langleywatchdog…. and more!

Elections are supposed to be about openness, debate, and accountability. But in Abbotsford–South Langley, voters are being denied all three – not just by a candidate who refuses to show up, but by a party that’s actively shielding him.

Sukhman Singh Gill, the Conservative Party’s appointed candidate, has refused to attend any all-candidates meetings. He’s declined local media interviews, scrubbed almost all of his social media, and made no effort to connect with voters. Why the silence? Look at how he became the candidate.

No debates. No questions. No answers – it’s an affront to democracy.

Voters in Abbotsford–South Langley deserve a representative they can trust. But the Conservative Party’s appointed candidate, Sukhman Singh Gill, has a record that raises serious questions—and so far, he’s refused to answer them.

Did You Know?  Gill was chosen with just 15% Support!

Did You Know?  Gill was a Trudeau Liberal for Nine Years as a Poll worker!

Did You Know?  Gill was rejected by Local Conservatives!

Did You Know?  Gill is Hiding from Voters!

Did You Know?  Gill is a 24-year old Student, No Real-World Experience!

Did You Know?  Gill was a Candidate for the Township of Langley Council Municipal Election in 2022. He came 22^nd out of 28 candidates.

Is this about serving the people of Abbotsford–South Langley—or securing a political future in a riding, Ottawa thinks is “safe”?

And what does it say about the Conservative Party when it ignores its own members, silences local voices, and installs a candidate with no track record, no platform, and no accountability?

In a time of rising costs, global instability, and deep political frustration, we can’t afford guesswork and on-the-job training. We need steady, proven leadership from someone who actually knows how to get things done.

We deserve a leader who stands up—not someone who hides.
We deserve someone who reflects our values—not someone who’s spent years backing Trudeau.
We deserve someone ready to serve on Day 1—not someone still figuring it out.

Stay informed. Ask questions. Demand better. Abbotsford–South Langley deserves more than this.

Abbotsford–South Langley deserves a leader who’s accountable, experienced, and ready to serve—not someone who hides behind the party logo.

Stay informed. Ask questions. Demand better. Abbotsford–South Langley deserves more than this.

In Abbotsford South-Langley ELECT Mike de Jong –

Experience that will get things done!

To VIEW this BLOG Post click on – www.langleywatchdog.com

Please share the above BLOG Post with neighbors, friends and relatives – it is a factual read!

Rick Green

Former Mayor of the Township of Langley

In a display of his commitment to the residents of Abbotsford South-Langley and the greater South of Fraser region, Mike de Jong is showing his knowledge of the issues and what is needed to make the lives of our residents so much better. Knowing first hand, our communities’ significant needs and its deficits, and having an MP that knows how to solve those problems is critical!

Mike de Jong – “I am making this commitment for three main reasons”–

1) Environment (improving the air quality in the Fraser Valley Airshed is critical.)

2) Transportation and public transit (removing cars off of Highway #1 is critical.)

3) Housing (Effective, affordable and convenient transit is required to support the ever-increasing growth and demand for housing throughout the South of Fraser region.)

This initiative will correct these serious issues in a very significant way. Mike de Jong made this announcement at last weeks’ All-Candidate’s meeting in Aldergrove – a meeting, I might add, that the Conservative candidate failed to show up!

So, what is this Rail Corridor that Mike de Jong is talking about? The public have available to them a publicly owned 99 KM rail corridor, with protected passenger rights at no-cost for its use, running between the Pattullo Bridge SkyTrain station and the City of Chilliwack. This rail corridor connects 16 Communities, 14 post-secondary institutions, the Abbotsford International Airport, major industrial parks, Tourism and Agri-Tourism through a Spine and Rib transit system similar to what was done in Metro Vancouver with SkyTrain connecting to local bus routes. This rail corridor by design protects our Fraser Valley agricultural land base at a very affordable (all in) cost of $18.6 M per KM vs $437.5 M per KM for the Surrey to Langley SkyTrain? A reactivated Interurban’s per capita cost is $1,541 vs $35,000 per capita for Surrey to Langley SkyTrain! It can be up and running in 3 – 4 years maximum.

