Hon. Alice Wong, P.C.

SURREY, BRITISH COLUMBIA, August 24, 2009—Ms. Alice Wong, Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, was pleased to present a $2,000 Apprenticeship Completion Grant cheque to two apprentices who were among the first in British Columbia to qualify for the grant by successfully completing apprenticeship training and receiving journeyperson certification in a designated Red Seal trade.

“Our government’s Apprenticeship Completion Grant is helping Canadians become tradespeople and ensuring that we have the skilled and mobile workforce our country needs to meet the demands of our changing labour market,” said Ms. Wong. “Our government is committed to providing Canadians with the skills they need for the jobs of today and tomorrow.”

The Government of Canada supports training, and provides grants and tax credits to encourage Canadians to pursue challenging, rewarding careers in the skilled trades. The Apprenticeship Completion Grant builds on the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant by offering an additional $2,000 to eligible apprentices after they successfully complete their apprenticeship training and receive their journeyperson certification in a designated Red Seal trade on or after January 1, 2009.

Under the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant, apprentices are eligible for a $1,000 cash grant when they complete the first and/or second level of their apprenticeship program in a designated Red Seal trade, to a maximum of $2,000. Combined, the two grants provide eligible apprentices who complete their training and become certified journeypersons in a designated Red Seal trade with a total of $4,000.

The Government of Canada is investing $40 million per year in the Apprenticeship Completion Grant. This program will not only encourage people to complete their apprenticeship training and become certified journeypersons, but will also enhance their ability to work anywhere in Canada by supporting the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program and enable them to take advantage of opportunities for themselves, their families and their futures.

Approximately 20,000 apprentices are estimated to benefit from the Apprenticeship Completion Grant each year upon certification in a designated Red Seal trade. The Red Seal Program represents a national standard of excellence in the trades and provides recognition of tradespeople’s qualifications. The Program facilitates the mobility of trades workers and is recognized by employers throughout Canada.

The Government of Canada encourages all eligible apprentices to apply for the grants. For more information on how to apply, call 1-866-742-3644 (TTY: 1‑866‑909‑9757) or visit servicecanada.gc.ca/apprenticeship.

To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

RICHMOND – A $1.215-million investment by the provincial and federal governments will expand the library at Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Richmond campus to reflect their university status.

Alice Wong, MP for Richmond and Moira Stilwell, Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development, along with John Yap, MLA for Richmond-Steveston, Rob Howard, MLA for Richmond Centre, and Linda Reid, MLA for Richmond East, made the announcement today.

“The Canadian government’s economic action plan is continuing to work for Richmond,” said Wong. “I’m proud of the work we are doing in partnership with the B.C. government to fund projects that will both benefit students and get people working.”

“I’m very pleased we are able to make such a significant investment in the library at the Richmond campus,” said Yap. “The province’s funding of more than $650,000, along with the federal government’s contribution, will support faculty and student research consistent with Kwantlen’s new university mandate.”

This is one of 11 projects at public post-secondary institutions across the province that will break ground quickly thanks to a joint federal-provincial investment of $64.3 million. This project is also part of an overall $14-billion capital infrastructure program supported by the Province to create jobs and vital public infrastructure in every region of B.C. Provincial funding for the library expansion is $656,000 and federal funding is $559,000.

“Ensuring that Kwantlen has the facilities needed to provide the best possible learning experience for students is a top priority for us,” said Howard. “This library expansion will help Kwantlen more fully meet both student and faculty needs for years to come.”

This investment is part of the federal government’s two-year, $2-billion plan to repair and expand research and educational facilities at Canadian post-secondary institutions. The Knowledge Infrastructure Program is helping to provide economic stimulus and promote employment by creating jobs for engineers, architects, tradespeople and technicians. In B.C., the federal government is providing up to 50 per cent of the cost of selected projects on a cost-share basis with the Province.

“This infrastructure funding is a double win,” said Reid. “Not only are we enhancing the educational experience of our local students, we are also creating jobs at a time when every job counts.”

The renovation and expansion of the library at the Richmond campus will allow Kwantlen to meet the increased requirements that come with being granted university status.

Improvements to the building will allow an increase in the number of reading and research materials that can be housed on campus and will improve the learning environment for students.

“Partnering with the federal government allows us to invest in campuses all over B.C. to give students the best possible learning experience,” said Stilwell. “By renovating and renewing buildings and campuses, we’re creating jobs that will boost the region’s economy now, and for the future.”

