Alice Wong, MP » 2009

Summer Community BBQ

We cooked up about 850 burgers and 350 hot dogs for the August 28, 2010 Summer Community BBQ. Thank you everybody for making this event a success!

Summer 2010 Householder

The Richmond Summer 2010 Householder is available! You can download it by clicking here.

Parliament in 2010

The House of Commons finished its spring session on June 18, 2010. Members of Parliament are now on the summer break, although please do note that this does not mean they are on vacation! The House of Commons will be back in session on September 20, 2010.

If you are a resident of the Richmond constituency and have comments on Federal government policy, do not hesitate to contact us.

Richmond Electoral District

Alice Wong is the Member of Parliament for Richmond. The Richmond electoral district has a population of 114,137 based on 2006 census data. The Richmond electoral district contains approximately two-thirds of the population of the entire City of Richmond. You can view a map of Richmond by clicking here.

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Typhoon Ketsana

September 29, 2009

STATEMENT BY ALICE WONG ON TYPHOON KETSANA

RICHMOND – Alice Wong, MP for Richmond and Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism, would like to express her condolences for the victims of Typhoon Ketsana, which struck the Philippine mainland on September 26, 2009.

Alice Wong stated, “I am deeply saddened for the loss of life suffered by those victimized by the typhoon. I will continue working with the Ministry of International Cooperation in Ottawa, and the local Filipino community to find ways to assist with this natural disaster.”

Typhoon Ketsana brought extremely heavy rains, and exceeded the record for rainfall in the metropolitan Manila area, leading to the worst flooding in recent history.

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Speaking about Bill C-50

September 29, 2009

Alice Wong made the following remarks about Bill C-50, An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act and to increase benefits. The following was a transcript of the debate in the House of Commons on September 28, 2009. After the main speech, there is a short question-and-answer period:

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Mrs. Alice Wong (Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism, CPC):

Madam Speaker, I am happy to join in the debate today on our government’s latest steps to help Canadians facing difficulties.

Our government has been working hard since we formed government to help Canadians. Over the past year, we have been working even harder.

The global economic recession hit Canada hard. Many tens of thousands of Canadians lost their jobs, many of them quite suddenly. This sort of thing is incredibly shocking and stressful on these workers and their families.

This Conservative government has taken strong action to help these Canadians. In January we introduced Canada’s economic action plan, which was a plan for economic stimulus to maintain and create jobs, to help our economy recover and to help Canadians get the new skills they needed to succeed in the new jobs of the future as Canada’s economy recovered and moved forward.

I would like to talk about these measures for a few moments. These measures include providing five extra weeks of EI regular benefits across the country, including increasing the maximum duration of benefits from 45 to 50 weeks in regions of high unemployment.

Under Canada’s economic action plan, we have also made changes to the work-sharing program to help workers stay in the labour force, maintain their skills and protect their jobs. Work sharing allows employers to keep their skilled and experienced employees on, while their business endures a slowdown due to the recession. This program offers EI income support to workers who are willing to work a reduced work week while their employer pursues the company’s economic recovery plan.

The changes we have made extend the work-sharing agreements by an additional 14 weeks to maximize the benefits for workers and employers during the recovery period. Work-sharing agreements are not available for 52 weeks. This is an enormous help to Canadian employers and employees alike. As of today, there are close 5,800 active work-sharing agreements across the country, protecting the jobs and skills of over 165,000 Canadians.

I also want to mention the additional $60 million over three years that Canada’s economic action plan is investing in the targeted initiative for older workers. This initiative enables people 55 to 64 years of age to get the skills upgrading and work experience they need to make the transition to new jobs.

Let me add that we are expending this initiative’s reach so that communities with populations of fewer than 250,000 are now eligible for funding. This will ensure that many more Canadians are able to benefit from this valuable initiative.

Under Canada’s economic action plan, workers will also benefit through the increase of funding of $1 billion over two years for skills training under the existing labour market development agreements with the provinces and territories. This additional investment will help people receiving EI benefits to get the skills training they need in our changed economy.

The action plan also has an initiative in place to assist individuals who are ineligible for employment insurance so they too can benefit from training and other support measures.

Through our strategic training and transition fund, we are investing to assist these unemployed Canadians. Because we recognize that the provinces and territories know local needs best, the training programs part of this fund are being delivered at that level.

As well, to support young people entering the trades, the action plan introduced an additional $2,000 apprenticeship completion grant to apprentices who successfully completed an apprenticeship program in a Red Seal trade. This new measure builds on the existing apprenticeship incentive grant.

In addition, through a two year $1 billion community adjustment fund, our government is protecting jobs and supporting businesses in key sectors of our economy that are in difficulty, and this includes forestry, farming and mining.

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The fund will support economic diversification in communities affected by the decline in their local industries.

Moreover, as a direct result of Canada’s economic action plan, up to 1,000 young people can gain work experience through internships with not for profit and community service organizations under an agreement with the YMCA and YWCA and its new grants for the youth internship program.

As I said, our government recognizes the crucial role that the EI program plays in assisting unemployed Canadians while the economy recovers. This year alone, the government will spend $5.5 billion more on EI benefits for Canadians. I believe this amount speaks volumes about our government’s commitment to helping Canadians through the difficulties and the difficult period of this economic recession.

Since coming to office, we have worked diligently to make fair and timely changes to the EI program in keeping with the real needs of Canadians. This is why we have expanded the eligibility for EI compassionate care benefits by enlarging the definition of family members to include a wider range of individuals and it is why we are improving the management and governance of the EI account by establishing the Canada Employment Insurance Financing Board.

Some of my colleagues have mentioned this change and I want to mention it as well. It is important for Canadians. The Employment Insurance Financing Board will ensure that EI premiums paid by hard-working Canadians do not go into general revenues and are not available for future governments to use on their pet political projects or to fudge deficit numbers.

Previous Liberal governments did just that and the money they used to shine their own image is no longer there to help Canadians who need it, the very same Canadians who paid those premiums and expected their money to be there for them. Our Conservative government is ensuring that will not happen again.

As for this bill, Bill C-50 is an important and timely initiative that builds on measures our Conservative government has introduced through Canada’s economic action plan to assist Canadians who find themselves unemployed in these difficult times. The changes proposed by Bill C-50 are in keeping with our commitment to have an EI program that Canadians can rely on as their first line of defence when they lose their jobs.

When long-tenured workers lose their jobs, we want measures in place that are as fair and responsive as they possibly can be, measures that reflect and respect their own long contributions to the health of their industries or sectors, their communities and our nation.

As I explained, this legislation proposes a temporary measure that will provide some much needed assistance to long-tenured workers throughout the country. The passage of Bill C-50 will make a difference in their lives and the lives of their families. It will also be proof positive that we support and stand behind them in their efforts to seek and find new jobs. They have striven long and hard to support their industry. Now let us assist them in their time of need.

I call especially on members from the Liberal Party and the Bloc. Whatever their other desires or their other goals, they should see just as clearly as members on this side of the House and other members of the House who are supporting this bill that these measures are important to tens of thousands of Canadians.

The Liberal leader’s wish to drive Canadians into an unnecessary election to fulfill his personal goals or to feed his personal vanity should not stand in the way of tens of thousands of unemployed Canadians getting the help they need and deserve.

I, therefore, ask all members of the House to join in supporting Bill C-50.

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Ms. Judy Foote (Random—Burin—St. George’s, Lib.):

Madam Speaker, I first would like to point out that it is unfortunate in a debate like this that members resort to personal attacks. This is such an important issue that we really need to focus on Canadians and the situation in which they find themselves.

I wonder if the hon. member could tell me what the status is of the financing board.

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Mrs. Alice Wong:

Madam Speaker, the financing board will be fully responsible for handling EI premiums and how they will be used. Money collected from people who pay their premiums will be kept by the board in a separate pot and be managed by the board independently.

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Mr. Guy André (Berthier—Maskinongé, BQ):

Madam Speaker, I listened to the hon. member talking about EI and I would like some clarification from her.

For many years, we have been denouncing the pillaging of the employment insurance fund, which has continued under the Conservatives. There is currently a bill before the House, Bill C-50, which will allow a few unemployed to receive extended benefits, while none of the forestry workers and seasonal workers, who have experienced problems with EI in recent years, will be able to benefit from any of these measures. And the pillaging of the EI fund is continuing.

Should steps not be taken to stop the pillaging of the EI fund and to provide assistance not only to those workers who have done without EI these past few years, but all those who are losing their jobs because of the recession that is still ongoing, especially since the OECD predicts that it will last for another few years?

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Mrs. Alice Wong:

Madam Speaker, I might suggest that the opposition do some research and some calculations. We have already given out an additional $5.5 billion for EI, which is exactly what people need.