The best way to understand this priceless opportunity is to watch the following video that creatively tells the whole story and why it just makes common sense –

4 Minute Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQR5c_8oyDA&t=18s

Unprecedented Support? ResearchCo Poll – 88% Public Support N. Delta to Chilliwack (May 2021), All Post Secondary Institutions (South of Fraser Community Rail Task Force (2009), All South of Fraser Cities and Municipalities, LMLGA (Lower Mainland Local Government Association) unanimous support (2024), Surrey Board of Trade, Hydrogen B.C., B.C. Indigenous Housing Society, Brad West Chair TransLink Mayors Council, B.C. Premier John Horgan Sept./22, UBC Professor Patrick Condon, UBCO Professor Gordon Lovegrove.

Mike de Jong – “I am in receipt of three critical documents that support my position. I have received and thoroughly reviewed – 1) The B.C. Hydro / CP Rail Master Agreement (circa 1988), 2) The B.C. Government Fraser Valley Regional Rail Pre-Feasibility Study (circa July 8^th, 2022) and 3) The SFCRS Community Business Case (circa June /23). All of these reinforce this outstanding opportunity.”

Mike de Jong – “Why have we not acted? I will take action in Ottawa as your Member of Parliament using my 30 years of long-standing knowledge, connections and relationships to see this project through. If a corridor and opportunity like this was available in Greater Toronto, it would have been in operation years ago.”

For additional information go to the following sites –

South Fraser Community Rail Society Web Site

https://www.southfrasercommunityrail.ca/

South Fraser Community Rail Society Facebook site:

https://www.facebook.com/connectthevalley

South Fraser Community Rail Society You Tube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@southfrasercommunityrail5797

Please share the above BLOG Post with neighbors, friends and relatives – it is a factual read!

Rick Green – Former Mayor of the Township of Langley

Edward D. “Ed” Fast – A Canadian politician who served as the member of Parliament (MP) for Abbotsford from 2006 until 2025. A member of the Conservative Party of Canada, he was Minister for International Trade and Minister for the Asia–Pacific Gateway from 2011 to 2015 under Prime Minister Stephen Harper

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 15, 2025

“Today, I’m announcing my support for Mike de Jong in the upcoming federal election.

Over a year ago, I announced that I would be stepping down as MP and asked Conservative Party officials to begin “an open and fair process” to choose a replacement for our new riding of Abbotsford-South Langley. Sadly, that process was far from open and fair.

It now appears that party insiders conspired to manipulate the process to ensure that their chosen 25-year old candidate, until very recently a Liberal supporter, was “elected”. They also disqualified the most qualified candidate, Mike de Jong, and ignored the recommendations of our local Conservative association. Democracy lost out.

The Hon. Mike de Jong offers our community 30 years of distinguished service in our provincial legislature, having served as Minister of Finance, Health, Aboriginal Affairs, Forestry and Attorney General. He supports conservative policies like reducing taxes, offering addicts treatment instead of free drugs, getting tough on violent criminals, and rebuilding our military. He has also promoted religious freedom and balanced multi-billion budgets, something the Carney-Trudeau Liberals have never done.

As many of you know, our community will suffer severe damage from Donald Trump’s tariffs. In times like these, we desperately need a tested and proven leader, not an inexperienced, unqualified Johnnie-come-lately. Our manufacturers, farmers and truckers can’t afford to have a novice leading us right now.

Let me be very clear. After 10 lost years of economic decline and a fading Canadian dream, Canada desperately needs change. And that change is a strong Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre. However, abandoning our grassroots conservative principles and allowing faceless party officials to recklessly push their friends and insiders into positions of power is not the way to do it.

There are some who say a vote for Mike de Jong will “split the vote”. That’s true – IF WE VOTE OUT OF FEAR RATHER THAN PRINCIPLE! But if every person worried about the future of our country puts faith in our country ahead of fear, Mike wins; Abbotsford wins; and democracy wins!

I’m confident that Mike has the resources and large team behind him to ensure that we elect this highly experienced friend of our community. I respectfully ask you, the voters of Abbotsford-South Langley, to vote for our independent conservative candidate, MIKE de JONG, to be our next Member of Parliament.”

– The Hon. Ed Fast Retiring MP (Abbotsford)

Please share the above BLOG Post with neighbors, friends and relatives – it is a factual read!

Rick Green

Former Mayor of the Township of Langley

Elections are supposed to be about openness, debate, and accountability. But in Abbotsford–South Langley, voters are being denied all three – not just by a candidate who refuses to show up, but by a party that’s actively shielding him. What is he afraid of?

