Wai Young

Statement: A Lunar New Year for Economic Strength

Aaron — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 20:37:34 +0000

[Feb. 1, 2012] Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege for me to wish the people of Vancouver South and the Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean communities across Canada a happy, healthy and prosperous lunar new year, the year of the dragon.

As we ushered in this new year, I heard from my constituents about their continued concern for the fragile global economy and its impact on Canada.

While Canada continues to be in a strong fiscal position, it is clear that my constituents and other Canadians want us to continue our focus on jobs and economic growth.

Last month, I represented the people of Vancouver South in the House at the Asia-Pacific parliamentary forum in Tokyo, Japan. Together, representatives from 23 Asia-Pacific countries met to discuss issues of great importance to Canada and our global partners.

It is clear that Vancouver continues to be a dynamic gateway to diversify our government’s efforts to ensure a strong economic recovery for Canada and the world.

As we enter this challenging but exciting year of the dragon, I look forward to working on behalf of the people of Vancouver South.

Statement: Protecting OAS

Aaron — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 20:35:16 +0000

[Jan. 31, 2012] Mr. Speaker, while the member for Burnaby—New Westminster is criticizing government, I must remind the House that even he, the NDP’s temporary finance critic, acknowledged pressures on the viability of OAS. Events around the world and our aging population make it clear that governments need to make responsible decisions to ensure social programs remain sustainable.

Our government is reviewing measures to protect Canadian pensions in the long term. We will implement any changes fairly, allowing lots of time for notice and time to adjust.

We have made it clear to Canadians that people currently receiving OAS will not lose one penny. In fact, the National Post gets it with its front page headline today, “Tories on the right side of pension reform”.

The real trouble lies with the NDP and the Liberal plans for reckless spending and higher taxes. Their plans will kill jobs and threaten Canadians’ future retirement pensions.

B.C. HST Exit Federal Transitional Rules

Aaron — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 20:31:30 +0000

The Department of Finance proposed federal transitional rules to facilitate the provincial decision to eliminate the Harmonized Sales Tax in British Columbia (http://www.fin.gc.ca/n12/12-017-eng.asp). This is in addition to the release of rules proposed by the B.C. government for the reinstatement of the provincial sales tax with respect to new homes (http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2009-2013/2012FIN0006-000165.htm).

As we have said all along, provincial taxation is a provincial responsibility. Provinces have full independence over their provincial taxes.

The transitional rules show our commitment to, as quickly as possible, facilitate the B.C. government’s decision to re-introduce a provincial sales tax system.

The rules clarify how and when the transitions will occur, facilitating a smooth transition back to a provincial sales tax system and provide certainty for individuals and businesses.

HMCS Vancouver Returns Home from Operations

Aaron — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 18:58:54 +0000

February 19, 2012
Esquimalt, BC

Today, Mark Strahl, Member of Parliament for Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon, Wai Young, Member of Parliament for Vancouver South, and General Walt Natynczyk, the Chief of the Defence Staff, were joined by a broad range of community members to welcome home Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Vancouver as she and her crew returned to Esquimalt following seven months of active NATO operations.

“HMCS Vancouver’s work in the Mediterranean played an essential role in enforcing the United Nations imposed arms embargo in Libya’s territorial waters during the turmoil that engulfed that nation, and played a key part in enforcing NATO’s counter-terrorism operations in the region,” said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence. “I could not be more proud of the ship’s crew for their accomplishments on this deployment, and I am very pleased that they will now have a well-deserved opportunity to reunite with their families.”

“It is a true honour to pay tribute to the men and women who regularly put themselves in harm’s way on our behalf, and to witness the reunion of so many sailors with their loved ones,” said Strahl.

“The incredible outpouring of goodwill from the community today is a testament to the great esteem that British Columbians and all Canadians have for our men and women in uniform, and a reflection of their appreciation for all that they do in Canada’s name,” said Young.

“The captain and crew of HMCS Vancouver have done a tremendous job. They deserve our heartfelt appreciation for the important contribution they made to bring peace and security to the people of Libya, and while patrolling alongside our NATO allies in the Mediterranean,” said General Walt Natynczyk, Chief of the Defence Staff. “I am thankful for their professionalism, for their service, and for the sacrifices their families made to support them. The men and women of HMCS Vancouver have brought great credit to Canada and to the Canadian Forces.”

