By: Mahmood Awan,
In the wake of the coronavirus epidemic in BC and around the world, the Canadian federal government has reduced the interest rate twice to accommodate individuals and businesses. No one has mentioned Property Tax which will be due July 2, 2020.
The coronavirus pandemic will hopefully settle down by the end of this year, but the effects will remain on the economy for years to come. I would like to see Property tax relief for at least the next three years. Mr. Malcolm Brodie, the mayor of Richmond, likes to state that the tax is calculated on the mill rate. Households and businesses, small or large, need a 15% reduction for the next three years. After three years, hopefully, the economy will bounce back. I request everyone to contact their city and provincial officials to act now before property taxes are due.
Who is going to suffer? Middle-class households, low-income families, small businesses and small wage earners, not big executives earning large salaries.
The Province needs to take this issue extremely seriously to prevent undue hardship on individuals. Individuals must be protected and not the coffers of the cities.
Property tax is the largest burden on individuals.
info:Mawan20@hotmail.com
‘Calamity of
Corona Virus & Scientific Wash’!
By: Gulshan Aalani
In this time of calamity of Corona Virus -C-19 pandemic, most of the time we hear the bands played of ‘Wash hands’. Followed by all kinds of precautionary restrictions of social distances suggesting self Quarantine of no hugging, no kissing, no handshake, no social gatherings, no traveling etc. Though, for many, this new way of ‘lifestyle’ is not so practical and not easy to accept it: except for those who are already since 14c. following many of the above rules of health, ethics and moral values.
Unfortunately, this virus has a devastating impact on jobs, business and overall economic, it is unbelievable.
Though, in reality, just hand washing is not sufficient, especially, for those who travel by public transport touching the contaminated surfaces of the dirty seats, Metal Bars, Poles and hanging straps that has all kinds of germs as some people sneeze covering mouth with the palm of the hand, some pick noses without using tissues: in case of contagious Corona Virus remains on the surface of plastic or Metal for 2 days.(Ref. Dr. Oz. show).
Such certain travelers aren’t aware of the danger and have no idea of cleanliness and social etiquette, so are they going to wash hands and where?
Do they have a facility to wash hands before they enter the Grocery stores and touch the fruits and vegetables? In that case, everyone should also wear plastic gloves before touching anything in the stores. Washing hands, wearing Gloves and Mask must be worn all the time when outside.
Some who hate the Niqab is also forcefully urged to wear a Mask.
Now we see the world wide worn Mask/Niqab for good reasons, yet we hate it like we hate Niqab ordered by the Divine for a number of reasons.
Sadly in the past in Biblical time to today mankind has gone through such calamities of different dangerous deadly diseases, including the invasion of Locust in Africa that has increased the sufferings of farmers.
This is like history is repeating itself for the same reasons.
Evidently, some preachers and intellectuals describe it according to the Scriptures as a divine punishment of our ‘Karma’-sins, and for disobedient to the divine laws, some describe it as a ‘test’ from Almighty Allah-Creator and if kept patience we can pass the test with flying colors that would bring us closer to HIM and be thankful to HIM for guiding us in the good and bad times.
Some 14C ago mankind was given the solutions for all kinds of calamities through the Divine legislated law of ‘cleanliness, Social structure, good behavior of ethics and moral values, keeping away from Clubs, and Bars.
The rule of Quarantine first was established by the final Prophet-Messenger Muhammad (saws), frequent hand washing was suggested by him, including the perfect ‘Scientific Wash’ called W’udu’ to be performed before every Islamic prayer/Salat and every action of washing is proven Medicinal benefits: washing hands up to the elbow like the Medical Surgeons perform before the Surgery, washing hands rubbing palms and fingers, washing Toes by rubbing in between toes and bottom of the feet that have acupressure points, sniffing water to wash nose removes the blockage of the Sinus drainage, etc.
Who can deny that every divine order has many reasons included and not just one and has curable answers? Today the modern technology moves at the speed of the Light, yet doesn’t have all curable answers.
