Supporting Canadians and Small Businesses with the High Cost of Living

September 14, 2023 – British Columbia

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced three new initiatives to support Canadians and small businesses with the high cost of living.

To address the cost of groceries, The Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, is calling the heads of large grocers to Ottawa to address the high cost of food. Large grocery retailers are expected to present their plans to reduce consumer costs by Thanksgiving of this year. If plans do not provide real relief to Canadians, the federal government will take further action, not excluding potential tax measures. Minister Champagne will also be looking into reforming the Competition Act, making large businesses more accountable to Canadians.

The federal government is eliminating the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on the construction of new rental apartments immediately to make housing more affordable. This measure will incentivize the construction of much-needed rental homes. The Government of Canada is also calling on provinces to match this action in removing the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) on the construction of new rentals. Local governments are now required to end exclusionary zoning and encourage the building of apartments near public transit in order to have their Housing Accelerator Fund applications approved.

To support small businesses, the Government of Canada is extending the repayment deadline for the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loan program by one year. Small businesses are the backbone of the Canadian economy and many relied on the CEBA program to stay afloat during the pandemic. Extending the CEBA repayment deadline until the end of 2024 will help more small businesses keep their doors open, supporting local economies. 

“I am encouraged by the measures announced to help Canadians and small businesses with the high cost of living. Our government is showing real leadership with these measures and we’re letting the middle class and those wishing to join it know that they are not being left behind. I am eagerly looking forward to this government announcing more measures to address affordability for all Canadians.” – 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

CSRF supporting organizations in Langley City

September 6, 2023 – British Columbia

Community service organizations are at the forefront of addressing community needs. During the pandemic, many of these vital organizations struggled with increased demand for their services, reduced revenues, declines in charitable giving and a greater reliance on digital tools. Their post-pandemic recovery is key to their continued ability to offer services and adapt to the changing needs of communities across Canada.

Today, John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale – Langley City, on behalf of the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Jenna Sudds, announced that Big Brothers Big Sisters of Langley, Lower Fraser Valley Aboriginal Society, Langley Senior Resources Society, and Langley Lodge will receive funding through the Community Services Recovery Fund.

For its project, “Archival Digitization”, Big Brothers Big Sisters Langley has been allocated $45,400. Lower Fraser Valley Aboriginal Society’s Iyáqt ("to transform" in Halq'eméylem) Project has been awarded $99,886. $72,240 will be going to Langley Senior Resources Society for the “Recruiting and Retaining Volunteers in the 21st Century” project. Langley Lodge will receive $30,000 for its “Systems Enhancement” project. These amounts are included in the $368,446 distributed to organizations across Cloverdale – Langley City.

The Community Services Recovery Fund will help community service organizations adapt, modernize, and be better equipped to improve the efficacy, accessibility, and sustainability of the community services that they provide. Whether the funded projects focus on recruitment and retention, modernizing organizational systems and processes, or innovating program delivery, the Community Services Recovery Fund reflects the Government’s commitment to invest in this sector, so that community service organizations can continue to support communities across Canada.

“These service organizations are the backbones of our communities, providing real-time help to residents in need. Through the Community Services Recovery Fund, the Government of Canada is providing these community service organizations with the support they need to uplift residents at the local level. I look forward to seeing the positive changes brought about by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Langley, Lower Fraser Valley Aboriginal Society, Langley Senior Resources Society, and Langley Lodge that will be made possible by this funding.”

Contacts:

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

CSRF supporting organizations in Cloverdale

September 6, 2023 – British Columbia

Community service organizations are at the forefront of addressing community needs. During the pandemic, many of these vital organizations struggled with increased demand for their services, reduced revenues, declines in charitable giving and a greater reliance on digital tools. Their post-pandemic recovery is key to their continued ability to offer services and adapt to the changing needs of communities across Canada.

Today, John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale – Langley City, on behalf of the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Jenna Sudds, announced that Waceya Métis Society and Zion Park Manor will receive funding through the Community Services Recovery Fund.

For its “Empowering Waceya Personnel to Effectively Serve Our Community” project, Waceya Métis Society has been allocated $20,920. Zion Park Manor is to receive $100,000 for its project, “Nurse Call System Replacement”. These amounts are included in the $368,446 distributed to organizations across Cloverdale – Langley City.

The Community Services Recovery Fund will help community service organizations adapt, modernize, and be better equipped to improve the efficacy, accessibility, and sustainability of the community services that they provide. Whether the funded projects focus on recruitment and retention, modernizing organizational systems and processes, or innovating program delivery, the Community Services Recovery Fund reflects the Government’s commitment to invest in this sector, so that community service organizations can continue to support communities across Canada.

“These service organizations are the backbones of our communities, providing real-time help to residents in need. Through the Community Services Recovery Fund, the Government of Canada is providing these community service organizations with the support they need to uplift residents at the local level. I look forward to seeing the positive changes brought about by Waceya Métis Society and Zion Park Manor in Cloverdale that will be made possible by this funding.”