“We are exceedingly pleased to learn that Kwantlen Polytechnic University will receive infrastructure support, which will be used to enhance the student learning experience at Kwantlen,” said David Atkinson, president and vice-chancellor.

Canada’s Economic Action Plan sets out to stimulate the Canadian economy over the next two years and to improve our long-term competitiveness through $12 billion in new infrastructure investment, which includes the $2-billion Knowledge Infrastructure Program.

For more information on the provincial government’s three-year job creation plan, visit www.gov.bc.ca/infrastructure. For more information about the Knowledge Infrastructure Program visit www.ic.gc.ca/knowledge-infrastructure.

If you wish to have your say with respect to the next federal budget, the deadline to submit pre-budget consultations to the Standing Committee of Finance on August 14, 2009.

You can read more information on how to submit comments by following this link.

Vancouver, July, 13, 2009 — On behalf of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney, Dr. Alice Wong, Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism, attended a special citizenship ceremony today. The ceremony was held in partnership with the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Federal Secretariat, Canadian Heritage and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC).

A total of 32 new Canadians from 13 different countries took the oath of citizenship at today’s ceremony.

The ceremony, held at VANOC’s headquarters, celebrated the many attributes Canada will showcase during the 2010 Winter Games, including diversity, inclusiveness, perseverance and national pride.

“Each year, Canada welcomes more than 200,000 people from around the world,” said Dr. Wong. “Every time Canada welcomes a new citizen, another page of our country’s story is written. Just as Canada’s athletes will make their mark in 2010, the individuals celebrated here today will become part of Canada’s vibrant history and culture.”

The Government of Canada is working closely with VANOC to make the 2010 Winter Games Canada’s Games, engaging citizens from all walks of life, from coast to coast to coast.

“The 2010 Winter Games will be an incredible opportunity to celebrate the talents of our Canadian athletes and showcase our unique culture and diversity, as well as what it means to be Canadian,” said the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport). “Today’s event reminds us that whether we’re talking about Olympic and Paralympic athletes or everyday citizens, our diversity is one of our greatest strengths.”

Chief Executive Officer of VANOC, John Furlong, who immigrated to Canada from Ireland more than 30 years ago, was a guest speaker at today’s ceremony.

“The moment I arrived in Canada, I fell in love with a country that was welcoming and diverse and rooted in unique values,” said Mr. Furlong. “At Vancouver 2010, we have taken those values to heart in our goal of making these Canada’s Games — ensuring that every citizen is filled with great pride as we welcome the world to Vancouver in 2010. As a proud Canadian, I am honoured to be part of a project that will help bring our country together and demonstrate our strength in and passion for sport.”

The Government of Canada is a major and committed partner in delivering successful Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. Hosting the 2010 Winter Games is a unique opportunity for Canada to showcase its accomplishments and innovations to the world, while realizing sustainable environmental, social, cultural, and economic benefits across the country and for all Canadians.

For more information, visit www.Canada2010.gc.ca.

If you wish to send your views to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance, please go to the following link for more information.

The Committee will be meeting in Vancouver on September 28, 2009. If you wish to appear before the committee, your application must be sent in before July 31, 2009, and your written brief must be sent no later than August 14, 2009.

The Committee is interested in hearing interested Canadians’ views on the following questions:

In this context, the Committee invites all interested Canadians to participate in the pre-budget consultations and to share their views on the following two questions:

1. What federal tax and program spending measures are needed to ensure prosperity and a sustainable future for Canadians from an economic, social and/or environmental perspective?

2. What federal stimulus measures have been effective and how might relatively ineffective measures be changed to ensure that they have the intended effects?

Again, if you are interested, please read the following link for details.

On July 1st, Canada celebrates its 142nd birthday. Happy Canada Day!

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VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, June 12, 2009—Vancouver youth will benefit from the Government of Canada’s support of a local employment project. Ms. Alice Wong, Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism and Member of Parliament for Richmond, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.

“In today’s environment, it is more important than ever that youth develop the skills needed to participate and succeed in the job market,” said Ms. Wong. “Through this project, and others like it, we are helping young Canadians facing employment barriers gain the skills, knowledge and work experience they need to reach their full potential.”

S.U.C.C.E.S.S. will receive $371,006 in federal Skills Link funding to support its Youth Employment Program. This program will help a minimum of 28 youth, all of whom face a number of barriers to employment, prepare for jobs or return to school.

