✔︎ Bill S-224 (Trafficking in Persons)

Bill

Bill S-224, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (trafficking in persons)

Vote

Yea.

Rationale

The current definition of exploitation focuses on the impact of the trafficker’s conduct on a reasonable person in the victim’s circumstances. As this definition has been interpreted broadly, including by appellate courts, and has secured convictions, we cannot support Bill S-224’s proposal to remove it from the Criminal Code. We propose amending Bill S-224 to add its proposed definition of exploitation as an additional definition that could be used in appropriate cases, providing prosecutors with an additional tool to ensure traffickers are held to account.

Passed.

Bill Status

At report stage in the House of Commons

Statement on the International Day of Democracy, 2023

Today, Canada is joined by like-minded partners from all over the world in the celebration of democracy and the international rules-based order that supports it.

2023 marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Together, we must continue to uphold our democratic values and protect human rights in Canada and around the world. We must use this opportunity to continue building a better, safer future for everyone.

Democracy is not only about free and fair elections. Democracy is about the freedom of the press, the rule of law, and the accountability of public institutions.

As Ukrainians continue to defend their country against Russia’s illegal invasion, they are also defending the values that define and unite democracies. My heart is with the people of Ukraine today as they fight to uphold the principles of democracy.

On the International Day of Democracy, we renew our commitment to upholding the democratic values and principles that are at the core of who we are as Canadians. Let us reflect on our democratic values.

John Aldag
Member of Parliament for Cloverdale-Langley City

Contacts:

Megan Waddington

Constituency Assistant

Office of John Aldag, Member of Parliament

Megan.Waddington.807@parl.gc.ca

Supporting Canadians and Small Businesses with the High Cost of Living

September 14, 2023 – British Columbia

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced three new initiatives to support Canadians and small businesses with the high cost of living.

To address the cost of groceries, The Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, is calling the heads of large grocers to Ottawa to address the high cost of food. Large grocery retailers are expected to present their plans to reduce consumer costs by Thanksgiving of this year. If plans do not provide real relief to Canadians, the federal government will take further action, not excluding potential tax measures. Minister Champagne will also be looking into reforming the Competition Act, making large businesses more accountable to Canadians.

The federal government is eliminating the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on the construction of new rental apartments immediately to make housing more affordable. This measure will incentivize the construction of much-needed rental homes. The Government of Canada is also calling on provinces to match this action in removing the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) on the construction of new rentals. Local governments are now required to end exclusionary zoning and encourage the building of apartments near public transit in order to have their Housing Accelerator Fund applications approved.

To support small businesses, the Government of Canada is extending the repayment deadline for the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loan program by one year. Small businesses are the backbone of the Canadian economy and many relied on the CEBA program to stay afloat during the pandemic. Extending the CEBA repayment deadline until the end of 2024 will help more small businesses keep their doors open, supporting local economies. 

“I am encouraged by the measures announced to help Canadians and small businesses with the high cost of living. Our government is showing real leadership with these measures and we’re letting the middle class and those wishing to join it know that they are not being left behind. I am eagerly looking forward to this government announcing more measures to address affordability for all Canadians.” – 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

CSRF supporting organizations in Langley City

September 6, 2023 – British Columbia

Community service organizations are at the forefront of addressing community needs. During the pandemic, many of these vital organizations struggled with increased demand for their services, reduced revenues, declines in charitable giving and a greater reliance on digital tools. Their post-pandemic recovery is key to their continued ability to offer services and adapt to the changing needs of communities across Canada.

Today, John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale – Langley City, on behalf of the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Jenna Sudds, announced that Big Brothers Big Sisters of Langley, Lower Fraser Valley Aboriginal Society, Langley Senior Resources Society, and Langley Lodge will receive funding through the Community Services Recovery Fund.

For its project, “Archival Digitization”, Big Brothers Big Sisters Langley has been allocated $45,400. Lower Fraser Valley Aboriginal Society’s Iyáqt ("to transform" in Halq'eméylem) Project has been awarded $99,886. $72,240 will be going to Langley Senior Resources Society for the “Recruiting and Retaining Volunteers in the 21st Century” project. Langley Lodge will receive $30,000 for its “Systems Enhancement” project. These amounts are included in the $368,446 distributed to organizations across Cloverdale – Langley City.

