Dear Constituents, a few updates from my office:
In the House of Commons:
Last week I was able to be physically present in the House of Commons and while brief, it was an incredibly productive time.
I spoke several times on Bill C-19, An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act (COVID-19 response). I delivered a speech on the legislation and I also rose on a Point of Order after discovering a major drafting error. This Liberal mistake means the same clause says the opposite thing in English as it does in French [News Story].
I delivered a speech on C-24, An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act (additional regular benefits), the Canada Recovery Benefits Act (restriction on eligibility) and another Act in response to COVID-19. This bill addresses expiring EI benefits, which the Liberals failed to act on until the very last minute. It also closes the loophole in the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit that allowed international leisure travelers to receive the benefit during their quarantine – a mistake the Conservatives have been calling on the government to fix since last year.
I spoke about Affordable Housing and the waning dream of home ownership, once achievable for many Canadians, but which is now drifting out of reach for our middle class. I also questioned Minister Hussen about fudging the Liberals’ housing accomplishments.
I tabled many of your petitions on a wide array of topics including:
1) Persecution of Falun Gong by the Chinese Communist Party;
2) Opposition to Sex Selective Abortion;
3) Supporting peacefully protesting Indian Farmers;
4) Stopping Industrial Medical Cannabis Operations in Residential Neighborhoods;
5) Supporting our Truck Drivers
You can download these petitions and more on my website to gather your own signatures for me to present in Parliament and receive a response from the Government of Canada.
Parliament voted on the Senate’s amendments to C-7, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying) with 180 in favour and 149 opposed. I voted in opposition. The bill expands MAiD by removing critical safeguards that protect vulnerable Canadians, including those with disabilities and those living with mental illness. I was proud to stand with my Conservative, NDP, and Green Party colleagues who voted against C-7. I was grieved to watch Liberal and Bloc Quebecois MPs vote for this bill, and vote against CPC amendments that would have at least prevented access to MAiD where mental illness is the only reason for the request.
Regarding C-21 and C-22
I have received a lot of correspondence on C-21, An Act to amend certain Acts and to make certain consequential amendments (firearms), so I want to address that here.
First and foremost, I am 100% committed to defending the interests, rights, and private property of all law-abiding gun owners. Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon is filled with thousands of people who enjoy sport shooting, hunting, and collecting firearms. The reality is most gun crime in Canada is committed with illegally obtained firearms. Taking legal firearms away from law-abiding Canadians does nothing to stop dangerous criminals and gangs who obtain their guns illegally.
I was proud to jointly second Bill C-238, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (possession of unlawfully imported firearms), which had been introduced by my colleague MP Bob Saroya. Unfortunately, this Bill was shamefully defeated by the Liberals, along with their Green and NDP enablers. C-238 would would have imposed tougher sentences for criminals caught smuggling or who are found in possession of illegal firearms.
Shortly after they tabled C-21, the Liberals introduced Bill C-22, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Shockingly, included in this Bill is the elimination of a number of mandatory minimum penalties for firearms offences that keep communities safe. Justin Trudeau continues to demonize law-abiding firearms owners, while at the same time reducing sentences for criminals charged with illegal gun offences. The Liberal government is sending a confusing, hypocritical message on crime.
Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA)
Recently in the HUMA committee, we have studied the Employment Insurance (E.I.) Program, Bill C-24, and the Main and Supplementary Estimates. I called out Liberal hypocrisy on the EI program and questioned Minister Hussen and CMHC’s CEO Mr. Siddall on federal housing programs.
Community Updates
You’re invited to a virtual ‘Townhall’ meeting on Tuesday, March 23rd at 7:00pm. Come join for a community update and ask your questions on all pressing federal government issues. Sign up online at bradvis.ca or call 604.814.5710.
The Biggest Survey in Riding History is well underway. Thank you to the hundreds of constituents who have answered the survey and shared their views. Have your say at 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]
Thank you,
Brad Vis, MP
Mission–Matsqui–Fraser Canyon
