Latest news with #CFBC
CTV News
5 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
B.C. biker clubhouse to become centre for addiction, mental health recovery
A former clubhouse for biker gangs on Vancouver Island is being transformed into a wellness centre. A building in Langford, B.C., once occupied by biker gangs is being transformed into a wellness centre for people recovering from addiction and mental illness. The building was previously used by the Savages Motorcycle Club, and before that, the Devil's Army — both of which police say are tied to the Hells Angels. The clubhouse went on the market last year, after it was raided by police during a drug trafficking and organized crime investigation. About two weeks ago, the Construction Federation of BC (CFBC) bought the property for $1.1 million. '(We're) basically taking the building from notorious to glorious,' said CFBC executive director Abigail Fulton. CFBC is a charity dedicated to supporting people in the construction industry. It plans on turning the space into a wellness hub for tradespeople, called The Forge. 'The building becomes a refuge, a place of hope and wellness for the community,' Fulton said. CFBC needs to fundraise $500,000 to refurbish the building and expand its footprint, she said. It's anticipated renovations will be completed by next summer. 'It's been a couple of decades where the neighbors have been pretty disappointed about the things that were happening at this facility, and now we get to change that script,' said CFBC philanthropy director Mike Manhas. Once the centre opens, the plan is to offer peer support, clinical counsellors, recovery coaching, and a social club. The Forge's services will not include treatment beds or harm reduction services. 'People get sent to treatment, get released, go back into the community and large numbers relapse,' Manhas said. 'When you've gone through the harm reduction piece — (and) there are lots of people providing those services — our job is to provide that recovery piece that no one's providing.' Manhas will help run the centre's programs, alongside carpenter and CFBC industry relations manager Trevor Bodkin. Both men are in recovery. 'The idea being that we take workers like myself with lived experience not only on the tools … but we train them in actually how to use their lived experience of mental health and substance use challenges and recovery to support other workers,' Bodkin said. The Forge team is hosting a ground breaking ceremony next Thursday.
Cision Canada
16-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
PacifiCan investment to boost trade and export success for B.C. businesses
Minister Robertson announces $2.5M investment for companies across B.C., highlighting PacifiCan's impact across the Southern Interior KELOWNA, BC, July 16, 2025 /CNW/ - As one of Canada's fastest-growing cities, Kelowna, a regional hub in B.C.'s interior, is powered by a diverse economy, a thriving tech sector, and a strong spirit of entrepreneurship. PacifiCan has offices across the province, including Kelowna, supporting the entrepreneurs and innovators driving B.C.'s future. Since 2021, PacifiCan has invested over $47M in 156 projects across the Southern Interior, with over $28M in 65 projects specifically in Kelowna and nearby communities in the Thompson-Okanagan. These investments are fueling key sectors like tech, tourism, and manufacturing – creating well-paying jobs, and helping the region remain a hub of innovation and opportunity. Today, the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), announced an investment of $2.5M to help businesses in Kelowna and throughout B.C. find opportunities for growth in new markets and manage the impacts of tariffs. Through this investment, $1.2 million will allow Community Futures British Columbia (CFBC) to continue delivering the Export Navigator program, which helps B.C. businesses become export-ready. Export Navigator pairs businesses with expert advisors in regions across the province who provide personalized guidance to help them achieve their export goals. To date, Export Navigator has helped more than 1,200 businesses begin their export journey, including 280 businesses in the Thompson-Okanagan alone. This initiative also received $1.2 million from the Province of B.C. The remaining $1.3 million of PacifiCan investment will help CFBC and the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade (GVBOT) support B.C. businesses as they adjust to a changing economy and meet requirements of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) through two specialized initiatives: $900,000 for CFBC to launch the CUSMA Compliance Advisory Services Initiative (CCASI), delivered through Export Navigator. This initiative will provide expert advisory services and up to $5,000 to help businesses cover the costs of becoming CUSMA compliant. $380,500 for GVBOT to deliver a series of webinars and in-person workshops in six B.C. communities. These sessions will connect businesses with experts, including customs brokers, lawyers and other professionals, who will provide valuable guidance on CUSMA compliance. As the Government of Canada works towards building one Canadian economy, PacifiCan will continue helping businesses across