“We work with many young people through a variety of programs, and many of these clients have lived in conditions that few of us can even imagine,” said Mr. Tung Chan, Chief Executive Officer of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. “While we cannot change their past, we can certainly show them the way to a brighter future. This funding will allow us to help young people overcome specific barriers, and empower them to make quantum changes in order to integrate into the community.”

The federal government is working with the provinces and territories, community organizations and other stakeholders to provide Canadians with the training, skills and opportunities they need to participate in the workforce and contribute to their communities.

Skills Link is part of the Government of Canada’s strategy to create the best educated, most skilled and most flexible workforce in the world. The Government underscored its commitment to this strategy in Canada’s Economic Action Plan. A key component of the Plan is to create more and better opportunities for Canadian workers through skills development. To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

The Skills Link program is delivered by Service Canada, which provides one-stop personalized services for Government of Canada programs, services and benefits. For more information about this program, call 1‑800-O-Canada, visit servicecanada.gc.ca or drop by your local Service Canada Centre.

RICHMOND, BRITISH COLUMBIA, June 6, 2009—Local employers will have the opportunity to connect with young Canadians looking for jobs at the U-Connect employment fair thanks in part to support from the Government of Canada.

Ms. Alice Wong, Parliamentary Secretary for Mulitculturalism and Member of Parliament for Richmond, made the announcement at the official opening today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.

“In today’s environment, it is more important than ever that all Canadians have the skills and information they need to participate and succeed in the job market,” said Ms. Wong. “Our government is proud to support projects like U-Connect that bring together employers and youth to the benefit of both groups.”

The Richmond Youth Service Agency received $18,499 through the Government of Canada’s Youth Awareness program to host U-Connect. This career fair will increase opportunities for employers to connect with youth, and enable youth to realize their employment opportunities and to understand how they can prepare for and successfully transition to the workforce.

“Thanks to the continued support of the Government of Canada, we are able to reach out and connect youth to suitable employment opportunities and community resources,” said Mr. Marshall Thompson, Executive Director of the Richmond Youth Service Agency. “Our agency provides youth with help in finding work they love and ensures that they have the necessary support for life success. We are pleased to partner with the Government of Canada to create a strong young workforce.”

The Youth Awareness program is part of the Government of Canada’s strategy to create the best educated, most skilled and most flexible workforce in the world.

The Government underscored its commitment to create a strong workforce in Canada’s Economic Action Plan. A key component of the Plan is to create more and better opportunities for Canadian workers through skills development. To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

The Youth Awareness program is delivered by Service Canada, which provides one stop personalized services for Government of Canada programs, services and benefits. For more information about this program, call 1 800-O-Canada, go on the Internet at servicecanada.gc.ca or visit your local Service Canada Centre.

Backgrounder

Since 1974, the Richmond Youth Service Agency has provided programs and services that respond to the diverse needs of children and youth in the Richmond area. Programs offered include a career and employment resource centre for youth, counseling, volunteer and leadership opportunities, and health and recreation services. Between April 6, 2009, and July 17, 2009, the organization will deliver a Youth Awareness project that includes developing, staging and evaluating the U Connect career fair for youth in the Richmond area. This career fair will assist youth in finding employment and help employers meet their current and future human resources needs.

The federal Youth Awareness program, funded under Employment Insurance Part II, targets projects that respond to specific labour market requirements and adjustments over time, and aims to promote youth as the workforce of the future among recipients, employers, communities and young Canadians.

As the sun rose over the beaches of Normandy 65 years ago, Canadian Forces from land, air and sea came together on D-Day in the pursuit of freedom. By the time the sun set that day, the Canadians had progressed farther than any other Allied troops.

The Canadian triumph at D-Day and the Battle of Normandy was not without sacrifice. Of the more than 90,000 Canadians who served in the Battle of Normandy, more than 5,000 would lay down their lives defending the values of freedom, democracy and the rule of law that we cherish today.

Canada remembers June 6, 1944. Across Canada and at Juno Beach in France, Canadians will join together to salute our Veterans of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy whose contributions and sacrifices led to the end of the Second World War.

For a list of events in your community, and for information on events in France, visit www.vac-acc.gc.ca.

On June 6, Canada Remembers. Canada Remembers D-Day.

On April 20, 2009, Private Members’ Bill C-291 (An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (coming into force of sections 110, 111 and 171) was debated in Parliament.  The following is a transcript of the debate: