Guest User 11/30/21 Guest User 11/30/21

Emergency Debate on Catastrophic Flooding in BC

Mr. Speaker, this is my first speech in the House of Commons since 2019 and it is good to be back. I am proud to say I am visiting the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation from the traditional and unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples including the Katzie, Kwantlen, Matsqui and Semiahmoo First Nations. I would like to begin by thanking the voters of Cloverdale-Langley City for returning me to Parliament – a testimony to the kind of representative that they want from their Member of Parliament, and Government.

I must thank all the volunteers who helped me over many months – I would not be sitting here if it were not for you all. Also, to my wife Elaine and children Kai, Hattie, and Kalani, thank you for always supporting me.

The devastating flooding in B.C. last week was heart-breaking to watch and continues to weigh on my mind as this parliament begins. This is especially true of the five individuals who lost their lives, two of whom were parents of a toddler they were on their way home to see – and those still missing. Considering how to avoid loss of life in the future should be the first priority as we rebuild.

Henry Braun, Mayor of Abbotsford – one of the worst hit areas – estimated that damaged caused to his city is $1 billion. $1 billion is the cost to just one city alone in the region. The most recent estimate for the total damage is over $8 billion. The economic impact on our infrastructure, to farmers, including half of B.C.’s dairy farmers, businesses, and to personal property is distressing. The scale alone should be cause for concern regarding our economic future. We need systems to mitigate economic disruptions during extreme weather.

The loss of animal life must be considered as well. Thousands of animals drowned from the flooding and died from being stuck in transports with no access to farms or feed. For farmers this is costly and to our domestic food security, disruptive, but also a sad state of animal welfare. Farmers and farm animals need emergency procedures for protecting animal welfare during these events.

The losses to our critical infrastructure, particularly bridges and segments of railroad are causing shortages in key household goods. Gasoline is being rationed. Some of this infrastructure will take months to repair, posing challenges for our communities, provinces, and country. Many of these routes move goods to and from Canada’s biggest port – the Port of Vancouver – and the rest of the country. For our food security and supply chains, how to withstand another event such as this needs to be central to the reconstruction of this infrastructure.

I must acknowledge how my constituency managed during the flooding. While Cloverdale – Langley City is close to Abbotsford and many of the hardest hit areas, it avoided the devastating flooding – this time. However, residents did face property damage that, as we emerge from COVID-19, is another economic hurdle to overcome. Some parts of my riding, are playing an important role in food security, including Hepple Farms. Working sandy loam soil, their crops withstood the rains and will be able to provide for the greater region as we experience losses in BC’s interior.

The effects of the flooding go far beyond the Lower Mainland though. Much of B.C.’s coast was impacted by flooding last week and is again, as I speak, experiencing further downpours of rain. Communities in the interior including Merritt and Princeton were also negatively affected. Extreme weather events are not restricted to B.C. either. Atlantic Canada is simultaneously being subject to unprecedented rainfall and the prairies have suffered a terrible drought this year. Recovering from these events will take commitments from all levels of government.

Inaction will continue to cost society. Insurance claims will drive up insurance costs, and in some areas, insurance isn’t available if property is in a flood plain. This puts pressure on governments to help homeowners rebuild following these types of catastrophic weather events. No human life should ever be lost. Farm animals need to be protected. As does personal property.

With loss of life, economic impacts, animal welfare, and supply chains in mind, the catastrophic flooding last week is the most recent illustration, and perhaps the most significant, of how necessary climate adaption, mitigation, and resiliency are to Canada. Our country is warming at twice the rate of the global average. In the Arctic, it is three times the rate. Preventing warming past 1.5 degrees Celsius will mean for us, 3 degrees, and the Arctic, 4.5 degrees.

These effects are why our Government is ready to move faster of climate initiatives than we have before. We that demonstrated this year with our ambition targets of 40-45 percent reduction in our emissions; at COP26 by committing to ending thermal coal experts by 2030, capping and reducing the oil sectors emissions to net-zero by 2050, and aiming to cut our methane emissions by 30 percent no later than 2030.

Without these actions, the $8 billion cost of a single extreme weather event, will be more frequent and more costly. $8 billion dollars is about 3% of my province’s economy. It is simply not sustainable to be unprepared for extreme weather and climate change.

