Dear Constituents: 

As the summer progresses and we increasingly hear rumours of the federal government forcing an election unwanted by most Canadians, my staff and I continue to work on your behalf: 

Wildfire Update 

Since the Village of Lytton and surrounding area, including Lytton First Nation, were devastated by wildfire on June 30, I have been working tirelessly on behalf of the residents of the area to ensure that the federal response is adequate and timely. The latest updates are found on my Facebook Page.  

As wildfires continue to spread in other parts of the riding, we are closely watching the situation surrounding the Village of Ashcroft and Ashcroft First Nation. Please stay up to date with the latest Evacuation Alerts and Orders through the Thompson-Nicola Regional District’s (TNRD) webpage. 

I was very happy to hear the Evacuation Order for Pavilion and West Pavilion at the north end of our riding has been rescinded, however the Evacuation Alert remains and we are watching the situation closely. Please stay up to date with the latest Evacuation Alerts and Orders through the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District’s (SLRD) webpage.   

To date, our advocacy efforts and those of our partners have yielded the following successes:  

• A dedicated Service Canada telephone line for Lytton evacuees (1-877-631-2657); 
• A commitment from the federal government to match donations to the Red Cross (1-800-863-6582);  
• A Transport Canada ministerial order directing the implementation of increased fire prevention measures by rail operators; 

Although the Minister of Canada Revenue Agency has been slow to respond to our request for dedicated service, our office is able to assist individuals who require assistance with any CRA matters such as income tax, Canada Child Benefit, Disability Tax Credit, taxpayer relief requests, etc. Constituents will need to contact our office directly and complete a consent form allowing us to speak with CRA. Please contact our office at 604-814-5710 or email [email protected]. 

Community Futures Sun Country is a federally funded non-profit agency to help entrepreneurs. A special website has been created to assist those affected by wildfire: cfwildfire.ca. Set up an appointment for one-on-one support for your business and find other resources such as links to the B.C. Wildfire Service and the Canadian Mental Health Association.  

For anyone seeking help from their financial institution, Scotiabank has set up a dedicated line to assist Lytton evacuees: 1-888-304-4799.  

For special assistance with other banks, please contact the Canadian Bankers Association at 1-800-263-0231 or email [email protected].  

If you are impacted by the fires and need immediate assistance with any federal department, please email ([email protected]) or call my office (604-814-5710) today. My staff members Brittany and Sukhpreet are ready to help. 

Family Farm Bill  

In my last update, I drew your attention to the egregious and undemocratic attempt of the Liberal government to cancel the implementation of Bill C-208. This Conservative Private Members’ Bill was passed by Parliament with the support of all parties–except the Liberals–and lowers taxes on small business owners and farmers who pass their family business on to a family member.  

On July 19, the night before an emergency Finance Committee meeting was set to examine the government’s unprecedented actions to defy Parliament and set aside tax laws it dislikes, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland claimed that she has reversed her position and released a statement acknowledging the law had, in fact, come into force. But she also committed to making changes to Bill C-208 in November.  

Small business owners and farmers deserve certainty and clarity so they can prosper and grow out of the pandemic. Thousands of family business transfers will be held up because the families don’t know what criteria or rules this Liberal government will come up with in November.   

The Liberal government has gone to extraordinary and unprecedented lengths to defy Parliament and the law in their ongoing war on small businesses and continued efforts to tax ever-more of your hard-earned dollars. Small business can’t afford more attacks from their own federal government. Canada’s Conservatives will use every tool at our disposal to support small businesses and fight back against the undemocratic actions of the Trudeau Liberals. 

Summer Check-In Survey 

Let me know your thoughts on what you believe the priorities for our riding should be and how I can best represent you in Ottawa. Share your view through my survey at https://www.bradvis.ca/surveys.  

You’re My Boss 

Your input is valued.  Please do not hesitate to contact my office to voice your concerns or seek assistance with any federal government programs at 604.814.5710 or [email protected]. 

Finally, many of you have written regarding a potential federal election. Canadians want life to get back to normal – thrusting the country into an election on the tail-end of a pandemic is anything but.  Nevertheless, Canada’s Conservatives are ready in the likely event one is forced on us. 

Thank you, 

Brad Vis, MP

Mission–Matsqui–Fraser Canyon