Statement on Summer Events

Mr. Speaker, 

I rise today to share the exciting events that are taking place this summer in Cloverdale-Langley City.  

First the Surrey Pride Festival will be taking place on June 24th for a celebration of diversity, inclusion, and equality. I look forward to celebrating Pride Month in our community. 

On June 29th, my office will be hosting our first Summer BBQ at Langley City Park. This BBQ is a great opportunity for us to come together for music, fun, and delicious food.  

On July 15th, we have the Al Anderson Pool Party, a chance to beat the summer heat with freezies and other cooling off activities.  

During the second weekend of August, we can look forward to a warm movie night in the park, complete with popcorn and a starry sky. 

As we embrace the spirit of summer activities, let us connect and celebrate the season of summer with our constituents.  

Lastly, I would like to wish all fathers a Happy Father’s Day, including my dad, Don Aldag. 

Thank you. 

✔︎ Bill C-294 (Right to Repair)

Bill

Bill C-294, An Act to amend the Copyright Act (interoperability)

Vote

Yea.

Rationale

The government supports the ambition of Bill C-294, recognizing that Canadian consumers and workers, such as those in the technological and agricultural sectors, have highlighted the positive impacts right-to-repair legislation would have on competition and sustainability efforts.

Passed.

Bill Status

At second reading in the Senate

✘ Bill C-311, Violence Against Pregnant Women Act

Bill

Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women)

Vote

Nay.

Rationale

Our government condemns all forms of violence against women, but this Bill could be used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada, which I am firmly against. The Bill also has errors that make it ineffective in addressing its stated purpose and would actually reduce the legal tools available to pregnant individuals who are assaulted.

Failed.

Bill Status

Bill defeated

✔︎ Bill S-5, Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada Act

Bill

Bill S-5, An Act to amend the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, to make related amendments to the Food and Drugs Act and to repeal the Perfluorooctane Sulfonate Virtual Elimination Act

Vote

Yea.

Rationale

The Act amends the Canadian Environmental Protection Act to promote alignment with the growing number of jurisdictions seeking to replace, reduce, or refine animal testing; protect subpopulations that may be more susceptible or highly exposed to harmful substances and take cumulative effects into account.

Passed.

Bill Status

Royal Assent received

✔︎ Bill S-245 (Granting Citizenship to Certain Canadians)

Bill

Bill S-245, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (granting citizenship to certain Canadians)

Vote

Yea.

Rationale

The Act addresses the issue of “lost Canadians” and provides a clear process to renounce citizenship by those affected if they so desire.

Passed.

Bill Status

At report stage in the House of Commons

✔︎ Bill C-281, International Human Rights Act

Bill

Bill C-281, An Act to amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act, the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law), the Broadcasting Act and the Prohibiting Cluster Munitions Act

Vote

Yea.

Rationale

Bill C-281 creates significant issues that could inadvertently endanger the lives of detained human rights defenders and weaken Canada’s sanctions regime. Additionally, the Bill uses terminology that does not have agreed international or domestic legal definitions, duplicates provisions that are previously legislated and includes provisions that would be difficult to enforce. The Government continues to support measures that will promote human rights abroad and protect human rights defenders around the world. Given that all opposition parties indicated their support for the Bill and the significant issues in Bill C-281, the Government will support the Bill with the intent of putting forward substantive amendments to improve the legislation at the committee stage.

Passed.

Bill Status

At second reading in the Senate

✔︎ Bill C-291 (Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material)

Bill

Bill C-291, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make consequential amendments to other Acts (child sexual abuse and exploitation material)

Vote

Yea.

Rationale

The Government of Canada is committed to preventing and protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation of any kind, including internationally. Canada works closely with international partners to combat online child sexual exploitation. This includes not only the exchange of information regarding new and emerging threats, but also the sharing of best practices and lessons learning in combatting this crime.

Passed.

Bill Status

At consideration in committee in the Senate

TELUS Improves Connectivity and Generates Economic Opportunities for British Columbians

June 1, 2023 – British Columbia

On May 23rd, TELUS announced an $18.5 billion investment in network infrastructure, operations, and spectrum across BC over the next four years. This includes a $6.3 million investment to improve its PureFibre network in Langley City.

MP Aldag met with Nick Moore, Director of Federal Government Relations for TELUS where they discussed the importance of improving connectivity in rural communities. Remote learning has become an essential resource in learning and sharing information. TELUS and similar companies play an important role in helping remote communities thrive. TELUS is acting by connecting thousands of households in rural BC in partnership with the federal government through the Universal Broadband Fund (UBF).

TELUS’s PureFibre network is Canada’s most sustainable internet technology. Since switching to fibre in 2019, TELUS has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by over 5,300 tonnes, helping move Canada forward with its climate goals. TELUS is also the largest private sector employer in British Columbia, with over 7,500 employees in the province and 264 working directly in Cloverdale – Langley City. With this new investment, TELUS will continue providing good middle-class jobs to British Columbians.

“TELUS’s networks are the backbone of Canada’s digital economy. They drive innovation and uplift marginalized communities. This investment will help improve connections in our community, specifically around healthcare, safe and healthy food, online education, remote work, and, most importantly, family and friends. TELUS shows that it is possible to meet environmental goals while boosting our economy and supporting rural communities. I welcome this investment from TELUS and look forward to the positive changes it will bring to our community.”

Contacts:

Megan Waddington
Constituency Assistant
Office of John Aldag, Member of Parliament
604-575-6595
john.aldag@parl.gc.ca

Statement Congratulating High School Graduates

Mr. Speaker, 

At this time of year, we celebrate the academic achievements of those who have fulfilled another year of studies. This includes those who have completed another year of post-secondary studies, including my daughter Hattie, and those who have convocated.  

We also celebrate the achievements of elementary and secondary schools in Cloverdale-Langley City. I congratulate all Grade 12 students who are preparing to celebrate the significant milestone of graduation, including my daughter Kalani. 

As these students pursue post-secondary education, trades training, and enter the workforce, I’d like to acknowledge their hard work and accomplishments in pursuit of their passions and life goals. 

Congratulations to the graduating and convocating classes of 2023! I look forward to seeing these graduates and graduands shape our future ideas, policies, and investments as they become leaders in our country. 

Thank you Mr. Speaker.  

Statement Congratulating Darcy & Manjit

Thank you Mr. Speaker,  

The John and Muriel Arnason Award is granted to a couple who “serve together to make the Township of Langley a better place through charitable, philanthropic, or other means”. This year’s recipients were Township of Langley residents, Darcy and Manjit Gill.  

Since 1994, Darcy and Manjit have both been actively volunteering in the community and have made a significant difference in people’s lives. They are or have been involved with the Langley Memorial Hospital Foundation, Langley Meals on Wheels, BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, the BC Cancer Society, and the list goes on. Even right now, every week, Manjit delivers meals to students at HD Stafford Middle School.  

Our community is very grateful to this couple. Congratulations to Darcy and Manjit on this recent recognition. Your work has made our community a better place to live.