Dear Constituents, an update from my office:
Gun Buyback Program
This week, the Liberal government announced it will be extending the amnesty period for firearms banned under the 2020 Order in Council until October 2023. My office has received many calls and emails in recent weeks, as this amnesty period was set to expire in April 2022, with no details of the mandatory buyback program announced.
It is unacceptable that the Liberals have given no further details on their arbitrary firearm ban and gun buyback program to law-abiding firearms owners. Instead, they are continuing to waste taxpayer money and resources on their failed campaign promise while ignoring the illegal firearms smuggled in from the US by gangs and criminals. The government must focus on making our streets safer by targeting the true source of gun violence in Canada.
Temporary Foreign Workers
Recently, the House of Commons debated M-44: Permanent Residency for Temporary Foreign Workers. The Motion calls for an expansion of pathways to permanent residency for temporary foreign workers, thousands of whom are employed right here in Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon. Worker shortages were an issue before the pandemic hit. Creating this pathway would allow more temporary workers to stay in Canada permanently, keeping their skills right here, contributing to our communities and economy.
My office assists with many temporary foreign worker applications every year. Through this process, some instances of worker abuse have been brought to my attention. I took the opportunity to raise the concerns of these workers in our riding, which you can watch here.
My colleague, MP Jasraj Singh Hallan spoke at length on this Motion. I encourage you to watch his speech here. His speech begins at 11:33:31.
Stand With Ukraine
Tomorrow, March 19th, at 7pm, St. Joseph’s Parish will be hosting a Stand With Ukraine benefit dinner. The night will include traditional Ukrainian food and entertainment. All proceeds will be used to support Ukrainian refugees. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased by phone at the St. Joseph’s Parish Office: 604-425-0392.
Conservative Leadership
While I strive to keep partisan content out of these updates, my office has received a number of emails regarding the Conservative Party’s leadership election. To vote, you must be a member of the Conservative Party by June 3rd. For more information on the process, please visit the party’s website.
Lytton
Wildfire recovery in Lytton First Nation is well underway with the arrival of the first modular homes being set up in Jade Springs. It is so exciting to see that members displaced from the fires will soon be reunited with the place they call home after months of being displaced throughout the province.
Big news for Lytton as the Province announced an additional $18.4M to kick off debris removal, archeological work and soil remediation last week. In light of the new funding, the Village of Lytton put shovels to the ground and finally started the work of debris removal in the aftermath of July’s wildfires. It has been a long and frustrating haul just to get to this point, but I am so happy to see real progress towards recovery.
Earlier my staff visited Lytton and communities throughout the Fraser Canyon to hear from residents and businesses. The Resiliency Centre at Kumscheen ShchEma-meet School is a fantastic resource for residents to connect with supports for housing, food, supplies, mental health services, navigating insurance, business assistance and more. They are open Monday-Friday from 10:00am-4:00pm.
You’re My Boss
Your feedback 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]. I also encourage you to follow me on Facebook where I post more frequent updates on my work as your MP.
Thank you,
Brad Vis, MP
Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon