Hello Mission – Matsqui – Fraser Canyon,
Fall is in the air! Over the last three weeks I have had the opportunity to attend fall fairs around the riding, having attended the Ashcroft Fall Fair the Agassiz Fall Fair, and the Mt. Lehman Fall Fair!
These fairs have a multitude of activities from rides, games, silent auctions, craft markets, live music, car shows and 4-H competitions. Fall fairs are such an amazing opportunity for building community connections and showcasing local businesses and the abundance of agriculture. My kids’ favourite activities were entering a Lego competition at the Agassiz fair and the participating in the zucchini races in Ashcroft. At the Agassiz Fall Fair I even won the Dahlia competition!
There’s something about community events like this that just brings people together to engage with strangers. We need to be encouraged by events like this as its rare for people to talk to others they don’t know. Today’s society can be so isolated and locked into our screens that we often fail to engage with the people around us.
Many of you write to me about the polarization or in some cases the Americanization of Canadian politics. Let me be very clear Canadian politics isn’t being Americanized but are witnessing the same type of polarization we see in America because of our overuse of social media in our personal and professional lives. It is indeed my understanding that conversations that happen in person don’t lead to the same types of insults and anger we witness online. Differences should always be celebrated in a democratic society.
Let’s make it a goal for the rest of the year to try and get involved in more community events!
Non-confidence motion
On Tuesday we had Conservatives table a very clear motion expressing a lack of confidence in this Liberal government. Unfortunately, the Bloc and NDP both voted against our motion, giving the government the votes it needs to maintain confidence and avoid a fall election. It’s about time that the Bloc and the NDP stop boosting carbon taxes and protecting this costly prime minister and allow Canadians to vote in a carbon tax election.
I along with my colleagues will continue pushing for an election by expressing our non-confidence in the government at every opportunity that we have. I had the opportunity to rise in the House to voice a statement on this costly government which you can watch here.
Debating Liberal Changes to the Citizenship Act Bill C-71
Last week, I delivered a speech in the House of Commons on Liberal Bill C-71, which threatens the integrity and security of Canadian citizenship. The bill, introduced after the Ontario Superior Court declared the first-generation cut-off rule in the Citizenship Act unconstitutional, fails to address serious concerns.
Bill C-71 would allow individuals born abroad to claim citizenship with minimal, non-consecutive time spent in Canada, and without requiring criminal background checks. Conservatives will prioritize fixing our immigration system by enforcing stronger requirements and ensuring timely, secure processes for citizenship applications. Canadians deserve better than the incompetence we’ve seen under Justin Trudeau. You can view my entire speech here.
Conservatives Alternative to the Online Harms Act
This week my colleague MP Michelle Rempel Garner introduced her Private Members Bill (Bill C-412) as a counter to the Liberal’s Online Harms Act. Over the past few years, online exploitation, depression and anxiety has skyrocketed among youth. Bill C-412 requires online platform to put the interests of kids first, put parents back in the driver’s seat and will be a game changer for the mental health of youth. The current Liberal Online Harms Act won’t keep kids safer online. All it does is create a costly censorship bureaucracy and regulatory process that won’t start for years and will happen behind closed doors where big tech lobbyists can pull the strings.
I am a strong advocate in ensuring that a children’s right to privacy must be protected, in which I spoke out about this frequently during my time on Industry and Technology committee. I am excited to further this discussion and hope this bill can make long lasting impact to protect children and youth.
2025 Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon Calendar
Thanks to those who have submitted photos for our 2025 calendar! We are still accepting submissions of pictures from the riding during all seasons. If you have a great photo that showcases some of the natural beauty of our riding and would like to have it featured, please send it to [email protected] with “2025 MMFC Calendar” in the subject line.
Final reminder! King Charles III Coronation Medal
Last day to submit your nominations is Sept. 30th at 11:59pm PST. Press here to submit your nominations. This prestigious honour will be awarded to 20 individuals who:
- Have made significant contributions to the country, a province, territory, region or community, or an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada;
- Presently reside Mission–Matsqui–Fraser Canyon; and
- Were alive on May 6, 2023. The award can be made posthumously if the candidate was alive on that date.
Hearing from you
In my last newsletter, I asked to hear your priorities for the fall session. In total 176 of you took the time to respond; thank you!
I also want to thank those who took the time to write longer responses in the feedback box. Many of you voiced your concerns about the current government, more specifically about the rising cost of living, increase in crime, and concerns about immigration policy.
Don’t forget to fill out this week’s survey on whether you think this Parliament is worth saving, or if you think Conservatives continue calling for an election. Share your thoughts here.
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, X (Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube, where I post more frequent updates on my work as your MP.
Thank you,
Brad Vis, MP
Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon
