Statement on Christmas Events
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
With December just around the corner, I would like to highlight some holiday events that are happening in Cloverdale-Langley City this holiday season.
The City of Langley’s Magic of Christmas Festival is taking place December 3rd and 4th. This event happens at the Timms Community Centre, provides fun for the whole family, and features a holiday artisan market.
On December 4th, the Cloverdale Business Improvement Association is hosting the Surrey Santa Parade of Lights, where I will accompany a decorated vintage truck. The event collects donations and unwrapped toys for local food banks.
On December 7th, the Cloverdale Chamber of Commerce presents its December Charity Luncheon. This event raises money for the Cloverdale Community Kitchen to provide Christmas Hampers for those in need.
The Langley Christmas Bureau, with more than 100 volunteers, will assemble toy bundles and accept donations to purchase gift cards for families in need. This year the Bureau is located in Langley City Hall and will receive donations until December 15th.
Thank you to every volunteer in our community who works so hard to make sure all residents of Cloverdale-Langley City will have a wonderful holiday season.
From my family to yours, Mr. Speaker, to my colleagues in this Chamber, and to all residents of Cloverdale-Langley City, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and best wishes for a Happy New Year!
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
✘ Bill C-249, Encouraging the Growth of Cryptoasset Sector Act
Voted nay. Bill defeated.
Bill
Bill C-249, An Act respecting the encouragement of the growth of the cryptoasset sector
Vote
Nay.
Rationale
Bill C-249 is narrow in scope and does not address the potential vulnerabilities and financial instability within the cryptoasset industry. The Bill also does not take into account the international forums and the role of provinces and territories in the cryptoasset sector. In order for the Government of Canada to create a framework for any industry regulated by provinces or territories, consultations must be done prior to the creation of legislation, as this would be in contravention of constitutional agreements.
Failed.
Bill Status
Bill defeated.
✔︎ Bill C-228, Pension Protection Act
Voted yea. Bill adopted.
Bill
Bill C-228, An Act to amend the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act and the Pension Benefits Standards Act, 1985
Vote
Yea.
Rationale
Bill C-228 gives “super-priority” for unpaid special payments and unfunded pension liabilities for defined benefit pension plans in Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act liquidations, and BIA and Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act restructurings.
Passed.
Bill Status
Royal Assent received
✔︎ Bill S-207 (Chateauguay-Lacolle)
Voted yea. Bill failed.
Bill
Bill S-207, An Act to change the name of the electoral district of Chateauguay-Lacolle
Vote
Yea.
Rationale
The riding of Chateauguay-Lacolle does not include the community of Lacolle. Changing the name of this district will clear up confusion about which communities are in the riding.
Failed.
Bill Status
Bill defeated
Statement on Premiers Horgan and Eby
Mr. Speaker,
British Columbia will be welcoming David Eby as our Provinces next Premier on November 18th. During this time of transition, I want to recognize and say thank you to Premier John Horgan, who has served British Columbia since 2017.
Premier Horgan has been an advocate for the environment and an ally to our government on this important issue. Our governments have also found common ground on childcare, with our government providing $3.2 billion to create more childcare spaces and to implementing $10 a day childcare.
Since the COVID-19 Pandemic, our governments have also worked together to ensure all British Columbians have access to vaccines.
Premier Horgan has also done well in advancing relationships with Indigenous peoples based on respect and with the recognition of Indigenous rights through UNDRIP.
Recently, our governments partnered up by announcing improvements to the Glover Road crossing. The Highway 1 Widening Project is valued at $345 million, with the federal government contributing nearly $96 million.
I want to wish Premier Horgan all the best in his future endeavours, and I want to extend my congratulations to David Eby on becoming BC’s next Premier.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker
Statement Celebrating Women in Cloverdale—Langley City
Thank you Mr. Speaker,
Today I would like to recognize women of distinction from Cloverdale-Langley City.
