Corrupt Pinoys find haven

It is common knowledge that several corrupt Filipino businessmen/government officials/shady politicians/bankers/concubines/kept women, even fugitives with embezzled funds have fled to Canada to hide. Now, there is a massive Chinese bank fraud linked to a fugitive who supposedly found haven in Canada. The amount was reported to be over $150 million in embezzled funds from the Bank of China branch in northeastern city of Harbin.

There are now talks about Canada’s role in sheltering some of Asia’s biggest crime suspects. In the Philippine community here in BC, there’s always talk or rumors about some Filipinos who are now leading very low profile lifestyles to avoid detection and press attention. Canada does not have an extradition treaty with some countries so the government has been reluctant to return fugitives because of concern that they could be executed.

Japan used to be the single source of tourists to British Columbia. But not anymore, in a few years. It will definitely be China as Canada received approved destination status from the Chinese government. Nearly 75,000 Chinese visited BC last year, but tourism officials predict that over 300,000 Chinese tourists will come in the next two years. In comparison, nearly 240,000 Japanese tourists came last year. The attraction would be due to the fact that the province is ethnically diverse and there’s great access to nature.

The province finally did something to eradicate aggressive beggars and squeegee kids with the recent implementation of the new anti panhandling law. It was amended as Trespass Act, known before as Safe Streets Act.

The bill makes it illegal to beg in an aggressive manner, stand on a roadway cleaning car windows for money, or ask people for spare change at pay phones, automated teller machines and bus stops. Thus, beggars and window washer kids could face up to $115 and even jail time. Could this ever happen in Manila?

So what’s allowed?

• Displaying a sign asking for money.

• Politely asking someone for spare change once.

What is not allowed now.

• Asking for money in a way that would make a reasonable person worry about their safety or security.

• Asking for money repeatedly, after someone has already said no.

• Asking for money from someone while they are in their car even if the car is at a stop light or parked.

• Squeegeeing windows for spare change while a car is on the road.

The law will surely make Vancouver residents and tourists happier and safer. It is just in time for the forthcoming 2010 Winter Olympic Games. After all, the event has projected the BC economy over $5.8 billion in tangible economic boom alone.

For an insider’s look at Canada (if you’re really interested in Canadian lifestyle), ask a friend to send you a copy of the book "How To Be A Canadian," written by humorists Willian and Ian Ferguson. Here are samplers:

• Out of the 3 1/2 hours of spare time Canadians have left over each day, they usually spend at least three hours in front of the television.

• Canada’s contribution to world cuisine include, baby pabulum, frozen peas, Poutine (French fries covered with cheese and curds and gravy) and maple syrup.

• There is nothing you can’t discuss in Canada when it comes to sex. You can call up strangers and say "Hi! We’re taking a survey and we want to talk to you about sex! Do you like sex? How often do you have sex?"

• One of the most popular pastimes in Canada is standing in line. Canadians will stand, for hours if need be, with their arms crossed. They really enjoy a good wait, if only because it allows them to get peeved without having to do anything about it.

• Canadians confuse conformity with politeness. They hate Americans, but they’re not really sure why.

• Canada is a democratic society based upon the ideals of equality and opportunity for all.