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

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

TELUS Improves Connectivity and Generates Economic Opportunities for British Columbians

June 1, 2023 – British Columbia

On May 23rd, TELUS announced an $18.5 billion investment in network infrastructure, operations, and spectrum across BC over the next four years. This includes a $6.3 million investment to improve its PureFibre network in Langley City.

MP Aldag met with Nick Moore, Director of Federal Government Relations for TELUS where they discussed the importance of improving connectivity in rural communities. Remote learning has become an essential resource in learning and sharing information. TELUS and similar companies play an important role in helping remote communities thrive. TELUS is acting by connecting thousands of households in rural BC in partnership with the federal government through the Universal Broadband Fund (UBF).

TELUS’s PureFibre network is Canada’s most sustainable internet technology. Since switching to fibre in 2019, TELUS has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by over 5,300 tonnes, helping move Canada forward with its climate goals. TELUS is also the largest private sector employer in British Columbia, with over 7,500 employees in the province and 264 working directly in Cloverdale – Langley City. With this new investment, TELUS will continue providing good middle-class jobs to British Columbians.

“TELUS’s networks are the backbone of Canada’s digital economy. They drive innovation and uplift marginalized communities. This investment will help improve connections in our community, specifically around healthcare, safe and healthy food, online education, remote work, and, most importantly, family and friends. TELUS shows that it is possible to meet environmental goals while boosting our economy and supporting rural communities. I welcome this investment from TELUS and look forward to the positive changes it will bring to our community.”

Contacts:

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

Government of Canada supports electrification of Langley School District’s bus fleet

April 24, 2023 – Greenwood, British Columbia

Today, John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale—Langley City, announced a federal investment of $13,800 to support the electrification of Langley School District’s bus fleet.

Funding will be used to develop a strategy to transition to zero emission buses (ZEBs) for schools in Langley. The project includes assessing the existing bus fleet, developing a roadmap to zero emission, determining maintenance and operational needs, establishing costs, and developing an implementation and roll-out plan.

This investment will help Langley contribute to Canada’s objective of reaching net-zero by 2050 by providing comfortable, and clean transit to students.

By investing in public transit infrastructure, the Government of Canada is growing our country’s economy, increasing the resiliency of our communities, and improving the lives of Canadians.

“Investing in zero emission transit infrastructure is essential for building the sustainable communities of tomorrow. That's why we are working with the Langley School District to help transition Langley school buses to zero emission vehicles. The Government of Canada will continue to collaborate with partners to invest in projects like this one that bring us one step closer to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 and building a stronger, healthier Canada. Thank you to the Langley School District for partnering with us on this fantastic project that will benefit our students and members of our community in Langley City and the Township of Langley.” – 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

Federal Government investing $198.6 billion in universal healthcare for provinces and territories

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)

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

MP Aldag Calls for Preservation of 300-acre Federal Lands for Agricultural Use

June 22, 2022 – British Columbia

MP Aldag has advocated since the 42nd Parliament for the 300-acre federally owned lands along the Surrey-Langley border, currently used by local vegetable farms, to remain agricultural after the government’s current disposal process:

“I toured these agricultural lands one day after the extreme flooding last November. We drove across fields in a truck while most other farmland was under water — a testament to the quality and importance of these lands for our economy, food security, and environment.

“I advocated for these lands in the 42nd Parliament and have doubled down by leading the advocacy in the past year. The 300-acre site is an essential producer of vegetables for our region and all of British Columbia. I believe the best use of these lands is continued agricultural production. These lands are critical in preserving food security and mitigating climate change in our community and British Columbia. While I support the development of industrial space in many parts of our community, these specific lands must remain agricultural.

“I converged a bipartisan group of local MPs to ensure that the voices advocating for continued agricultural use are heard. I have been briefed by the departments of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development and Public Services and Procurement Canada. I advocated for a complete review of these lands, including for agricultural and not only industrial use. I believe these lands are best placed in the provincial Agricultural Land Reserve. This is one of many steps needed between now and the finalization of the department’s disposal process, including meaningful consultations with First Nations groups. Depending on the outcome of those consultations, I am committed to seeing these lands remain in agricultural production.”

Contacts:

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

MP Aldag Statement Yorkson Lowlands Stormwater Management and Ecological Restoration Investment

April 19, 2022 – Langley, British Columbia

On April 14, Minister Murray announced that the Township of Langley will be receiving funding for stormwater management restoration.

“This announcement will invest nearly two million dollars into stormwater management wetlands. This includes $692,744 from the federal government. The Yorkson Lowlands Stormwater Management and Ecological Restoration will construct a series of stormwater management wetlands. It will remove existing stormwater infrastructure, install access trail and signage, and revegetate the area with native plant species.

“I have championed the protection of our lands for decades. Wetlands are some of our most vulnerable habitats. This investment will protect Langley’s Yorkson lowlands. This creates a more resilient environment. We will be less vulnerable to extreme weather and it will ensure that our community can enjoy green spaces for years to come. I will be working with the Township to ensure the funding is prompt and this restoration can begin without delay.”

Contacts:

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