HMCS Vancouver first departed Esquimalt on July 10, 2011, and replaced HMCS Charlottetown as the maritime component in Operation Mobile, the Canadian contribution to the NATO-led international response to the crisis in Libya. As part of the NATO effort to enforce the arms embargo and the no-fly zone, the ship helped ensure that no arms or ammunition were proceeding to Libya and that humanitarian aid was getting in safely to those who needed it. Working with other NATO ships and aircraft, Vancouver provided a measure of reassurance to the civilian population and a deterrent to Gaddafi forces. During her tour of duty in the Mediterranean, the ship was primarily employed in maritime surveillance, a task that involves hailing and investigating vessels that could be suspected of terrorist activity.

On November 15, 2011, after the successful conclusion of the UN-sanctioned NATO-led mission to protect the people of Libya, Vancouver was assigned to a new mission, Operation Metric. This mission is Canada’s contribution to Operation Active Endeavour, NATO’s maritime counter- terrorism effort in the Mediterranean Sea.

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Joint List of Outcomes of Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s Visit to China

Aaron — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 09:02:36 +0000

February 9, 2012

MP Wai Young and her colleagues were honoured to take part in this very successful and productive trade mission to China with the Prime Minister.

At the invitation of Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper paid an official visit to China from February 7 to 11. During the visit, President Hu Jintao, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress Wu Bangguo and Premier Wen Jiabao held meetings with Prime Minister Harper. Vice Premier Li Keqiang met Prime Minister Harper and both attended and addressed the 5th Canada-China Business Forum.

The leaders reaffirmed the guiding principles outlined in the Canada-China Joint Statement of 2009 and their commitment to strengthen the Canada-China strategic partnership. Both sides agreed to maintain frequent high-level exchanges, reinforce political trust, expand practical cooperation, increase people-to-people exchanges, and strengthen consultation and cooperation on international and regional issues in the spirit of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. The leaders also agreed to bring the economic partnership to the next level by improving the bilateral investment regime. At the same time, the two sides agreed to deepen economic and trade cooperation, and step up cooperation in the areas of energy and other natural resources including oil and gas, nuclear energy, renewable energy, forest products and minerals. These developments will be strengthened by expanded cooperation in the fields of agriculture, high technology, clean technology, environmental protection, life-sciences, bio-pharmacy, civil aviation and financial services, and among small and medium-sized enterprises, so as to cultivate new growth points of mutually-beneficial cooperation. Both sides agreed to elevate education as a new strategic priority of the bilateral relationship. Both sides also agreed to increase dialogue and exchanges on human rights, on the basis of equality and mutual respect, to promote and protect human rights consistent with the Charter of the United Nations and international human rights instruments.

Having reached consensus, the two sides announced a series of important developments and signed relevant agreements. These include the following:

1. The two sides announced the conclusion of the substantive negotiations on the bilateral Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement. Both sides signed a declaration of intent and will work to finalise the text within their respective domestic processes.

2. The leaders agreed that the joint study being done in the Canada-China Economic Partnership Working Group on areas where the two economies are complementary will be completed by May 2012, after which Canada and China will proceed to exploratory discussions on deepening trade and economic relations.

3. With a view to strengthening bilateral cooperation in uranium trade and development, both sides held fruitful discussions and reached agreement in principle on a legal instrument to further implement the bilateral Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, which will facilitate exports of Canadian uranium to China. Both sides will work to finalise the text within their respective domestic processes.

4. The two sides renewed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Concerning Cooperation in the Field of Energy between Natural Resources Canada and the National Energy Administration of China.

5. The two sides announced their intent to conclude the substantive negotiations for an updated Canada-China Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation. Both sides will work together to finalise the text within their respective domestic processes.

6. The two sides announced the conclusion of substantive negotiations on the amendment to the Canada-China Air Transport Agreement. Both sides will work together to finalise the text within their respective domestic processes.

7. The two sides signed the Protocol between the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China and on Quarantine and Health Requirements for Industrial Beef Tallow to be exported from Canada to China.

8. The two sides signed a Cooperative Arrangement on Inspection and Quarantine Access Issues between the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China.

9. The two sides signed an MOU between the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China on a Cooperative Plan for Leptosphaeria Maculans Risk Mitigation (Joint Canola Research).

10. The two sides agreed to sign an MOU between the Department of Fisheries and Oceans of Canada and the Ministry of Agriculture of China on Fisheries Cooperation at an early date.