B.C. remove barriers and unlock new trade opportunities. Quotes "British Columbia is home to a powerful ecosystem of innovators and entrepreneurs, including right here in Kelowna. As the global economy evolves, it is essential that British Columbians have the tools they need to succeed. With this investment, PacifiCan is empowering local businesses to tap into new markets, adapt to a changing economy, and thrive in one Canadian economy." -The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada "Our Export Navigator program is boosting regional economies and creating new jobs by helping B.C. businesses to expand into markets across Canada and around the world. Together with PacifiCan's timely and far-reaching investments across B.C., we are helping to grow the number and diversity of exporters in the province – key goals in B.C.'s Trade Diversification Strategy – as we navigate the current geopolitical challenges." -The Honourable Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, Province of BC "We're grateful for the meaningful support offered by PacifiCan, which allows Export Navigator to continue helping B.C. businesses succeed in new markets. This important funding to CFBC ensures Export Navigator's ability to provide support for businesses throughout communities in urban and rural British Columbia. CUSMA compliance is a key factor for businesses navigating trade with our US partners. Additional funding for the CUSMA Compliance Advisory Services Initiative will assist businesses to access trade consultants and specialists, helping guide them through the complex world of trade." -Kath Britton, Director of Program Operations, Export Navigator "Trade rules and compliance requirements can be a major hurdle for small and medium-sized businesses. With this support from PacifiCan, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade and World Trade Centre Vancouver are proud to help businesses across B.C. build the knowledge and confidence they need to preserve market access, reduce risk, and protect sales and revenue." -Bridgitte Anderson, President and CEO, Greater Vancouver Board of Trade Quick Facts The U.S. is B.C.'s primary export market and represented 57.3% of exports in 2022. For a product to qualify under CUSMA, it must meet certain rules about where and how it was made. Exporters must get a Certificate of Origin to show their product meets these rules. This certificate allows them to get reduced tariffs when trading with the U.S. and Mexico. Since 2019, PacifiCan (and its predecessor, Western Economic Diversification Canada) has provided $4.8M to Export Navigator through two additional projects to help companies across B.C. become export ready and take advantage of international market opportunities. In March 2025, PacifiCan announced $500,000 to help the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade launch their Trade Accelerator Program, which helps companies unleash their export potential. Community Futures British Columbia and its 34 independent member offices are non-profit organizations that support economic growth in rural communities across the province. They are part of PacifiCan's Pacific Business Services Network (PBSN). Associated Links PacifiCan Community Futures British Columbia Export Navigator Greater Vancouver Board of Trade Stay connected Follow PacifiCan on X and LinkedIn Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-9378 TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing impaired): 1-877-303-3388 SOURCE Pacific Economic Development Canada
The Print
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Print
Sacred name sparks courtroom drama: What CBFC argued in affidavit opposing Janaki vs State of Kerala
Taking strong exception to these questions posed to the character bearing 'Goddess Sita's' name, the CFBC in its affidavit before the Kerala High Court submitted that its opposition is not based on trivial grounds, but a profound concern regarding a film's narrative content wherein the character is shown as enduring multiple traumatic and uncomfortable circumstances while seeking justice. These questions posed to the character during a scene depicting her cross-examination after she has been raped, have the tendency to disrupt public order and offend religious sentiments, the CBFC contended while seeking a change in the movie title. She is asked whether she watches pornographic films, whether she uses drugs to enhance pleasure, whether she has a boyfriend, and if she was pregnant prior to being sexually assaulted. New Delhi: The Central Board of Film Certification's (CBFC's) objection to the title of the film Janaki vs State of Kerala stemmed from a scene where the protagonist is asked 'harrowing', 'provocative' and 'humiliating' questions by a lawyer belonging to another religious community. The film tells the story of a rape survivor named Janaki, another name for the Hindu goddess Sita. The Kerala HC was hearing a petition filed by the producer of Janaki vs State of Kerala, challenging the CBFC's refusal to grant it a release certificate unless the title is changed and the word Janaki is muted throughout the film. The movie, which stars BJP minister and actor Suresh Gopi, was initially scheduled for release on 27 June. The certification