Our government is addressing this directly by including Canada’s first-ever National Adaptation Strategy in the Speech from the Throne. Reconstruction of infrastructure will need to include funding to ensure that future infrastructure can withstand extreme weather events like this and likely stronger. Our national strategy will need to include processes for protecting businesses and farms, including their animals. It will need to support stronger implementation of warning systems to avoid loss of life.

The floods last week were devastating, catastrophic. There is no other way to describe them, but they serve as a terrible reminder of the urgency and fortitude that our government, and every MP here, must act with to implement strong climate action to avoid such events in the future. Our government has committed to assisting British Columbians with recovering, and with preparing for future extreme weather events.

Guest User 11/30/21 Guest User 11/30/21

John’s Address to the Speech from the Throne

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to say I am visiting the unceded Territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation from the traditional and unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples including the Katzie, Kwantlen, Matsqui and Semiahmoo First Nations.

I will be splitting my time today with my colleague, the member from St. John’s East.

Mr. Speaker, this throne speech echoes so much of what I heard at the doors this past summer, including:

- pushing forward positive, diverse, and inclusive politics;

- getting beyond the pandemic;

- moving forward faster on the path to reconciliation;

- addressing biodiversity loss through increased protection of our lands and waters;

- setting and acting on ambitious climate targets; and

- addressing inflation and the rising cost of living including 2 priorities:

o creating $10 a day childcare;

o implementing a comprehensive plan on housing.

This last issue, the issue of affordability, is a top priority in Cloverdale-Langley City. As the second-youngest riding population-wise in British Columbia, action on housing affordability and $10 a day childcare will have huge positive impacts on our community.

As someone with an extensive background with Parks Canada, and as a resident of BC – an area that has been seriously affected this past year by extreme heat, fires, and now floods caused by back-to-back-to-back atmospheric rivers - climate change has never been so urgent. The heat dome, wildfires, and as I speak, the devastating floods in B.C. demonstrate that we cannot afford to wait.

Cloverdale – Langley City is a diverse riding – consisting of many faith groups, cultural and linguistic identities, and people from backgrounds from around the country, and around the globe. In the last election, voters called for their next MP and Government to create an inclusive future that holds diversity as a symbol of strength – and our cabinet is the most reflective of Canada in our history.

I heard loud and clear that our Government needs to be more ambitious on climate change – and we demonstrated that ambition at COP26. Voters called for more affordable and accessible childcare – and our Government is ready to work with B.C. to cut costs in half by 2022 and create 40,000 additional spaces.

I heard door after door that a legitimate housing plan, which addresses the insufficient housing supply and makes buying a house more affordable is needed – and we created a housing minister to act swiftly on our housing plan. We’re going to help put home ownership back in reach for Canadians with a more flexible First-Time Home Buyer Incentive, a new rent-to-own program, and by reducing closing costs for first-time buyers.

The Throne speech reiterated and advanced our commitment to reconciliation. It recognized that, and I am quoting, “reconciliation is not a single act, nor does it have an end date. It is a lifelong journey of healing, respect and understanding. We need to embrace the diversity of Canada and demonstrate respect and understanding for all peoples every day.” This is the commitment we need.

When I was elected to the 42nd parliament, my private member’s bill, C-374, passed unanimously and was to implement a call to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 79. Unfortunately, my bill died in the Senate, but I am committed to continue pushing along and participating in initiatives to further reconciliation.

The Speech from the Throne also illustrates the urgency in finishing the fight against COVID-19. We acted quickly with the federal vaccine mandate and we will act quickly to support those who are still financially impacted by COVID-19 while ensuring businesses continue to drive our country’s economic recovery. We will continue to support provinces in the delivery of vaccines including for children to ensure we get everyone who wants a vaccine vaccinated as quickly as possible.

Mr. Speaker, Immigration is another focus on the Speech from the Throne that is so important for my riding. Whether it is increasing immigration levels to meet labour demands, reducing wait times to make the process easier for approved applications, family re-unification to bring families together again, or a world-leading refugee resettlement program that helps the most oppressed.

Business owners in my riding, like many throughout the rest of Canada, have come to me about labour shortages. I have already had conversations with them about how we can use our immigration system to help ease their shortages. Family re-unification continues to be important for my constituents and is a policy I continue to fully support. Reducing wait times is a particularly important now. The beginning of COVID reasonably, caused a significant slowdown, but now we must reduce those wait times. This is critical for driving our economy and for brining reuniting families.

New Canadians deserve to be reunited with their families and loved ones, they bring economic empowerment and strengthen diversity and inclusion. I have witnessed this firsthand in my community. Over the last several years, my community has grown to be one that is culturally diverse. We have benefitted from this. As MP in the 42nd Parliament, I held inter-faith meetings in Cloverdale – Langley City where we learned from each other and grew stronger as a community.

This throne speech reflects many of the commitments I made to Cloverdale – Langley City in my local platform. Our government’s infrastructure investments will help deliver Skytrain to Langley City, a much-needed transit lane that will shorten commuting times, reduce emissions, and better connect the lower mainland. I will work with provincial and municipal partners to ensure the Skytrain and other projects that support the current and future needs of Cloverdale – Langley City are prioritized and completed.

This throne speech reaffirms our government’s support for positive politics. I will take immediate action to restore positive, progressive, and inclusive politics to Cloverdale – Langley City so everyone can feel safe, respected, and included, regardless of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability or income.

I am working to convene a Fairness, Diversity, and Inclusion Council to create solutions that reduce inequality in our community. The council will provide advice and insights so I can tackle the inequalities that Cloverdale – Langley City residents are facing.

The throne speech highlighted the urgency backed by investments to transition to a green economy. With these announcements, I will ensure Cloverdale – Langley City is included and leads in the emerging green economy. I’ll promote real climate change solutions and work with the BC Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy to secure investments in clean, zero emission technologies, and create sustainable jobs in Cloverdale – Langley City. This year, more than ever, has illustrated how both adaptation and mitigation policies are needed in our riding of Cloverdale-Langley City, in our province of B.C., in our country of Canada, and indeed globally.

Our government is committed to reconciliation with Indigenous communities. I have the same commitment for Indigenous Peoples in the constituency for whom I have been elected to represent. I will be pursuing, with appropriate consultations, an Indigenous-led urban cultural space and service delivery centre in Cloverdale – Langley City for Indigenous Peoples, particularly Indigenous persons living in our urban and suburban neighbourhoods. I’ll work with Indigenous leaders and local partners to create a place for delivery of Indigenous services and celebration of Indigenous culture in Cloverdale – Langley City. I’ll also advocate for federal support for local Indigenous history education programs and cultural celebrations.

We have committed to supporting communities thrive as our economy roars back from COVID-19. Part of the strategy, in my community, will be supporting the development of the Performing Arts in our region. I’ll secure federal support for accessible, sustainable spaces where the residents of the lower Fraser Valley can celebrate and experience our vibrant performing arts community. This will become a cultural and arts centre for the greater region, and fill a much-needed void in our rapidly-growing community.

Fighting for the needs of the agricultural sector and farmers will continue in this Parliament. In Cloverdale – Langley City, I will convene an Agricultural Advisory Council of farmers and other agricultural industry partners to share insights and advice to ensure that there is support for strong and sustainable agriculture in Cloverdale-Langley City.

Our government’s support for mental health and drug addiction was re-iterated in the Throne Speech. Both, especially finding solutions to drug addiction is critical for my province and many in my community. We must work quickly and fiercely to end the opioid crisis that has taken too many lives.

This throne speech represents our ambitious plan to make life more affordable, reduce our emissions while building an economy for the future, and act on reconciliation. As we resume this work in parliament, I will be listening to and advocating for my constituents. For every step of progress we make in this House, I will fight to have that progress delivered to Cloverdale – Langley City.

Most important to me, is that this is the moment to stand up for diversity and inclusion. When I heard the former Conservative Member of Parliament for Cloverdale – Langley City use scripture to attack the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community in this very Chamber, I knew that my work was not done. This is why I am proud to see our government commit to diversity and inclusion. That is why I am proud to be returned to this chamber, to support this Speech from the Throne and legislation that will flow from it including yesterday’s strengthened bill to ban conversion therapy.

For Cloverdale – Langley City I will, once again, advocate for, not degrade, vulnerable individuals and communities within our riding and across Canada.

Mr. Speaker, for all the reasons mentioned today, I am glad to be back as the representative for Cloverdale-Langley City as part of a government that both recognizes and acts on the needs of Canadians in 2021 and beyond.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Guest User 11/26/21 Guest User 11/26/21

Statement on BC Flooding and Remembering Jan Rustad

My heart goes out to the families and communities affected by the extreme flooding last week in British Columbia. This 100-year flood brought catastrophic damage, laying bare the shortcomings in our current system. As climate change worsens, this will happen not every 100 years, but every 10 – or less. We need to invest in adaptation and mitigation against climate change, so we are better prepared in the future. The inclusion of a National Adaptation Strategy in the Throne Speech a significant step forward.

It is also with great sadness that I inform the House of the passing of Jan Rustad of Kaleden, British Columbia. Jan was well known and considered by many to be the global expert on rotary wing advanced flying techniques. Jan trained many pilots from the Canadian Armed forces, RCMP and from many other countries. Known as skilled, patient and humble, Jan Rustad will be missed by his family and several generations of helicopter pilots from around the world. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

9/9/19 9/9/19

Open Letter to Cloverdale - Langley City Residents

It has been truly an honour to serve you, and represent Cloverdale- Langley City, over the past four years.

These are just some of the things I am immensely proud of. Read below and see some of the other major accomplishments our government has made since 2015!

Dear friends & neighbours,

It has been truly an honour to serve you, and represent Cloverdale- Langley City, over the past four years.

Each weekend I’ve gone door knocking to hear what worries you. Your responses have been about jobs, the environment, healthcare, and the cost of living. I have heard these concerns and worked hard to address them.

Over the past 4 years, I am proud to say :

Canadians have created over 1 million jobs and Canada has the lowest unemployment rate since the 1970s.
The Child Benefit is no longer taxable income AND has been increased 2 times. This has brought in an additional $7.5 million monthly to families in our riding.
We’ve implemented an effective plan to address climate change and transition away from fossil fuels.
We’ve invested over $10 million into Cloverdale-Langley City for public transit, infrastructure, and recreational facilities.

These are just some of the things I am immensely proud of. Read below and see some of the other major accomplishments our government has made since 2015!

I look forward to your continued support and to what we can all achieve as a team in 2019.

Sincerely,

John Aldag
Member of Parliament | Cloverdale-Langley City

Serving the People of Cloverdale - Langley City

16192 Telephone inquiries handled

5200 Constituency office visitors welcomed

1328 Constituent services cases closed

674 Meetings with Cloverdale - Langley City residents

370 Community events attended

Laying the Groundwork for National Pharmacare

Canadians pay too much for prescription drugs and we’re going to change that. To make prescription drugs more affordable and accessible to all Canadians, Budget 2019 proposes to:

Create the Canadian Drug Agency, a new national agency that will work to lower prescription drug prices for all Canadians.
Lower the cost and create equal prices for prescription drugs across all provinces and territories by creating a new national formulary of prescribed drugs.
Negotiate prices with drug manufacturers to help Canadians struggling with rare diseases get the life-saving medication they need at an affordable price.

Making It Easier to Buy Your First Home

We are introducing the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive that will help make home-ownership more affordable for middle-class Canadians by:

Allowing eligible first-time buyers to apply to finance a portion of their home purchase.
Offering a 10% shared equity mortgage for a newly constructed home or a 5% shared equity mortgage for an existing home through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
Lowering monthly mortgage payments since no ongoing payments would be required with the Incentive.

Creating More Affordable Renting Options for Families

To provide more affordable rental options for middle class families, Budget 2019 proposes to:

• Build 42,000 new rental housing units across Canada.

• Help municipalities grow housing supply and unlock new solutions for Canadians searching for an affordable place to call home by providing $300 million to launch the new Housing Supply Challenge.

Standing Up For the Middle Class and Those Working Hard to Join It

Since 2015 we have implemented measures to help make life more affordable for middle class Canadians.

Under our government:

We cut taxes for the middle class and raised it on the wealthiest 1%. The average person making $48,000 per year is now saving $720 in tax annually.
Implemented the tax-free Canada Child Care Benefit that gives families in Cloverdale-Langley City up to $6,639 per child. That’s an investment of over $7.5 million into our families every month. We’ve indexed the CCB twice to make sure it keeps up with inflation and the cost of living.
Lowered the small business tax from 11% to 9%.
Introduced new EI Parental Sharing Benefit to provide 5 extra weeks of benefits when parental leave is shared.
Supported 40,000 new affordable child-care spaces across Canada.
Canadians have created over one million new jobs since we formed government in 2015, and employment rates are at a historic low.
We’re making vital services like mental health treatment more accessible and affordable for all Canadians. We firmly believe in a Canada that is inclusive of everyone.

