✔︎ Bill C-50, Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act

Bill

Bill C-50, An Act respecting accountability, transparency and engagement to support the creation of sustainable jobs for workers and economic growth in a net-zero economy

Vote

Yea.

Rationale

The Government of Canada has committed to take action to support a shift to a net-zero economy for Canadian workers and communities, including through the introduction of legislation and measures to support the creation of sustainable jobs. A robust federal transparency and accountability framework is required to clearly articulate the government’s approach and ensure coordinated action over time as the net-zero transition evolves.

Passed.

Bill Status

At report stage the House of Commons

The governments of Canada and British Columbia invest in Fraser River Bank Erosion Protection

December 1, 2023 – Abbotsford, British Columbia

Efforts to reduce the risk of further erosion on the Fraser River bank, and in particular that of the Matsqui Dike, are receiving much needed support, thanks to the combined investment of more than $19 million from the governments of Canada and British Columbia, along with the City of Abbotsford.

Announced by MP John Aldag, Minister Nathan Cullen, and Mayor Ross Siemens, the project will increase the resilience of the dike -- which is situated on the Sumas First Nation’s traditional fishing territory, and also protects the Matsqui First Nation downstream.

This project is the first of its kind to address flooding and bank erosion concerns in Abbotsford through a collaborative approach between Sumas First Nation, the City, and the Province. The project design incorporates Indigenous knowledge, engineering, and environmental solutions to minimize the risk of Fraser River flooding due to a Matsqui Dike breach, while restoring fishing sites and improving fish habitat.

Overall, the project will reduce the likelihood of bank erosion creating a dike breach, due to climate change.

Making adaptation investments now will have major economy-wide benefits later. Every dollar that is invested in adapting and preparing for climate-related disasters can return as much as $13 to $15 in benefits.

“With increasing importance on protecting our environment and communities from climate change, investments in disaster mitigation is another step the federal government is taking to protect Canadians. With this announcement, we are working to mitigate climate issues that continue to impact the Fraser River and the Matsqui Dike by protecting this area from further erosion. We will continue to work with all levels of government to secure Canadians’ future, better protect homes, and create greater climate resilience.” – John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale – Langley City

Contacts:

Megan Waddington
Constituency Assistant
Office of John Aldag, Member of Parliament
604-575-6595
john.aldag@parl.gc.ca

The governments of Canada and British Columbia invest in more resilient connections for communities in southeastern B.C.

November 17, 2023 – Golden, British Columbia

Two bridges crossing Kicking Horse River will receive upgrades that make them more resilient to the impacts of climate change, thanks to a combined investment of more than $89.6 million from the governments of Canada and British Columbia. Announced by Member of Parliament John Aldag and Minister Rob Fleming, this project will reduce the risk of damage to essential infrastructure in Golden caused by climate-related events.

Kicking Horse Bridges 1 & 2 cross the river on Highway 95 and act as the sole link for vehicles between the north and south sides of Golden. They also provide a key link between Highways 1 and 3 and several communities along Highway 95 between Golden and Cranbrook. Funding will replace and increase capacity of the Kicking Horse River bridges to withstand the impacts of climate-related events such as ice jams, debris flows, and flooding. The upgrades will prevent the damage and potential loss of important connections that could threaten access to essential goods and services for communities in the area. Project funding will also improve active transportation options on the bridges by constructing multi-use paths that connect to the municipal active transportation network.

Making adaptation investments now will have major economy-wide benefits later. Every dollar that is invested in adapting and preparing for climate-related disasters can return as much as $13 to $15 in benefits.

The federal government will continue investing in infrastructure to continue growing our country’s economy, building resilient communities, and improving the lives of Canadians.

“Our government remains committed to building a more resilient Canada. Infrastructure Canada’s Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund supports proactive improvements to essential public infrastructure that will do exactly that. The funding announced today will reduce the risk of damage caused by climate-related events to two bridges that are integral to the residents of Golden and Highway 95 users. We will continue to invest in disaster and mitigation projects that safeguard Canadians and the infrastructure that keeps our communities running.” – John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale – Langley City

Contacts:

Megan Waddington
Constituency Assistant
Office of John Aldag, Member of Parliament
604-575-6595
john.aldag@parl.gc.ca

RNNR Committee, Oct. 23 (Pt 1)

I've had a lot of questions from constituents frustrated that the Sustainable Jobs Act is being held up by the Conservatives in committee. We are now entering the third week and it is STILL being filibustered by the Cons.