board in its affidavit also expressed concern about another scene from the film in which the character is shown to be aided by a man from a different religious community. Seeing this as a religious dichotomy in the treatment of a character with a name associated with Sita, the board felt this depiction has the 'potential to inflame communal tensions and create divisive narratives between religious group'. The portrayal, according to the board affidavit, is a deliberate misappropriation of a revered deity's name. Though the affidavit was placed before the Kerala HC, which heard the case Tuesday, the document was not taken up for consideration after the court was told that the CBFC was ready to greenlight the film for release if the producer changed the title from Janaki vs State of Kerala to 'Janaki V' and mute the name during the cross-examination scene in the movie. Appearing for the movie producer, advocate Haris Beeran agreed. The CBFC's counsel Abhinav Chandrachud assured the court that once the revised version of the movie is submitted, the board would grant it censor certification within three days. What CBFC affidavit said The CBFC's 22-page affidavit gave elaborate reasons for the board's refusal to give it a censor certificate. It said that 'Sita holds profound religious significance in the Ramayana' and is 'revered for her devotion to Lord Rama, spiritual dedication and her sacrifice in abandoning a comfortable life to accompany her husband during his 14-year-old forest exile in accordance with Rajya Dharma'. It accused the producers of deliberately appropriating the name of Goddess Janaki/Sita for their lead character with the 'intention of exploiting and distorting her sacred identity'. 'Producers are aware that the name of the goddess Janaki holds deep reverence in the collective consciousness of the masses and have therefore intentionally chosen this title to capitalise on her religious significance,' the board submitted in its affidavit, insisting that the film's release in its preset form would set a dangerous precedent and open a 'Pandora's Box' for future productions. The board also felt that the film will embolden other movie producers to appropriate sacred religious names for characters in 'similarly inappropriate and offensive subject matter, thereby systematically undermining religious sentiments across communities and posing a serious threat to public order.' To the producer's contention that their film is not the first one where a character is named after a goddess, the board drew a distinction between the ones released previously and the film currently in question. In none of those previous films was the sacred name associated with sexual violence or systemic injustice, it argued. Stating that freedom of speech and expression is not absolute, the CBFC contended that the certification process is a 'careful balance between creative freedom and regulatory oversight'. While it safeguards a filmmaker's rights through a multi-tier review mechanism, the broader public interest is protected through the application of established guidelines and constitutional principles, it added. The CBFC accepted that it had given clearance to the teaser, while clarifying that the same cannot be a ground to grant clearance to the movie in entirety. It also advised the court to exercise judicial restraint when it is called upon to interfere with the decision of a specialised statutory body, particularly those entrusted with domain-specific expertise. (Edited by Gitanjali Das) Also Read: Kolkata cops arrest 'absconding' Pune law student 'for hurting religious sentiments' in Op Sindoor post
India.com
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Phule movie review: Patralekha and Pratik Gandhi make it soar in not so typical Bollywood biopic
'Phule' staring Patralekha and Pratik Gandhi is an important watch 'I have a dream… ek aisa samaj ho jahan koi pradhan na ho, sab saman ho' – Jyotirao Phule, Indian social activist, businessman, anti-caste social reformer, who fought for reform change and women empowerment in underprivileged India. A scorching sun, chaos, people masked with cloth wrapped around their faces, bodies lying on beds, Phule opens against the backdrop of the bubonic plague that gripped India in the late 18th century. Was it just another chapter in history, or also a metaphorical lens on the systemic casteism and gender discrimination that still prevail? It's all about what meets the eye—and that's what makes the difference. Ananth Mahadevan's biopic is based on two of India's reformers who remain less celebrated than they deserve: Jyotirao Phule (Pratik Gandhi) and Savitribai Phule (Patralekhaa). This film serves as an introduction to who they were, what they stood for, and the struggle they ignited, one that continues to this day. Savitribai Phule is considered to be the first female teacher in India, along with Fatima Sheikh. She was a feminist iconic at a time when the concept didn't even exist. Jyotirao Phule, his wife and their aides were the people behind why women education exists, who raised voice against gender disparity, caste system, preached rights of women, widow remarriage, harmony with all religions. It was for them who fought tooth and nail, left their