The Community Services Recovery Fund will help community service organizations adapt, modernize, and be better equipped to improve the efficacy, accessibility, and sustainability of the community services that they provide. Whether the funded projects focus on recruitment and retention, modernizing organizational systems and processes, or innovating program delivery, the Community Services Recovery Fund reflects the Government’s commitment to invest in this sector, so that community service organizations can continue to support communities across Canada.

“These service organizations are the backbones of our communities, providing real-time help to residents in need. Through the Community Services Recovery Fund, the Government of Canada is providing these community service organizations with the support they need to uplift residents at the local level. I look forward to seeing the positive changes brought about by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Langley, Lower Fraser Valley Aboriginal Society, Langley Senior Resources Society, and Langley Lodge that will be made possible by this funding.”

Contacts:

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

CSRF supporting organizations in Cloverdale

September 6, 2023 – British Columbia

Community service organizations are at the forefront of addressing community needs. During the pandemic, many of these vital organizations struggled with increased demand for their services, reduced revenues, declines in charitable giving and a greater reliance on digital tools. Their post-pandemic recovery is key to their continued ability to offer services and adapt to the changing needs of communities across Canada.

Today, John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale – Langley City, on behalf of the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Jenna Sudds, announced that Waceya Métis Society and Zion Park Manor will receive funding through the Community Services Recovery Fund.

For its “Empowering Waceya Personnel to Effectively Serve Our Community” project, Waceya Métis Society has been allocated $20,920. Zion Park Manor is to receive $100,000 for its project, “Nurse Call System Replacement”. These amounts are included in the $368,446 distributed to organizations across Cloverdale – Langley City.

The Community Services Recovery Fund will help community service organizations adapt, modernize, and be better equipped to improve the efficacy, accessibility, and sustainability of the community services that they provide. Whether the funded projects focus on recruitment and retention, modernizing organizational systems and processes, or innovating program delivery, the Community Services Recovery Fund reflects the Government’s commitment to invest in this sector, so that community service organizations can continue to support communities across Canada.

“These service organizations are the backbones of our communities, providing real-time help to residents in need. Through the Community Services Recovery Fund, the Government of Canada is providing these community service organizations with the support they need to uplift residents at the local level. I look forward to seeing the positive changes brought about by Waceya Métis Society and Zion Park Manor in Cloverdale that will be made possible by this funding.”

Contacts:

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

The governments of Canada and British Columbia invest in the Montrose Exchange in Abbotsford

28 August, 2023 – British Columbia

Today, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, and Erinn Pinkerton, BC Transit President and Chief Executive Officer announced a joint investment of more than $8.4 million to support upgrades to the Montrose Avenue Transit Exchange in the City of Abbotsford.

Project funding will help with the construction of an enhanced transit exchange on Montrose Avenue in downtown Abbotsford. This exchange is required to create the Transit Future Network in Abbotsford and surrounding regions. Further, once completed, the Montrose Exchange will feature approximately ten bus bays, transit shelters, new bike lockers, bike racks, cycling amenities, bus operator washroom facilities, and improvements to pedestrian and road infrastructure.

Public transit is key to creating sustainable economic growth and more inclusive communities.

By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is growing our country’s economy, building resilient communities, and improving the lives of Canadians.

“As the need for public transit grows, our government will continue to support modern, reliable public transportation services for all Canadians. This investment will improve public transit around Abbotsford and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

Contacts:

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

Editorial: 5 Ways Canada is Leading in the Clean Economy

As the Chair of the Natural Resources Committee, I have the pleasure of working with colleagues from every region of this country to study and determine the actions that are at the centre of Canada’s clean and prosperous future.

Certainly, we are experiencing transformative progress taking place in Canada’s clean economy. The federal government’s commitment to sustainable development and forward-thinking policies has positioned our nation as one of the best places to invest in this rapidly growing sector. This is thanks in large part to over six years of investments in strategic sectors, supported by programs like smart grids and infrastructure financing. In the newly passed Budget 2023, the government is building on this legacy by delivering both transformational and job-creating tax incentives for clean technology and a historic set of investments in the backbone of this clean economy: the electrical grid. 

The fact is, we are seeing remarkable clean economic opportunities flourishing across different regions of our country.

An Overview of Canada’s Clean Economy

The growth of our low-carbon industries is not limited to one specific region or sector. From coast to coast, Canadian provinces and territories are capitalizing on their unique strengths to pave the way for a greener future. 

“Clean economy initiatives have not only reduced greenhouse gas emissions but have also created numerous well-paying jobs for local communities.”

