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UK and Canada strengthen space collaboration

The signing ceremony took place during the 39th Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The event, which is held annually, brings together space leaders from around the world to discuss future space exploration plans and strategies…reports Asian Lite News

To improve their space-related collaboration, the UK Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency have signed an enhanced memorandum of understanding (MoU). The new agreement will build on the initial MoU signed in 2021 and will focus on areas such as space policy, standards, and regulations.

The signing ceremony took place during the 39th Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The event, which is held annually, brings together space leaders from around the world to discuss future space exploration plans and strategies.

Dr. Paul Bate, UK Space Agency CEO, emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating, “The renewal of the MoU with our Canadian colleagues will bring further significant benefits to the thriving space industries of the UK and Canada, allowing us to continue achieving our goals in space through collaborative efforts in research and innovation.”

Bate added that Canada is a key partner for the UK in space exploration, and he expressed confidence that the bilateral relationship between the two nations will continue to strengthen their space sectors.

The enhanced MoU will provide a more comprehensive framework for collaboration in a number of areas, including space policy and regulations. It will also facilitate the exchange of information and technology on space-related topics. In addition, the agreement aims to promote free and fair access to space for all.

The signing of the enhanced MoU is a significant milestone for the UK Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency, and it is expected to further strengthen their space collaboration in the years to come. This new agreement will pave the way for future joint projects and collaborations in areas such as lunar exploration and space science.

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-Top News Canada China

Trudeau: China Tried to Meddle in Canadian Elections Twice

The Chinese Embassy in Canada denied any interference in Canadian affairs….reports Asian Lite News

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said China tried to meddle in the election process in his country twice –2019 and 2021, but asserted that it was fair.

The elections were decided by Candians, Trudeau said on Wednesday in his testimony before a commission probing alleged foreign interference in the polls.

The commission was set up last year after media reports about China’s interference in the polls.

However, the Chinese Embassy in Canada denied any interference in Canadian affairs.

The commission is set to complete its initial report by May 3 and final report by 2024 end, The Guardian reported.

Earlier, India was accused of meddling in the polls and later the allegation was ruled out by Canada.

Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) on Monday said that China has “clandestinely and deceptively” interfered in the Canadian elections.

“We know that the Peoples’ Republic of China (PRC) clandestinely and deceptively interfered in both the 2019 and 2021 elections,” CSIS said during a briefing to the commission.

Trudeau’s Liberal Party had won both the elections.

The Conservatives lead campaigner, during the 2021 election, Erin O’Toole, estimated Chinese “interference” cost his party up to nine seats.

ALSO READ: Canada halts arms exports to Israel

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-Top News Canada Europe

Canada Targets Russian diamonds

This ban further builds on Canada’s December 2023 import restrictions on diamonds and diamond-jewellery-related products from Russia…reports Asian Lite News

Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly has said that Canada is imposing additional import restrictions on Russian diamonds.

This ban further builds on Canada’s December 2023 import restrictions on diamonds and diamond-jewellery-related products from Russia by targeting indirect imports of Russian diamonds weighing 1 carat and above, Joly said on Friday in a statement.

It is consistent with the commitments made in February, May and December 2023 by the G7 leaders to reduce the revenues from the export of non-industrial diamonds from Russia, she added as quoted by Xinhua news agency report.

According to the statement, Russia is the world’s largest rough diamond producer and also a significant global exporter of diamonds and diamond products.

The value of Russia’s total exports exceeded nearly 5.2 billion Canadian dollars ($3.8 billion) in 2022.

Together, G7 countries represent 70 per cent of the world diamond market, the statement added.

ALSO READ: Canada Chips in $130M for Ukraine

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-Top News Canada Europe

Canada Chips in $130M for Ukraine

2 killed as Russian shelling hits Kiev apartment building.(photo:SES Ukraine)

This was announced by the Office of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau following his visit to Kiev….reports Asian Lite News

Canada will provide Ukraine with 169 million Canadian dollars (CAD) (about $130 million) for several reconstruction and development programmes, media reported on Sunday.

