Statement on Chamber Leadership Panels
Thank you, Mr. Speaker,
Small businesses are the backbone of the Canadian economy, and our chambers of commerce do incredible work serving and representing member businesses.
This winter I had the opportunity to participate in two panels hosted by the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce and the Cloverdale Chamber of Commerce. The “Local Leadership Panel” is a wonderful initiative that connects businesses with representatives from all three levels of government and provides them with the chance to ask questions about government policies and other areas of concern.
I am continuously grateful for the hard work of our Chambers of Commerce in representing the myriad of businesses operating in Cloverdale – Langley City. Cory and Scott – these events wouldn’t be possible without your dedication and leadership in improving our community.
I want to take a moment and thank my co-panelists, for joining me in participating in the Local Leadership Panels. I also want to thank the business leaders who attended these panels, as well as the organizations and institutions that support our Chambers of Commerce and make these events possible.
Thank you.
Statement on Guru Nanak Food Bank
Mr. Speaker,
On July 1, 2020, the Guru Nanak Food Bank was born, serving residents of Surrey and Delta in my province of British Columbia.
Under the banner “Recognize All Human Race as One”, the Guru Nanak Food Bank provides essential food and assistance to those in need. The Food Bank is assisted by 69 youth volunteers aged 9 to 17 who have collectively contributed a staggering 11,569 hours of volunteer work during their summer break.
Guru Nanak Food Bank serves 16,000 people monthly, accounting for 320,000 pounds of food. Just last week, they distributed over 50,000 pounds of bananas to the community!
Guru Nanak Food Bank takes pride in providing these services to this community. These are among the many reasons I strongly support Guru Nanak Food Bank in their application for BC Food Bank membership. I am proud of the progress they have made over the last three years and look forward to continuing my support for this fantastic organization.
Statement about the National Trust for Canada
Thank you, Mr. Speaker,
I rise in the House today to offer congratulations to the National Trust for Canada on their 50th anniversary Conference. Taking place in Ottawa right now at the Château Laurier, this year’s Conference theme is “Transforming Heritage”.
The Conference has brought together over 700 heritage professionals, advocates, and industry leaders from across the country, and is being held in partnership with the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals and the Indigenous Heritage Circle.
The National Trust for Canada is the leading national charity dedicated to the conservation and use of Canada's historic places. Since its inception in 1973, the organization has powered a movement dedicated to preserving and revitalizing heritage buildings, landscapes, and communities for the benefit of people and the planet.
I want to say a special thank you to Natalie Bull and Chris Wiebe from the National Trust. Their dedication to heritage shows through their hard work. They mobilized support for Bill C-23, which is key legislation for the protection of Canada’s national heritage. From conference attendees, I call on members of this House for the swift passage of C-23.
Statement about World Polio Day
Thank you, Mr. Speaker,
Today I stand to recognize World Polio Day and the efforts of Rotary International. Over 700 Rotary clubs across Canada, including my club in Langley, carry the vision of a polio-free world and continue to work tirelessly toward this goal.
Since 2006, the federal government has contributed over 200 million dollars to support polio eradication efforts. Unfortunately, the pandemic has caused millions of children to miss their polio vaccinations, resulting in outbreaks threatening this tremendous progress. Sustained action is critical to protect global health. If we stop now, we risk the paralysis of 200,000 children a year worldwide.
Please join me today in marking World Polio Day by thanking all who contribute to eradicating polio in our local communities and internationally. Our work is not yet complete. We must remain steadfast in our support to end this terrible disease once and for all.
Statement about Seniors and National Pensioners Federation
Mr. Speaker,
October 1st was National Seniors Day. On Friday, I met with three members of the National Pensioners Federation to hear about their concerns and hopes for the rights and well-being of aging people in this country.
According to Statistics Canada, people aged 85 and older could triple to almost 2.5 million over the next 25 years. Many of those citizens are in my province of British Columbia, where individuals 65 and older make up nearly 20% of the population.
Challenges such as the pandemic, accountability for caretakers, and climate change's effects on human health concern this demographic and all those who care for them. The National Pensioners Federation is currently working on a draft for the UN regarding the proposed Convention on the Rights of Older Persons, which would emphasize the critical importance of these issues.
As we move into new chapters for Canada, let us honour the rights of older persons and work hard to ensure people possess the tools and care to navigate aging with security and dignity.
