✘ Bill C-319 (amount of full pension)

Bill

Bill C-319, An Act to amend the Old Age Security Act

Vote

Nay.

Rationale

Bill C-319 proposes two sets of amendments to the OAS Act. The first amendment would increase the Old Age Security (OAS) by 10% for seniors aged between 65 and 74. In 2022 our government increased OAS by 10% for seniors 75 and above. The Bloc would like this increase to extend to all seniors as they state that the change has created two classes of seniors and that all seniors need increased financial security. We disagree, as the increase for older seniors over 75 was deliberate since older seniors are in greater need of additional support as they are more likely to outlive their savings, be unable to work, be widowed, and have increased health care needs. The second amendment would raise the GIS Earnings Exemption, by providing a full exemption on the first $6,500 of annual earnings. We oppose this as our government, in 2019, already raised the GIS Earnings Exemption from $3500 to $5000 and partial exemption of 50% for earning between $5,001 to $10,000 for each GIS or Allowance recipient, as well as their spouse. We also extended earnings to apply to both employment and self-employment income.

Passed.

Bill Status

At consideration in committee in the House of Commons

✔︎ Bill C-244 (Right to Repair)

Bill

Bill C-244, An Act to amend the Copyright Act (diagnosis, maintenance and repair)

Vote

Yea.

Rationale

The intent of Bill C-244 is to allow consumers to repair a product they own without violating the Copyright Act. However, given its wide scope, any amendment to the Copyright Act can have unforeseen impacts on our innovation ecosystem. TPMs also receive varying levels of protection under Canada’s international agreements, the breach of which could result in retaliatory actions. A thorough study at the committee stage could identify and mitigate any unintended consequences of the amendments proposed, strengthening the sustainability and efficacy of the legislation.

Passed.

Bill Status

At second reading in the Senate

Question to Min. Holland on Federal-BC Healthcare Agreement

Thank you to Minister Holland for answering my question in the House of Commons about the government’s recent $1.2B healthcare agreement with the province of British Columbia.

✔︎ Bill C-49 (Accord Acts Amendments)

Bill

Bill C-49, An Act to amend the Canada–Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act and the Canada–Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts

Vote

Yea.

Rationale

These amendments build on our governments’ joint announcements in April 2022, to expand the mandate of the Offshore Boards to include the regulation of offshore renewable energy projects. Amending the Accord Acts and expanding the mandate of the existing Offshore Boards to include offshore renewable energy will ensure there is a clear, consistent and predictable regulatory regime in federal-provincial jointly managed offshore areas. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting Canada’s clean energy sector by working with provincial partners like Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador on these amendments to create new clean energy opportunities, strengthen the economy and better protect Canada’s environment for the future.

Passed.

Bill Status

At consideration in committee in the House of Commons

Questions to Suncor CEO

Thank you Suncor CEO Richard Kruger for speaking with the Standing Committee on Natural Resources and answering my questions about Canada's ongoing work to reduce Green House Gas emissions and the impacts of the oil and gas sector on climate change.

Supporting BC’s healthcare needs

October 11, 2023 – British Columbia

Mark Holland, Canada’s Minister of Health, has announced a funding agreement between the federal and British Columbian governments.

Earlier this year, the federal government earmarked $25 billion for tailored bilateral agreements with provinces and territories to address each region’s unique healthcare needs.

The governments of Canada and British Columbia have signed a three-year, $1.2 billion health deal to improve the province’s healthcare system.

Through this agreement, the Government of Canada is helping to develop a model of care at 83 acute care sites throughout the province.

This deal will also enhance access to mental health and addiction services, including by expanding the number of Foundry centres across the province from 16 to 35 and reducing 30-day re-admissions for mental illness and substance use.

The province has also agreed to work with the First Nations Health Authority to improve access to culturally appropriate and informed care for Indigenous residents.

“British Columbians want and deserve better access to healthcare services. This announcement is a significant step in the direction of supporting better health outcomes for everyone. I look forward to seeing how these new measures will improve access to healthcare and mental healthcare for residents of Cloverdale – Langley City.” – 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

Open Letter: Correcting the Conservative narrative on BC’s carbon price

In recent weeks, the leader of the Conservative Party has toured British Columbia, claiming that should he ever be Prime Minister, he will “Axe the Tax” on carbon pricing.

