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

Electoral Reform Town Hall

Have your say in Canada's voting system

On August 2, hundreds of participants live and online gathered in Cloverdale - Langley City to learn more, ask questions and have their say in Canada's Voting System.

We discussed:

• Strengthening the link between voter intention and electoral result
• Raising voter engagement, including underrepresented groups
• Making our electoral system more accessible and inclusive
• Safeguarding the integrity of the voting process
• Preserving the accountability of local representation

Welcoming participants live and online to the Cloverdale - Langley City Electoral Reform Town Hall - August 2, 2016

How to Have Your Say on Electoral Reform

It's not too late to have your say!

Watch the Town Hall video replay, follow Electoral Reform Committee meetings and share your feedback online.

Click below to complete my Town Hall feedback form today.

Have Your Say by October 11

Electoral Reform Town Hall Feedback

electoral reform Town Hall Video Replay

Click below to play the video. Click a second time to watch full screen.

LIVE on #Periscope: 📡📡📡 Cloverdale - Langley City #ElectoralReform Town Hall 🗳🇨🇦 #ERRE #SurreyBC #LangleyBC https://t.co/AZEBCAZVOC

— John Aldag MP (@jwaldag) August 3, 2016

Climate Change Town Halls

At the July 13 & 14, 2016 Climate Change Town Halls, participants live and online discussed:

• How and where to reduce emissions

• Clean technology, innovation and job creation

• How to prepare for the impacts of a changing climate

• Putting a price on carbon and more

IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO HAVE YOUR SAY IN CANADA'S Climate Action plan

Watch the video replays of the Climate Change Town Halls.

Then, tap below to have your say in Canada's Climate Action plan by September 30, 2016.

Climate Change Town Hall in Langley on July 13, 2016

Climate Change Town Hall in Surrey on July 14, 2016

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.

A Cloverdale - Langley City Family Reunited

A heartwarming thank you to everyone who helped reunite a Cloverdale - Langley City family - June 13, 2016

"Mr. Speaker,

Soon after being elected last October, I came to learn of the plight of many Canadian families who had adopted children from the Democratic Republic of Congo, but faced obstacles that prevented the families from uniting.

By the end of March of this year, Rachelle and Marie, ages eight and four, were the only two Canadian children left in the Democratic Republic of Congo without exit permits in place. These sisters faced extraordinary challenges in their efforts to join their parents in Canada.

I am pleased to inform this House that due to the relentless work of our government, Rachelle and Marie are now united with their new parents and living safely and happily in my riding of Cloverdale—Langley City.

I would like to thank the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Canada, their parliamentary secretaries, departmental officials, and especially Senator Mobina Jaffer and Ambassador Ginette Martin for their dedication to the successful completion of this file.

Bienvenue au Canada, Rachelle et Marie!"

National Defence Town Hall

Thank you everyone who joined the National Defence Town Hall

National Defence Town Hall - June 10, 2016 in Cloverdale, BC

At the June 10, 2016 National Defence Town Hall, participants live and online discussed:

• The main threats to Canada's security
• The Canadian Armed Forces and its role in addressing domestic, North American and international challenges
• Resource requirements to meet the Canadian Armed Forces mandate
• Whether the current size, structure and composition of the Canadian Armed Forces is right for the future
• The use of cyber technologies, space and unmanned equipment
• Supports for Canadian Armed Forces members and their families

It's not too late to have your say in Canada's Defence Policy

Watch the video replay of the National Defence Town Hall.

Then, tap below to have your say in Canada's Defence Policy by July 31, 2016.

$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

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

The Komagata Maru Apology

Speaking in the House of Commons on the significance of the Komagata Maru apology - May 19, 2016

"Mr. Speaker,

Yesterday marked an important moment in the history of this country. It recognized that Canada does not have a perfect history, that we have on occasion, stumbled, and been unjust. It also recognizes the importance of healing wounds; that being an example to the rest of the world must necessarily entail admitting to our own wrongdoings. That we must address head-on when our nation has fallen short of its potential.

