Town Hall Discussion on Canada's Defence Policy Review

May 24, 2016 – Surrey, BC

John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale-Langley City invites all residents of Cloverdale-Langley City to attend a town hall discussion on Canada’s National Defence Policy on Friday, June 10 from 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 6 at 17567 57A Avenue, Surrey.

This public consultation has been launched to start an open and transparent dialogue with Canadians and key stakeholders to inform the development of a new defence policy for Canada.

“Canadians deserve the opportunity to contribute to the outcome, which is why we want to hear your views on developing a modern defence policy that will help advance our interests at home and abroad.” 

- John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale-Langley City

A number of issues will be discussed during the meeting, including the main challenges to Canada’s security, the role of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in addressing current threats and challenges, and resource and capability requirements to carry out the CAF mandate.

Canadians can also contribute to the discussion online at www.canada.ca/defence-consultations until July 31, 2016.

Backgrounder:
www.canada.ca/defence-consultations

For more information:

Gunraj Gill
Office of John Aldag, Member of Parliament
778-389-6353
john.aldag.a1@parl.gc.ca

Proposed Medical Assistance in Dying Legislation

Proposed federal approach respects personal choice while protecting vulnerable persons

April 14, 2016 – Ottawa, Ontario

Medical assistance in dying is a difficult and deeply personal issue for all Canadians. It is important to defend people's choices and freedoms in a way that protects the most vulnerable, and also supports the personal convictions of health care providers.

Today, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Jody Wilson-Raybould, together with the Minister of Health, Jane Philpott, announced that proposed legislation has been introduced that would give dying patients, who are suffering intolerably from a serious medical condition, the choice of a medically-assisted death.

The proposed legislation has been developed following the Supreme Court of Canada's unanimous decision in Carter v. Canada to strike down the criminal laws against physician-assisted dying. It is the result of extensive consultations with individuals, groups and experts, at home and abroad, and takes into account a range of interests, including personal autonomy and safeguards to protect the vulnerable. This is a compassionate approach that considers all these interests.

John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale-Langley City was appointed to the Special Joint Committee on Physician Assisted Dying. The Committee worked diligently to respond as requested, and on time, by making recommendations that are in the interest of the people of Canada. The Committee’s recommendations were based in part on the thought-provoking submissions the Committee received through more than 20 hours of witness testimony as well as in written briefs.

"I'm pleased that our government tabled this important legislation in the House of Commons today. The Supreme Court of Canada ruled that medical assistance in dying is now legal in Canada. As legislators, we must now move this bill through the legislative process to meet the Court-imposed deadline of June 6. The bill is cautious in its approach to this sensitive topic, which reflects the position that many Canadians have taken on this issue. I will be holding a town hall meeting to provide an update on the legislation that was tabled and invite comment from the residents of Cloverdale - Langley City” said Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale-Langley City and a member of the Special Joint Committee on Physician Assisted Dying “I encourage the constituents to reach out to me if they have questions or concerns at 604-595-6595 or at john.aldag@parl.gc.ca”

The proposed legislation was developed in line with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It would ensure a consistent approach to medical assistance in dying across Canada while recognizing the jurisdiction of provinces and territories over the delivery of health care services.

The proposed measures would revise the Criminal Code to exempt health care practitioners who provide, or help to provide, medical assistance in dying, from otherwise applicable criminal offences.

Moving forward, the Minister of Justice and the Minister of Health will appoint one or more independent bodies to study how medical assistance in dying could apply to the issue of advance requests, mature minors, and individuals with mental illnesses.

"Medical assistance in dying is a sensitive, complex issue and many Canadians have deeply-held views on the subject. Recognizing the inherent dignity and equality of all Canadians, we are proposing the choice of a peaceful death for patients with a serious medical condition who are irreversibly declining and suffering intolerably. After the Supreme Court of Canada's (SCC) unanimous decision in Carter, it was no longer a question of whether we would have medical assistance in dying in Canada, but how it would be made available. Based on the current evidence, we believe this is the best approach to ensure that dying patients who are suffering unbearable pain have the choice of a peaceful death and that the vulnerable are protected."