Sukhman Singh Gill, the Conservative Party’s appointed candidate, has refused to attend any all-candidates meetings. He’s declined local media interviews, scrubbed almost all of his social media, and made no effort to connect with voters.

Why the silence? Look at how he became the candidate.

Earlier this year, the Conservative Party eliminated the only serious competition to Gill’s nomination, then ignored the local candidate committee’s unanimous recommendation to reject him. Ottawa installed him anyway.

Until January, Gill’s LinkedIn stated he had been a poll worker for Justin Trudeau’s Liberals since 2016—nearly a decade of Liberal involvement. He’s still a student, with no real-world experience and no public record.

Now, rather than face public scrutiny, it appears the party has told him to stay out of sight. No debates. No questions. No answers.

This isn’t just a weak candidacy—it’s an affront to democracy.

When parties override local voices, hide their candidates, and count on blind loyalty, voters lose.

Abbotsford–South Langley deserves a leader who’s accountable, experienced, and ready to serve—not someone who hides behind the party logo.

Stay informed. Ask questions. Demand better. Abbotsford–South Langley deserves more than this.

In Abbotsford South-Langley ELECT Mike de Jong –

Experience that will get things done!

BREAKING NEWS! – Long time respected Conservative MP Ed Fast (just retired) has announced his full and complete endorsement of Mike de Jong today! More details to come!

Please share the above BLOG Post with neighbors, friends and relatives – it is a factual read!

Rick Green

Former Mayor of the Township of Langley

Voters in Abbotsford–South Langley deserve a representative they can trust. But the Conservative Party’s appointed candidate, Sukhman Singh Gill, has a record that raises serious questions—and so far, he’s refused to answer them.

Did You Know? Gill was chosen with just 15% Support!
Gill was nominated with the backing of only 15% of eligible party members. That’s not democracy in action—it’s a top-down decision forced on the riding.

Did You Know? Gill was a Trudeau Liberal for Nine Years!
Until January 2025, Gill’s LinkedIn profile stated he had worked as a poll worker for the Liberal Party of Canada since 2016. That’s nearly a decade of active involvement with Justin Trudeau’s party—yet now he wants to call himself a Conservative?

Did You Know? Gill was rejected by Local Conservatives!
The entire local candidate selection committee unanimously rejected Mr. Gill as a credible candidate. Ottawa Party insiders ignored them and forced his name onto the ballot anyway. Why?

Did You Know? Gill is Hiding from Voters!
Gill has refused to participate in all-candidate meetings, skipped local media availabilities, and deleted his social media accounts—making it nearly impossible for voters to hear from him or ask questions.

Did You Know? Gill is still a Student, No Real-World Experience!
Gill is still enrolled in university and has not completed his studies. There’s nothing wrong with being a student—but is not the time to start learning how politics works, while Canadians face real challenges?

Did You Know? Gill was a Candidate for the Township of Langley Council Municipal Election in 2022. He came 20th out of 28 candidates. It was clear during this election campaign that Gill, a member of a slate, was not prepared with the knowledge needed to represent his community as is indicated by the result.  

So why is he running? Why now?

Is this about serving the people of Abbotsford–South Langley—or securing a political future in a riding, Ottawa thinks is “safe”?

And what does it say about the Conservative Party when it ignores its own members, silences local voices, and installs a candidate with no track record, no platform, and no accountability?

In a time of rising costs, global instability, and deep political frustration, we can’t afford guesswork and on-the-job training. We need steady, proven leadership from someone who actually knows how to get things done.

We deserve a leader who stands up—not someone who hides.
We deserve someone who reflects our values—not someone who’s spent years backing Trudeau.
We deserve someone ready to serve on Day 1—not someone still figuring it out.

Stay informed. Ask questions. Demand better. Abbotsford–South Langley deserves more than this.

In Abbotsford South-Langley ELECT Mike de Jong – Experience that will get things done!

To VIEW this BLOG Post click on – www.langleywatchdog.com

Please share the above BLOG Post with neighbors, friends and relatives – it is a factual read!

Rick Green

Former Mayor of the Township of Langley

By Rick Green Former Mayor, Township of Langley

Canada is at a crossroads!

As economic pressures mount, international tensions rise, and faith in government crumbles, we need leaders who have the strength, wisdom, and experience to guide us forward. That’s why I’m throwing my support behind Mike de Jong in the race to represent Abbotsford–South Langley in Ottawa.

