'More is needed,' MPs in flood-impacted areas of B.C. say to feds about financial support
Several Conservative members of Parliament representing areas impacted by the recent flooding in B.C. are calling on the Liberal government to do more when it comes to financial assistance.
The party told CTV News Thursday that MPs for areas including Abbotsford, Mission, Chilliwack and Central Okanagan are asking the government to match donations made to additional registered charitable groups that are currently on the ground supporting those affected by the floods.
The federal government has so far committed to matching donations to the Canadian Red Cross, but has not included other charitable groups.
“Since the unprecedented flooding began in British Columbia, Canadians have stepped up to help in a big way. People have come forward to help the evacuation efforts, sandbag, move livestock, and provide food and shelter," the party said in a statement. "And Canadians from coast to coast to coast have opened their wallets to give generously to charities helping those who have been displaced and cut off from the rest of the country."
According to the group, Abbotsford MP Ed Fast previously asked the Liberal government in the House of Commons to match more donations.
As of Tuesday, the Red Cross had raised more than $12 million to assist those impacted by the extreme weather, which is expected to nearly triple with matching donations from both the B.C. and federal governments. The donations will go towards support payments of $2,000 per eligible evacuated household.
“The Canadian Red Cross continues to be an important contributor and we thank them for being there for the people of British Columbia. We know it is 'all hands on deck' and no single group can do it alone or be everywhere at once. More is needed,” the release read.
Earlier this month, Conservative MP for Mission-Matsqui-Fraser Canyon Brad Vis also expressed frustration over the lack focus being given to flood victims.
On his way to a caucus meeting in Ottawa the MP was asked a series of questions by reporters that he said were focused on “partisan politics,” as opposed to the floods.
Vis turned the conversation towards the efforts being made to get life back to normal for the province’s flood victims and how to fix the “multi-billion dollar challenge” that B.C. is now facing.
The Conservatives said they want to continue to work with the federal government to ensure that B.C. residents are both safe, and have the resources needed to support them.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
El Nino weakening doesn't mean cooler temperatures this summer, forecasters say
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
BREAKING 15-year-old boy stabbed Thursday in Nepean dies
A 15-year old boy who was critically injured after a stabbing in Nepean on Thursday has died of his injuries, Ottawa's English public school board said Sunday.
Dash cam catches moment suspected drunk driver hits parked car, sends it careening into North Shore flower shop
Police say it’s fortunate no one was injured or killed in a collision at North Vancouver’s Park and Tilford shopping centre Saturday evening that sent one vehicle careening into a flower shop and another into a set of concrete barriers outside a Winners store.
Nylander defends Leafs' core after playoff exit, Toronto again picks up the pieces
The Maple Leafs battled back from a 3-1 series deficit against the Boston Bruins with consecutive 2-1 victories - including one that required extra time - in their first-round playoff series to push the club's Original Six rival to the limit before suffering a devastating Game 7 overtime loss.
Amid climate change warnings, Canadians lukewarm on electric vehicles
Amid scientists' warnings that nations need to transition away from fossil fuels to limit climate change, Canadians are still lukewarm on electric vehicles, according to a study conducted by Nanos Research for CTV News.
Three dead, two hospitalized, following collision in Fredericton: police
Three people have died and two have been hospitalized after a speeding car struck a tree and landed on another vehicle in Fredericton Sunday morning.
Montreal man on the hook for thousands of dollars after a feature on his Tesla caused an accident
A Montreal man is warning Tesla drivers about using the Smart Summon feature after his vehicle hit another in a parking lot.
Madonna's biggest-ever concert transforms Rio's Copacabana beach into a massive dance floor
Madonna put on a free concert on Copacabana beach Saturday night, turning Rio de Janeiro's vast stretch of sand into an enormous dance floor teeming with a multitude of her fans.
Mexican authorities say thieves killed 2 Australians and an American to steal their truck
Thieves killed two Australians and an American on a surfing trip to Mexico in order to steal their truck, particularly because they wanted the tires, authorities said Sunday.