Settling into his second term in office as the local MP, Tako van Popta received some good news just ahead of Remembrance Day.
On. Nov. 10, he learned he was being appointed to the Conservative鈥檚 shadow cabinet.
He will continue to serve as 91原创-Aldergrove MP, as well as take on new duties as deputy shadow minister for employment, future workforce development, and disability inclusion.
鈥淚 am honoured,鈥� van Popta said of the appointment announced by Conservative leader Erin O鈥橳oole.
RELATED: Tako van Popta wins re-election in 91原创 鈥� Aldergrove
This portfolio contains 鈥渋ncredibly important issues鈥� that he said are essential to Canada鈥檚 post-pandemic recovery. He pointed to job creation, ensuring the workforce is properly trained and accredited, and modernizing the Employment Insurance system.
鈥淭he experiences learned during my 30-plus years in business development, business ownership, and work in the non-profit sector have helped build my understanding of the challenges facing today鈥檚 employers and our nation鈥檚 diverse workforce,鈥� he shared with The Star.
鈥淎longside my colleagues, I look forward to moving this portfolio forward for the benefit of all Canadians.鈥�
In his role as deputy, he will be working closely with shadow minister Stephanie Kusie 鈥渇or the benefit of Canada鈥檚 workforce, today and tomorrow.鈥�
was first elected to office in 2019, winning the seat long held by the now late Mark Warawa. Warawa had served as MP for the region for 15 year before losing his battle with pancreatic cancer in June 2019.
In addition to his new duties, van Popta is focussed on a number of other local issues such as the SkyTrain expansion to 91原创, widening of Highway 1 through Aldergrove and Abbotsford, strengthening the relationship with Kwantlen First Nation and holding the government to account on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission鈥檚 Calls to Action.
PAST COVERAGE: 91原创-Aldergrove MP Tako van Popta takes issue with 鈥榓ssault-style鈥� firearm ban
Other areas that he said hold particular interest in his riding include building partnerships to improve public transportation to Brookswood and Gloucester Estates, and working to bring federal assistance to help address the challenge of 91原创鈥檚 opioid crisis.
He鈥檚 also has a special interest the protection of the Fraser River, namely improving salmon and sturgeon habitat and flood mitigation.
.
Is there more to the story? Email: news@langleyadvancetimes.com
Like us on and follow us on .