families, endured the war against society, a war of the intellect and not physical strength. In biopics like this where political, social and sensitive have strong undercurrents, objections are not surprising. The film witnessed a delay after majorly three Brahmin segments raised objections, and Central Film Board of Certification (CFBC) recommended tweaks. While some groups raised an eyebrow towards the biased and imbalance portrayal of Brahmins, this doesn't take away from the fact the social evil of caste based division did not exist in the first place. If the Brahmin boys were shown throwing cow dung at Savitribai, then it was Tatya Bhide and Vishnu Pant and other Brahmin teachers who joined hands with Phule to move towards progression. Mahadevan has deftly weaved scenes where small actions of the characters portray a lot about their thinking as reformers. Just after Jyotirao and Savitribai come home after another gruesome day, in a scene that appears to be a simple conversation, the gesture of Jyotirao mechanically filling a glass of water and passing to his wife and she accepting it, highlights how they imbibed the values of equality amongst themselves first. Comfortable Faces, Fresh Performances Ananth Mahadevan's choice of cast makes the film get that extra star. Pratik Gandhi as Phule and Patralekhaa as Savitri are known faces, and just comfortable enough, that it brings freshness and not starlight. The entire cast makes it palpably a common people's tale. Gandhi clad in white dhoti, brown coat and red turban effortlessly slips into the character who makes you want to believe in a calm and composed Jyotirao Phule, whose eye burn with passion to uplift the society. For him, it was always a war intelligence and not so much of yielding weapons and violence. So when Phule says, 'Angrezon ki gulami toh 100 saal purani hai, main uss gulami se azaad karwana chahata hun jo kai saal purani hai…' – you believe his passion, the ire towards oppression. Patralekhaa commands attention throughout the film. Just when you mistake her poise for submission, she delivers a sharp jolt, both literally and figuratively, cementing her role as a true feminist icon. Unlike her earlier roles in 'Wild Wild Punjab' or 'IC 814: Kandahar Hijack', where you keep waiting for her to rise to her full potential only for the credits to roll. Phule finally gives her the space to excel, and… she delivers! The chemistry between Pratik and Patralekhaa hits all the right notes. When she affectionately calls Phule 'Sethji,' there's a quiet reverence and deep love in her voice. Every time Gandhi meets her gaze with a smile, you feel the warmth of their bond, rooted in mutual respect and affection. It's moments like these that make the line 'Tum har jeevan mein saathi' from the song Saathi feel tailor-made for them. Vinay Pathak, Akshaya Gurav, Asit Redij, Vishal Tiwari, Suresh Vishwakarma , Amit Bahl, Joy Sengupta, Darsheel Safary, Alexx O' Neil, and the rest of the ensemble cast also deliver solid performances in their respective roles. When The Story Arc Fluctuates Uncomfortably The first half of Phule piques curiosity as the director introduces the ordeals of caste-based discrimination, the layered problems of inequality, and the societal evils that have been reduced to a single page in textbooks. Several small scenes leave you pondering. When Usman Sheikh's (Phule's school friend) sister, Fatima, welcomes the Phules by speaking in English, it brings a smile to your face too, because you imagine: two women conversing in English in the 1800s? A small win, right there. According to the caste system that prevailed at that time, the 'untouchables' were not allowed to move out before dusk so that the 'upper caste Brahmins' do not get near with the shadow that gets cast during noon. In a promising scene when Phule and the Brahmins come face to face, the reformer's one step forward was one step backwards for the social evils. That was the beginning of it all. However, when one comes back after the interval with built up hopes, the tension seems to die down. As the first half rallies through the trials and tribulations, the second half is reduced to heartbreaking emotional phase slowing down the pace too. Here, history is extensive and putting it all together in a 2 hours 20 minute long narrative is a herculean task. Hence, the latter part of the film suddenly feels like a quick flip through rest of the significant chapters in the life of Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule. Here's when it gets bumpy and slightly uncomfortable for the audience. Verdict: It's the simplicity of Phule that makes it a fresh bloom in the era of biopics. The intentions are clear and pure. Patralekhaa and Pratik Gandhi carry Ananth Mahadevan's direction with strength, making it an important watch. It doesn't preach or push hard, but instead encourages reflection, telling the story of reformers who have remained relatively underrepresented. The storyline rushes through significant moments, even within its slow-paced narration, briefly making you wish for a 10-second skip button. Still, it's not preachy but an introduction to Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule's undeterred passion of 'kranti' of the mindsets. Stars: 3.5