On Monday, October 23rd, I was disappointed to see Conservative Members of the Natural Resources Committee filibuster our witnesses, some of whom who took their time to fly to Ottawa to testify. Our committee had been discussing Canada’s Clean Energy response to the US Inflation Reduction Act, with witnesses from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Climate Institute, the Net-Zero Advisory Body, the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, Unifor Quebec, and the Canadian Labour Congress. I had some important questions I wanted to ask the Canadian Labour Congress and the Canadian Climate Institute, but I sadly never got the chance to speak due to the Conservative filibuster and antics.

I have one clip here that shows the motion the Conservatives moved, which had no relevance to the discussion at hand as its sole purpose was to disrupt Committee.

✔︎ Bill C-49 (Accord Acts Amendments)

Bill

Bill C-49, An Act to amend the Canada–Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act and the Canada–Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts

Vote

Yea.

Rationale

These amendments build on our governments’ joint announcements in April 2022, to expand the mandate of the Offshore Boards to include the regulation of offshore renewable energy projects. Amending the Accord Acts and expanding the mandate of the existing Offshore Boards to include offshore renewable energy will ensure there is a clear, consistent and predictable regulatory regime in federal-provincial jointly managed offshore areas. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting Canada’s clean energy sector by working with provincial partners like Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador on these amendments to create new clean energy opportunities, strengthen the economy and better protect Canada’s environment for the future.

Passed.

Bill Status

At consideration in committee in the House of Commons

Questions to Suncor CEO

Thank you Suncor CEO Richard Kruger for speaking with the Standing Committee on Natural Resources and answering my questions about Canada's ongoing work to reduce Green House Gas emissions and the impacts of the oil and gas sector on climate change.

Open Letter: Correcting the Conservative narrative on BC’s carbon price

In recent weeks, the leader of the Conservative Party has toured British Columbia, claiming that should he ever be Prime Minister, he will “Axe the Tax” on carbon pricing.

But he must know that BC runs its own carbon price that predates the federal version by more than a decade.

BC’s price on pollution has been in place since 2008. That’s almost as long as Mr. Poilievre has been collecting a public paycheque as a Member of Parliament.

If the BC provincial government’s carbon pricing plan has been in place for fifteen years, how exactly does Mr. Poilievre intend to “Axe the Tax” in BC?

It’s easy: he doesn’t.

Mr. Poilievre is blatantly spreading misinformation about the carbon pollution price to British Columbians. As Prime Minister, he would have no power to tell BC to eliminate its carbon pricing plan. If the Conservative Leader is implying that he can tell BC’s Premier what to do and to cancel the carbon price, he should explain in detail how he plans to accomplish this.

The climate crisis is a serious reality we’re facing. We just witnessed the most dangerous wildfire season on record, which is being fueled by climate change. Mr. Poilievre has been the leader of the Conservative Party for over a year and still has not put forward a climate plan. In a summer when BC has lost 2.48 million hectares of forests, homes, and communities, his lack of action disrespects the plight of British Columbians.

John Aldag
Member of Parliament for Cloverdale-Langley City

Contacts:

Megan Waddington

Constituency Assistant

Office of John Aldag, Member of Parliament

john.aldag@parl.gc.ca

Budget 2022’s focus on housing, economic growth, and climate action aligns with local priorities

April 14, 2022 – British Columbia

During pre-Budget consultations, John met with individuals, businesses, and organizations throughout Cloverdale — Langley City. Residents wanted three themes to be addressed:

“Housing affordability, economic development, and climate action were consistently the top takeaways from my consultations with constituents. Our community has been hit hard by the housing crisis and needs federal leadership. Budget 2022 engages with the provinces and municipalities to address the shortage of supply. It also makes it easier to become first-time homeowners.

“Our local economy depends on investments into new infrastructure. This includes the SkyTrain extension and community hubs like the Langley Performing Arts Centre. Our government is committing to these investments and new economic opportunities for our community.

“We have experienced increasingly extreme weather that is causing hundreds of deaths and billions of dollars in damages. We are investing more into climate action to protect us from these events and creating new and sustainable jobs for the future.”

