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John is presented with a thank-you cake from Jackson Street residents Ted and Angela Zak, and Sandi Lyon. John worked with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to address Jackson Street residents' concerns about increased traffic noise along Highway 1. On December 3, 2011, John announced a sound wall will be built to improve the quality of life for families in the neighbourhood.
John joins Advanced Education Minister Naomi Yamamoto, Chilliwack-Hope MLA Barry Penner, UFV Chancellor Brian Minter, UFV Student Society President Carlos Vidal, UFV President Dr. Mark Evered, Chilliwack Mayor Sharon Gaetz, and Board Chair Larry Stinson on a tour of the new UFV Chilliwack campus.
John presents a $250 prize package to 16-year-old Abigail Sherwood of Yale Secondary. Sherwood is a semi-finalist in the Year of Science "Choose Science, Go Far, Win Big" contest, and was selected because of her video entry which asked, "Can we solve the Earth's energy problems by using the sun's energy to produce steam and create usable energy?"
On June 8, scientists at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre in Vancouver turned Sherwood's idea into an experiment and showed the sun's energy can produce steam and be turned into usable energy. Sherwood's winning idea makes her eligible for the Year of Science grand prize, a $25,000 scholarship to any B.C. post-secondary institution.
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John presents a cheque for $1500 to the BC Milk Producers Association President Dick Klein Geltink, Communication and Planning Director Rehanni Khaseipoul, and BC Diary Foundation Vice President David Taylor. This grant will help support the Association's costs for Dairy Innovation Day 2010, an event which helped educate dairy producers on a variety of subjects, from renewable energy to the new Dairy Code of Practice.
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Abbotsford South MLA John van Dongen joins Abbotsford Mayor George Peary, Women's Resource Society of the Fraser Valley director Betty Johnston, and Health Minister Michael de Jong at the site of the future home of the Christine Lamb Residences. The new apartment complex, well on its way to completion, will provide 41 units for women and women with children at risk of homelessness.
John helps kick off the celebration for the brand new Christine Lamb Residences with Abbotsford Mayor George Peary, Health Minister Michael de Jong, and Executive Director for the Women’s Resource Centre of the Fraser Valley Pam Willis.
Abbotsford South MLA John van Dongen poses with Stolo Nation elders Ray and Millie Silver in front of the "Man Turned to Stone," a First Nations relic that was lost to its rightful owners for over a century. John presents a Washington State Senate resolution to the Silvers which apologizes for the murder of Louis Sam, a Stolo youth, more than 100 years ago, and offers the return of the stone as a symbol of reconciliation.
John attended the opening of the new offices for PacificSport at the Abbotsford Recreation Center. PacificSport supports local athlete and coach development by providing innovative services and programs.
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BC Liberal MLAs wear their Pink Shirts in recognition of Anti-Bullying day across the province.
Abbotsford Collegiate Principal Lance McDonald, MLA van Dongen, Board Chair Cindy Schafer, Gr.10 student Carter Williams, representing the first Gr. 12 class that will be at the new school in September 2012, and Abbotsford Mayor George Peary (also a former Vice principal at the school) at the groundbreaking ceremony
New, large, lit sign with British Columbia flag welcomes visitors arriving at Abbotsford International Airport to our province. Sign was erected based on a suggestion from Abbotsford West constituent Fred Scullard.
John van Dongen, Mike de Jong, Fred Scullard and representatives of the City of Abbotsford, Abbotsford Airport Authority, Ministry of Transportation, Tourism Abbotsford, in front of the large new sign unveiled July 29 that welcomes travelers and visitors to Abbotsford International Airport. On the opposing side is “Welcome to British Columbia” directed to visitors who have arrived in our province from other areas aboard the commercial air traffic that land at Abbotsford.
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John hands out a certificate at the 5th Annual Fraser Valley Walk for ALS at Mill Lake Park.
John was selected as this year's honourary chairperson.
John and other members of the Legislative Assembly take a ride on the Heart & Stroke Foundation of B.C.'s Big Bike.
Abbotsford-Mission MLA Randy Hawes, Abbotsford-West MLA Michael de Jong, Abbotsford Mayor George Peary, Abbotsford MP Ed Fast and John officially break ground to start the construction of a new taxiway at Abbotsford International Airport.
John helps to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new taxiway at Abbotsford International Airport. The new taxiway will reduce delays and increase provincial tourism.
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John, with fellow MLAs Ron Cantelon and Richard Lee, wear pink on Pink Shirt Day to raise awareness of bullying.
John uses the backhoe to help break ground at the Clearbrook Road Interchange.
John meets with the Fraser Valley food producers at the Canadian Food and Wine Affair. This event was held during the first week of the 2010 Olympics.
John meets with Mary Ellen Walling of the BC Salmon Farmers Association.
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John van Dongen, pictured with Premier Gordon Campbell and Clerk E. George MacMinn, was sworn in today as MLA for Abbotsford South. June 8, 2009.
John was joined by Burnaby North MLA Richard T. Lee as the Province banned expiry dates and fees on most gift cards. The new legislation and regulations will ensure consumers who buy gift cards get what they pay for by requiring businesses to fully inform consumers at the time of purchase how gift cards can be redeemed, used and replaced.
John met with firefighters from Victoria and surrounding area to promote Fire Prevention Week.
John gets into the spirit at the B.C. Spirit Pole tour in Abbotsford. May 16, 2008
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John participates in the annual MLA Ride to promote Motorcycle Satefy Month in Victoria. John also read a proclamation from the Province proclaiming May Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
John was on hand at the announcement granting the University College of the Fraser Valley full university status. April 21, 2008
John, along with Maple Ridge-Mission MLA Randy Hawes and Abbotsford-Mt. Lehman MLA Mike de Jong at the announcement of $100,000 in funding for Big Brothers and Big Sisters. April 21, 2008.
John along with Housing Minister Rich Coleman, Minister of Children and Family Services Tom Christensen and Abbostford-Mt. Lehman MLA Mike de Jong at the opening of The Spirit Bear Centre in Abbotsford. March 17, 2008.
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John attends Abbotsford’s Spirit Square announcement on March 14 along with, from left- Abbotsford-Mt. Lehman MLA Mike de Jong, Mayor George Ferguson, Premier Gordon Campbell and Abbotsford city councilor John Smith.
MLAs John van Dongen and John Les were at the University College of the Fraser Valley for the grand opening of the new trades and technology centre.