According to Ukrinform news agency reported, this was announced by the Office of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau following his visit to Kiev.

Canada will allocate CAD 75 million (equivalent to more than $57 million) for peace and security assistance, which includes demining, cyber support and intelligence assistance, Ukrinform news agency reported.

Another CAD 15 million (equivalent to $11.5 million) will be allocated to support the completion of the National Museum of the Holodomor-Genocide in Kiev.

Canada also announced the allocation of funding to the following: $17 million for humanitarian assistance, $30 million for development assistance, almost $14 million for stabilisation assistance, including chemical weapons reduction and countering information warfare, and $15 million for various stabilisation efforts, to support projects ranging from demining, to reducing threats from nuclear or radiological materials and chemical weapons, to countering disinformation, Ukrinform news agency reported

As reported by Ukrinform news agency, during his visit to Kiev on February 24, Trudeau signed a security agreement with Ukraine, pledging more than $3 billion in security and financial assistance this year.

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-Top News Canada India News

Indian Diaspora Bolsters New Delhi-Ottawa Ties: Jitendra Singh

The minister highlighted that the diaspora serves as a link between the two nations, particularly emphasizing Canada’s popularity as a preferred destination for Indian students seeking higher education….reports Asian Lite News

Twenty-three lakh Indian diaspora are reinforcing New Delhi-Ottawa relations and contributing to the development of both nations, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh said as he met a high-level delegation on Wednesday.

Singh told Scott Moe, Premier of Saskatchewan province who was leading the delegation, that the presence of the Indian diaspora in the Canadian Parliament and the cabinet is a testimony of longstanding relations between the two countries.

Acknowledging the positive contributions made by the Indian community, the minister said they act as a bridge between the two nations as Canada is one of the most favoured destinations for Indian students for higher education.

Singh also mentioned PM Narendra Modi’s invitation to India’s diaspora to do research in India’s premier institutions and contribute to its progress under the VAIBHAV fellowship programme.

Cooperation and collaboration in areas like Electric Vehicles, Cyber Physical System, Quantum Technologies, Future Manufacturing, Green Hydrogen Fuel, Deep Ocean Mining etc were also discussed, a Ministry of Science & technology release stated.

He told the delegation that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India established the ‘Anusandhan’ National Research Foundation.

The foundation prioritises research in areas of technology and science to foster and revitalise the innovation ecosystem with around 60-70 per cent participation of the private sector.

He also emphasised that the government is keen on opening arms to welcome non-governmental organisations to contribute to technology development and support them.

The meeting comes as India is keen to develop research collaborations with Canadian R&D institutions and technology collaborations with Canadian industries.

Speaking of Canada and India relations, Moe said it has made great strides in recent years and has become truly multidimensional, spurred by a significant convergence of interests, mutual goodwill, and exchanges.

He said the relationship has grown between India and Saskatchewan, especially after opening their office in Delhi, and strengthens their resolve to work with India and achieve collective growth.

After arriving in New Delhi on Tuesday, Moe met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar who praised the Indians in Canada for serving as a bridge between the two nations.

“Appreciate @PremierScottMoe’s strong support for our partnership and looking forward to deepening our cooperation,” Jaishankar said as he also shared a picture of the two leaders shaking hands.

“An important supplier of potash, lentils, and uranium. Saskatchewan’s Indian-origin community has truly been a bridge between us,” he added.

Saskatchewan is home to 15,660 Indians, according to the 2021 census, and from 2016 to 2021, immigrants from India made up 18.4 per cent of total immigrants moving into the province.

The province’s exports to India stand at more than $1 billion and roughly make up a third of Canada’s total exports to the country. In addition, the province also has a trade and investment office in New Delhi.

