Wai Young, Member of Parliament for Vancouver South, on behalf of the Honourable Joe Oliver, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, today highlighted the Harper Government’s contribution to an important milestone achieved by TRIUMF, Canada’s national laboratory for particle and nuclear physics. MP Young participated in the announcement of a significant achievement in their work to produce medical isotopes using cyclotron technology.

TRIUMF announced today that it has successfully scaled up its technology to produce enough quantities of the key isotope, technetium-99m (Tc-99m), to supply an urban area the size of Vancouver.

“Today’s milestone demonstrates the positive, tangible results being achieved by our government’s investments in jobs and science,” said MP Young. “Our contributions are supporting jobs and helping advance new technologies for the production of the key medical isotope, Tc-99m.”

The Harper Government is providing funding of $7 million to TRIUMF through the Isotope Technology Acceleration Program (ITAP). This four-year, $25-million program is also funding projects led by the University of Alberta and the Prairie Isotope Production Enterprise. The objectives of ITAP are to improve the security of supply of medical isotopes for Canadians, reduce radioactive waste and meet nuclear non-proliferation goals through the development and application of cyclotron and linear accelerator production technologies.

Our government is supporting collaboration among academic, private and public sector partners in the work needed to attract private sector interest and to help ensure that isotope production is reliable and on a sound commercial footing.

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Media may contact:
David Provencher
Press Secretary
Office of Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources
613-996-2007

Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa
613-992-4447

The general public may contact:
Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. EDT
Telephone: 613-995-0947
TTY: 613-996-4397
questions@nrcan.gc.ca

Natural Resources Canada:
www.nrcan.gc.ca

Wai Young, Member of Parliament for Vancouver South and Vice-Chair of the
BC/Yukon Government Caucus, issued the following statement regarding the Quebec Soccer
Federation’s ruling:

“I am deeply disappointed in the Quebec Soccer Federation’s decision to ban soccer players in
Quebec from wearing turbans and patkas. This ruling is a contradiction to the Canadian values
of diversity and inclusion.

“As aptly pointed out by Conservative colleagues, the Quebec Soccer Federation ruled that
women can wear headscarves during soccer matches, and FIFA has no regulation regarding
wearing turbans or patkas. A Supreme Court of Canada ruling confirms that Sikhs can wear
turbans in the Canadian military and RCMP without compromising safety.

“Canada’s vibrant Sikh community has made great contributions to Canada for over a century.
Every Canadian youth, regardless of religion or region, should be able to participate in and
enjoy soccer. I firmly urge the Quebec Soccer Federation to reverse their ruling.”

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Office of Wai Young, MP
604-775-5323
Wai.Young@parl.gc.ca

For PDF version with photos of the visit, please click this link.

For Immediate Release
May 30, 2013
Ottawa, ON

Ms. Wai Young, Member of Parliament for Vancouver South, and Co-Chair of the Canada-China Legislative Association, visited Beijing, Shanghai and Urumqi with Co-Chair, the Honourable Senator Don Plett. The itinerary included many productive meetings in Hong Kong and Zhongshan aimed at strengthening ties in the Canada-China relationship.

“Through this visit to China, we were able to engage with various government officials and stakeholders, and leverage Canada’s strength as a Pacific nation,” said Ms. Young. “As we enter the Pacific Century, we will continue to strengthen Canada’s Asia-Pacific Gateway for the benefit of the Canadian economy, families, and businesses.”

MP Wai Young and Senator Plett’s visit began in Shanghai where they met with Consul General Rick Savone and various local stakeholders, and participated in a tour of the VLCC H1250 Hong Kong Spirit, and around the JNCX Shipyard.

In Beijing, the CCLA Co-Chairs met with the State Ethnic Affairs Commission of China, Mr. Zhang Ping, Vice Chair of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, and Mr. Chi Wanchun, Vice Chair of the NPC Foreign Affairs Committee and Chair of the China-Canada Legislative Association.

The Co-Chairs then travelled to Urumqi with Canadian Ambassador Guy Saint-Jacques to learn about the unique cultural and historical identity of Xinjiang province.

In Hong Kong, a city with strong historic and cultural ties to Canada, Ms. Young met with Consul General Ian Burchett to learn the unique role of the Consulate General Office of Canada in HK. Ms. Young also had many productive meetings with Mr. David Nesbitt of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, Mr. Brian Brown of the BC Government’s International Trade and Investment Representative Office, multi-party members of the Hong Kong Legislative Council, and participated in discussions with Hong Kong stakeholders and academic experts.

In Zhongshan, Ms. Young met with Leaders of Zhongshan Municipal People’s Government, and visited the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Middle School as well as Dachong Town and toured their furniture-manufacturing industry.

In light of this productive visit to China, the Canada-China Legislative Association will continue to engage in creating strong networks and dialogue with Chinese legislators and stakeholders to strengthen Canada’s position as an Asia-Pacific nation.

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For more information:
Office of Wai Young, MP
613-995-7052
Wai.Young@parl.gc.ca

Students in Vancouver South will gain valuable work experience this summer, as a result of the Government of Canada’s Canada Summer Jobs initiative. Wai Young, Member of Parliament for Vancouver South, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.

“Creating summer jobs for students benefits not only youth and employers, but also local communities and economies across the country,” said MP Wai Young. “Canada Summer Jobs is a strong example of how our government is focused squarely on creating jobs and economic growth for Canadians.”

Ms. Young is pleased to announce that community groups and organizations in Vancouver South are receiving over $541,000 in Canada Summer Jobs funding to hire 115 students. Canada Summer Jobs helps students gain the skills and experience they need to be successful now and in the future, while earning money for the upcoming school year.

Canada Summer Jobs is an important part of the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy (YES), which also includes the Skills Link and Career Focus programs. With an annual budget of more than $300 million, YES helps youth obtain career information, develop employment skills, find jobs and stay employed.

Economic Action Plan (EAP) 2013 proposes an additional investment of $70 million over three years in YES to support 5 000 more paid internships. This is further to the extra $50 million that was invested through EAP 2012 to enhance YES with a new initiative that connects young Canadians with jobs that are in high demand and helps them develop tangible skills and gain work experience.

Youth employment programs are part of the Government of Canada’s broader strategy to create an educated, skilled and flexible workforce. 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 actionplan.gc.ca.

The Government of Canada is helping youth plan their careers, learn new skills and find jobs through enhanced online services available at youth.gc.ca.

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For more information:
Jan O’Driscoll
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482

Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills
Development Canada
819-994-5559

Backgrounder

Economic Action Plan 2013 proposes new measures to connect Canadians with available jobs and equip them with the skills and training they need. These include the Canada Job Grant, creating opportunities for apprentices and providing support to under-represented groups such as people with disabilities, Aboriginal peoples, newcomers and youth.

The Youth Employment Strategy is the Government of Canada’s commitment to help youth make a successful transition to the workplace.

Canada Summer Jobs provides funding to not-for-profit organizations, public-sector employers and small businesses with 50 or fewer employees to create summer job opportunities for young people aged 15 to 30 years who are full-time students intending to return to their studies in the next school year.

The application date for Canada Summer Jobs 2014 will be different than in past years. Applications must be submitted between December 2, 2013, and January 10, 2014. Applications will be available for employers online and at Service Canada Centres beginning December 2, 2013.

Skills Link helps youth facing barriers to employment, including youth who are single parents, youth with disabilities and youth in rural and remote areas, to develop the skills and gain the experience needed to find a job or the confidence to return to school.

Career Focus provides funding to employers to hire young post-secondary graduates to give them career-related work experience and help them acquire skills to transition into the job market.

To learn more about Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy and other youth employment initiatives, please visit youth.gc.ca.

Ottawa, ON – On behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, Wai Young, Member of Parliament for Vancouver South, today announced a call for projects to increase opportunities for immigrant women, as part of a Call for Proposals to create new economic opportunities for women in Canada.

“I am pleased that the Harper Government continues to demonstrate its support for the economic security and prosperity of women in Canada,” said MP Wai Young. “I encourage all interested organizations in Vancouver South and our city to apply and help make a difference for women and girls in our community.”
Economic Action Plan 2013 announced a number of measures to better connect Canadians with job opportunities. These measures will contribute to increased representation of immigrant women in all occupations.

“Through Economic Action Plan 2013, the Harper Government is committed to creating a strong economy for all Canadians, and women are key to Canada’s economic success,” said Minister Ambrose. “Through this Call for Proposals, we will empower more immigrant women in Canada to succeed and prosper.”

The Harper Government is committed to supporting projects that yield concrete results for women and girls while strengthening families, communities and the country. The government’s support through Status of Women Canada for community-based projects has nearly doubled since 2007, supporting over 600 projects.