Contacts:

Megan Waddington
Constituency Assistant
Office of John Aldag, Member of Parliament
604-575-6595
john.aldag@parl.gc.ca

Emergency Debate on Catastrophic Flooding in BC

Mr. Speaker, this is my first speech in the House of Commons since 2019 and it is good to be back. I am proud to say I am visiting the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation from the traditional and unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples including the Katzie, Kwantlen, Matsqui and Semiahmoo First Nations. I would like to begin by thanking the voters of Cloverdale-Langley City for returning me to Parliament – a testimony to the kind of representative that they want from their Member of Parliament, and Government.

I must thank all the volunteers who helped me over many months – I would not be sitting here if it were not for you all. Also, to my wife Elaine and children Kai, Hattie, and Kalani, thank you for always supporting me.

The devastating flooding in B.C. last week was heart-breaking to watch and continues to weigh on my mind as this parliament begins. This is especially true of the five individuals who lost their lives, two of whom were parents of a toddler they were on their way home to see – and those still missing. Considering how to avoid loss of life in the future should be the first priority as we rebuild.

Henry Braun, Mayor of Abbotsford – one of the worst hit areas – estimated that damaged caused to his city is $1 billion. $1 billion is the cost to just one city alone in the region. The most recent estimate for the total damage is over $8 billion. The economic impact on our infrastructure, to farmers, including half of B.C.’s dairy farmers, businesses, and to personal property is distressing. The scale alone should be cause for concern regarding our economic future. We need systems to mitigate economic disruptions during extreme weather.

The loss of animal life must be considered as well. Thousands of animals drowned from the flooding and died from being stuck in transports with no access to farms or feed. For farmers this is costly and to our domestic food security, disruptive, but also a sad state of animal welfare. Farmers and farm animals need emergency procedures for protecting animal welfare during these events.

The losses to our critical infrastructure, particularly bridges and segments of railroad are causing shortages in key household goods.  Gasoline is being rationed. Some of this infrastructure will take months to repair, posing challenges for our communities, provinces, and country.  Many of these routes move goods to and from Canada’s biggest port – the Port of Vancouver – and the rest of the country. For our food security and supply chains, how to withstand another event such as this needs to be central to the reconstruction of this infrastructure.

I must acknowledge how my constituency managed during the flooding. While Cloverdale – Langley City is close to Abbotsford and many of the hardest hit areas, it avoided the devastating flooding – this time. However, residents did face property damage that, as we emerge from COVID-19, is another economic hurdle to overcome. Some parts of my riding, are playing an important role in food security, including Hepple Farms. Working sandy loam soil, their crops withstood the rains and will be able to provide for the greater region as we experience losses in BC’s interior.

The effects of the flooding go far beyond the Lower Mainland though. Much of B.C.’s coast was impacted by flooding last week and is again, as I speak, experiencing further downpours of rain. Communities in the interior including Merritt and Princeton were also negatively affected.  Extreme weather events are not restricted to B.C. either. Atlantic Canada is simultaneously being subject to unprecedented rainfall and the prairies have suffered a terrible drought this year. Recovering from these events will take commitments from all levels of government.

Inaction will continue to cost society. Insurance claims will drive up insurance costs, and in some areas, insurance isn’t available if property is in a flood plain. This puts pressure on governments to help homeowners rebuild following these types of catastrophic weather events. No human life should ever be lost. Farm animals need to be protected. As does personal property.

With loss of life, economic impacts, animal welfare, and supply chains in mind, the catastrophic flooding last week is the most recent illustration, and perhaps the most significant, of how necessary climate adaption, mitigation, and resiliency are to Canada. Our country is warming at twice the rate of the global average. In the Arctic, it is three times the rate. Preventing warming past 1.5 degrees Celsius will mean for us, 3 degrees, and the Arctic, 4.5 degrees.

These effects are why our Government is ready to move faster of climate initiatives than we have before. We that demonstrated this year with our ambition targets of 40-45 percent reduction in our emissions; at COP26 by committing to ending thermal coal experts by 2030, capping and reducing the oil sectors emissions to net-zero by 2050, and aiming to cut our methane emissions by 30 percent no later than 2030.

Without these actions, the $8 billion cost of a single extreme weather event, will be more frequent and more costly. $8 billion dollars is about 3% of my province’s economy. It is simply not sustainable to be unprepared for extreme weather and climate change.