The Komagata Maru incident was a dark moment in our history that should be a shame to all Canadians and remains deeply painful to Indo-Canadians to this day. But it is also a reflection of how we have changed, opened and become more tolerant in a Canada that is welcoming to all.

To the victims and their descendants, thank you for your patience and the endurance you have shown through this dark episode in our history.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker."

Debate on Budget 2016 (Bill C-15)

Debating Budget 2016 (Bill C-15) on behalf of Cloverdale - Langley City - May 9 & 10, 2016

"Madame Speaker,

I rise in the house today in support of Bill C-15, An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on March 22, 2016 and other measures.

The much-anticipated, much-needed Budget 2016 is an essential step to grow the middle class and revitalize the Canadian economy. Budget 2016 has received a positive response from my constituents, I have received some questions, and I`ll address these to begin.

The first measures I will be speaking to are the elimination of the Children’s Arts Tax Credit and the Child Fitness Tax Credit.

These tax credits only benefit families who can afford to enroll their children in Arts and Fitness programs, which is not the case for many Canadians. When families do not have the money, the tax credit does not matter. We are committed to taking an approach to help working families. The cost of raising a family was the top issue raised during the campaign and continues to be a top priority in my riding. This bill offers true help to 9 out of 10 families.

I will now speak to some of the positive elements of this bill that resonate with my constituents.

The Canada Child Benefit is a new measure that will begin in July 2016 and will provide simpler, tax-free, monthly financial benefits to eligible families. The CCB will help those who cannot afford to put their children in extracurricular programs. It will give them the option of enrolling their children in programs that would otherwise be financially out of reach. Families who could not enroll their children in arts and fitness programs will now have that chance.

Our Government’s measures for families with children, combined with the middle class tax cut, will provide these families with additional net-after-tax benefits of approximately $14 billion during the 2015/16 to 2020/21 period.

The Canada Child Benefit will replace existing federal child benefits to provide Canadian families with the additional help that is required with the high cost of raising children. The CCB will provide a maximum benefit of up to $6400 per child under the age of 6 and up to $5400 per child aged 6 through 17 for families who need it the most. And high income earners will have their assistance reduced, even eliminated. This is good public policy.

Approximately 9 out of 10 families will receive more under the CCB than under the current system of child benefits. Ultimately, about 3.5 million families will benefit from the CCB, with an average increase of approximately $2300 annually.

As stated by Rob Carrick of the Globe and Mail “The new Canada Child Benefit is a solid win over existing programs in both dollar terms and ease of use. The money is tax-free, so it won’t have to be accounted for when completing your income tax return every year.”

In addition, the CCB will help raise nearly 300,000 children out of poverty by 2017, but it doesn’t end there, Budget 2016 will continue to support poverty reduction in future years. As stated by Anita Khanna, the national coordinator of Campaign 2000 “this is a historic step forward in the battle against child poverty in Canada that is long overdue and long called-for by Campaign 2000 and other groups.” 

In line with providing support for the majority of Canadians, Budget 2016 proposes to eliminate the income splitting credit for families. This initiative provides a better solution for helping those who need it the most. We learned during the campaign that many couples did not benefit. Our programs are more equitable. And I must note that income splitting for seniors remains.

The second aspect of Budget 2016 that I will be speaking to is the introduction of the School Supplies Tax Credit.

Educators often, at their own expense, purchase supplies for the benefit of our children, so it is only fair that they are compensated for it. Budget 2016 introduces a 15% refundable income tax credit that will apply on up to $1000 of eligible supplies. Teachers and early childhood educators will be able to use this credit for the purchase of eligible supplies for use in a school or in a regulated child care facility for the purpose of teaching or otherwise enhancing students’ learning in the classroom or learning environment. This initiative will provide a benefit of about $140 million over the 2015-16 to 2020-21 period.  

