Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited Don Christian Recreation Centre in Cloverdale on Friday morning (May 19) to highlight the federal government’s Canada Child Benefit plan.
“We’re the second fastest growing community in the country and in Surrey we have the three youngest ridings within all of British Columbia,” Cloverdale-Langley City MP John Aldag said in his introduction of the prime minister.
Aldag said his riding is the second youngest in the province and that large number of young families and their growing needs are a sign of a “growing community.”
Trudeau visited with the children, parents and staff of the preschool that runs in the rec centre at 184th Street and 62nd Avenue before playing a game of parachute for a press photo opportunity.
The purpose of Trudeau’s visit was to highlight the Canada Child Benefit, which he promoted in a short, prepared speech before taking questions on international concerns from press.
“It’s always a treat to get back to the diverse and growing city of Surrey,” said Trudeau. “As many of you know, British Columbia really is my home away from home.”
“It’s great to see how many kids are being helped by the Canada Child Benefit,” he said. “The old system of child benefits was complicated. We simplified things, combining benefits into a simple, lump sum. One that’s paid out every month, tax free for families in need.”
Trudeau went on to say that nine out of 10 Canadian families receive more money every month to help with the “high cost of raising kids” since the introduction of the Canada Child Benefit.
.@JustinTrudeau showing up at Don Christian Rec Centre and greeting the folks waiting. Yes, those are cowboy hats. It's rodeo season y'all. pic.twitter.com/6fW2RwOX9B
— Sam Anderson (@sam_andrsn) May 19, 2017
When Trudeau left the centre, he was greeted with a crowd of students from Don Christian Elementary School next door. It was Rodeo Day at school, and the kids, teachers and parents were decked out in their rodeo garb – cowboy hats, plaid and pigtails. They cheered for Trudeau and sang a rendition of O, Canada.