11. The two sides signed the statement of intent for cooperation in the area of science, technology and innovation, and announced the third batch of Canada-China science and technology cooperation projects.

12. The two sides signed the MOU on Cooperation between the Natural Resources Canada and the Chinese Academy of Sciences in the Sustainable Development of Natural Resources.

13. The two sides reaffirmed their intention to strengthen cooperation in combatting transnational crime and repatriating fugitives in accordance with their respective laws, and to enhance judicial and law enforcement cooperation, and agreed to launch negotiations on an agreement on the sharing of the proceeds of crime.

14. The two sides renewed the MOU between the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada and the Education Ministry of China on the Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program, and agreed to explore additional means to expand two-way academic exchange, aspiring to reach the goal of 100,000 students studying in each other’s countries within five years. The two sides recognise that there is a particular need to encourage more Canadian students to study in China.

15. The two sides highlighted the complementary nature of their respective civil aviation industries and the important role they play in contributing to growth and prosperity in both Canada and China, and undertook to strengthen collaboration in this area.

16. The two sides plan on holding a series of cultural activities in each other’s countries in 2013 and 2014.

17. Following agreement by Canada and China, the Chinese Association of Zoological Gardens will sign an agreement with the Toronto and Calgary zoos to provide a pair of giant pandas for 10 years of collaborative research on conservation.

18. The two sides signed the MOU between the Parks Canada Agency and the State Forestry Administration of China for cooperation on matters related to protected areas.

19. Both sides applauded the upgrading of Canada’s Consulate in Chongqing to Consulate-General.

20. The Chinese side welcomed the availability of multiple entry Canadian visas for Chinese citizens valid for a period of up to 10 years. The relevant authorities will undertake bilateral consultations on further simplifying visa procedures.

21. The two sides reaffirmed that Canada and China have important shared interests in promoting peace, security and sustainable development regionally and globally, and agreed to enhance coordination and cooperation in the UN, G20, APEC and other multilateral institutions as well as on major international and regional issues. The two sides agreed that Canada and China are ready to work constructively with other countries in the region to enhance peace, security and stability in Asia-Pacific.

22. During the visit, more than 20 commercial agreements were signed between enterprises of the two countries.

Wai Young MP Invites Local Employers to Apply for Canada Summer Jobs 2012

Aaron — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:18:59 +0000

For Immediate Release
Feb. 9, 2012

Vancouver, BC – Wai Young, Member of Parliament for Vancouver South, invites local employers in Vancouver South to apply for a Canada Summer Jobs 2012 grant.

“Our government’s top priority this year is to continue our path to job creation and economic growth. This includes giving employers and businesses the tools they need to strengthen economic growth and training our youth for the future,” said MP Wai Young.

“Through Canada Summer Jobs, we are helping Vancouver employers create summer job opportunities for students.”

Canada Summer Jobs provides funding for 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.

“In 2011, the Government of Canada permanently increased the annual budget for Canada Summer Jobs by $10 million. The increased funding is helping more students gain valuable skills and experience to be successful, now and in the future.”

The application period for Canada Summer Jobs 2012 is from February 1 to February 29, 2012.

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To Apply, Please Visit: http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/epb/yi/yep/programs/scpp.shtml

Harper Government Invests in Canadian Ports

Aaron — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 02:35:35 +0000

January 25, 2012
Vancouver, BC

The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, and Wai Young, Member of Parliament for Vancouver South, today announced that the Government of Canada is continuing its commitment to limit air emissions from the Canadian transportation sector.

“The Government of Canada is pleased to launch the Shore Power Technology for Ports Program,” said Minister Lebel. “This $27.2-million contribution program will help Canadian ports install shore power, which will reduce air emissions from ships, protect the environment and health of Canadians, and further Canada’s economic prosperity.”

Shore power technology for ports, also called marine shore power or cold-ironing, is a leading-edge technology that allows ships to turn off their diesel engines while docked and connect to an electrical power supply at the port facility. This technology will improve local air quality by reducing air pollution from ships in some of Canada’s largest urban centres and will also contribute to ports’ competitiveness.

“As we have seen with the success of shore power for cruise ships at Port Metro Vancouver, this program will also help Canada’s tourism sector to take advantage of growth opportunities, increase tourism revenues and create jobs in all regions of Canada,” said MP Young.

