Question to Min. Holland on Federal-BC Healthcare Agreement
Thank you to Minister Holland for answering my question in the House of Commons about the government’s recent $1.2B healthcare agreement with the province of British Columbia.
✔︎ Bill C-49 (Accord Acts Amendments)
Voted yea. Bill adopted.
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
Supporting BC’s healthcare needs
John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale—Langley City statement on supporting BC’s healthcare needs
October 11, 2023 – British Columbia
Mark Holland, Canada’s Minister of Health, has announced a funding agreement between the federal and British Columbian governments.
Earlier this year, the federal government earmarked $25 billion for tailored bilateral agreements with provinces and territories to address each region’s unique healthcare needs.
The governments of Canada and British Columbia have signed a three-year, $1.2 billion health deal to improve the province’s healthcare system.
Through this agreement, the Government of Canada is helping to develop a model of care at 83 acute care sites throughout the province.
This deal will also enhance access to mental health and addiction services, including by expanding the number of Foundry centres across the province from 16 to 35 and reducing 30-day re-admissions for mental illness and substance use.
The province has also agreed to work with the First Nations Health Authority to improve access to culturally appropriate and informed care for Indigenous residents.
“British Columbians want and deserve better access to healthcare services. This announcement is a significant step in the direction of supporting better health outcomes for everyone. I look forward to seeing how these new measures will improve access to healthcare and mental healthcare for residents of Cloverdale – Langley City.” – 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 the Montrose Exchange in Abbotsford
John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale—Langley City statement on investment in the Montrose Exchange in Abbotsford
28 August, 2023 – British Columbia
Today, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, and Erinn Pinkerton, BC Transit President and Chief Executive Officer announced a joint investment of more than $8.4 million to support upgrades to the Montrose Avenue Transit Exchange in the City of Abbotsford.
Project funding will help with the construction of an enhanced transit exchange on Montrose Avenue in downtown Abbotsford. This exchange is required to create the Transit Future Network in Abbotsford and surrounding regions. Further, once completed, the Montrose Exchange will feature approximately ten bus bays, transit shelters, new bike lockers, bike racks, cycling amenities, bus operator washroom facilities, and improvements to pedestrian and road infrastructure.
Public transit is key to creating sustainable economic growth and more inclusive communities.
By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is growing our country’s economy, building resilient communities, and improving the lives of Canadians.
“As the need for public transit grows, our government will continue to support modern, reliable public transportation services for all Canadians. This investment will improve public transit around Abbotsford and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
Contacts:
Megan Waddington
Constituency Assistant
Office of John Aldag, Member of Parliament
604-575-6595
john.aldag@parl.gc.ca
Federal Government investing $198.6 billion in universal healthcare for provinces and territories
John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale—Langley City statement on groundbreaking $196.1 Billion Healthcare Investment
February 13, 2023 – British Columbia
Last week Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a major funding announcement to address the ongoing healthcare crisis.
The Government of Canada is investing $196.1 billion over ten years to provinces and territories to improve healthcare services for Canadians. This funding will be distributed partly through the Canada Health Transfer and partly through tailor-made agreements with provinces and territories that will allow for flexibility for jurisdictional healthcare system needs. The Government is also investing $2.5 billion over 10 years to support Indigenous priorities and complementary federal support.
These investments are built on the pillars of access to quality family health services, a resilient and supported health workforce, access to timely and quality mental health and addiction services, and access to electronic health information.
Collaborative work is underway to support access to home and long-term care. Provinces and territories are also being asked to streamline foreign credential recognition for internationally-educated health professionals and to advance labour mobility.
British Columbians can expect over $28 billion over the next ten years to address immediate pressures on our universal healthcare system, as well as long-term concerns. By working together, the federal and provincial governments can fix this healthcare crisis.
“Healthcare in Cloverdale – Langley City and the rest of British Columbia is not meeting expectations. The demand for family doctors has risen and the wait times to access healthcare services have increased to unacceptable levels. This funding from the federal government will help the province deliver healthcare services in Cloverdale – Langley City and throughout our province, through our universal, publicly funded system. I welcome this new funding from the federal government, and I am excited to continue the discussion as more information becomes available.”
Contacts:
Megan Waddington
Constituency Assistant
Office of John Aldag, Member of Parliament
604-575-6595
john.aldag@parl.gc.ca
Federal Contribution over $95 million for Trans-Canada Highway 1 - High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane Extension (216 Street to 264 Street)
John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale—Langley City statement on federal contribution to Trans-Canada Highway 1 HOV Expansion
December 19, 2022 – Langley, British Columbia
Langley is celebrating the start of construction on the Highway 1 Widening Project. This expansion will add one high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane in each direction between 216th Street and 264th Street. The project will also construct and replace three crossings around Glover Road and restructure the 232nd Street Interchange.
Investing in local and regional road infrastructure is a key part of maintaining safe and efficient transportation networks in our communities. From roads and community centres to public transit and infrastructure, investments in infrastructure build strong and healthy communities that are sustainable in the long term. This project will benefit the community by reducing congestion and travel time, as well as enhancing active transportation routes. The Government of Canada has invested $95 million towards this project, which is part of the larger $108.9 million Trans-Canada Highway 1 High-Occupancy Vehicle Lane Extension Project.
This project will reconfigure an existing interchange, replace two existing crossings, and improve active transportation infrastructure, improving safety for road users and ensuring that more commercial and oversize vehicles are able to travel on this route.
“We will keep working collaboratively with our partners to support meaningful investments in infrastructure projects that grow our country’s economy, increase the resiliency of our communities, and improve the lives of Canadians.”
Contacts:
Megan Waddington
Constituency Assistant
Office of John Aldag, Member of Parliament
604-575-6595
john.aldag@parl.gc.ca
✘ Bill C-249, Encouraging the Growth of Cryptoasset Sector Act
Voted nay. Bill defeated.
Bill
Bill C-249, An Act respecting the encouragement of the growth of the cryptoasset sector
Vote
Nay.
Rationale
Bill C-249 is narrow in scope and does not address the potential vulnerabilities and financial instability within the cryptoasset industry. The Bill also does not take into account the international forums and the role of provinces and territories in the cryptoasset sector. In order for the Government of Canada to create a framework for any industry regulated by provinces or territories, consultations must be done prior to the creation of legislation, as this would be in contravention of constitutional agreements.
Failed.
Bill Status
Bill defeated.
✘ Bill C-237 (Canada Health Transfer)
Voted nay. Bill defeated.
Bill
Bill C-237, An Act to amend the Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Act and the Canada Health Act
Vote
Nay.
Rationale
The Act would have exempted Quebec from national criteria and conditions set out in the Canada Health Transfer.
Failed.
Bill Status
Bill defeated.
✘ C-395 (Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements)
Voted nay. Bill defeated.
Bill
C-395: An Act to amend the Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Act.
Second reading.
Vote
Nay.
Rationale
I voted against this Conservative bill to change our government finances.
Result
Defeated.