I am asking the opposition to support Bill C-50 in order to help those who have paid premiums their whole life. This is the right time for them to get what they deserve, the extension of five to twenty weeks to those people who really deserve it. That is why we are asking opposition parties to support unemployed Canadians and not block them.

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Ms. Christiane Gagnon (Québec, BQ):

Madam Speaker, I would like to ask the member of the Conservative government who just spoke how her party came up with the figure of 190,000 regarding the number of workers who will see their EI benefits extended under this bill.

We know that, if there are 190,000, the assumption is likely that 85% receive regular benefits up until the end of their qualifying period, when in fact 25% receive the full benefits they are entitled to. Therefore, this is not—at least we do not think so—a meaningful figure. We should be talking instead of $300 million benefiting approximately 60,000 people.

I would like her to explain how that number was calculated. We have asked questions of some members of the Conservative Party, but have been unable to get an answer, either orally or in writing.

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Mrs. Alice Wong:

Madam Speaker, we have stated clearly that the five week extension would apply to all Canadians who are unemployed and qualify. This extension of five weeks to twenty weeks would actually apply to long-tenured workers who have paid premiums their whole life. They deserve these five to twenty weeks of benefits, and the Bloc is blocking them.

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Funding Waterworks and Sewage for Richmond

September 25, 2009

The City of Richmond applied for grants through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund for much needed upgrades to their water and sewage system. As the City of Richmond continues to grow, basic services such as water and sewage require maintenance and upgrades. This funding (your taxpayer dollars) will deliver benefits that the people of Richmond will see every day they turn on their water taps, or flush their toilets.

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GOVERNMENTS FUND LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE

RICHMOND – Canada, B.C. and the City of Richmond have approved a joint investment of more than $10.2 million through the Building Canada Fund and Infrastructure Stimulus Fund to get shovels in the ground on two local projects. These projects will benefit local residents by creating jobs, helping to boost the local the economy, and build longer-lasting local infrastructure.

“I’m proud to see the Government of Canada working with the Province and the City of Richmond to improve our infrastructure,” says Richmond MP Alice Wong. “This partnership shows our commitment to help strengthen B.C.’s economy and provide jobs for British Columbians.”

“We’re not just building infrastructure with these projects,” says Richmond Centre MLA Rob Howard. “We’re also building up Richmond’s local economy by getting people to work at a time when every job counts.”

“Investing in infrastructure will help us get through this recession,” says Richmond East MLA Linda Reid. “These projects will also benefit our city for many years to come. Richmond wins in the short term, medium term and long term.”

“We’re looking at dozens of good jobs being created,” says Richmond-Steveston MLA John Yap. “I’m proud that we’re meeting our commitment to stimulate the economy through infrastructure spending.”

“I’m very excited to have this partnership with the federal and provincial governments,” says Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “It makes it possible for us to deliver some much needed improvements to city services.”

The combined Federal, Provincial and Municipal funds for infrastructure projects are as follows:

* $6,189,000 for the Lulu Waterworks project, which will see municipal watermains replaced by the City of Richmond in priority locations.

* $4,049,000 for sewer upgrades. The City of Richmond has identified several areas as priorities, including the Eckersly pump station and forcemain upgrades located in the City Centre. In the Hamilton area, the construction of a new pump station will service a large area currently serviced by septic systems.

The Government of Canada’s 2009 Economic Action Plan includes a vast array of initiatives to help to stimulate the economy, create jobs, build consumer confidence, and assist Canadians when they need it most during this global economic recession. New large-scale infrastructure programs are one important element of this plan.

The project is funded under the Province’s three-year, $14-billion capital infrastructure program that will create up to 88,000 jobs and help build vital public infrastructure in every region of B.C.

Since February about 480 projects worth $3.4 billion have been announced. These will create an estimated 21,600 jobs in communities across British Columbia.

For more information on the Building Canada plan, visit www.buildingcanada.gc.ca or www.bcbuildingcanadafundcommunities.ca. Information on the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund is available at www.creatingjobs.gc.ca.

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Funding for Port Metro Vancouver

September 24, 2009

The announcement of this funding was in Vancouver, but Port Metro Vancouver has operations all over Vancouver, including in Richmond at the Richmond Logistics Hub. The Richmond Logistics Hub is one component of this port, and this enhancement will help facilitate trade, and be beneficial for Richmond.