The Shore Power Technology for Ports Program builds on Transport Canada’s successful Marine Shore Power Program that was introduced in 2007 and concludes in March 2012. This demonstration program provided $2 million to Port Metro Vancouver to install shore power technology for cruise ships and $1.8 million to the Port of Prince Rupert to support the installation of shore power for container ships.

Following consultations with port authorities and terminal operators in winter 2012, a call for proposals will be issued this spring. Canadian Port Authorities and private entities engaged in operating and/or that own marine ports and terminals in Canada will be eligible for funding.

Funding for the Shore Power Technology for Ports Program was provided in Budget 2011 as part of the renewal of the Government of Canada’s Clean Air Agenda.

The Clean Transportation Initiatives will focus on aligning Canadian regulations with those in the United States and with international standards, improving the efficiency of the transportation system and on advancing green technologies. These initiatives will help Canada achieve its economy-wide target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 17 per cent from 2005 levels by 2020.

Shore Power Technology for Ports Program

The Shore Power Technology for Ports Program (SPTP) will provide up to $27.2 million in cost-shared contribution funding between April 1, 2013, and December 31, 2015, to support the deployment of marine shore power technology. The Government of Canada aims to fund multiple projects of varying scope across Canada under this program.

Canadian ports are facing barriers to the adoption of marine shore power because of the initial capital cost of these installations for port and terminal operators, and the complexity of contractual arrangements governing access to city electrical grids and power lines. Additionally, the benefits of shore power are shared among many stakeholders, making the business case for investment by a port challenging. Experience with previous initiatives has shown that these complex and innovative projects will benefit from the SPTP.

By providing ship operators with an alternative to running diesel auxiliary engines, shore power technology represents an additional option for reducing fuel consumption and fuel costs, and improving the competitiveness of Canadian ports.

The SPTP builds on Transport Canada’s Marine Shore Power Program (MSPP) that was introduced in 2007 and concludes in March 2012. Under the MSPP, Port Metro Vancouver received $2 million from Transport Canada to successfully implement shore power for cruise ships and the Port Authority of Prince Rupert is receiving up to $1.8 million from Transport Canada for the installation of shore power facilities for container ships by March 2012. The previous program clearly demonstrated that marine shore power can be successfully implemented in Canada and led to the creation of the SPTP.

New Years Community Open House

Aaron — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 23:25:53 +0000

January 22, 2012

Wai Young, MP for Vancouver South, would like to invite constituents to a Community Open House on Wednesday, January 25, from 3-5:30 pm. The location is at her community office at 6406 Victoria Drive and 48th.

“One of my top priorities as your MP is to work to strengthen our bonds as a South Vancouver community. This Community Open House will be a great way to celebrate the New Year and it gives me the opportunity to connect with constituents.

“We will be collecting non-perishable donations for the Food Bank, so I encourage everyone to bring something to help those in need.

“Hope to see you there!”

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Chinese New Year Greetings

Aaron — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 06:46:25 +0000

January 21, 2012

Wai Young, Member of Parliament for Vancouver South, extends her warmest greetings to all Canadians celebrating Chinese New Year 2012.

“Centuries ago, Chinese-Canadians helped to shape our country’s history by working to build the Canadian Pacific Railway which unified Canada. Over 150 years later, Canadians of Chinese origin have overcome various barriers to flourish in many sectors of Canadian society – including business, science, sport, and the arts.

“This year, as the Dragon symbolizes confidence and innovation, let us take the time to reflect upon our accomplishments, and look forward to a prosperous and successful new year ahead.

“The Conservative Government’s top priority in 2012 is to ensure job and economic growth for Canada –building strong partnerships with the Asia-Pacific region is vital to this plan, including strengthening ties with China.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish you all the very best as you celebrate the New Year with family and friends. 新年快樂! 身体健康!”

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Korean New Year Greetings

Aaron — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 05:29:22 +0000

January 21, 2012

On the occasion of Seollal, Korean New Year 2012, Wai Young, Member of Parliament for Vancouver South, offered her warmest greetings.

“Seollal is a time for the Korean-Canadian community to celebrate the achievements of the past year, look forward to a prosperous new year, and most importantly, spend time with family and relatives.

“With rich and vibrant culture and traditions, the Korean community in Canada has made significant and deep contributions to our country and our community in many endeavours.

“This year, the Conservative Government’s key priority is to continue our path of economic growth. Building upon our important friendship and ties with South Korea will play a vital role in this mandate.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish you all the very best as you celebrate the New Year with family and friends. 새해 복 많이 받으세요!”

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