The governments of Canada and British Columbia invest in more resilient connections for communities in southeastern B.C.
John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale—Langley City statement on $89.6 million for climate resiliency in southeastern BC
November 17, 2023 – Golden, British Columbia
Two bridges crossing Kicking Horse River will receive upgrades that make them more resilient to the impacts of climate change, thanks to a combined investment of more than $89.6 million from the governments of Canada and British Columbia. Announced by Member of Parliament John Aldag and Minister Rob Fleming, this project will reduce the risk of damage to essential infrastructure in Golden caused by climate-related events.
Kicking Horse Bridges 1 & 2 cross the river on Highway 95 and act as the sole link for vehicles between the north and south sides of Golden. They also provide a key link between Highways 1 and 3 and several communities along Highway 95 between Golden and Cranbrook. Funding will replace and increase capacity of the Kicking Horse River bridges to withstand the impacts of climate-related events such as ice jams, debris flows, and flooding. The upgrades will prevent the damage and potential loss of important connections that could threaten access to essential goods and services for communities in the area. Project funding will also improve active transportation options on the bridges by constructing multi-use paths that connect to the municipal active transportation network.
Making adaptation investments now will have major economy-wide benefits later. Every dollar that is invested in adapting and preparing for climate-related disasters can return as much as $13 to $15 in benefits.
The federal government will continue investing in infrastructure to continue growing our country’s economy, building resilient communities, and improving the lives of Canadians.
“Our government remains committed to building a more resilient Canada. Infrastructure Canada’s Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund supports proactive improvements to essential public infrastructure that will do exactly that. The funding announced today will reduce the risk of damage caused by climate-related events to two bridges that are integral to the residents of Golden and Highway 95 users. We will continue to invest in disaster and mitigation projects that safeguard Canadians and the infrastructure that keeps our communities running.” – 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
Langley receives over $260,000 from the Government of Canada to revitalize the downtown core and Willoughby Community Park
John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale—Langley City statement on $260,000 for Langley revitalization
November 17, 2023 – Langley, British Columbia
Safe and inclusive public spaces are key to building vibrant communities. They bring together people of all ages and abilities and attract new visitors, supporting local businesses and boosting economic vitality.
Today, John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale – Langley City announced more than $260,000 in PacifiCan funding through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund for two public space projects in Langley. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan).
The Township of Langley is receiving $230,000 to create a new plaza at Willoughby Community Park. The plaza is adjacent to the new professional sports field for the Vancouver Football Club. It will provide a public space for visitors to socialize and enjoy food trucks before games and other seasonal events. Project work includes site design and construction, installation of walkways, lighting, seating, and public art.
The Downtown Langley Business Association is receiving $31,320 to install picnic tables and planters in Langley's downtown core to provide visitors with a place to sit outdoors while shopping in the area.
Projects like these help communities and businesses in British Columbia welcome visitors from near and far, improve community wellbeing, create jobs, and grow the local economy.
“Today's announcement means more vibrant spaces for Langley residents to enjoy. Visitors to Langley’s downtown core and Willoughby Community Park will soon be able to enjoy the upgraded amenities and build on the great sense of community in our neighborhoods. I look forward to Langley residents making use of these newly revitalized spaces.” – 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 announces $179 million for homes in Abbotsford, Langley, and Surrey
John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale—Langley City statement on $179 million for housing
November 16, 2023 – Abbotsford, British Columbia
Today, the federal government announced nearly $180 million to build 590 purpose-built rental homes across four projects in Abbotsford, Langley, and Surrey. The funding will come as fully repayable low-interest loans through the Rental Construction Financing Initiative (RCFi).
The announcement was made at The Hub by John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale – Langley City, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, alongside Lara Holtby, Chief Financial Officer at Wiebe Properties.
Located at 3070 Gladwin Road in Abbotsford, this project contains 64 units. The Hub will also include a 9,000 square foot amenity centre on the ground floor where residents can access a gym and fitness centre, multipurpose room, lounge areas, business centre with working spaces, guest suites for friends and family, and an outdoor patio. Construction of The Hub is expected to be complete in summer 2024.
Next to The Hub — also by Wiebe Properties — is Park Suites, located at 3030 and 3040 Gladwin Road, which was completed in 2022. Park Suites spans two buildings and offers 157 units. Both The Hub and Park Suites are part of Central Park Village, a community spanning 9.5 acres.
Canada’s construction of rental homes has not kept pace with the country's growing cities and population, leading to a decline in the existing and aging rental stock for decades. To tackle this issue, the federal government introduced the RCFi to help build more rentals across the country. Increasing the overall supply of rental housing is crucial to creating stronger and more vibrant communities that Canadians can feel proud to call home.
Funding details for the four projects include:
$35.5 million RCFi for Park Suites, 3030 and 3040 Gladwin Road
$18.1 million for The Hub, 3070 Gladwin Road
$64 million RCFi for 213 units at Pennyfarthing Apartments, 20234 56 Avenue, Langley; $9.15 million from Pennyfarthing Homes
$62.3 million RCFi for 156 units at the Grove, 16622 24 Street, Surrey
“These purpose-built rental homes in Langley, Surrey, and Abbotsford are an essential part of the solution to the housing crisis. Through RCFi, our government can increase its supply of new rental developments so Canadians can live and work in their communities. These projects offer much-needed housing for families and individuals to grow and flourish in these beautiful cities we call home.” – 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
✘ Bill S-242 (radiocommunications)
Voted nay. Bill defeated.