The first woman to mention is Anita Huberman, CEO of the Surrey Board of Trade. In her 29th year with the organization, Anita has done tremendous work in building and promoting the City of Surrey as a destination where people can find well-paying jobs while raising their families.
Another woman I would like to recognize is Shannon Todd Booth, Executive Director of the Langley Hospice Society. I have known Shannon for over 20 years now and can attest to her community involvement across the non-profit sectors. Shannon and her team at the Langley Hospice Society are to be commended for the new hospice in Langley, allowing residents to live well, right to the end.
I want to also mention Kelly Sears, President of the Waceya Métis Society. In this role, Kelly serves local Métis people in the Langley & White Rock Area and helps protect, promote, and enhance the status of Métis membership in our region.
Lastly, I want to recognize Ursula Maxwell-Lewis, who has served the Cloverdale community as an award-winning journalist. She runs a travel blog, sharing stories from around the world, and is involved with many non-profits in our community including the Surrey International Writers Conference.
I want to thank these women who make our community a better place for all.
Thank you Mr. Speaker
Statement on my Religious Leaders Roundtable
Mr. Speaker,
Cloverdale-Langley City is a wonderfully diverse riding. With almost 70 Christian churches, a Muslim mas Salah, 2 Sikh gurdwaras, a Hindu temple, a Buddhist temple, and more, I aim to connect regularly with all their faith leaders.
I recently hosted a Religious Leaders Roundtable, with the United Churches of Langley. We discussed a wide range of topics.
The Faith Leaders reiterated their community’s desire to help the government settle refugees fleeing dangerous situations. They also expressed concern for our homeless and those affected by the Opioid Crisis. Our community is fortunate to have such a compassionate group of leaders.
I also had the chance to celebrate the Laurentian Leadership Centre, or “LLC’s”, 20th anniversary. The LLC, formerly called the Booth House, is one of 24 designated National Historic Sites in Ottawa. I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Ann Penner, the Executive Director.
As an affiliated program with Trinity Western University, I also appreciated seeing President Dr. Mark Husbands, who was visiting from Langley.
My Intern, Lucy Chuang, is a Trinity Western University Student and a participant in this year’s LLC program. Thank you to Lucy for her hard work during her placement in my office.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
✔︎ Bill C-31, Cost of Living Relief Act, No. 2, (Targeted Support for Households)
Voted yea. Bill adopted.
Bill
Bill C-31, An Act respecting cost of living relief measures related to dental care and rental housing.
Vote
Yea.
Rationale
The Act enacts previously announced affordability measures; namely, a new dental care program with children under 12 and a $500 top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit for low-income renters.
Passed.
Bill Status
Royal Assent received
Statement on Municipal Elections
Mr. Speaker,
Last Saturday was Election Day for Municipalities across British Columbia. I am pleased to stand in the House today to thank the previous Mayors and Councillors for their work, and I congratulate those who were newly elected or re-elected to these leadership roles.
From Cloverdale- Langley City, I look forward to working with Mayors-elect Nathan Pachal from Langley City, Eric Woodward from Township of Langley, and Brenda Locke from Surrey.
I also want to thank all those who put their names on the ballot and their families. It takes courage to put one’s name forward to serve your community and it can only be done with a supportive family behind you. Democracy is more fragile than many of us realize, and I appreciate all candidates and those who voted during this election.
I believe that the municipal governments and the federal government can come together to solve our most pressing issues. Protecting the environment, fighting climate change, building affordable housing, and combating homelessness are the first issues that come to mind. This can all be achieved through collaboration and respect. I look forward to working with the new Mayors and Councillors.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
✘ Bill C-253, Bank of Canada Accountability Act
Voted nay. Bill defeated.
Bill
Bill C-253, An Act to amend the Bank of Canada Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts
Vote
Nay.
Rationale
The Government agrees that any proposal for increased transparency has merit. However, due to the recent politicization of the independent Bank of Canada by Conservatives, it is recommended to oppose.
Failed.
Bill Status
Bill Defeated.