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Vancouver, British Columbia, September 23, 2009 – The Honourable Rob Merrifield, Canada’s Minister of State (Transport), today announced funding up to nearly $42 million for 14 Port Metro Vancouver infrastructure projects, under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund.

The Government of Canada will provide Port Metro Vancouver with up to nearly $21 million from the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund to make important upgrades to the Port’s infrastructure. The Port will invest an identical amount.

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, our Government is investing in new port projects today as part of our larger plan to create local jobs, stimulate British Columbia’s economy, and ensure Canada emerges strong from an economic downturn,” said Minister Merrifield. “We are proud to partner with Port Metro Vancouver to get these 14 projects underway, and ensure British Columbia has lasting and durable port infrastructure.”

The 14 infrastructure projects are diverse, ranging from the installation of waterlines to service the Richmond Logistics Hub, to upgrading seismic capacity of three buildings at the Lynnterm Terminal, to upgrading water and storm sewers systems on the south shore to enhance emergency preparedness for south shore terminals in the event of a fire, spill or similar event, to the creation of a Fusion centre to manage the Port’s operations and manage communications to ensure safe, secure and sustainable operations.

“Port Metro Vancouver appreciates the Government of Canada’s commitment to serve the nation’s international trade requirements through this leading gateway,” said Robin Silvester, President and Chief Executive Officer, Port Metro Vancouver. “By matching the Government of Canada’s investment, the Port will help deliver the transportation infrastructure our commercial user’s need, while securing jobs and providing economic value for communities.”

The new federal $4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund provides funding to provincial, territorial and municipal construction-ready infrastructure rehabilitation projects that will be built during this year’s and next year’s construction seasons. Federal funding is conditional on the projects meeting all federal program and environmental requirements and the signing of a contribution agreement.

To date, 210 infrastructure projects in British Columbia will receive a joint federal-provincial investment of $370 million under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund.

For more information on the Economic Action Plan, please visit: This link will lead you outside the Building Canada website. www.actionplan.gc.ca.

List of Projects:

1. Richmond Properties – No. 8/Blundell Traffic Signal and Rail Crossing Improvements Project
2. Fraser Richmond-North Access Road Services Extension Project
3. Lynn Creek Rail Bridge Addition – Port Metro Vancouver, North Vancouver, North Shore Trade Area
4. South Shore Roadway Upgrade – McGill Overpass
5. North shore – Lynnterm Seismic Upgrade
6. Richmond Logistics Hub – Offsite Waterloop Feeder Loop Project
7. Salter Street Access Road
8. South Shore Water and Sewer Improvements
9. Centerm Shed 1 Seismic Upgrade
10. Port Metro Vancouver Fusion Centre
11. North Arm Marine Facilities Capital Improvements
12. North shore – Access road to Vancouver Drydock
13. Richmond Office Seismic Upgrade
14. Annacis Island Parkway Pavement Renewal

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Canada’s Economic Action Plan Status

September 24, 2009

The third Economic Action Plan report will be tabled in Parliament on September 28, 2009.

In addition, the government, on September 16, 2009, has introduced in the House of Commons Bill C-50, An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act and to increase benefits. You can read the text of the bill that was introduced to the house by clicking here.

A Ways and Means motion was voted in the House of Commons on September 18, 2009. This motion implements aspects of Budget 2009, including the Home Renovation Tax Credit. You can read the Ways and Means motion here.

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Members’ Statement on the Canada Line

September 16, 2009

On September 16, 2009, Alice Wong gave the following statement in the House of Commons, regarding the Canada Line:

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Mrs. Alice Wong (Richmond, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, on August 17, I was privileged to participate in the opening of the Canada Line, a new rapid transit line that links Richmond to the Vancouver International Airport and the City of Vancouver. It connects commuters from Richmond to downtown Vancouver in just 25 minutes.

The Canadian government’s $450 million investment in this $2 billion project will return large dividends.

The people employed to construct the Canada Line worked hard and the project was finished ahead of schedule and on budget. The Canada Line is expected to serve 100,000 riders per day and this number will certainly grow in the years to come. It is a critical piece of the rapid transit infrastructure in the metro Vancouver region.

Our government was pleased to partner with the Government of B.C., the Vancouver Airport Authority and TransLink to finish this great engineering project.

I invite all members, Canadians and visitors from all around the world to come to Richmond in February 2010 to ride the Canada Line, watch the Olympics and enjoy Richmond.

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