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

MP Aldag Statement on National Standards for Cancer Prevention Among Firefighters

March 24, 2022 – British Columbia

MP Aldag jointly seconded Bill C-224, An Act to establish a national framework for the prevention and treatment of cancers linked to firefighting, to address inconsistencies across provinces and raise awareness for cancer prevention among firefighters:

“Currently, there are no national standards for identifying occupational cancers for firefighters. Manitoba recognizes 19 cancers, while British Columbia only recognizes 9. This is unacceptable. I support the development of a national framework to raise awareness of cancers linked to firefighting and to support improved access to prevention and treatment.

“Our firefighters risk their lives to save others and preserve our infrastructure, leading to increased risk of cancers. The least we can do is recognize the cancers that are occupational risks and provide treatment and preventative measures for our firefighters. I hope this leads to the eventual removal or decrease in the use of these toxins so the risk to firefighters can be reduced as much as feasible given the nature of their profession.

“I will be speaking further on this issue when the bill is first debated on April 4th.”

Contacts:

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

MP Aldag Statement on S-214: International Mother Language Day

March 24, 2022 – British Columbia

MP Aldag jointly seconded Bill S-214, An Act to establish International Mother Language Day, stating:

“I am very familiar with the contents of Bill S-214. I supported a similar bill during my time in the 42nd Parliament. Senator Jaffer and MP Hardie brought this bill forward in the 43rd Parliament, and now they are trying again. I believe that this Bill will pass this time. International Mother Languages Day promotes the use of one’s mother language, which Canadians take for granted.

“A constituent in my riding, Abdus Salem, immigrated from Bangladesh where his family was discriminated against for not speaking the official language. Surrey and BC already adopted this Day — Canada would be a global leader and uphold our multiculturalism if we adopt this.

I believe that all parties can support International Mother Language Day. It is representative of our openness and multiculturalism, it already exists at other levels of government, and we have a history of protecting minority groups to uphold.”

Contacts:

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

MP Aldag Statement on Petition in Support for Ukraine

March 24, 2022 – British Columbia

Today, MP Aldag issued a statement on his support for petition e-3939 that calls on Canada to support actions in Ukraine up to and including support to enforce a no-fly zone:

“Russia illegally invaded Ukraine and is indiscriminately bombing non-military targets, resulting in loss of life of innocent civilians including women and children. Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine has resulted in the mass exodus of millions of Ukrainians to neighbouring countries. This is a violation of the most fundamental democratic principles of sovereignty, self-determination, and the right to life and safety.

“Our sanctions are punishing Russia, but more actions are needed to this invasion. We must fully support President Zelensky and Ukraine. I have heard this over and over from constituents. The President of Ukraine has repeatedly asked NATO to create and enforce a no-fly zone over Ukraine to prevent further atrocities and enable Ukrainian forces to counter Russia’s assault.

“By sponsoring this petition, I am giving a voice to Canadians who are calling for more Canadian support to Ukraine including actions up to and including a no-fly zone. This petition is not calling for Canada to impose a no-fly zone, but for actions that Canada could support without engaging directly without further exacerbating the Russian war on Ukraine.”

Contacts:

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

MP Aldag Statement on Being Banned from Russia

March 16, 2022 – British Columbia

“Yesterday, Russia announced that 313 Canadians are banned from entering Russia. Among these names are many Members of Parliament, including myself.

“I am not surprised by this announcement. While I am saddened to be banned from a country with a rich history and culture, I am more than proud to be among those banned by Putin — a small sacrifice for standing up for Ukraine.

“I will not allow this to distract me nor our government’s full support for Ukraine and the people of Ukraine, who are suffering greatly. We must not forget that Russia blatantly violated international law, Ukraine’s sovereignty, and is committing war crimes.

“Frankly, the only response from Russia I am interested in is an immediate end to this illegal, unnecessary, and horrific war in Ukraine. Until then, we will continue our coordinated sanctions against Putin and his cronies in Russia and Belarus.

“These are already showing to slow down Russia’s ability to reinforce their military activity. Combined with our military and economic support for Ukraine and Ukrainians’ heroic stand against Russia, we are seeing the Russian military stalling out. This is the purpose of our sanctions and I am hopeful we will see an end to this conflict sooner rather than later.”

Contacts:

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

MP John Aldag Elected Chair of the House of Commons Environment and Sustainable Development Committee

September 26, 2018 – Ottawa, Ontario

John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale—Langley City has been elected the new Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development. MP Aldag was elected unanimously by his colleagues on the committee.

“It is a distinct privilege to take on this new role. I am humbled by the confidence and trust that members of the committee have placed in me,” said Aldag. “The committee has studied a broad range of issues of great importance to Canadians and I’m excited to continue supporting this work as Chair.”

Since his appointment to the Environment Committee in 2016, MP Aldag has participated in a number of studies and reviews of legislation. This has included review of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA), a study on the state of Canada’s built heritage, and most recently study of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. Three government bills, including new impact assessment legislation and three private members bills, including MP Aldag’s own bill C-374 were also studied by the committee.

“I look forward to this new challenge and the experience it will offer. I would like to thank former Chair Deb Schulte, Member of Parliament for King–Vaughn for her leadership and tireless work on the Committee.”

Contacts:

Kurtis Layden
Executive Assistant
Office of John Aldag, Member of Parliament
613-992-0884
john.aldag.a1@parl.gc.ca

Enhanced Canada Child Benefit arrives in Cloverdale – Langley City

July 20, 2018 – Surrey, British Columbia

Helping hard-working middle-class families provide the best start in life for their children is a top priority for the Government of Canada. That is why two years ago the Government launched the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) to help families with the high cost of raising kids. The CCB—which is targeted to middle-class families and those working hard to join the middle class—is simpler, taxfree and more generous than previous child benefit programs.

Today the CCB will be increased to keep up with the cost of living. This change comes two years ahead of schedule and will give parents even more money each month to help them provide for their children. 

Indexing the CCB sooner will ensure that it will continue to play a vital role in supporting families. This means that the CCB will now have a maximum annual benefit of $6,496 per child under age 6 and $5,481 per child age 6 through 17. On average, families benefitting from the CCB received $4,600 more over the last two years.

Thanks to the CCB, 9 out of 10 Canadian families have more money to help pay for things like healthy food, sports programs and music lessons. Even more importantly, the CCB has helped lift more than half a million people—including 300,000 children—out of poverty.

Quote

“The enhancement of the Canada Child Benefit will mean more money for Canadian families starting tomorrow. Our government is committed to ensuring that this tax-free benefit continues to help the middle class and those who are working hard to join it.”

– The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Member of Parliament for Québec

“With more money in the pockets of hard working Canadians, families will be able to continue supporting and investing in their child’s future. Today’s Canada Child Benefit increase is another step forward in our government’s commitment to support the middle class and today, families across Surrey and Langley will be better off because of it.”

- John Aldag, Member of Parliament (Cloverdale - Langley City)

Quick Facts

• Cloverdale-Langley City is home to the country’s second youngest population.

• In Cloverdale-Langley City, the CCB has supported 23,960 children with 13,560 monthly payments of on average $560

• Total monthly payments in Cloverdale-Langley City equals $7,570,000

• Across Canada, CCB payments worth over $23.3 billion benefit nearly 3.7 million Canadian families.

• The CCB has helped lift 300,000 children out of poverty in Canada.

• Thanks to the CCB, 9 out of 10 Canadian families have more money.

• The CCB will now have a maximum annual benefit of $6,496 per child under age 6 and $5,481 per child age 6 through 17.

• As an example, for a single parent earning $35,000 with two children, the accelerated indexation of the CCB will contribute $560 towards the increasing costs of raising his or her children for the 2019–20 benefit year.

Associated Links

Canada Child Benefit 

Canada Child Benefit Overview

Canada Child Benefit Calculator

Contacts:

Kurtis Layden
Office of John Aldag, Member of Parliament
613-992-0884
john.aldag.a1@parl.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

Government of Canada Supports Construction of World’s Largest Passive House Building

July 5, 2018 – Surrey, British Columbia

Energy efficiency is hard to see, but we feel its benefits in our homes, environment and economy. Investments in energy efficiency save Canadians’ hard-earned money. Canada’s clean energy future includes federal investments driving economic growth, reducing environmental impacts and creating new, clean technology jobs for our middle class and those looking to join it.

John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale – Langley City, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Carr, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, today announced the Government of Canada’s contribution to the future site of North America’s first and the world’s largest community centre built according to Passive House certification guidelines in Surrey, B.C.

Natural Resources Canada will provide $1.3 million toward the new $43.5-million Passive House community centre through the Energy Innovation Program, which furthers research, development and demonstration of solutions supporting the adoption of high-efficiency building codes.

Passive House is a leading standard in energy-efficient construction, with buildings built to this standard achieving excellent indoor air quality, improved comfort, simplified operation and little to no direct greenhouse gas emissions.

The Passive House standard provides a pathway for the Canadian market transition toward net-zero and net-zero–ready new buildings.

“Energy efficiency is the quickest, cleanest and cheapest way to support the transition to a low-carbon economy and meet our future energy needs. The benefits of investing in energy-efficient buildings go beyond lower energy costs and include improved health, comfort, productivity and increased asset value. The most important gain will come from the reduction of harmful greenhouse gas emissions, helping Canada address climate change. Our government is proud to support the City of Surrey and this impressive project.”