Our government is addressing this directly by including Canada’s first-ever National Adaptation Strategy in the Speech from the Throne. Reconstruction of infrastructure will need to include funding to ensure that future infrastructure can withstand extreme weather events like this and likely stronger. Our national strategy will need to include processes for protecting businesses and farms, including their animals. It will need to support stronger implementation of warning systems to avoid loss of life.

The floods last week were devastating, catastrophic. There is no other way to describe them, but they serve as a terrible reminder of the urgency and fortitude that our government, and every MP here, must act with to implement strong climate action to avoid such events in the future.  Our government has committed to assisting British Columbians with recovering, and with preparing for future extreme weather events.

John’s Address to the Speech from the Throne

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to say I am visiting the unceded Territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation from the traditional and unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples including the Katzie, Kwantlen, Matsqui and Semiahmoo First Nations.

I will be splitting my time today with my colleague, the member from St. John’s East.

Mr. Speaker, this throne speech echoes so much of what I heard at the doors this past summer, including:

-        pushing forward positive, diverse, and inclusive politics;

-        getting beyond the pandemic;

-        moving forward faster on the path to reconciliation;

-        addressing biodiversity loss through increased protection of our lands and waters;

-        setting and acting on ambitious climate targets; and

-        addressing inflation and the rising cost of living including 2 priorities:

o   creating $10 a day childcare;

o   implementing a comprehensive plan on housing.

This last issue, the issue of affordability, is a top priority in Cloverdale-Langley City.  As the second-youngest riding population-wise in British Columbia, action on housing affordability and $10 a day childcare will have huge positive impacts on our community.

As someone with an extensive background with Parks Canada, and as a resident of BC – an area that has been seriously affected this past year by extreme heat, fires, and now floods caused by back-to-back-to-back atmospheric rivers - climate change has never been so urgent. The heat dome, wildfires, and as I speak, the devastating floods in B.C. demonstrate that we cannot afford to wait.

Cloverdale – Langley City is a diverse riding – consisting of many faith groups, cultural and linguistic identities, and people from backgrounds from around the country, and around the globe. In the last election, voters called for their next MP and Government to create an inclusive future that holds diversity as a symbol of strength – and our cabinet is the most reflective of Canada in our history.

I heard loud and clear that our Government needs to be more ambitious on climate change – and we demonstrated that ambition at COP26. Voters called for more affordable and accessible childcare – and our Government is ready to work with B.C. to cut costs in half by 2022 and create 40,000 additional spaces.

I heard door after door that a legitimate housing plan, which addresses the insufficient housing supply and makes buying a house more affordable is needed – and we created a housing minister to act swiftly on our housing plan. We’re going to help put home ownership back in reach for Canadians with a more flexible First-Time Home Buyer Incentive, a new rent-to-own program, and by reducing closing costs for first-time buyers.

The Throne speech reiterated and advanced our commitment to reconciliation. It recognized that, and I am quoting, “reconciliation is not a single act, nor does it have an end date. It is a lifelong journey of healing, respect and understanding. We need to embrace the diversity of Canada and demonstrate respect and understanding for all peoples every day.” This is the commitment we need.

When I was elected to the 42nd parliament, my private member’s bill, C-374, passed unanimously and was to implement a call to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 79. Unfortunately, my bill died in the Senate, but I am committed to continue pushing along and participating in initiatives to further reconciliation.

The Speech from the Throne also illustrates the urgency in finishing the fight against COVID-19. We acted quickly with the federal vaccine mandate and we will act quickly to support those who are still financially impacted by COVID-19 while ensuring businesses continue to drive our country’s economic recovery. We will continue to support provinces in the delivery of vaccines including for children to ensure we get everyone who wants a vaccine vaccinated as quickly as possible.

Mr. Speaker, Immigration is another focus on the Speech from the Throne that is so important for my riding. Whether it is increasing immigration levels to meet labour demands, reducing wait times to make the process easier for approved applications, family re-unification to bring families together again, or a world-leading refugee resettlement program that helps the most oppressed.

Business owners in my riding, like many throughout the rest of Canada, have come to me about labour shortages. I have already had conversations with them about how we can use our immigration system to help ease their shortages. Family re-unification continues to be important for my constituents and is a policy I continue to fully support. Reducing wait times is a particularly important now. The beginning of COVID reasonably, caused a significant slowdown, but now we must reduce those wait times. This is critical for driving our economy and for brining reuniting families.