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For media inquiries only:
Amber Irwin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Public Works and Government Services
and Minister for Status of Women
819-997-5421

For all other inquiries, contact:
Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General, Communications and Public Affairs
Status of Women Canada
613-995-7839

Ce texte est également disponible en français.

For news releases and information on Status of Women Canada, go to women.gc.ca.

Backgrounder

Increasing Opportunities for Immigrant Women 

Whether immigrant or Canadian-born, women continue to work in traditional female sectors, most commonly in sales and services as well as in business, finance and administrative fields. In 2006, 29% of Canada’s female immigrant labour force worked in sales and services and 25% were employed in business, finance and administrative occupations.

Projects under this call will engage women directly in enhancing their economic options by tapping into opportunities in their communities. Through local partnerships, these projects will identify and address the unique challenges women face, and link them to promising economic opportunities.

This call for proposals highlights the federal government’s recognition of the benefits to working with skilled partners at the community level. These organizations will have the capacity to identify needs at the community level, and develop the tools and resources to meet those needs.

Call for Proposals: Opening Doors: Economic Opportunities for Women

This Call for Proposals will help communities create new economic opportunities for women in three thematic areas:

1. Improving Prosperity for Immigrant Women: Projects will address institutional barriers and other factors that limit the capacity of community organizations to respond to immigrant women’s economic needs.

2. Advancing Women in Non-Traditional Occupations: Projects will engage key stakeholders – institutions, employers, sector and professional organizations and communities, etc. – in sector-specific efforts to advance women in non-traditional occupations.

3. Increasing Economic Options for Women: Projects will address institutional barriers and other factors that limit local efforts to advance the economic security and prosperity of women in communities across Canada.

• Applications under this Call for Proposals will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time on May 31, 2013.
• Eligible organizations must address a number of predetermined criteria in their responses.
• More information about this Call for Proposals is available at women.gc.ca.

In celebration of Vaisakhi, Wai Young, Member of Parliament for Vancouver South, issued the following greeting:

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I am delighted to offer my warmest greetings on Vaisakhi – a celebration of the ancient Punjab harvest festival.

“Vaisakhi is a wonderful occasion to spend with family and friends and enjoy the colourful parades, festivities, and cheerful spirit. In the very heart of Vancouver South, the annual Vaisakhi Day celebration hosted by the Khalsa Diwan Society brings together thousands of community members to celebrate this rich tradition and festival.

“I wish the Sikh community a very joyous and healthy occasion as we celebrate Vaisakhi and reflect on the many important contributions Sikhs have made to Canada for well over a hundred years.

“Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fateh!”

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Office of Wai Young, MP
Vancouver South
604-775-5323
Wai.Young@parl.gc.ca

The Government of Canada is providing support for people with disabilities in the Lower Mainland to help them integrate into the workforce. The announcement was made by Wai Young, Member of Parliament for Vancouver South, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.

“Our government’s top priorities are creating jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity. To support Canada’s long term prosperity, we must ensure that everyone who wants to work has the opportunity,” said Ms. Young. “People with disabilities face particular challenges entering the job market and that’s why partnerships with organizations like the BC Centre for Ability are so important.”

The BC Centre for Ability will help people with disabilities connect with job opportunities or return to school thanks to over $4,500,000 provided through the federal Opportunities Fund. Through educational and work experience opportunities, the 535 project participants will develop the necessary job skills to obtain meaningful employment. They will also receive financial assistance as required for expenses such as tuition fees, transportation and daycare costs for the duration of the project.

“We are delighted and extremely appreciative of the Government of Canada’s ongoing support to assist people with disabilities to maximize their skills and secure gainful employment,” said Angela Kwok, Executive Director, BC Centre for Ability. “This funding will help to create an inclusive workforce, enabling Canadians with disabilities to maximize their potential and independence.”

Canadians with disabilities have a tremendous amount to offer employers, but they remain under-represented in the workforce. That is why the Government of Canada, through Economic Action Plan 2012, invested an additional $30 million in the Opportunities Fund to help more people with disabilities gain the hands-on experience they need to find jobs.

Economic Action Plan 2013 proposes to maintain ongoing funding at $40 million per year, starting in 2015-16 for the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities. The program will also be reformed to provide more demand-driven training solutions for persons with disabilities and make it more responsive to labour market needs. Employers and community organizations will be involved in project design and delivery.