- John Aldag, Member of Parliament (Cloverdale - Langley City)

For more information:

Kurtis Layden
Office of John Aldag, Member of Parliament
613-992-0884
john.aldag.a1@parl.gc.ca

Natural Resources Canada
Media Relations
343-292-6100
NRCan.media_relations-media_relations.RNCan@canada.ca

Mackenzie Radan
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Natural Resources
613-462-7117
Mackenzie.Radan@canada.ca

Community Support, Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Initiatives Funding Announcement

June 27, 2018 – Langley, British Columbia

John Aldag Member of Parliament for Cloverdale-Langley City announces New Funding for Community Support, Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Initiatives in Langley and Surrey B.C. This new Government of Canada initiative will support community-led projects events, and community capacity building the Surrey and Langley community.

Today, John Aldag MP for Cloverdale-Langley City announced three new funding streams that will strengthen diverse communities and support anti-racism initiatives in Surrey and Langley B.C. The government is investing a total of $51.9 million over three years, which includes new funding of $21 million for projects, events, and community capacity building. MP Aldag made this announcement on behalf of The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Multiculturalism.

Consisting of three components, this new funding will support:

1. Projects that address racism and discrimination with a focus on Indigenous Peoples and racialized women and girls;

2. Events that promote intercultural and interfaith understanding, and celebrate a community’s history and culture, such as heritage months recognized by Parliament; and

3. Community capacity building projects that will help recipients support the inclusion of newcomers and diverse communities.

Programs like these help bring Canadians together and enable people from all backgrounds to fully participate in society. Those interested in applying for this new funding are asked to contact Canadian Heritage at pch.soutienauxcollectivités-communitysupport.pch@canada.ca.

Quotes

“Although Canada is a welcoming and diverse country, our government knows that we can do better. That’s why we are proud to launch funding for initiatives that will celebrate our diversity, embrace our differences and address issues of racism and discrimination. By encouraging mutual understanding between all Canadians, programs like this will help build a society where everyone feels a true sense of belonging and can fully participate in their community.”

- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for
Multiculturalism

“Diversity is our strength and it is important that each of us works towards fostering a more caring and inclusive Canada. This funding will help us celebrate and embrace our differences, show pride in our individual and collective identities and ancestries, and work towards better understanding of others."

- John Aldag, Member of Parliament (Cloverdale - Langley City)

Quick Facts

In Budget 2018, the Government of Canada announced $23 million in new funding over two years
tackle racism and discrimination, with a focus on Indigenous Peoples and racialized women and girls, of which $21 million will support funding resources for anti-racism and community support initiatives.

Canada is continuing to combat inequity and exclusion that prevents some Canadians from fully
participating in our society.

Contacts:

Carly Haugen
Office of John Aldag, Member of Parliament
604-575-6595
john.aldag.c1@parl.gc.ca

Media only:

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
pch.media-media.pch@canada.ca

Bill S-210 Passes Unanimously in the House of Commons

June 18, 2018 – Ottawa, Ontario

Senate Public Bill S-210 has completed its final stage in the House of Commons.

Bill S-210, An Act to amend An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, the
Civil Marriage Act and the Criminal Code and to make consequential amendments to other Acts,
was introduced by Senator Mobina Jaffer in the Senate, and sponsored by John Aldag, Member
of Parliament for Cloverdale—Langley City in the House of Commons. The legislation passed
unanimously at Third Reading in the House of Commons.

Bill S-210 removes the unnecessary and divisive short title “Barbaric Cultural Practices” from Bill
S-7, which was introduced by the previous Conservative government. The passage of Bill S-210
reflects the importance of Canadian diversity and multiculturalism. The legislation will come in
to force upon receiving Royal Assent.

“I am privileged to have had the opportunity to sponsor Bill S-210 in the House of Commons.
All-party support for and passage of Bill S-210 reflects the importance of the language we use
and is a clear rejection of the politics of fear and division.”

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

“We can call terrorists barbaric, we can call violence barbaric, but we cannot call cultures
barbaric. We have evolved philosophically and intellectually as a society and frankly should
know better at this point in our evolution than to stir up old tactics of dividing cultures; that is
very divisive in society. Bill S-210 will remove the short title.”

- The Honourable Mobina S.B. Jaffer, Senator

For more information:

Kurtis Layden
Office of John Aldag, Member of Parliament
613-992-0884
john.aldag.a1@parl.gc.ca

Melina Bouchard
Office of the Honourable Mobina S.B. Jaffer, Senator
613-992-0189
Melina.Bouchard@sen.parl.gc.c