This riding isn’t just electing another MP — we’re choosing a voice for our region during one of the most consequential elections in decades, some would say in a lifetime. We need someone who doesn’t require a learning curve. Someone who’s already earned the respect of colleagues and knows how to get results in government.

Mike de Jong is that person.

With years of experience in the BC Legislature — including time as Finance Minister, House Leader, Minister of Forests, and Attorney General — Mike has a record of delivering real results. He balanced budgets, negotiated major trade files, and defended our freedoms when it mattered most. I’ve seen firsthand what competent leadership looks like — and Mike brings that in spades.

What concerns me today is how easily important decisions are being made behind closed doors by party elites in Ottawa. Voters in Abbotsford–South Langley deserve to choose their representative — not have it decided for them.

Mike’s independent candidacy gives us that choice. A serious, capable leader who knows the issues, understands this community, and isn’t beholden to backroom deals.

This election, we need to send someone to Ottawa who won’t just be another name in a caucus — we need someone who can influence outcomes and fight for what matters.

Mike de Jong is ready.

I encourage you to learn more, get involved, and show your support at www.mikedejong.ca.

Let’s send real leadership to Ottawa — for Abbotsford, for Langley, and for Canada.

RG

Protect your Democratic Rights – Protect your NEIGHBORS Democratic Rights – stay informed, stay involved and VOTE!!!

I am working on future posts that I believe are of significant concern to Township of Langley Residents, come back often for news of interest to Township residents.

Share this BLOG; forward it to your friends, neighbors, and relatives! To comment on this post – Click on this Post, top left-hand corner under recent posts.

The Conservative Party of Canada disqualified one of British Columbia’s most experienced politicians, Mike de Jong, from seeking the party’s nomination in Abbotsford-South Langley. Multiple high-level cabinet positions, and an unmatched record of experience, de Jong was unanimously endorsed by the local Electoral District Candidate Selection Committee. And yet, Ottawa shut him down.

No explanation for why a seasoned legislator, skilled negotiator, and long-time public servant was deemed unworthy of the nomination. No clarity, no accountability, no respect for Conservative voters.

No Reasons Given—No Accountability!

So how do local voters feel?

A Grass Roots Conservative supporter has his say:

Mr. Lockwood, a long-term resident of Aldergrove and Conservative supporter sent me a copy of his email to the Conservative Party of Canada’s head office in Ottawa (below), directed to Pierre Poilievre’s attention. As we have described in our previous BLOG Post, the actions of party headquarters were and are an unfathomable and incomprehensible attack against the democratic rights of local party members!

Conservative Party of Canada,

Ottawa, Canada

By email

Pierre et al,  

I am in the riding of Abbotsford-South Langley and will NOT be supporting the Conservative candidate in view of how the nomination process was handled. I happily made my $1000 donation to Mike de Jong running as an independent candidate to show my displeasure and support for the best candidate for the election – a person with the past demonstrated experience to be sitting at the executive council level aka cabinet.

Conservative HQ is out of touch with main street reality in many ways and Poilievre’s Trump-Lite tactics are not sitting well with many……especially those of us with international business experience…..

Lee Lockwood

Aldergrove B.C. 

Mike de Jong is needed in Ottawa to provide strong representation to the residents of Abbotsford South-Langley and the greater region of the South of the Fraser! In over 30 years serving in senior minister positions in the B.C. Government, Mike has developed an unequalled number of relationships with senior federal staff and politicians in both major political parties in Ottawa. Those relationships will serve Mike and our region well sitting as an independent representing Abbotsford South-Langley.

Just in: Mike de Jong lawn signs are now available – they’re not your average campaign signs! Whether you want it installed or prefer to pick it up, it’s easy:

Request yours here: https://forms.gle/DpBCwHSBBmC538zd8

Campaign office:2630 Bourquin Crescent W, Abbotsford (next to Little Oak Realty, across from Seven Oaks Mall)

Learn more about Mike here: www.mikedejong.ca

RG

Protect your Democratic Rights – Protect your NEIGHBORS Democratic Rights – stay informed, stay involved and VOTE!!!

I am working on future posts that I believe are of significant concern to Township of Langley Residents, come back often for news of interest to Township residents.

Share this BLOG; forward it to your friends, neighbors, and relatives! To comment on this post – Click on this Post, top left-hand corner under recent posts.