Statement on Vaisakhi
Thank you Mr. Speaker,
Sikhs across the world and across Canada are preparing to gather to celebrate Vaisakhi. The celebration of Vaisakhi marks the founding of the community of baptized Sikhs, known as Khalsa Panth. This year, the celebration is held on April 14th.
Canada is the home of one of the world’s largest Sikh diasporas. More than 500,000 Canadians of the Sikh faith have helped make our country what it is today.
The vibrant festival of Vaisakhi is a spring harvest festival marking the Solar New Year for Sikhs and Hindus. Vaisakhi is also a time to reflect on the importance of upholding justice and promoting equality. Let us celebrate together the importance of the Sikh community within Cloverdale-Langley City, across Surrey, and across Canada as well. Please join me at the Surrey Vaisakhi Parade on April 22nd!
I’d like to take this opportunity to wish all those celebrating this special occasion a very happy Vaisakhi.
Statement on Heritage Week
Thank you, Mr. Speaker,
Next week, February 20th-26th, is Heritage Week across Canada. In my home province of British Columbia, the Heritage Week theme is “Always in All Ways” - inviting citizens to explore and celebrate the culture and heritage of the communities that make up the places we each call home. Heritage Week is a time for all Canadians to reflect on how to keep our heritage alive.
MPs can play a role in protecting heritage places in our communities, while also advancing reconciliation by supporting Bill C-23. When passed, Bill C-23 will create the Historic Places of Canada Act, which will add First Nations, Inuit, and Métis representation to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. This action would implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 79.
Additionally, this legislation delivers on developing and implementing a national heritage plan and strategy for commemorating residential school sites, the history and legacy of residential schools, and the contributions of Aboriginal peoples to Canada's history.
Therefore, I ask my colleagues to vote in favour of Bill C-23. I wish everyone a wonderful Heritage Week in their communities.
Thank you.
Statement on Childcare and the Canada Child Benefit
Mr. Speaker,
Last month, I had the opportunity to connect with many constituents about their experiences with the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and the new childcare agreement in BC.
One woman told me her heartbreaking story of being in an abusive relationship. Because of the CCB, she was able to leave and restart the lives of herself and her children.
Others expressed to me how the CCB tied to inflation has kept their finances stable in this time of global inflation, allowing them to feed and clothe their children.
Regarding childcare, I met a single mother who was able to go back to work because a childcare space became available. Her fees were reduced by 50%, thanks to our agreement with BC.
Another family is also saving money on their fees. This has allowed them to afford childcare for their three kids, allowing both parents to return to work.
These are just a few stories I heard about how our government’s support for families is making a difference. I look forward to 2026, when $10-a-day childcare is fully implemented in BC.
Thank you!
Statement on the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign
Thank you, Mr. Speaker,
Last weekend, I had the honour of volunteering with the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign, outside the Langley Superstore.
The Kettle Campaign is one of Canada’s largest and most recognizable charitable events during the Christmas season. The funds raised stay in the community in which they are donated and are used to support local Salvation Army programs for people in need.
This is not the first time I have volunteered with the Salvation Army. The Gateway of Hope, a Ministry within the Salvation Army itself, filled backpacks for kids in need this Fall as part of their Family Services Program. In the end, between 800 and 900 families received help from this campaign.
I would like to personally thank the individuals at the Gateway of Hope who provide these important services in Cloverdale-Langley City.
Dan Donkers is the Volunteer Coordinator who manages the Kettle Campaign. Cristina Schneiter is the Residential Services Manager, and she works with the local shelter and manages the Emergency Weather Alerts. Andrea Voss is the Family Services Coordinator, and she helped organize the backpack campaign.
There are many people to thank for the services the Salvation Army provides, and I wish each of them a very Merry Christmas.
Thank you!
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.
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.
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.
Statement on Truth and Reconciliation Day
Mr. Speaker,
On May 27, 2021 the remains of 215 children were found buried on the site of the former Residential School in Kamloops.
On June 14, 2021 volunteers from the community of Langley put up 215 crosses and children’s clothing at the Derek Doubleday Arboretum to remember and honour those children who did not make it home. The idea came from Cecilia Reekie, a former Langley school trustee and an inter-generational warrior, a term to replace warriors as encouraged by Kwantlen Chief Marilyn Gabriel. Cecilia was inspired by the sight of crosses with clothing when she visited Kamloops after news of the discovery. One year later, this memorial to the missing children still stands.
I attended the candlelight vigil at the Derek Doubleday Arboretum on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation last Friday and was once again moved by this display. Thank you to Lower Fraser Valley Aboriginal Society and United Churches of Langley for organizing this vigil. And a special thank you to Cecelia Reekie for all the work she has done and continues to do to make sure everyone remembers the children who never returned home.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.