1. British Columbia’s Clean Economy

In my home province of British Columbia, the province’s leadership in clean technology innovation can be seen in our cutting-edge Carbon Engineering facility, where CO2 is being drawn out of the atmosphere. In terms of clean fuels, drivers in the interior can now benefit from the new federally-funded hydrogen refuelling station that opened recently in Kelowna. These clean economy initiatives have not only reduced greenhouse gas emissions but have also created numerous well-paying jobs for local communities.

2. Sustainable Agriculture in the Prairies

In the prairie provinces, vast expanses of arable land are being leveraged for sustainable agriculture and bioenergy initiatives. Through federal support, farmers have adopted innovative practices to reduce carbon footprints, harnessing biogas from agricultural waste and utilizing renewable energy sources to power their operations. These efforts have bolstered agricultural resilience while opening up new economic avenues for rural communities.

3. Electric Vehicles in Ontario

In Ontario, the automotive industry has embraced the electric vehicle revolution. Federal investments in manufacturing facilities and research and development have encouraged the production of clean, zero-emission vehicles, placing Canada at the forefront of this transformative industry. This shift to electric vehicles is not only reducing our dependence on fossil fuels but also positioning Ontario as a hub for electric vehicle innovation and manufacturing, attracting international investors and creating skilled jobs for our workforce.

4. Offshore Wind in Atlantic Canada

In Atlantic Canada, the vast offshore wind potential along the coastlines is unlocking immense clean energy opportunities. The federal government’s commitment to supporting offshore wind projects will be on full display this fall as we move forward with C-49 to create this new sector, and we need industry to be ready to deliver good projects and good jobs. These developments are not only providing clean and reliable energy sources but also driving economic growth and job creation in coastal communities.

5. Investing in the North

In the North, where the impacts of climate change are particularly pronounced, the federal government is working hand-in-hand with Indigenous communities to promote sustainable resource management and clean energy initiatives. Investments in solar and hydro projects are reducing diesel dependency, improving energy security, and empowering local Indigenous populations with economic opportunities rooted in their traditional knowledge and connection to the land. 

These examples represent only a fraction of the remarkable clean economic opportunities emerging across Canada. Through federal funding, incentives, and supportive policies, the government is fostering an environment where innovation thrives, businesses flourish, and sustainable practices are rewarded.

“By championing the clean economy in various regions, Canada is attracting domestic and international investors, generating jobs, and reducing emissions.”

As we continue our journey towards a greener and more prosperous future, it is essential to recognize the invaluable role the federal government plays in creating an enabling environment for the clean economy to thrive. By championing the clean economy in various regions, Canada is attracting domestic and international investors, generating jobs, and reducing emissions, all while positioning ourselves as global leaders in the transition to a sustainable future.

The time to invest in the clean economy is now, and Canada is the place to do it. Our message to industry, workers, and communities is simple: Let’s seize this historic opportunity, working together to build a prosperous and sustainable future for all Canadians.

John Aldag
Member of Parliament for Cloverdale-Langley City

Published in The Future Economy

✔︎ Bill C-242, Reuniting Families Act

Bill

Bill C-242, An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (temporary resident visas for parents and grandparents)

Vote

Yea.

Rationale

The fundamental program changes sought in this Bill are in the best interest of Canadians and Canadian permanent residents.

Passed.

Bill Status

Royal Assent received

✔︎ Bill C-224, National Framework on Cancers Linked to Firefighting Act

Bill

Bill C-224, An Act to establish a national framework for the prevention and treatment of cancers linked to firefighting

Vote

Yea.

Rationale

The Act builds on our commitments through the 2021 comprehensive Action Plan to protect firefighters from harmful chemicals released during household fires and the Minister of Health’s mandate letter.

Passed.

Bill Status

Royal Assent received

✔︎ Bill S-8 (Denying Entry to Sanctioned Individuals and Entities)

Bill

Bill S-8, An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, to make consequential amendments to other Acts and to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations

Vote

Yea.

Rationale

Bill S-8 aligns Canada’s sanctions and inadmissibility frameworks to ensure that Russian individuals are entities who have been recently sanctioned due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and Iranian individuals and entities who have been sanctioned for their support of terrorism and systemic and gross human rights violations are inadmissible to Canada. These changes will allow the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to deny entry to, and remove, sanctioned individuals, and will allow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) officials to deny visas.

Passed.

Bill Status

Royal Assent received