canada and India to revive diplomatic engagement. 'This G7 Summit gives both nations a platform to hold bilateral talks and create new thrusts towards diversifying supply chains -- an issue also highlighted by Prime Minister Carney,' he said. Singh called for greater collaboration in areas such as technology transfer, innovation, agricultural trade, human capital mobility, and investment. 'India, with its youthful demographic and rapidly growing economy, presents a major opportunity for Canada. In turn, Canada must share its technological advancements to build long-term relations that extend beyond current leaderships,' he said. He envisioned a future built on 'mutual economic resilience' and described the desired bilateral ties as an 'ethical-economical friendship' that directly benefits the citizens of both countries. 'As we move into an era where resilient supply chains and collaborative innovation are key to global stability, Canada and India must come together not just as trade partners, but as allies with shared values and forward-looking visions,' Singh concluded. 'I sincerely welcome Prime Minister Modi to Canada and hope this summit serves as a turning point in Indo-Canadian relations.' The G7 Summit is expected to result in several global initiatives focused on economic cooperation, technological transformation, climate action, and geopolitical stability, with Indo-Canadian ties being a key area of interest. (ANI)