...

Mr. Speaker, in continuing to address Bill C-15, it is not every day that I begin by speaking about feminine hygiene products. Yet this is an important issue for all Canadians in redressing unequal taxation of essential goods. Currently, feminine hygiene products are subject to GST and HST as goods which are considered to be non-essential. Mr. Speaker, I think we can all agree this is a misguided policy and if not sexist, it is at least based entirely outside the experience of Canadians. I’m proud to say that Bill C-15 will rectify this disproportionate taxation of women, by removing the GST/HST on feminine hygiene products.

The next measure of Budget 2016 that I will address is Division 2 of Part 4, which amends the Canadian Forces Members and Veterans Re-establishment and Compensation Act. I wish to highlight 5 key improvements:

First, this bill will replace the “permanent impairment allowance” with the “career impact allowance” to better support veterans who have had their career options limited by a service-related illness or injury.

Secondly it increases the percentage in the formula used to calculate the earnings loss benefit. This benefit will provide income replacement of 90% of gross pre-release military salary for injured veterans who are participating in a Veterans Affairs Canada’s rehabilitation or vocational assistance program for those who have injuries preventing them from suitable and gainful employment. The benefit will also keep up with inflation and not be capped at 2% indexation.

Third, the Act will specify when a disability award becomes payable and clarify the formula used to calculate the amount of a disability award.

Fourth, the disability award will be indexed to inflation, in line with other New Veterans Charter benefits, and Higher Awards will be paid retroactively to all veterans who have received an Award since the introduction of the New Veterans Charter in 2006.

And fifth, the act also improves the Last Post Fund to provide financial assistance to the estates of eligible deceased veterans towards the cost of burial and funeral services. The estate exemption for families of low-income veterans will also be increased from roughly $12,000 to $35,000.

Canada’s veterans deserve our care, compassion and respect. The above measures would greatly improve income support to disabled veterans, including both veterans transitioning to the civilian workforce and those with injuries preventing them from suitable and gainful employment. However, our government’s support for veterans does not stop there. Over the next year, in consultation with the Veterans’ community, the Government will work to find a way to better streamline and simplify the system of financial support programs currently offered by Veterans Affairs Canada and National Defence for veterans and their families.

In addition to helping young Canadians, middle-class families, and our respected Veterans, the Government is committed to supporting Canada’s seniors.

Single seniors are at nearly 3 times the risk of living at a lower income than seniors generally, which is why Budget 2016 aims to increase the single rate of the guaranteed income supplement for the lowest-income pensioners by up to $947 annually. This enhancement more than doubles the current maximum Guaranteed Income Supplement top-up benefit and represents a 10% increase in the total maximum Guaranteed Income Supplement benefits available to the lowest-income single seniors.

Additionally, Budget 2016 will repeal section 2.2 of the Old Age Security Act, which increases the age of eligibility, from 65 to 67, to receive Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement Benefits.

Budget 2016 also addresses a concern that some of my constituents have brought forward; requests for additional support for senior couples living apart. Many times senior couples have to live apart for reasons beyond their control, including long-term health care, resulting in higher costs of living, and an increased risk of living in poverty. The current system provides recipients with Guaranteed Income Supplement benefits based on their individual incomes, but Budget 2016 will extend this treatment so couples also receive Allowance benefits.

Mr. Speaker, Budget 2016 puts people first and delivers the help that Canadians need now, not in a decade from now. It is an essential step to restore prosperity to the middle class. When you have an economy that works for the middle class, you have a country that works for everyone.

Budget 2016 reflects a new approach for the government: one that offers immediate help to those who need it most, and sets the course for growth for all Canadians. With the implementation of Budget 2016, the Government of Canada invests for the years and decades to come. We invest for our seniors, our veterans, our children and grandchildren, so that we may enjoy a more prosperous and hopeful Canada."