FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 10, 2012

VANCOUVER, BC  – As part of Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, Wai Young, Member of Parliament for Vancouver South, is encouraging residents to nominate individuals for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.

“This year’s Queen’s Diamond Jubilee is a unique opportunity for all of us to learn more about Her Majesty and to see how much Canada has evolved during her 60 year reign,” said Ms. Young.  “The Medal will honour those Canadians, who, like Her Majesty, have dedicated themselves to service to family, community and country.”

Some 60,000 Diamond Jubilee medals – to match the 60 reign of Her Majesty – will be given to Canadians throughout the year.  This is a legacy activity that honours Her Majesty and recognizes the service of Canadians from all walks of life and backgrounds who have made significant contributions to their communities and helped create the Canada of today.  The achievements of younger Canadians who are actively contributing to our future will also be a focus.

Residents of Vancouver South are encouraged visit www.WaiYoung.ca to submit the nomination of worthy individuals. Nominations will be accepted until July 31, 2012 with medal presentations taking place in the Fall.

“I am looking forward to hearing from residents and learning more about the contributions individuals have made to our community and to Canada,” said Ms. Young.

If you wish to nominate someone for this honour, please visit www.WaiYoung.ca for nomination forms and further information.  Individuals may also contact MP Young’s office to receive these materials in hardcopy.

For more information on the medal please visit: www.diamondjubilee.pch.gc.ca

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For more information:

Office of Wai Young, MP
613-995-7052

April 13, 2012
Vancouver, BC

The completion of a $6.9 million project to restore VIA Rail’s heritage train station in Vancouver was celebrated today by the Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport), Ms. Wai Young, Member of Parliament for South Vancouver and Mr. David Hoff, a member of VIA Rail Canada’s Board of Directors.

“Today we see the positive results of Canada’s Economic Action Plan and other federal investments in the many upgrades made to Vancouver station”, said Minister Fletcher. “Our government continues to support projects like this that create jobs and improve passenger rail service and infrastructure.”

“These improvements will not only benefit the many travellers who use Vancouver Station but bring economic benefits to local and regional businesses and the community,” said Ms. Young.

VIA Rail has completed major renovations to the station, paying strict attention to preserving the heritage features of the building, which was built in 1919. First, the platform canopies and lighting were improved alongside the tracks where the trains arrive and depart, and station columns were repaired. This work was finished in 2010. Then a full restoration of the Vancouver Station building was undertaken. From top to bottom, the exterior masonry of the building was repointed and cleaned, the roof rebuilt, the exterior windows and doors restored or replaced and the iconic “Pacific Central” sign on the roof stabilized as well as security improvements made. This second phase was recently completed.

“We continue to transform passenger rail in Canada with new stations, tracks, trains and technology,” said David Hoff of VIA Rail. “We remain focused on what counts: responding to markets and the needs of our customers in the most efficient way possible.”

Funding for the upgrades to Pacific Central Station includes $2.3 million from the stimulus phase of the Economic Action Plan as part of a total investment of $923 million by the Government of Canada to VIA Rail to improve passenger rail services. It is among many other projects across the country to upgrade facilities, stations, equipment and infrastructure for the benefit of passengers. This includes improvements being made to the locomotives and passenger cars used on VIA’s western transcontinental service, which makes an important contribution to VIA’s success and Canada’s tourism industry.

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For further information:

Brayden Akers, Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport)
613 991-0700
Brayden.Akers@tc.gc.ca

Media Relations
Transport Canada – Ottawa
613 993-0055

Malcolm Andrews
VIA Rail Canada
514 871-6604
Malcolm_Andrews@viarail.ca

April 13, 2012

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

“Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fateh!

“I would like to extend my warmest wishes on the occasion of Vaisakhi, which marks the beginning of the solar New Year and celebrates the harvest as well as the birth of Khalsa.

“Vaisakhi is an opportunity to gather with family and friends, and a time of joyful and colourful festivities. Every year, in the heart of Vancouver South, one of the most dynamic festivals in our city, the Vaisakhi Parade, takes place – a true testament to our community and country’s multicultural heritage.

“It is also an opportunity to reflect on the tremendous contributions South Asians have made to the social, economic, and cultural fabric of Canada. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to wish the Sikh and South Asian community a very healthy, happy, and enjoyable holiday.”

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April 9, 2012

On the occasion of the 95th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge in France, Wai Young, Member of Parliament for Vancouver South, offered the following statement:

“Ninety-five years ago today on Easter Monday, one hundred thousand Canadian soldiers pushed on to Vimy, where they faced terrible conditions and tremendous strife in defending their country’s cause. Four days later, Canadian forces broke through the enemy’s ranks – a stunning victory that forged a strong, new sense of Canadian identity and pride.”

“Brigadier General Alexander Ross aptly remarked that it was “Canada from the Atlantic to the Pacific on parade” and he felt as if he was witnessing “the birth of a nation.”

“Indeed, Vimy Ridge was the first time Canadian forces fought together as a cohesive, united entity. Today, as Canadians, we are united in our remembrance of their sacrifice, and united in our pride as Canadians, forged from the courage of those who fought valiantly ninety-five years ago.

“Near Vimy lies a memorial that commemorates the thousands of Canadians who lost their lives and were injured. This memorial is a testament to their spirit of perseverance, tenacity, and sacrifice – Canadian values that live on today.

“On behalf of the people of Vancouver South, I honour the courage of these brave Canadian men who fought at Vimy Ridge. May this truly Canadian legacy carry on through the generations.”

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April 6, 2012

On the occasion of Passover, Wai Young, Member of Parliament for Vancouver South delivered the following greeting:

“Passover, or Pesach, is an occasion for the Jewish community in Canada to honour the Exodus of the Children of Israel from a time of deep oppression into great freedom and hope.

“For centuries, the Jewish people have used this as a reminder of the power of faith and perseverance through the darkest of times – a message of triumph and hope that inspires many Canadians.

“Vancouver has a vibrant Jewish community and I am proud to call many friends. On behalf of my family, I wish you and yours a wonderful and truly blessed Passover. Chag Sameach!”

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