New Canadians deserve to be reunited with their families and loved ones, they bring economic empowerment and strengthen diversity and inclusion. I have witnessed this firsthand in my community. Over the last several years, my community has grown to be one that is culturally diverse. We have benefitted from this. As MP in the 42nd Parliament, I held inter-faith meetings in Cloverdale – Langley City where we learned from each other and grew stronger as a community.

This throne speech reflects many of the commitments I made to Cloverdale – Langley City in my local platform. Our government’s infrastructure investments will help deliver Skytrain to Langley City, a much-needed transit lane that will shorten commuting times, reduce emissions, and better connect the lower mainland. I will work with provincial and municipal partners to ensure the Skytrain and other projects that support the current and future needs of Cloverdale – Langley City are prioritized and completed.

This throne speech reaffirms our government’s support for positive politics. I will take immediate action to restore positive, progressive, and inclusive politics to Cloverdale – Langley City so everyone can feel safe, respected, and included, regardless of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability or income.

I am working to convene a Fairness, Diversity, and Inclusion Council to create solutions that reduce inequality in our community. The council will provide advice and insights so I can tackle the inequalities that Cloverdale – Langley City residents are facing.

The throne speech highlighted the urgency backed by investments to transition to a green economy. With these announcements, I will ensure Cloverdale – Langley City is included and leads in the emerging green economy. I’ll promote real climate change solutions and work with the BC Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy to secure investments in clean, zero emission technologies, and create sustainable jobs in Cloverdale – Langley City. This year, more than ever, has illustrated how both adaptation and mitigation policies are needed in our riding of Cloverdale-Langley City, in our province of B.C., in our country of Canada, and indeed globally.

Our government is committed to reconciliation with Indigenous communities. I have the same commitment for Indigenous Peoples in the constituency for whom I have been elected to represent. I will be pursuing, with appropriate consultations, an Indigenous-led urban cultural space and service delivery centre in Cloverdale – Langley City for Indigenous Peoples, particularly Indigenous persons living in our urban and suburban neighbourhoods. I’ll work with Indigenous leaders and local partners to create a place for delivery of Indigenous services and celebration of Indigenous culture in Cloverdale – Langley City. I’ll also advocate for federal support for local Indigenous history education programs and cultural celebrations.

We have committed to supporting communities thrive as our economy roars back from COVID-19. Part of the strategy, in my community, will be supporting the development of the Performing Arts in our region. I’ll secure federal support for accessible, sustainable spaces where the residents of the lower Fraser Valley can celebrate and experience our vibrant performing arts community. This will become a cultural and arts centre for the greater region, and fill a much-needed void in our rapidly-growing community.

Fighting for the needs of the agricultural sector and farmers will continue in this Parliament. In Cloverdale – Langley City, I will convene an Agricultural Advisory Council of farmers and other agricultural industry partners to share insights and advice to ensure that there is support for strong and sustainable agriculture in Cloverdale-Langley City.

Our government’s support for mental health and drug addiction was re-iterated in the Throne Speech. Both, especially finding solutions to drug addiction is critical for my province and many in my community.  We must work quickly and fiercely to end the opioid crisis that has taken too many lives.

This throne speech represents our ambitious plan to make life more affordable, reduce our emissions while building an economy for the future, and act on reconciliation. As we resume this work in parliament, I will be listening to and advocating for my constituents. For every step of progress we make in this House, I will fight to have that progress delivered to Cloverdale – Langley City.

Most important to me, is that this is the moment to stand up for diversity and inclusion. When I heard the former Conservative Member of Parliament for Cloverdale – Langley City use scripture to attack the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community in this very Chamber, I knew that my work was not done. This is why I am proud to see our government commit to diversity and inclusion. That is why I am proud to be returned to this chamber, to support this Speech from the Throne and legislation that will flow from it including yesterday’s strengthened bill to ban conversion therapy.

For Cloverdale – Langley City I will, once again, advocate for, not degrade, vulnerable individuals and communities within our riding and across Canada.

Mr. Speaker, for all the reasons mentioned today, I am glad to be back as the representative for Cloverdale-Langley City as part of a government that both recognizes and acts on the needs of Canadians in 2021 and beyond.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.