- The Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

"Every Canadian deserves access to timely and high-quality health care, including at the end of life. The Government of Canada is grateful for the work of the Special Joint Committee, and will engage with the provinces and territories to support consistency in the delivery of medical assistance in dying, as well as to develop a pan- Canadian monitoring system to collect and analyze data, monitor trends and publicly report on the new regime. To implement our commitment to support a full range of end-of-life care options, we will continue to work with provinces and territories to improve palliative care as part of discussions on a new Health Accord. We will also explore options to support access to medical assistance in dying, while supporting the personal convictions of health care providers."

- The Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Health

For more information:

Gunraj Gill
Office of John Aldag, Member of Parliament
778-389-6353
john.aldag.a1@parl.gc.ca

Proposed Federal Approach Respects Personal Choice while Protecting Vulnerable Persons

April 14, 2016 - Ottawa, Ontario

Medical assistance in dying is a difficult and deeply personal issue for all Canadians. It is important to defend people's choices and freedoms in a way that protects the most vulnerable, and also supports the personal convictions of health care providers.

Today, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Jody Wilson-Raybould, together with the Minister of Health, Jane Philpott, announced that proposed legislation has been introduced that would give dying patients, who are suffering intolerably from a serious medical condition, the choice of a medically-assisted death.

The proposed legislation has been developed following the Supreme Court of Canada's unanimous decision in Carter v. Canada to strike down the criminal laws against physician-assisted dying. It is the result of extensive consultations with individuals, groups and experts, at home and abroad, and takes into account a range of interests, including personal autonomy and safeguards to protect the vulnerable. This is a compassionate approach that considers all these interests.

John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale-Langley City was appointed to the Special Joint Committee on Physician Assisted Dying. The Committee worked diligently to respond as requested, and on time, by making recommendations that are in the interest of the people of Canada. The Committee’s recommendations were based in part on the thought-provoking submissions the Committee received through more than 20 hours of witness testimony as well as in written briefs.

“Quote on the specifics of the legislation – i.e eligibility, safeguards etc.”

- John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale-Langley City and Member of the Special Joint Committee on Physician Assisted Dying

The proposed legislation was developed in line with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It would ensure a consistent approach to medical assistance in dying across Canada while recognizing the jurisdiction of provinces and territories over the delivery of health care services.

The proposed measures would revise the Criminal Code to exempt health care practitioners who provide, or help to provide, medical assistance in dying, from otherwise applicable criminal offences.

Moving forward, the Minister of Justice and the Minister of Health will appoint one or more independent bodies to study how medical assistance in dying could apply to the issue of advance requests, mature minors, and individuals with mental illnesses.

Quick Facts

"Medical assistance in dying is a sensitive, complex issue and many Canadians have deeply-held views on the subject. Recognizing the inherent dignity and equality of all Canadians, we are proposing the choice of a peaceful death for patients with a serious medical condition who are irreversibly declining and suffering intolerably. After the Supreme Court of Canada's (SCC) unanimous decision in Carter, it was no longer a question of whether we would have medical assistance in dying in Canada, but how it would be made available. Based on the current evidence, we believe this is the best approach to ensure that dying patients who are suffering unbearable pain have the choice of a peaceful death and that the vulnerable are protected."

- The Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

"Every Canadian deserves access to timely and high-quality health care, including at the end of life. The Government of Canada is grateful for the work of the Special Joint Committee, and will engage with the provinces and territories to support consistency in the delivery of medical assistance in dying, as well as to develop a pan-Canadian monitoring system to collect and analyze data, monitor trends and publicly report on the new regime. To implement our commitment to support a full range of end-of-life care options, we will continue to work with provinces and territories to improve palliative care as part of discussions on a new Health Accord. We will also explore options to support access to medical assistance in dying, while supporting the personal convictions of health care providers."

- The Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of HealthFor more information:

For more information:

Gunraj Gill
Office of John Aldag, Member of Parliament
778-389-6353
john.aldag.a1@parl.gc.ca

Cloverdale-Langley City opens Constituency Office

March 31, 2016 – Surrey, BC

John Aldag, Member of Parliament for the new riding of Cloverdale-Langley City hosted an inauguration event today to announce the official opening of his Constituency Office.

The office will be located at Suite 5, 19211 Fraser Highway in Surrey and will be open from 9 am – 6 pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday and from 12 pm – 8 pm on Thursdays.