But he must know that BC runs its own carbon price that predates the federal version by more than a decade.

BC’s price on pollution has been in place since 2008. That’s almost as long as Mr. Poilievre has been collecting a public paycheque as a Member of Parliament.

If the BC provincial government’s carbon pricing plan has been in place for fifteen years, how exactly does Mr. Poilievre intend to “Axe the Tax” in BC?

It’s easy: he doesn’t.

Mr. Poilievre is blatantly spreading misinformation about the carbon pollution price to British Columbians. As Prime Minister, he would have no power to tell BC to eliminate its carbon pricing plan. If the Conservative Leader is implying that he can tell BC’s Premier what to do and to cancel the carbon price, he should explain in detail how he plans to accomplish this.

The climate crisis is a serious reality we’re facing. We just witnessed the most dangerous wildfire season on record, which is being fueled by climate change. Mr. Poilievre has been the leader of the Conservative Party for over a year and still has not put forward a climate plan. In a summer when BC has lost 2.48 million hectares of forests, homes, and communities, his lack of action disrespects the plight of British Columbians.

John Aldag
Member of Parliament for Cloverdale-Langley City

Contacts:

Megan Waddington

Constituency Assistant

Office of John Aldag, Member of Parliament

john.aldag@parl.gc.ca

The governments of Canada and British Columbia and the City of Trail invest in energy retrofits in the Trail Memorial Centre

October 10, 2023 – City of Trail, British Columbia

A landmark investment exceeding $3.5 million is set to greenlight an environmental and functional makeover for the Trail Memorial Centre, announced by MP John Aldag, Ministers Anne Kang and George Heyman, alongside Mayor Colleen Jones.

This historic facility will undergo a significant retrofit, integrating its HVAC systems with its boiler and refrigeration units. Aiming to slash greenhouse gas emissions by a remarkable 73%, the upgrade ensures a meld of sustainability with enhanced operational efficiency, diminishing the Centre's natural gas dependency. In essence, this project is not merely a building retrofit. It’s a forward-thinking endeavor to weave sustainability into the community’s beloved sporting and recreational hub.

For more than 70 years, the Trail Memorial Centre has been home to numerous athletes who have grown to national and international fame. The facility, which has hosted many significant hockey games featuring Canadian Men’s and Women’s National Teams, is equipped with two ice surfaces, dressing rooms, a gymnasium, racquetball and squash courts, meeting rooms, a large-scale commercial kitchen facility, and the Hockey Hall of Memories. Once complete, the upgraded facility will be better equipped to serve players, athletes, residents, and visitors alike.

As Canada navigates towards a green future, investments like this intertwine community and heritage, and aim to improve the lives of Canadians.

“Recreation centres play an important role in the health of communities by providing access to vital services and activities, fostering social inclusion and improving the quality of life for residents. Our government’s investment to upgrade the Trail Memorial Centre will make a significant difference in the lives of members of the community. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, and builds cleaner, more inclusive communities.” – 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

Presentation of CAPE Petition

This morning, I presented a petition put forward by the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) that urges the Government of Canada to issue a fossil fuel advertising ban.

This petition was signed by 3127 Canadians who are worried about the impacts of climate change on their health.

I look forward to the Government's response.

Statement about Seniors and National Pensioners Federation

Mr. Speaker,  

October 1st was National Seniors Day. On Friday, I met with three members of the National Pensioners Federation to hear about their concerns and hopes for the rights and well-being of aging people in this country.  

According to Statistics Canada, people aged 85 and older could triple to almost 2.5 million over the next 25 years. Many of those citizens are in my province of British Columbia, where individuals 65 and older make up nearly 20% of the population.  

Challenges such as the pandemic, accountability for caretakers, and climate change's effects on human health concern this demographic and all those who care for them. The National Pensioners Federation is currently working on a draft for the UN regarding the proposed Convention on the Rights of Older Persons, which would emphasize the critical importance of these issues. 

As we move into new chapters for Canada, let us honour the rights of older persons and work hard to ensure people possess the tools and care to navigate aging with security and dignity.