Dear Constituents, a few updates from my office:
Let’s Get Back to Work
Late last week we learned Prime Minister Trudeau won't recall Parliament for another five weeks!
Canada’s Conservatives want to be in the House of Commons addressing the pandemic, inflation, labour shortages, and more – all vital issues that Canadians elected (and expected) us to do.
My office is busy addressing constituents’ needs and preparing for the return of Parliament on November 22, 2021, which again, is 63 long days after the completion of the 44th Canadian general election.
Lytton Update
My staff and I continue to advance the rebuilding efforts for Lytton.
This week I wrote to the Prime Minister seeking updates and collaboration from his government for our constituents who remain displaced and homeless as a result of the Lytton fire. Last Wednesday I attended the Village of Lytton’s Council meeting, where we heard from residents, Fraser Basin Council, Solar Earth, Telus and others. My biggest concern is establishing a timeline for the land to be cleared so residents can gain unfettered access to their properties and begin planning to rebuild.
I continue to be in contact with residents and all levels of government to push the rebuild forward. I am working with Canada Post to have a temporary post office set up prior to the holiday season and hope to have more information to share shortly.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) released their preliminary findings of their investigation on rail involvement in the cause of the fire. While it was determined rail was not the source of the fire, BC Wildfire Service and RCMP are continuing with their enquiries as to the cause. While we welcome the completion of the report, it does not offer any sense of closure to residents. For more info, visit my press release and the TSB report.
Changes to Travel Requirements
As of October 30th, all those departing from Canadian airports, riding on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains, or embarking as marine passengers on non-essential passenger vessels will be required to be fully vaccinated in order to travel. There is a transition period between October 30th and November 30th where one may show a valid COVID-19 molecular test within 72 hours of travel. However, after November 30th individuals will be required to present proof of vaccination to travel.
The eligible tests for all travellers are:
- PCR - Polymerase chain reaction
- Nucleic acid test (NAT) or Nucleic acid amplification test (NAATs)
- Reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP)
Additional information regarding testing can be found here.
During the election, the Conservative Party of Canada supported the provision of either proof of vaccination OR a recent negative test result OR passing a rapid test before getting on a bus, train, plane, or ship between jurisdictions, seeing this as a reasonable accommodation to protect the vulnerable in our society during this global pandemic. Disappointingly, these new Liberal requirements remove the practical option of employing testing for those unable or unwilling to be vaccinated and significantly infringe on Canadians’ Charter Right to mobility.
The new Transport Canada rules are found here.
Apply to be a Parliamentary Page!
If you’re starting post-secondary studies next year, speak both official languages, and want to spend an incredible year on Parliament Hill, apply to become a House of Commons Page!
The application period for the 2022-2023 academic year is on NOW! The deadline to submit your application is November 7, 2021. Learn more here.
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].
Once again, I thank you for putting your confidence in me as Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon’s voice in Ottawa. I look forward to engaging with and serving you in the months ahead.
Thank you,
Brad Vis, MP
Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon