Seniors in Surrey have the Opportunity to Participate in a New Project Benefiting Many in their Community

September 26, 2016

Seniors in Surrey will receive financial support to conduct facility renovations to get their project off the ground, today announced John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale-Langley City, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development.

Investing in Canada’s communities is not only about creating good jobs and encouraging clean economic growth. It is also about building stronger communities. Partnerships with local governments, institutions and organizations are vital to deliver change and improve the lives of seniors.

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 6 is receiving $22,500 for their project funded through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP). The organization will renovate the flooring to offer a safe environment for seniors to continue dance and participate in new seminars on wealth management and health workshops.

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada is providing approximately $35 million in New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) funding for close to 1,850 community-based projects approved through the NHSP 2015–2016 Call for Proposals.
• Eligible organizations can receive up to $25,000 in NHSP funding for community-based projects that are led or inspired by seniors.
• Since 2004, the NHSP has funded close to 17,800 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada, with a total Government of Canada investment of more than $360 million.

“Through the many community-based projects we support each year, our government helps provide seniors with unique opportunities to share their knowledge, skills and experiences with others in their community. Initiatives such as this highlight our commitment to the wellbeing of seniors and strengthen the fabric of our society through partnerships.”

- The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Canada

“Our government is dedicated to ensuring that Canadian seniors can get involved in community activities that meet their needs and interests, tap their collective resources and experiences, and promote their participation. We support New Horizons for Seniors Program projects like this one so that seniors across Canada can lead and participate in local activities beneficial to many.”

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

Backgrounder

The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is a federal grants and contributions program that supports projects led or inspired by seniors who make a difference in the lives of others and their communities. Through the NHSP, the Government of Canada encourages seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences to the benefit of others.

The objectives of the NHSP are:

• promoting volunteerism among seniors;
• engaging seniors in the community through mentoring of others;
• expanding awareness of elder abuse, including financial abuse;
• supporting social participation and inclusion of seniors; and
• providing capital assistance for new and existing community projects and/or programs for seniors.

NHSP funding supports community-based projects and pan-Canadian projects. 

Community-based projects
Community-based project funding supports activities that engage seniors and address one or more of the program's five objectives: volunteering, mentoring, expanding awareness of elder abuse, social participation and capital assistance. These projects are eligible to receive up to $25,000 per year per organization in grant funding. 

Close to 1,850 projects across Canada were approved through the NHSP 2015–2016 Call for Proposals for Community-Based Projects and are now in progress.

The NHSP 2015–2016 Call for Proposals for Community-Based Projects closed on July 10, 2015. It invited organizations to apply for funding of up to $25,000 for projects that help empower seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences with others and support communities by increasing their capacity to address local issues.

It is anticipated that the NHSP 2016–2017 Call for Proposals for Community-Based Projects will be launched in spring 2016. For more information on the NHSP, visit Canada.ca/Seniors.

Pan-Canadian projects
Pan-Canadian projects test and share best practices across the country and replicate interventions that have worked well in addressing seniors’ issues.

Projects that have received funding through the NHSP 2015–2016 Call for Proposals for Pan-Canadian Projects submitted an impact plan describing the roles they and their project partners would play in addressing the important issue of social isolation among seniors by using collaborative approaches that place an emphasis on measurable results.

Successful projects are up to three years in duration and are receiving funding between $150,000 and $750,000. More than $24.3 million (more than $8.1 million per year over the next three years) will be made available for pan-Canadian projects funded through the 2015–2016 NHSP Call for Proposals.

For more information on the NHSP, visit Canada.ca/Seniors.

For more information:

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

MP John Aldag Opens Nominations for Canada 150 Community Awards

September 11, 2017 - Surrey- BC

John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale-Langley City announced today the launch of his Canada 150 Community Awards that will recognize residents of Cloverdale-Langley City for their outstanding service to country and community.

"Canada 150 is year to reflect on our rich history and the achievements of Canadians since Confederation. These awards are intended to recognize individuals from the riding of Cloverdale-Langley City who have made contributions to our community - and our country - regardless of age, gender of background."

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

MP Aldag is inviting you to nominate the Cloverdale-Langley City resident you believe has made an outstanding contribution to one or more of the following:

• Community Leadership
• Entrepreneurialism
• Environmental leadership
• Support for indigenous reconciliation
• Promotion of equality, diversity & inclusion
• Seniors or youth advocacy & engagement
• Volunteerism

To qualify, nominees must be a Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents of Cloverdale - Langley City. All ages are welcome to apply.

Nominations close October 15 and the winners will be announced on November 16, 2017. Residents of Cloverdale-Langley City can nominate themselves or a friend on MP Aldag's website. To learn more, visit johnaldagmp.ca/canada150awards

For more information:

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

MP John Aldag Launches New Initiative to Engage with Constituents

July 17, 2017 

Residents of Cloverdale-Langley City will now have an additional option for communicating with their Member of Parliament, John Aldag. The newly-launched PlaceSpeak page allows constituents to engage meaningfully on topics that matter to the community in a safe and secure way.

Residents can participate in a poll on their priorities for the riding or engage in dialogue on wide ranging issues. They can also be notified of any upcoming events hosted by the MP.

"This made in Canada innovation allows me to consult with constituents directly by geographically limiting participation to only those who live in the riding. I am looking forward to getting input from residents in Cloverdale-Langley City on a wide range of issues such as upcoming legislation, hot issues and to get feedback on my work here at home and in Ottawa."

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

PlaceSpeak was developed with the support of the National Research Council of Canada (NRC-IRAP). Its unique geo-verification technology allows Aldag to hear exclusively from constituents in Cloverdale-Langley City while deterring negative online behaviour such as trolling or spamming, facilitating respectful online dialogue amongst participants.

As a Privacy by Design <https://www.ipc.on.ca/english/Privacy/Introduction-to-PbD/> ambassador, PlaceSpeak ensures that the personal information of participants remains private and secure. Individual privacy measures have been designed into the very architecture of the platform and personal information is never sold, exchanged, transferred, or given to any other company for any reason. The dual emphasis on authentication and privacy renders PlaceSpeak unique in its approach to building legitimacy in the online citizen engagement process.

Residents of Cloverdale-Langley City can register and join the conversation from their computer or mobile device. To learn more, visit http://placespeak.com/MPJohnAldag.

For more information:

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

$406,000 in 2017 Canada Summer Jobs Funding for Cloverdale-Langley City

130 Students in Cloverdale-Langley City set to benefit this summer from Federal Funding to the Canada Summer Jobs Program

June 27, 2017 – Ottawa, Ontario

The Government of Canada continues to help young Canadians get the experience and develop the skills they need to get a strong start in their careers. The Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ)
program provides funding to help employers create summer job opportunities for students in their communities.

A summer job is an important way for young people to learn new skills and get valuable work experience for their résumés. Thanks to CSJ, young Canadians from across the country will be able to access thousands of summer jobs opportunities with small businesses, not-for-profit organizations and the public sector.

Last year, the Government of Canada nearly doubled the number of jobs available through the CSJ program, from 34,000 jobs to roughly 65,800. Since its inception in 2007, CSJ has helped approximately 330,000 students.

“Our government is committed to our plan to give Canadian youth the tools and supports they need to succeed, and Canada Summer Jobs is a big part of that plan. I invite all students who are looking for a summer job to take advantage of this opportunity to develop their skills, gain valuable work experience and earn money.”

- The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour

"By investing in young students in Cloverdale-Langley City, we help them build a better future by providing them with opportunities to gain valuable skills and experience while earning money for the upcoming school year.”

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

For more information:

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

Budget 2017 Brings a Real and Fair Chance at Success to Cloverdale-Langley City

March 23, 2017 - Ottawa, Ontario

Yesterday, the Government of Canada tabled Budget 2017, “Building a Strong Middle Class.”
Budget 2017 is the next step in the Government’s ambitious plan to make smart investments
that will create jobs, grow our economy, and provide more opportunities for the middle class
and those working hard to join it. Budget 2017 puts Canada’s skilled, talented, and creative
people at the heart of a more innovative future economy – one that will create middle class jobs
today and tomorrow.

Following in the footsteps of Budget 2016, this year’s federal budget offers immediate assistance
to those who need it most and helps ensure that everyone has a real and fair chance of success.
With these smart investments and a commitment to fairness, the Government ensuring that
Canada’s best days lie ahead.

With its strong focus on innovation, skills, partnerships and fairness, Budget 2017 takes the next
steps in securing a more prosperous future for all Canadians and will directly benefit people
living in Cloverdale-Langley City.

Some key measures for British Columbians are:

• Making ambitious investments in public transit projects that will shorten commutes, decrease air pollution, and allow Canadians to spend more time with their families – through an investment of $20.1 billion, over 11 years, in partnership with the provinces and territories. 
• A major transfer of $6.7 billion in 2017-18, an increase of $194.9 million from the previous year. Of this, British Columbia will receive:
  •  $4.9 billion through the Canada Health Transfer, an increase of $142.3 million from the previous year
  • $1.8 billion through the Canada Social Transfer, an increase of $52.7 million from the previous year.
• Providing more – and better – home care and mental health supports for Canadians who need it – through an investment of 11 billion, over ten years. More specifically, the Government will provide British Columbia with an additional $1.4 billion in the next decade, of which:
  • $785.7 million will be dedicated to better home care – including addressing critical home care infrastructure requirements
  • $654.7 million will be allocated in support of mental health initiatives.
• $100 million to combat Canada’s opioid crisis, including urgently needed support of $10 million to the Government of British Columbia in February 2017, to address its opioid-related public health emergency.
• As part of a new National Housing Strategy, the Government will invest more than $11.2 billion in a range of initiatives designed to build, renew and repair Canada’s stock of affordable housing and help to ensure that Canadians have adequate and affordable housing that meets their needs.
• Budget 2017 proposes to invest an additional $7 billion over 10 years, starting in 2018–19, to support and create more high-quality, affordable child care spaces across the country. Over the next three years, these investments could:
  • Increase the number of affordable child care spaces for low- and modest-income families by supporting up to 40,000 new subsidized child care spaces.
• Establishing a National Strategy to Address Gender-Based Violence that will help the government make informed decisions to advance the goals of gender equality, fairness, and stronger workforce participation – through an investment of $100.9 million over five years, beginning in 2017-18, and $20.7 million per year thereafter.
• Supporting a Community Heroes benefit that will give the much-needed help to families of public safety officers who have fallen in the line of duty – through an investment that will be announced in 2018-19 - $80M over 5 years starting in 2018/19
• Strong support for business-led innovation “superclusters” – in key sectors such as digital and clean tech – that have the greatest potential to accelerate economic growth, through an investment of up to $950 million over five years, starting in 2017–18.
• Making Parental Leave more accessible by extending eligibility to allow parents to choose up to 18 months of benefits at a reduced rate.

Budget 2017 is a continuation of our Government’s commitment to Canadians from coast to
coast to coast. By investing in the economy today, we will create a stronger economy for
decades to come, and benefit Canadians today, and well into the future.

John Aldag
Member of Parliament for Cloverdale-Langley City

M-103 Post Vote Release

March 23, 2017

M-103, “regarding Systemic racism and religious discrimination” passed in the House of Commons with a final vote count of 201 in favour, and 91 opposed. I was among the 201 who voted in favour of this motion.

Over the past several months, M-103 has become a high-profile issue for many Canadians, and I heard a great deal of input from my constituents, both for and against. These individuals were dedicated to an important issue, and I commend their involvement in our governing process.

There was however, a great deal of misinformation circulated regarding M-103. On February 17, I published an open letter to my constituents to explain my views and dispel what I viewed was a false characterization of the motion. That information is still readily available; however I would like to take this opportunity to re-iterate my beliefs.

Contrary to a common misconception about M-103, it has no influence on Canadian law. It does not criminalize any new form of speech, nor does it inappropriately shelter one religion at the expense of others. Rather, it calls for the Government of Canada to develop a comprehensive response to xenophobia across all ethnic, religious and cultural denominations while addressing a clearly observed rise in hate crimes perpetrated upon Muslim Canadians. This is similar to a motion carried unanimously in the House of Commons in 2015 which condemned hate-motivated crimes against Canada’s Jewish community.

