Dear Constituents, an update from my office:
Broadband Internet Connectivity
As ever more apparent during the pandemic, access to internet means connectivity to our community, family and friends, it means business access to the digital economy; it means empowering students through online learning, and it means access to doctors and health practitioners from just about anywhere. Internet is no longer a luxury but a service essential to life.
Many parts of Mission-Matsqui-Fraser Canyon still do not have access to broadband rural internet or are under served with speeds below the Canadian Radio and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) standards. I continue to advocate for increased internet access in our communities through infrastructure investments and smart policy changes such as a ‘use it or lose it’ policy for spectrum ensuring providers deliver services instead of ‘squatting’ on available spectrum and decreasing competition.
I have been engaging local governments and internet providers including Telus who is delivering an improvement to over 3,000 households in our riding. Part of the latest improvements will include upgraded fixed wireless internet speeds in Mission, Fraser Valley B and Fraser Valley G.
In the House
As we draw closer to the end of the Spring session, there is a lot in front of the House right now. Bill C-19: Budget Implementation Act, which I spoke about in my last email, is now in front of the Finance Committee for study.
In this video, Dan Albas highlights the effect of the coming excise tax on cider producers.
Last week, Conservatives tabled an Opposition Motion calling for the immediate return to pre-pandemic rules and service levels for travel. With people traveling in large numbers once again, the delays at our airports and other points of entry are driving would-be visitors to other destinations and hurting Canada’s already struggling tourism industry. It’s time for a return to normal and to let all Canadians travel again.
Next week I will be speaking on the Standing Orders – the rules that government the administration of Parliament and C-18, An Act respecting online communications platforms that make news content available to persons in Canada. Stay tuned for some riveting speeches!
Procedure and House Affairs Study on Expanding the Parliamentary Precinct
In the wake of the protests that occupied Downtown Ottawa in February, the federal Government wants to expand the Parliamentary precinct to include more of the city’s core. Last week at the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (PROC), my colleagues and I had the opportunity to question representatives of the Ottawa and Gatineau Police as well as the RCMP on their ability to maintain order when protests take over Parliament Hill and surrounding areas.
My colleague Andrew Scheer and I focused mainly on the events that led the Prime Minister to invoke the Emergencies Act. We learned that no police service requested that the Cabinet invoke the Act, contrary to the claims made by Justin Trudeau. You can watch our questioning here.
Hearing From You
In my last email, I asked for your thoughts on the cost of groceries. I received a lot of feedback on Facebook, and I have taken it all into consideration to improve future surveys.
I heard from 250 of you and not a single person reported no increase in their grocery bill recently. The majority of respondents indicated that they or someone they know were very likely to be forced to skip meals or eat less due to increasing food prices. All but a handful of you do not expect prices to fall. This is extremely troubling, and my Conservative colleagues and I will continue to push for relief.
This week, I want to hear your thoughts on the ArriveCAN app. Has it been effective? Is it still necessary? Let me know here.
Something Not Political
Growing a garden! Over the Victoria Day long weekend, I planted yellow beans, green beans, radishes, arugula, carrots, and green onions. Keeping a garden plot is a wonderful way to teach my kids about science, and the gift and joy of fresh food. I’m very glad that many schools also encourage planting as a teaching method for nutrition and science.
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