ALSO READ: India, Canada Discuss ‘Present State’ of Ties in Munich

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-Top News Canada Politics

Immigrants increasingly leaving Canada for “greener pastures”

The study revealed that approximately 17.5 per cent of immigrants who arrived during this period eventually opted to emigrate within 20 years…reports Asian Lite News

As per the recent study conducted by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship and the Conference Board of Canada, immigrants are increasingly departing from Canada in pursuit of “greener pastures,” sparking concerns in the Great White North, Khalsa Vox reported.

According to the study’s findings, the research has sparked concerns with its findings. The study revealed that approximately 17.5 per cent of immigrants who arrived during this period eventually opted to emigrate within 20 years, Khalsa Vox reported. The statistics call it “vital” to recognise that emigration rates have been steadily increasing since the 1980s.

According to the study, certain rise in outward migration exceeds the historical average by 31 per cent. These statistics have gathered the attention of people. Although 17.5 per cent might demonstrate a notable percentage of immigrants leaving.

The statistics also showcase that a significant majority opt to stay in Canada. The reasons responsible for emigration are multifaceted and unique to circumstances related to a person, according to the Khalsa Vox report.

The main factors that contribute to the decision include challenges with integration, employment opportunities, and affordability. Increasing crimes and gang wars have also played a significant part in causing fear in the minds of local residents and adding another layer to the complex issue of immigration and emigration in Canada.

The study has not mentioned the destinations of these emigrants, making it difficult to assess whether they are truly leaving for “better” situations in other places, Khalsa Vox reported.

The findings of the study call for contemplation of Canada’s approach to immigration. The study raises important questions about integration support, employment opportunities, and policies that might influence people to not leave Canada.

As per the news report, further research is needed to understand the specific motivations responsible for emigration. The research should have the goal of finding areas where Canada’s immigration system can be improved to better address the needs and aspirations of immigrants. (ANI)

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-Top News Canada Crime

Another Sikh separatist’s house hit by gunfire in Canada

While no injuries were reported, the Peel Regional police could not rule out that more shots were fired at the house….reports Asian Lite News

The house of a Sikh separatist, associated with pro-Khalistan leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun who is a designated terrorist in India, has been hit by gunfire in Canada’s Ontario province, a media report said.

The incident comes just days after multiple shots were fired at the Surrey home of Simranjeet Singh — a “friend” of banned Khalistan Tiger Force leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a designated terrorist in India, who was shot dead outside a Sikh temple in British Columbia last year.

According to The Guardian, a bullet hole was found in the window of an unfinished house, belonging to Khalistan supporter Inderjit Singh Gosal, in Brampton on Monday.

While no injuries were reported, the Peel Regional police could not rule out that more shots were fired at the house.

But they confirmed that a single bullet hole had been found with Constable Tyler Bell-Morena of Peel Regional Police saying it is “too early” to link the shooting to Gosal’s role in the Khalistan movement.

Gosal recently announced that a pro-Khalistan rally would be held outside the Indian consulate in Toronto on February 17.

According to the report, Gosal works closely with Pannun, who is the chief legal counsel of the outlawed Sikhs for Justice and was the target of a foiled assassination bid in the US.

The shooting incidents come just as India and Canada accused each other of interfering in their “internal affairs”.

Recently, Canada named India as a “foreign threat” that could potentially interfere in their elections, months after they accused New Delhi of playing a role in the killing Nijjar on Canadian soil in June last year.

India categorically denied the allegation levelled by Canadian agencies of “interference” as “absurd” and “motivated”.

Further, India said that it is Canada that has been interfering in India’s internal affairs. India has time and again asserted that the “core issue” with Canada is the space it gives to separatists, terrorists, and anti-India elements on its soil.

“It is not the government of India’s policy to interfere in democratic processes of other countries. In fact, quite on the reverse, it is Canada which has been interfering in our internal affairs,” External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

ALSO READ: Gunfire Strikes Home of Pro-Khalistan Activist in Canada’s Ontario

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-Top News Asia News Canada

Canadian charities struggle amid foreign students’ challenges

This comes even as the government has set out to cap new study permits for international students and cancelling work permits for their spouses….reports Asian Lite News

With international students struggling amidst worsening housing and affordability issues in Canada, charities and support groups say they are under strain and have urged the government to step up support.

With nearly 500,000 international students living in the Greater Toronto Area, Khalsa Aid’s national director Jindi Singh says charities are taking on more than their fair share of the load, Ottawa-based CBC news channel reported.

“We truly feel it’s not really our role,” Singh told the news outlet.

The Canadian branch of Khalsa Aid, helping over 8000 students struggling to access food, clothes, and shelter in cities across the country, says the government and post-secondary institutions should be doing more to support international students in need.

Jind said that the organisation has been presently receiving five calls a day from international students needing food, clothing, and shelter, especially from Brampton in Ontario province where he said that the situation is “acute”.

Since last June, Khalsa Aid has delivered over 5,000 grocery bags full of non-perishable food to students in this city, which attracts tens of thousands of international students annually.

The president of the College Student Alliance, Azi Afousi, told CBC that student unions across Ontario have reported fielding more calls about housing struggles, adding that one of her colleagues shares a house with 15 other people.

International students contribute about CA$22 billion ($16.4 billion) annually to the Canadian economy and pay four times more tuition than domestic students.

According to a September 2023 report by consulting firm Higher Education Strategy Associates, students from India alone contributed $2 billion to Ontario’s post-secondary institutions’ operating income last year, compared to roughly $1.8 billion the provincial government contributed.

“For colleges and governments to not provide wrap-around services like housing, food, and job referrals, is a “pure money grab,” Singh told CBC.

This comes even as the government has set out to cap new study permits for international students and cancelling work permits for their spouses.

However, Deepa Mattoo of Sukhmani Haven says that the cap doesn’t do anything to help the students who are already in Canada and are struggling.

While they welcomed the study permit cap, both Mattoo and Singh urged the government to put in place more support for international students who are already there in the country.

The number of international students in Canada crossed one million mark, with Indians leading the pack, accounting for 215,190 out of the 579,075 permits issued till November 2023.

In addition to the two-year study permit cap, the Canadian government also announced that it will more than double the cost-of-living financial requirement for incoming international students on January 1, 2024.

Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller said a single applicant will need to show they have 20,635 Canadian dollars ($15,181) in addition to their first year of tuition and travel costs.

Earlier, Canadian opposition leader Pierre Poilievre has blamed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for making a ‘mess’ of the country’s immigration system.

He said that immigrants, international students, and temporary foreign workers are not to be blamed for Trudeau’s “incompetence”.

ALSO READ: Stoltenberg Warns Trump’s NATO Critique Endangers Global Security

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-Top News Canada India News

Gunfire Strikes Home of Pro-Khalistan Activist in Canada’s Ontario

Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has threatened the shutdown of Delhi's IGI Airport on November 19, the day on which the final of the ongoing cricket World Cup will be played in Ahmedabad.(IANS/Video Grab)

According to The Guardian, a bullet hole was found in the window of an unfinished house, belonging to Khalistan supporter Inderjit Singh Gosal, in Brampton on Monday…reports Asian Lite News

The house of a Sikh separatist, associated with pro-Khalistan leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun who is a designated terrorist in India, has been hit by gunfire in Canada’s Ontario province, a media report said.

The incident comes just days after multiple shots were fired at the Surrey home of Simranjeet Singh — a “friend” of banned Khalistan Tiger Force leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a designated terrorist in India, who was shot dead outside a Sikh temple in British Columbia last year.

According to The Guardian, a bullet hole was found in the window of an unfinished house, belonging to Khalistan supporter Inderjit Singh Gosal, in Brampton on Monday.

While no injuries were reported, the Peel Regional police could not rule out that more shots were fired at the house.