Yesterday’s vote in the House of Commons reflected Canadians’ view that a climate of hate and fear is antithetical to the fabric of our society. Nobody deserves to feel less at home in this country simply because of their race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, or any other denomination. I am proud that M-103 passed in the House of Commons, and to live in a country that possesses the moral courage to condemn blind intolerance in all forms.

Statement on Anti-Islamophobia Motion

February 16, 2017

“In recent weeks, much attention has been given to Ms. Iqra Khalid’s (Member of Parliament for Mississauga—Erin Mills) Private Members’ Motion. This motion concerns systemic racism and religious discrimination, and is otherwise known as the “Anti-Islamophobia Motion.” A great deal of misinformation has been circulated regarding M-103, and concerns have been raised about its implications on Canadians’ right to freedom of speech, and its emphasis on one particular religion.

While I unequivocally uphold the value and absolute necessity of free speech in Canada, M-103 is not in any measure an infringement on this right. This particular motion addresses rising anti-Islamic sentiment, and responds to dangerous and potentially violent undercurrents of thought amongst a slim minority of Canadians.

According to police reports, hate crimes are declining in Canada but have doubled against the Muslim community since 2012. Although it should be noted that this motion was tabled before the horrific attack in Quebec City, this tragic event reaffirms the need for us to take action on Islamophobia.

A significant piece of misinformation that has been circulated about M-103 is that it would make criticizing religiously motivated violence a crime. Such an idea is categorically false. This is because M-103 is a motion, not a bill. The distinction is that while a passed bill does become law in Canada, a motion is a non-binding resolution in the House of Commons. What M-103 aims to accomplish is to condemn racist anti-Islamic sentiment and initiate a study in the Standing Committee on Heritage to explore ways to address the issue.

This is also not the first such motion to be debated in the House of Commons, many of which have passed, often by unanimous consent. Relevant examples would be a unanimously adopted motion condemning anti-Semitism in early 2015 and most notably on October 26 a motion condemning all forms of Islamophobia was unanimously adopted in the House of Commons and
supported by members of all parties.

In the same way that Canadians took a stand against hatred and violence perpetrated upon the Jewish community, M-103 decries similar acts carried out against our country’s Muslim population. It in no way limits an individual’s right to freedom of speech or alters the Criminal Code of Canada. Just as we must condemn violence in all forms, so too must we extend this
condemnation to violence carried out upon Muslim Canadians who are our neighbours, classmates, colleagues and friends.

The Government of Canada firmly believes that diversity is our strength, and religious freedom is a value that Canadians hold dear. M-103 calls for a holistic way of combatting hatred, fear and violence across our country and is a victory not just for those targeted by these crimes, but for all of us who believe that Canada is made stronger by the diverse thoughts, opinions and faiths
of all those who call this country home. “

John Aldag
Member of Parliament for Cloverdale-Langley City

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

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

MP John Aldag Applauds the Government of Canada's Initiative to Help Prevent and Reduce Homelessness by Launching Two calls for Proposals

September 26, 2016

Today, John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale-Langley City applauded two calls for proposals by the Government of Canada under the Innovative Solutions to Homelessness funding stream of the Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS). The two calls for proposals are seeking projects with innovative approaches and ideas that aim to prevent and reduce homelessness, particularly among Indigenous Canadians, youth, women fleeing violence and veterans. Both
calls open September 26, 2016.

The call for proposals for Microgrants is open until October 21, 2016. Stakeholders and organizations are invited to apply for small-scale project funding of up to $25,000. Projects will focus on exploring effective and innovative practices, tools or initiatives that prevent or reduce homelessness in Canada.

The call for proposals for Contribution Projects is open until November 14, 2016. Stakeholders and organizations are invited to apply for funding of between $25,000 and $500,000 for large-scale pilot projects that aim to test innovative and promising interventions and practices to prevent or reduce homelessness in Canada.

On June 2, the Government of Canada confirmed its commitment to helping prevent and reduce homelessness across Canada. By investing an additional $111.8 million in the HPS over two years, the Government is taking measures to provide direct support and funding to Canadian communities. More than $12.5 million of that new funding is being invested in the Innovative Solutions to Homelessness stream, including in the two calls for proposals launched today. This will allow a wide range of organizations and stakeholders to develop and test innovative approaches to prevent and reduce homelessness.

“Cloverdale-Langley City has many organizations that help families and individuals by giving them hope and dignity. Despite progress in the prevention and reduction of homelessness across the country, it is difficult to find lasting solutions. We need innovative solutions to meet the needs of different groups of homeless, including young people, women fleeing violence,
Aboriginal Canadians and veterans. Today, I encourage all eligible organizations and citizens of Cloverdale-Langley City to present a proposal for innovative projects. Your vision and your ideas are exactly what we need to achieve our goal”

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

Further Information: 
Funding: Innovative solutions to homelessness
Homelessness Partnering Strategy
Budget 2016

Backgrounder

Difference Between Call for Proposals for Contribution Projects
and Call for Proposals for Microgrants

Homelessness Partnering Strategy

The Homelessness Partnering Strategy is a unique community-based program aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness by providing direct support and funding to 61 designated communities in all provinces and territories, as well as to Indigenous, rural and remote communities across Canada, to help them address homelessness.

Through Budget 2016, the Government of Canada is investing an additional $111.8 million over two years in the Homelessness Partnering Strategy to provide communities the support they need to help prevent and reduce homelessness, including Housing First activities, better emergency response services, and supports for youth, women fleeing violence and veterans. More than $12.5 million of that new funding is being invested towards the Innovative Solutions to Homelessness funding stream.

Since the launch of the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, nearly 35,000 Canadians who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless have benefitted from education and training opportunities; over 34,000 have received help to find work; more than 6,000 new shelter beds
have been created; and the program has helped place over 82,000 people in more stable housing.

Innovative Solutions to Homelessness funding stream

The Innovative Solutions to Homelessness funding stream is delivered nationally and supports the development of innovative approaches to reducing homelessness—particularly among Indigenous Canadians, youth, women fleeing violence and veterans.

Funding can be used to support activities in three key areas:

• community-based innovative projects to reduce homelessness and/or the cost of homelessness;
• building strategic partnerships with key stakeholders; and
• testing and/or sharing tools, social metrics and research findings geared towards homelessness.

For more information:

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

Appointed to Special Parliamentary Committee on Electoral Reform

June 20, 2016 – Ottawa, Ontario

John Aldag, Member of Parliament for the Riding of Cloverdale - Langley City was appointed today to the Special House of Commons Committee that will study and propose changes to Canada’s electoral system.

The Committee was appointed to identify and conduct a study of viable alternate voting systems to replace the first-past-the-post system, as well as to examine mandatory voting and online voting.

“I am very excited to have been asked to join this committee and I am thrilled that we are starting this important dialogue with Canadians. I am going into this debate with an open mind and I look forward to hearing from a wide range of opinions.”

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

The Special Committee was created by the House of Commons on Tuesday, June 7, 2016 and is composed of 5 Liberal Members, 3 Conservative Members, 2 NDP Members, 1 Member from the Bloc Quebecois and the Member from the Green Party of Canada.

$421,000 in Canada Summer Jobs Funding for Cloverdale-Langley City

117 Students in Cloverdale-Langley City set to benefit this summer from increased Federal Funding to the Canada Summer Jobs Program

June 2, 2016 – Ottawa, Ontario

John Aldag, Member of Parliament for the Riding of Cloverdale-Langley announced today that his riding will be receiving nearly $421,000 for the Canada Summer Jobs Program, which will fund over a 117 Jobs this summer for Students aged 15-30.

"The Canada Summer Jobs program is an excellent way for youth in our community to gain valuable work experience and learn skills that will benefit them in their future. I thank the various organizations that applied for taking part in this amazing program to help our youth. I look forward to visiting these organizations this summer and meet the students they have employed.”

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

Canada Summer Jobs provides funding to not-for-profit organizations, public-sector employers, and small businesses with 50 or fewer employees, to help create summer job opportunities for students. The program also delivers important and diverse community services that can range from youth services organizations, to summer camps to services for seniors. Students learn transferrable skills such as public speaking, time management, self- confidence, and organizational skills.

"By investing in young Canadians together, we help them build a better future and acquire the skills and experience they need to contribute to our collective economic growth.”

- The Honourable Mary-Ann Mihychuk, Minister of Employment and Workforce Development

For more information:

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