Newsletter – August 19th
Two more weeks have passed and that’s two more weeks on the job working for you.
The travel industry in Canada is still a mess. This week, I continued my tour of Canadian airports with stops in Kenora and Winnipeg. From big airports to small, cancellations, delays, and lineups continue to waylay travelers entering and leaving Canada. I’m also calling on the Minister of Transport to end the delays for pilots receiving their medical certificates so that we can get pilots flying and Canadians moving.
Whether it’s here in Thornhill or across Canada, I’ll keep up my fight on behalf of individuals and groups let down by the Trudeau government.
As the summer winds down, I’m reminded that every day serving you and our community is a privilege. Thank you for your continued support!
Here are some updates from my last two weeks:
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Transport Minister Summoned to Explain Airport Delays
Last week, I introduced a motion at Transport Committee to officially summon Minister Omar Alghabra to explain his government’s handling of the chaos at our airports.
I’m proud to say that it passed with support from all parties – and Minister Alghabra will have to appear today and answer my tough questions.
The government has failed in their duty to manage Canadian airports effectively and efficiently. They have had months to deal with the challenges facing Canadians after ignoring the advanced warnings resulting in fewer screening agents, longer lineups, delays and international notoriety for being the worst.
I’m looking forward to getting some answers about this crisis and finally getting to the bottom of the countless issues at our airports.
Working for you in Thornhill
I was thrilled to welcome the champ home – Thornhill’s own, Andrew Wiggins, dropped by to celebrate his win and show us the trophy. Thanks to our local councilor, Alan Shefman, for making it special!
Lumière Pâtisserie is just one of the many new businesses opening across Thornhill. Stopped by for a sneak peek and a taste test and to welcome them to the neighbourhood. Great to see so much innovation and creativity right here in our community.
I brought TELUS’s Kits for Kids program to a place we love right here in Thornhill. We popped in to Kayla’s Children Centre with some 🎒✏️📓 for the crew.
This year they are sending over 16,000 backpacks with school supplies to hundreds of organizations across Canada.
Since 2006, OneFamily Canada has been running a summer camp program for Israeli youth who have been directly affected by terror and war. Hundreds of young Israelis have spent three weeks at Camp Timberlane in Haliburton and are hosted by families in our community. Got to meet the 2022 crew today as the Shoychet family graciously hosted their farewell in Thornhill.
Across Canada
It’s the best kept secret in Ontario and well worth the trip – I swung through Kenora and met with folks at the Kenora airport alongside my friend MP Eric Melillo.
It’s just one more place suffering from the ArriveCAN App and the devastating effects on the tourism industry that come with it.
I visited the Winnipeg Airports Authority with my friend, MP Marty Morantz, where we highlighted the various delays happening at Transport Canada. Whether it’s with Identity Cards for employees, certifications for air traffic controllers, or medical evaluations for pilots, this government’s endless backlogs are hurting travel and business in Canada.
We also visited the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg where we talked about the growing problem of Anti-Semitism in Canada and how to stop it.
Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
My office is sponsoring Platinum Jubilee pins for outstanding individuals and organizations in the community and we’re starting to award the first few.
We visited Jennifer at Field of Dreams Baseball Camp and Justin at Golden Star to thank them for their contributions to Thornhill.
Don’t forget — nominations are open until August 20 (that’s tomorrow!). Know an amazing Thornhiller who deserves recognition? Email me today at Melissa.Lantsman@parl.gc.ca.
B’nai Brith Clothing Drive
B’nai Brith Canada is holding a clothing drive which will support the vulnerable in our community as well as Afghan and Ukrainian refugees. Stop by and pitch in some new or gently used clothing if you can:
Promenade Mall Parking lot (by LCBO) – August 25th from 6 – 7 pm
On the Air
I joined John Moore to discuss why Minister Alghabra needs to appear at Transport Committee:
I also spoke about the need to build more housing in our communities and Premier Ford’s proposed “strong mayor” powers.
I joined True North’s Andrew Lawton to discuss the situation at Pearson Airport, why the government is letting it happen, and how I plan to stop it.
Lantsman in the News
Melissa Lantsman
melissa@melissalantsman.ca