"We’ve been busy serving constituents since October 19 from our cars, in borrowed meeting spaces and at coffee shops and we’re finally ready to welcome the community to our permanent constituency office. We chose to not keep the traditional 9 to 5 office hours because we understand that our constituents come from different backgrounds and have varying schedules so we want to ensure that we are always accessible".

- John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale-Langley City

Office Address:
Suite 5, 19211 Fraser Highway
Surrey, BC V3S 7C9
P: 604-575-6595
E: John.Aldag@parl.gc.ca

For more information:

Gunraj Gill
Office of John Aldag, Member of Parliament
778-389-6353
john.aldag.a1@parl.gc.ca

Government of Canada Invests in Clean Technology

March 11, 2016 – Victoria, B.C - Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Member of Parliament John Aldag, today celebrated a $1,626,138 investment in local clean technology in the Victoria area.

John Aldag welcomed this news following a national announcement made in Edmonton by the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, of investments totalling over $206 million to support 36 cleantech projects in five provinces across Canada.

The projects are being supported by Government of Canada’s investment in SDTC’s SD Tech Fund and SDTC’s NextGen Biofuels Fund.

SDTC’s mandate is to support Canadian cleantech at a critical point in the innovation spectrum, allowing companies to develop and demonstrate their technologies prior to market entry. The companies behind these projects are using their forward-thinking innovations to drive economic and environmental benefits, to create jobs and help strengthen Canada’s middle class.

“Canadians understand that a strong economy and a clean environment go hand-in-hand. Now is the
time for Canadian companies to capture their share of the emerging global market for clean technology.
From waste management, to biofuels, to greener solutions for the oil and gas industry, the Canadian
companies being supported today are leading the world in intelligent, environmentally responsible and
economically sound solutions across a number of key economic sectors.”

- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

“British Columbians are well known for our strong connection to a clean environment and are leaders
on environmental issues. Today's announcement supports Syscor Controls and Automation's work
toward the advancement of clean technology in Canada, and continues the innovative environmental
work coming out of British Columbia”

- John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale-Langley City

Quick facts

• $1,626,138 investment in Syscor Controls & Automation to develop a leak detection sensor cable for pipelines.
• Total value of the project is $4,878,413
• Highly sensitive and easy to install, the technology will enable early and accurate detection of leaks, allowing operators to respond quickly.
• Sustainable Development Technology Canada is an arm’s-length foundation created by the Government of Canada to support projects that develop and demonstrate new technologies to address issues related to climate change, air quality, and clean water and soil.
• SDTC has funded 316 cleantech projects since it was established.
• SDTC invests in Canadian companies that help create quality jobs, drive economic growth, and protect the environment.

Associated links

• https://www.sdtc.ca/en/portfolio/projects/pipeline-leak-detection-technology
• Follow the Minister on Twitter: @MinisterISED

For further information, please contact:
Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca

Media Invitation on Government of Canada Investment in Clean Technology

March 10, 2016 – Victoria, B.C

Members of the media are invited to join John Aldag, MP for Cloverdale-Langley City, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development for an announcement on Friday, March 11, 2016.

Syscor Controls & Automation Inc.
201-60 Bastion Sq.
Victoria, BC
V8W1J2

For further information, please contact:
Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca

Medical Assistance in Dying: A Patient-Centred Approach

February 25, 2016 - Ottawa, Ontario

Cloverdale-Langley City MP John Aldag is a member of The Special Joint Parliamentary Committee on Physician-Assisted Dying (PDAM). The committee tabled its report, Medical Assistance in Dying: A Patient-Centred Approach, in the Senate today and also presented the report in the House of Commons.

In February 2015, the Supreme Court of Canada concluded in Carter v. Canada (Attorney General) that in certain circumstances, the provisions of the Criminal Code that prohibit medical assistance in dying violate the rights of individuals that are protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

On December 11, 2015, the Senate and the House of Commons passed motions to establish a special joint committee whose mandate was to:

Review the report of the External Panel on Options for a Legislative Response to Carter v. Canada and other recent relevant consultation activities and studies, to consult with Canadians, experts and stakeholders, and make recommendations on the framework of a federal response on physician-assisted dying that respects the Constitution, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and the priorities of Canadians.

Guided by the Court’s decision, the Committee worked diligently to respond as requested, and on time, by making recommendations that are in the interest of the people of Canada.
Senators and Members of Parliament worked collaboratively and constructively to grapple with serious issues in a thoughtful and reflective manner.

“The work of the Special Joint Committee, of which I was a part, gathered evidence from diverse interests on this important topic. We must now move forward and ensure that the legislation to come respects the rights and views of Canadians and the Carter decision” stated John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale-Langley City. “I encourage everyone to read the full report and get engaged in the process of crafting a framework on Medical Aid in Dying.”

The Committee’s recommendations are based in part on the thought-provoking submissions the Committee received through more than 20 hours of witness testimony as well as in written briefs. 

The Committee’s deliberations were also informed by all of the Canadian research and consultations that have taken place on this complex and sensitive issue. The Committee commends the work done by the External Panel on Options for a Legislative Response to Carter v. Canada, the Provincial-Territorial Expert Advisory Group on Physician-Assisted Dying, the Canadian Medical Association, and the provincial colleges of physicians of surgeons.

In its report, the Committee makes 21 recommendations, including:

• “That medical assistance in dying be available to individuals with terminal and non-terminal grievous and irremediable medical conditions that cause enduring suffering that is intolerable to the individual in the circumstances of his or her condition”;
• “That the capacity of a person requesting medical assistance in dying to provide informed consent should be assessed using existing medical practices, emphasizing the need to pay particular attention to vulnerabilities in end-of-life circumstances”; “That the permission to use advance requests for medical assistance in dying be allowed any time after one is diagnosed with a condition that is reasonably likely to cause loss of competence or after a diagnosis of a grievous or irremediable condition but before the suffering becomes intolerable”; and
• “That physicians, nurse practitioners and registered nurses working under the direction of a physician to provide medical assistance in dying be exempted from sections 14 and section 241(b) of the Criminal Code.
• Pharmacists and other health care practitioners, who provide services relating to medical assistance in dying, should also be exempted from sections 14 and section 241(b) of the Criminal Code.”

For More Information:

Gunraj Gill
Office of John Aldag, Member of Parliament
778-389-6353
John.Aldag.A1@parl.gc.ca

New Bill will remove Two-Tiered Citizenship

February 25, 2016

Mr. John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale-Langley City applauds the Government of Canada and the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, John McCallum, who today introduced legislation that will provide greater flexibility for applicants trying to meet the requirements for citizenship, and help immigrants obtain citizenship faster.

With this legislation, changes will be made to the provisions of the Citizenship Act that created two tier citizenship. This will ensure that all Canadians – including dual citizens – are treated equally because we believe that a Canadian is a Canadian is a Canadian.

The amendments will also reduce the time permanent residents must be physically present in Canada before qualifying for citizenship by a full year. The proposed legislation recognizes that immigrants often build an attachment to Canada before becoming permanent residents, and will credit applicants for the time spent in Canada as temporary residents or protected persons.

The proposed legislation will also change the age range of those required to pass a knowledge test and meet French or English language requirements to qualify for citizenship from ages 14-64 back to ages 18-54. These proposed changes support the Government’s goal to help immigrants build successful lives in Canada.

“Canada must remain a country whose greatness is reflected by our diversity. These
changes fulfill the promise in our platform to reduce the barriers and hardships faced by many
hardworking immigrants in Surrey and Langley who are seeking to fully join the Canadian family in citizenship.”

- John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale-Langley City

Quick Facts

• Under the proposed changes, revocation of citizenship could still occur if citizenship was obtained by false representation, by fraud or by knowingly concealing material circumstances.
• The Government plans to repeal the requirement that new citizenship applicants have an intent to reside in Canada after becoming Canadian citizens.
• A series of changes to further enhance program integrity are also proposed.
• Canada is a land of immigrants, made up of over 200 ethnic origins, with thirteen of those ethnic groups having Canadian populations over one million. More than one in five Canadians were born outside Canada. This is our strength and a source of great pride.

For more information:

Gunraj Gill
Office of John Aldag, Member of Parliament
778-389-6353
john.aldag.a1@parl.gc.ca