Celebrating Diversity as Our Strength

Canada is strong not in spite of its differences, but because of them. I am so proud of Canada’s longstanding tradition of inclusion and diversity. As the first country in the world to adopt a policy of multiculturalism in 1971, diversity is part of our vibrant national fabric.

Over the past four years, we have continued to make strides in building an even more inclusive Canada.

Last year, I introduced my Private Member’s Bill C-374, which amends the Historic Sites and Monuments Act to add three new Indigenous representatives on the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (one each for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit).

Unfortunately, the Conservative Senate Caucus refused to debate this bill and as a result, Bill C-374 died on the Senate floor. I am hopeful that a similar bill can be introduced in the future.

In 2018, we mailed out over 450 certificates congratulating constituents on receiving their Canadian citizenship.

I also had the opportunity to second Sukh Dhaliwal’s Bill to proclaim April as Sikh Heritage Month.

Everyday, I am reminded of how lucky we are to live in a welcoming country of opportunity where, if you work hard, you can make a better life for yourself and your family, no matter your background.

It is inspiring to hear success stories from our community, like Reddy who came to Canada and opened Buns Master in 1987.

These stories and experiences drive my work as your Member of Parliament and motivate me to build an even better Canada!

Introducing the New Canada Training Benefit

Canadians are among the most skilled and highly educated workers in the world, but in a changing world of work, many will need new skills to keep their current jobs or find new work in the future.

This is a real challenge for working Canadians who may not be able to take time off to get the training they need to succeed.

To help hard-working Canadians find and keep good jobs, Budget 2019 introduces the new Canada Training Benefit. Working Canadians will get:

Four weeks of training every 4 years.
Up to $1,000 to help pay for the training.
Employment Insurance support to help cover lost income.
Security knowing you’ll have a job to come back to when your training is done.

Helping Students Get a Head Start

Students today still face barriers in accessing financial assistance and repaying their student loans. To better support the needs of students, Budget 2019 proposes to:

Lower interest rates on Canada Student Loans and Canada Apprentice Loans, and ensure students don’t accumulate interest for the first 6 months after graduating.
Allow students who have defaulted on their loan to apply for supports such as the Repayment Assistance Plan and start to make affordable payments on their outstanding debt.
Allow students to take a medical or parental leave that is interest-free and payment-free in six-month stackable periods for a maximum of 18 months.
Increase the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Permanent Disabilities from $8,000 to $20,000 a year and expand the eligibility so that more students with disabilities can afford the necessary equipment and services they need for their studies.
Ensure that programs are working for Indigenous students by investing in First Nations, Inuit and Metis-led strategies to promote enrollment in post-secondary education.

Providing Seniors the Security They Deserve

All Canadians deserve a secure and dignified retirement. We are taking steps to make sure seniors keep more money in their pockets, are able to stay active and involved in their communities, and receive all the benefits they are entitled to.

To better support our seniors, we:

Ensured more low-income seniors keep more their hard-earned money by enhancing the Guaranteed Income Supplement earnings exemption.
Encouraged seniors in Cloverdale-Langley City to participate in our community by increasing funding for the New Horizons for Seniors Program, which supports local projects like new flooring at the Legion so Seniors can meet and socialize; or a music therapy program for those suffering from dementia.
Protected Canadians’ pensions by requiring more transparency and fairness in insolvency processes, better corporate governance and empowering the courts to review executive compensation in insolvencies.

Proactively enrolled Canada Pension Plan contributors who are 70 or older but have not applied yet to receive their retirement benefits. This will help 40,000 seniors across the country.
Lowered the age of eligibility for Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement to 65, and increased the CPP by 50%.
Increased OAS and GIS on July 1, 2019. The average senior now has $2,000 more in their pocket than in 2014.
Secured the age to collect CPP at 65 and are committed to keeping it there.
Invested in the first ever National Dementia Strategy to help those suffering from dementia and their caregivers.

Christian Newman 8/29/19 Christian Newman 8/29/19

Letter from the Minister of Environment and Climate Change

Letter dated August 13, 2019 from The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, to John Aldag, Chair of the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development.

Download the letter (PDF)

More info on C-48