But they confirmed that a single bullet hole had been found with Constable Tyler Bell-Morena of Peel Regional Police saying it is “too early” to link the shooting to Gosal’s role in the Khalistan movement.

Gosal recently announced that a pro-Khalistan rally would be held outside the Indian consulate in Toronto on February 17.

According to the report, Gosal works closely with Pannun, who is the chief legal counsel of the outlawed Sikhs for Justice and was the target of a foiled assassination bid in the US.

The shooting incidents come just as India and Canada accused each other of interfering in their “internal affairs”.

Recently, Canada named India as a “foreign threat” that could potentially interfere in their elections, months after they accused New Delhi of playing a role in the killing Nijjar on Canadian soil in June last year.

India categorically denied the allegation levelled by Canadian agencies of “interference” as “absurd” and “motivated”.

Further, India said that it is Canada that has been interfering in India’s internal affairs. India has time and again asserted that the “core issue” with Canada is the space it gives to separatists, terrorists, and anti-India elements on its soil.

“It is not the government of India’s policy to interfere in democratic processes of other countries. In fact, quite on the reverse, it is Canada which has been interfering in our internal affairs,” External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

ALSO READ-US Withholds Discovery Material from Nikhil Gupta in Pannun Case

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-Top News Asia News Canada

Canadian parliamentarian to hold Sindhi Roundtable  

Jeremy Patzer Official Portrait / Portrait Officiel Ottawa, ONTARIO, Canada on 21 November, 2019. © HOC-CDC Credit: Mélanie Provencher, House of Commons Photo Services

In the recent past, the Sindhi language has also been facing multiple challenges in its land of origin, Sindh, in Pakistan, and the diaspora….reports Asian Lite News

Canadian lawmaker Jeremy Patzer will host the ‘Sindhi Roundtable’ in the Canadian Parliament on February 27, the Sindhi Foundation said in an official statement, adding that the event is aimed at promoting the Sindhi language.

As per the statement, the event will be organised on International Mother Language Day during the parliament session between 11 am and 1 pm (local time).

“This year, Patzer will host an event in the Parliament of Canada. Although International Mother Language Day is celebrated on February 21st each year, since the Canadian Parliament session will start in the following week, the Members of Parliament and Sindhi Community scheduled February 27th for an open discussion to strengthen the relationship of Canada and the Sindhis in Sindh (in Pakistan), as well as the diaspora. Language is the foundation and most prominent part of any culture,” the statement read.

According to the United Nations, “Every two weeks, a language disappears, taking with it an entire cultural and intellectual heritage. At least 43 per cent of the estimated 6,000 languages spoken in the world are endangered. Only a few hundred languages have genuinely been given a place in education systems and the public domain, and less than a hundred are used in the digital world”.

International Mother Language Day is observed every year to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.

In the recent past, the Sindhi language has also been facing multiple challenges in its land of origin, Sindh, in Pakistan, and the diaspora.

Hence, the Sindhi Foundation persistently celebrates International Mother Language Day every year, the release informed, adding that other than language promotion, the event scheduled to be held on February 27 at the Canadian Parliament will help build strong relationships between Sindhis and Canadians.

“Time has come for the Canadian Consulate in Karachi and the High Commission in Islamabad to recognise the Sindhi language and provide services to Sindhis in their own native language,” Sufi Laghari, executive director of the Sindhi Foundation, was quoted as saying in the release.

“Time has come that the Canadian Consulate in Karachi and the High Commission in Islamabad must recognize the Sindhi language and provide services to Sindhis in their own native language,” Laghari added.

International Mother Language Day was proclaimed by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in November 1999.

The idea to celebrate mother tongue was carried forward at the initiative of Bangladesh. And, the UN General Assembly welcomed the proclamation on the day of its resolution in 2002. (ANI)

ALSO READ: India Denies Allegations, Accuses Canada of Interference