Economic Action Plan 2012 announced the creation of a Panel on Labour Market Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities. The Panel identified private sector successes and best practices regarding employing, retaining and accommodating Canadians with disabilities in the workforce, and better connecting these workers with potential employers. The Panel also identified barriers to employing people with disabilities. Economic Action Plan 2013 proposes to provide a time-limited $2 million investment to support the creation of the Canadian Employers Disability Forum, as recommended by the Panel. This initiative is led by a number of Canadian businesses.

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Backgrounder:

The Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities assists people with disabilities to prepare for, obtain and keep employment or become self-employed. The Government of Canada invests $30 million annually through this program to connect individuals with the skills and work experience needed to participate fully in the economy. For more information, or to propose a project, visit servicecanada.gc.ca.

For more information, contact:
Alyson Queen
Director of Communications
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482

Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills
Development Canada
819-994-5559

“During this Easter weekend, millions in Canada and around the world come together to honour their faith in Jesus Christ. On Good Friday, Christians reflect upon the sacrifice of Christ, and on Easter Sunday, celebrate the resurrection of Christ – the triumph of life over death, love over evil, and humble compassion for humanity.

“Easter is also a time for Canadians to enjoy the company of family and friends. Just as Spring brings a season of renewal, Easter is a time of renewed hope for the future.

“Have a very blessed Easter.”

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Office of Wai Young, MP
Vancouver South
604-775-5323
Wai.Young@parl.gc.ca

Vancouver, BC – Conservative MP, Wai Young, welcomes the new federal budget – Economic Action Plan 2013 – and its continued focus on job creation, economic growth, and long-term prosperity as good news for British Columbia. The Plan, which will see Canada return to balanced budgets in 2015, keeps federal taxes at their lowest level in 50 years.

“While Canada has the best job creation record among all G-7 countries since the worst of the global recession with over 950,000 net new jobs, we recognize that the global economy remains very challenging,” said MP Young. “In Economic Action Plan 2013, our Conservative government remains squarely focused on the number one priority of Canadians, with a forward-looking plan to help create jobs and grow the economy in British Columbia and across Canada.”

MP Young outlined that Economic Action Plan 2013 includes key measures to strengthen Canada’s economy, including:

• Increased skills and training support, including the new $15,000 Canada Job Grant, to help more Canadians find high-quality, well-paying jobs;
• Tax breaks for manufacturers who buy new machinery and equipment to stay competitive, and an extended ‘hiring credit’ for small businesses who create jobs;
• A record $70 billion federal investment in infrastructure across Canada, including roads, bridges, subways, rail lines, and ports;
• Major investments in research and technology;
• New tax relief for Canadians who give to charity, adopt a child, or rely on homecare services;
• Elimination of ‘import tax’ tariffs on everyday items Canadian families buy, like baby clothing, sports gear, and exercise equipment;

Economic Action Plan 2013 also confirmed the Conservative government’s continued all-time record support for hospitals, schools, and other important health and social services in British Columbia. In fact, in 2013-14, federal transfer support to British Columbia will be $1.3 billion higher than under the former federal Liberal government.

“We all remember how the former Liberal government slashed transfers for health care and education. Our Conservative government rejects that shameful practice, and is protecting and growing transfers to help support the services that British Columbian families depend on,” said MP Wai Young.

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For more information, please visit:
Budget.gc.ca
ActionPlan.gc.ca

Ottawa, ON – Ms. Wai Young, Member of Parliament for Vancouver South, was elected by Parliamentarians to serve a two-year term as Co-Chair of the Canada-China Legislative Association (CCLA).

The CCLA is a non-partisan forum for the discussion of bilateral and multilateral issues facing Canada and China.  The Association encourages greater understanding and stronger relations between Canadian Parliamentarians and representatives of the National Peoples’ Congress of the Peoples’ Republic of China.

“I am humbled and honoured to serve in this position,” said MP Wai Young. “This is an exciting time for Canada-China relations, which offers many opportunities for Canada.  As we enter the ‘Pacific Century,’ building Canada’s relationship with China is vital to ensuring economic growth and prosperity now and in the future.”

“I want to thank my colleagues for their support and offer my thanks to those who served previously for their important contributions.  I look forward to working with the new executive towards achieving our collective goals for a strong and vibrant Canada-China relationship.”

Ms. Young previously served one term as Vice-Chair of the CCLA.

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For more information:
Office of Wai Young, MP
604-775-5323
Wai.Young@parl.gc.ca