The Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, issued the following statement in recognition of Navratri. “Today, Hindu communities in Canada and around the world will celebrate Navratri. Navratri is one of the most important festivals for the Hindu community. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, and is celebrated over nine consecutive nights. On this occasion, family and friends gather to pray, share special meals, exchange greetings, dance, and celebrate. The nine-night festival is now celebrated by Hindus and non-Hindus alike in South Asia and around the world, including in Canada. As we mark the 150^th anniversary of Confederation, I invite Canadians to reflect on the important contributions of Canada’s Hindu community to our national fabric. Canada is a stronger and more prosperous country because of its diversity. On behalf of our family, Sophie and I extend our best wishes to all those celebrating Navratri.”

Penalties for careless and distracted drivers set to rise

Ontario is planning to fine careless drivers who cause death up to $50,000. Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca has announced that the Liberal government will introduce legislation this fall that would help crack down on careless and distracted driving.

A new offence for careless driving causing death or bodily harm would lead to a licence suspension of up to five years, fines of between $2,000 and $50,000, up to two years of jail time and six demerit points. As well, the fines for distracted driving would increase from a maximum of $1,000 to up to $2,000 on a second conviction and up to $3,000 for third or subsequent incidents, as well as six demerit points for multiple offences.

Novice drivers – those with a G1, G2, M1 or M2 licence – convicted of three or more distracted driving offences can have their licence cancelled. Del Duca said that drivers who don’t yield to pedestrians would also see increased fines under the legislation from a current maximum of $500 up to $1,000.

Doctor faces sexual abuse allegations

Dr. Chee Choon Lee of Scarborough is facing allegations of having sexually abused a patient over the course of several years. He’s been under restrictions since January that prohibit him from interacting with female patients without a practice monitor present. He allegedly broke those conditions in May of this year.

This week, the CPSO’s disciplinary committee heard from the alleged victim – who can’t be named because of a publication ban – that beginning in 2010, Lee started to engage in inappropriate touching. Through an interpreter, she described how Dr. Lee touched her shoulder, while looking at her inappropriately. She claims he didn’t say anything but that his “facial expression was not good.”

“When he touched me, I got away from him so he should know that means I don’t like the way he touched me,” she said through an interpreter.

She further claims that he was inappropriately touching her thigh on another occasion, although she concedes she did see him several times for rheumatoid arthritis in her legs, ankles and throughout her body.Lee’s hearing is expected to last few more  days.