Bill
Bill S-242, An Act to amend the Radiocommunication Act
Vote
Nay.
Rationale
S-242 claims to support the Minister’s mandate to take a “use it or lose it” approach to spectrum management but its’ one-size-fits-all approach runs counter to the objective of better connectivity. It fails to consider existing infrastructure, geography, and the variety of uses spectrum supports.
Failed.
Bill Status
Bill defeated
RNNR Committee, Oct. 23 (Pt 1)
RNNR Filibuster Pt 1
I've had a lot of questions from constituents frustrated that the Sustainable Jobs Act is being held up by the Conservatives in committee. We are now entering the third week and it is STILL being filibustered by the Cons.
On Monday, October 23rd, I was disappointed to see Conservative Members of the Natural Resources Committee filibuster our witnesses, some of whom who took their time to fly to Ottawa to testify. Our committee had been discussing Canada’s Clean Energy response to the US Inflation Reduction Act, with witnesses from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Climate Institute, the Net-Zero Advisory Body, the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, Unifor Quebec, and the Canadian Labour Congress. I had some important questions I wanted to ask the Canadian Labour Congress and the Canadian Climate Institute, but I sadly never got the chance to speak due to the Conservative filibuster and antics.
I have one clip here that shows the motion the Conservatives moved, which had no relevance to the discussion at hand as its sole purpose was to disrupt Committee.
✔︎ Bill C-42, Beneficial Ownership Registry
Voted yea. Bill adopted.
Bill
Bill C-42, An Act to amend the Canada Business Corporations Act and to make consequential and related amendments to other acts.
Vote
Yea.
Rationale
In Budget 2022, the Government of Canada committed to implement a public and searchable registry of beneficial ownership information. The registry will cover corporations governed under the Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA) and will be scalable to allow access to the beneficial ownership data held by provinces and territories that agree to participate. The objective of the registry is to provide relevant authorities with timely access to accurate and up-to-date information about the true controlling individuals of corporations in order to combat illegal activities, including money laundering, corruption, and tax evasion. Greater transparency will also improve corporate accountability more generally, and thus help protect the public, improve trust in corporate institutions and ensure a well-functioning marketplace.
Passed.
Bill Status
Received Royal Assent
✔︎ Bill C-293, Pandemic Prevention and Preparedness Act
Voted yea. Bill adopted.
Bill
Bill C-293, An Act respecting pandemic prevention and preparedness
Vote
Yea.
Rationale
The Act supports the designation of a pandemic prevention and preparedness coordinator and the development of a pandemic prevention and preparedness plan to support the Government in improving its emergency response and preparedness efforts.
Passed.
Bill Status
At consideration in committee in the House of Commons
Statement about the National Trust for Canada
Thank you, Mr. Speaker,
I rise in the House today to offer congratulations to the National Trust for Canada on their 50th anniversary Conference. Taking place in Ottawa right now at the Château Laurier, this year’s Conference theme is “Transforming Heritage”.
The Conference has brought together over 700 heritage professionals, advocates, and industry leaders from across the country, and is being held in partnership with the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals and the Indigenous Heritage Circle.
The National Trust for Canada is the leading national charity dedicated to the conservation and use of Canada's historic places. Since its inception in 1973, the organization has powered a movement dedicated to preserving and revitalizing heritage buildings, landscapes, and communities for the benefit of people and the planet.
I want to say a special thank you to Natalie Bull and Chris Wiebe from the National Trust. Their dedication to heritage shows through their hard work. They mobilized support for Bill C-23, which is key legislation for the protection of Canada’s national heritage. From conference attendees, I call on members of this House for the swift passage of C-23.
✔︎ Bill C-226, National Strategy Respecting Environmental Racism and Environmental Justice Act
Voted yea. Bill adopted.
Bill
Bill C-226, An Act respecting the development of a national strategy to assess, prevent and address environmental racism and to advance environmental justice
Vote
Yea.
Rationale
Our government supported a nearly identical version of the Bill in the last Parliament. Additionally, the bill provides adequate flexibility with respect to the development of a national strategy. Support for Bill S-226 demonstrates action on the commitment in the Minister of Environment and Climate Change’s mandate letter to introduce legislation requiring the development of an environmental justice strategy.
Passed.
Bill Status
At consideration in committee in the Senate
✔︎ Bill S-222 (use of wood)
Voted yea. Bill adopted.
Bill
Bill S-222, An Act to amend the Department of Public Works and Government Services Act (use of wood)
Vote
Yea.
Rationale
The government stands in support of environmental goals and sustainable infrastructure. Our government supported Bill C-354 in 2019 , which was a similar Bill. Given that C-354 was passed by the House of Commons, it is anticipated that S-222 would pass Parliamentary review. This Bill supports the government mandate of greening and reducing GHGs, as well as building a sustainable environmental future.
Passed.
Bill Status
Received Royal Assent