Statement about Don and Kaye Aldag
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker the year was 1958. John Diefenbaker was Prime Minister of Canada, and the 24th session of Parliament began on May 12. Tommy Douglas was the Premier of Saskatchewan, and Terry Fox was born that year. The Avro Arrow flew for the first time, Canada-wide television started, and the Canadian Football League was established (Go Riders).
Arguably the best news event of 1958 was when my parents, Don and Kaye Aldag, were married in southwestern Saskatchewan at the Good Hope Lutheran Church. My parents raised our family, including my siblings, Debbie and Rick, on the family farm that my great-grandparents homesteaded, instilling the values of hard work and optimism even during the most challenging of times.
This past summer, our family celebrated Mom and Dad’s 65th wedding anniversary. Thank you to my parents for their unwavering support for myself and my siblings. Happy anniversary Mom and Dad. I love you.
Statement on Summer Events
Mr. Speaker,
I rise today to share the exciting events that are taking place this summer in Cloverdale-Langley City.
First the Surrey Pride Festival will be taking place on June 24th for a celebration of diversity, inclusion, and equality. I look forward to celebrating Pride Month in our community.
On June 29th, my office will be hosting our first Summer BBQ at Langley City Park. This BBQ is a great opportunity for us to come together for music, fun, and delicious food.
On July 15th, we have the Al Anderson Pool Party, a chance to beat the summer heat with freezies and other cooling off activities.
During the second weekend of August, we can look forward to a warm movie night in the park, complete with popcorn and a starry sky.
As we embrace the spirit of summer activities, let us connect and celebrate the season of summer with our constituents.
Lastly, I would like to wish all fathers a Happy Father’s Day, including my dad, Don Aldag.
Thank you.
Statement Congratulating High School Graduates
Mr. Speaker,
At this time of year, we celebrate the academic achievements of those who have fulfilled another year of studies. This includes those who have completed another year of post-secondary studies, including my daughter Hattie, and those who have convocated.
We also celebrate the achievements of elementary and secondary schools in Cloverdale-Langley City. I congratulate all Grade 12 students who are preparing to celebrate the significant milestone of graduation, including my daughter Kalani.
As these students pursue post-secondary education, trades training, and enter the workforce, I’d like to acknowledge their hard work and accomplishments in pursuit of their passions and life goals.
Congratulations to the graduating and convocating classes of 2023! I look forward to seeing these graduates and graduands shape our future ideas, policies, and investments as they become leaders in our country.
Thank you Mr. Speaker.
Statement Congratulating Darcy & Manjit
Thank you Mr. Speaker,
The John and Muriel Arnason Award is granted to a couple who “serve together to make the Township of Langley a better place through charitable, philanthropic, or other means”. This year’s recipients were Township of Langley residents, Darcy and Manjit Gill.
Since 1994, Darcy and Manjit have both been actively volunteering in the community and have made a significant difference in people’s lives. They are or have been involved with the Langley Memorial Hospital Foundation, Langley Meals on Wheels, BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, the BC Cancer Society, and the list goes on. Even right now, every week, Manjit delivers meals to students at HD Stafford Middle School.
Our community is very grateful to this couple. Congratulations to Darcy and Manjit on this recent recognition. Your work has made our community a better place to live.
Statement Thanking Kimz Angels
Thank you, Mr. Speaker,
On Wednesday mornings in Langley City, a line forms in front of Langley Vineyard Church. This line includes people struggling with hunger, homelessness, and sometimes mental health issues. Some come for healthcare support, while others come for much needed social contact. Waiting inside to welcome those in need are Kimz Angels.
With over 70 volunteers, Kimz Angels cares for our community’s homeless and hungry populations. These Angels provide food, clothing, housing, and essentials to those who need it, no questions asked. Kimz Angels also support seniors with financial struggles, young girls facing insecurities at school, and single mothers. They champion the importance of making positive impacts on other’s lives.
The giving of furniture, non-perishable food, baby necessities, kids’ toys, school supplies, or shelter changes life stories. All it takes is a community coming together to help give a hand up, and this is what Kimz Angles do, rain or shine, in our community.
I have had the privilege of volunteering with Kimz Angels many times over the years. I have seen the tireless efforts that Kimz Angels make in Langley City. Thank you, Kim Snow and all your angels, for the work you do.
Thank you.