Newsletter – July 22nd
I hope you’re having a great summer and staying cool as best as you can. I can’t believe how quickly July has flown by. I’m staying busy working for you and holding the government to account on their many failures.
Right here in our community, I’m meeting with local businesses, charitable organizations, and ordinary people to discuss concerns like the rising cost of living, excessive government regulation, Anti-Semitism, and the ongoing passport fiasco.
I’ve also had the chance to travel across Canada and discuss Liberal failures on transportation policy, cross-border restrictions, and the ArriveCAN App with stakeholders on land, at sea, and in the air.
Have you heard? Mandatory random testing has returned to Canada’s largest airports. Instead of focusing on the future and trying to make air travel better for Canadians, this government is focusing on the past by returning to outdated, ineffective practices that they can’t justify with science. This move will only worsen the chaos at our airports and put Canada further behind when it comes to getting people to travel to and do business in our country. I will stand up to oppose this practice every chance I have to ensure that you can get on a plane without having to wait hours in line.
My office is open throughout the summer to assist Thornhillers with questions about passports, immigration, CRA cases, or federal grants. Allow my team of all-stars to help you navigate the government’s endless bureaucracy.
As the summer continues, I too will continue my work on your behalf. I’m looking forward to meeting more people here in Thornhill and getting to see more of this great country that we call Canada.
Until next time,
Melissa Lantsman
Here are some updates from my last two weeks on the job:
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SCRAP THE ARRIVECAN APP
Just about everybody is saying we need to stop using the ArriveCAN App – businesses, tourism operators, unions, local mayors, and regular travelers like you. So why is the government saying they’re going to keep ArriveCAN indefinitely? It slows down our borders, it drives away economic opportunities from Canada, and it’s hard for use for people who can’t use or don’t have a cell phone. I recently introduced a petition to scrap the ArriveCAN App – sign below and add your voice to the chorus of those standing against this failed government policy.
STOP Anti-Semitism in Thornhill
The rising tide of Anti-Semitism in our community should concern everyone. Last week, we saw the second hateful incident in two weeks. People should not face intimidation because of their religious identity, especially in Canada. Time for the federal government to step up – we need clear deterrents and strong accountability for those involved. Stay tuned for information on my town hall meeting in response to the large number of concerns we’ve seen in the past month.
Working for you in Thornhill
I caught up with Rudy and Kathy at DANI this week – an amazing organization helping to support people with disabilities in Thornhill and across the GTA. What started as a parent advocacy group has now grown into a multi-faceted organization which includes an array of programs, seven social enterprise businesses, and an online learning academy.
I spoke about labour challenges with Carol and Mary, two amazing women leading their growing business right here in Thornhill. Thanks for the warm welcome and the tour!
Yup, that’s me and the Apotex team. Had the pleasure of meeting them – a leading Canadian company that helps improve access to important medicines for millions of patients worldwide.
I visited Tiny Town to meet the campers and staff from Camp Chai Lifeline, a camp that helps support children dealing with illnesses. These are some of the amazing things happening in our community thanks to the Canada Summer Jobs program.
Across Canada
I headed west to the Calgary Stampede and got a chance to get some wise advice from one of the best – and to thank him for his continued support.
I also ran into my friend and Israel’s ambassador, Ronen Hoffman – had a productive discussion about Canada-Israel relations and the growing problem of Anti-Semitism.
Alongside CPC Leader Candice Bergen, I had a productive and frank conversation with WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech and GR guy Andy Gibbons about the challenges for Canadians trying to get to where they need to go and the foreseeable mess at our airports.
ArriveCAN is causing chaos at our border, so I went to go see for myself.
I joined my colleague MP Chris Lewis on a tour – we checked out some spots at the Windsor Port, dropped by the Airport, and saw some manufacturing. Almost everyone says the ArriveCAN app is hurting travel, tourism and economic growth in Windsor and Essex.
I also went to Sarnia-Lambton with my friend MP Marilyn Gladu and we heard the same thing from stakeholders in her riding – the government isn’t doing enough to help business and ArriveCAN has got to go. It’s time to get Canada moving again.
Platinum Jubilee
This year’s Platinum Jubilee is a chance for us to celebrate the service of Queen Elizabeth II, who has now reigned for 70 years.
It’s also a chance for us to recognize the service of individuals right here in Thornhill. My office is proudly sponsoring Platinum Jubilee Pins to be awarded to individuals in our community who show a commitment to public service, volunteerism, and advocacy.
Do you know a deserving candidate? Send me an email at Melissa.Lantsman@parl.gc.ca and nominate someone today!
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 11 from 6 – 7 pm
Promenade Mall Parking lot (by LCBO) – August 25th from 6 – 7 pm
My Activities in Parliament
OpenParliament.ca recently published word clouds for every MP based upon their speeches in the House of Commons. As you can see, I’ve been active on a number of issues and I’m standing up for you where it counts:
– Fighting the inflation crisis
– Fixing the fiasco at our airports
– Ending redundant public health measures
– Supporting Israel and combatting Antisemitism
There’s much more to do – stay tuned for the return of Parliament this fall!
Riding Reels
Government told Canadians that deficits don’t matter, interest rates would stay low & inflation was under control.
Families are already hit hard by rising fuel costs. This rate hike takes more money right out of household budgets.
Deficits do matter.
Canadians are struggling.
While Canadians wait at airports, Justin Trudeau gets a free pass. No wonder nothing’s getting fixed — he doesn’t need to wait in line or check his bags.
On the Air
I joined 580 CFRA to discuss the ArriveCAN App and the many problems it’s causing. Listen below:
Lantsman in the News
I joined 580 CFRA to discuss the ArriveCAN App and the many problems it’s causing. Listen here: https://fb.watch/enTvxkMc1m/
Lantsman in the News
Read my op-ed in the Hill Times about the state of Canada’s supply chains:
Melissa Lantsman
melissa@melissalantsman.ca