'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
BREAKING Another suspect arrested in Toronto Pearson airport gold heist: police
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Poilievre-led government 'would never' use notwithstanding clause on abortion, his office says
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
Cyclist strikes child crossing the street to catch school bus in Montreal
A video circulating on social media of a young girl being hit by a bike has some calling for better safety and more caution when designing bike lanes in the city. The video shows a four-year-old girl crossing Jeanne-Mance Street in Montreal's Plateau neighbourhood to get on a school bus stopped on the opposite side of the street
Trump hush money trial: Play-by-play on Day 2 of Stormy Daniels testimony
Adult film star Stormy Daniels took the stand for a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump's hush money case continues in Manhattan.
B.C. wildfires likely to spread with weekend temperatures expected to soar, province says
Wildfire and emergency management officials in British Columbia are urging residents to be prepared for increased fire activity as temperatures are expected to soar above 30 C in parts of the province this weekend.