Dave Epp

Parliament is deliberating Bill C-7, Medical Assistance in Dying, and has a court-ordered December 18th deadline to consider. I have raised some of my concerns in the House during debate. For those that may be interested in learning more about concerns regarding this legislation, please consider reading the following article that does an excellent job of highlighting some of the issues with this proposed legislation. https://nationalpost.com//disability-advocates-urge-libera

Each year, we remember the great cost that comes with the failure to prevent conflicts. We remember the men and women who serve and the families of those who served, all of whom have sacrificed so much for the freedoms we enjoy today. Lest we forget. Link to Remembrance Day CK Video: https://www.facebook.com/McKinlayFuneralHome/posts/3435434559868777

Recently, in the House, I asked if the Minister of Agriculture intended to support independent grocers and update the Competition Act to the benefit of consumers as well.

Recently, in the House, I asked the Minister of Public Safety about the budget for the Liberal government's plan of forced buybacks for law-abiding firearms owners.

MP Dave Epp Urges Support for Petition Addressing Cannabis Growing Loopholes FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 2, 2020 ... Leamington, ON Enough is enough. We have a problem with large scale cannabis operations who have been moving into the area and do not meet the same standards as those who grow for government run stores. Justin Trudeau allows the endangerment to our communities to continue, refusing to address the serious problem he created within the legal regime governing medical marijuana growing, particularly what’s referred to as the designated grower component of the regulations. said Epp. The designated grower program is rife with abuse and lacks any kind of responsible oversight from Health Canada. It has loopholes that allow operations to grow to the size of large-scale commercial operations, with none of the oversights or controls that would prevent environmental impacts on our communities, while knowingly allowing an underground economy to grow which does not pay its share of taxes. Law enforcement is aware of a growing number of designated grower facilities that are linked to organized crime, and struggle to keep up. On October 22, 2020 petition e-2920 was launched to give Canadians an opportunity to call on the Government of Canada to take action on this growing problem. The petition will remain open until January 20, 2021. Those wishing to support the petition can go to DaveEpp.ca for the link to add their name in support. If you are concerned about what is happening in our community I encourage as many people as possible to sign the petition and send a message to Justin Trudeau’s Liberals to fix the problem they created. Loopholes need to be closed, and local officials and law enforcement need the tools to investigate and prosecute unlawful operations to safeguard against the negative impact that unlawful growers are having on our community. said Epp.

A quick note to any who have or will received any CERB payments this year.

Last weekend was the opening of the Grant Bowman Trail in Wheatley. Mr. Bowman has long been a central figure in the fabric of the Wheatley community and this recognition of his efforts is well deserved.

Yesterday, I delivered a wreath to the Tilbury Royal Canadian Legion Branch 206 as volunteers worked diligently to prep poppy boxes ahead of Remembrance Day. Poppies will be available from October 30th - November 11th, and the proceeds of the Poppy Campaign help support veterans and their families.

Today, on National Seniors' Day, I would like to take a moment to thank our seniors for their immeasurable contributions to our communities and our lives. You are the parents and grandparents who helped raise us, and you have left us a country we can be proud of. You worked hard for our futures, and now we must work to ensure the security of yours. Thank you for everything you have done!

This year, because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, getting your flu shot has never been more important! Pharmacists are gearing up for flu season. Last year, pharmacists across the country administered close to 50% of all flu shots and flu vaccines will become available in early to mid-October. Make sure to contact your pharmacy and self-screen in advance of your visit.... Plan your visit today!

With Pelee Councillor Dave DeLellis reviewing Nature Conservancy of Canada's development on the island. Earlier in the day I attended a community meeting where the concern of how environmental interests need to improve communications about research with the community it takes place in. Our appreciation to the people of Pelee Island who have done such a great job throughout the decades as stewards of the land and have left today’s and future generations a rich legacy.

RESPONSE TO THE THRONE SPEECH Many constituents have asked me over the past six weeks why Parliament was prorogued. I was careful in responding in that there is merit in a reset of Parliament’s priorities since COVID -19 appeared after the initial government agenda was published last fall. Of course, this prorogation could have happened earlier this week, rather than six weeks ahead of the scheduled fall session. Many were suspicious that the timing of the shut-down was more ...related to shutting down the ongoing ethics investigations into the WE scandal, but I wanted to extend the benefit of the doubt. It was hoped that the Throne Speech would provide the roadmap forward, both in addressing the cracks in our system that the pandemic has exposed, as well as provide a fiscal plan to address the accumulated debt, and a fiscal framework to guide spending moving forward. So, it is tremendously disappointing to hear a Throne Speech with nothing new for Canadians who are worried about their health and their jobs. There was no mention of addressing national unity concerns, or most importantly, there was no fiscal framework to guide the government for responsible spending. There was no commitment to address the provinces’ top ask of increased health care costs or plan to deal with a second wave of the pandemic, other than shutting down our economy - again! And so I ask you why do you think Justin Trudeau prorogued Parliament six weeks before this Throne Speech of recycled promises? Canadians deserve better!

Stopped by to help Elizabeth Dick celebrate her 90th birthday - Happy Birthday Elizabeth!

ERIN O'TOOLE ON LEADERSHIP AND DUTY https://twitter.com/erinotoole/status/1309169369080094721

Dave Epp MP for Chatham-Kent--Leamington Calls for Compassionate Approach to Canada-US Border Restrictions Now that we've had time to learn more about COVID-19 and are witnessing accumulated evidence of the emotional toll it takes on cross-border families, my colleagues and I are calling on the Trudeau government to take a compassionate approach to resolve situations where families remain separated during the pandemic. Our thoughts are with all families and committed couple...s that have been separated during this pandemic. Since early June, my Conservative colleagues and I have been highlighting cases of Canadians who were unfairly excluded from the Liberals’ immediate family criteria to reunite in Canada. My colleagues and I are calling on the Trudeau government to take a compassionate approach to resolve situations where families remain separated, while ensuring the health and safety of Canadians. No one should have to guess whether they will be allowed across the border to be with family. The government must be clear about who can travel across the border, and in what circumstances. Conservatives continue to support limiting travel between Canada and the US until the COVID-19 outbreak is under control in both countries. But there is a basic issue of fairness, where Liberal Ministers give themselves the power to provide compassionate exemptions for individuals entering from countries other than the United States, or well connected, elite billionaires can secure exemptions to visit Canada, but Canadians separated from family and partners in the US, do not have the same access. That’s just wrong. The Trudeau government must put forward a responsible plan that clarifies the criteria, fixes this inconsistency, and protects all Canadians. I continue to support my colleague, Marilyn Gladu, MP for Sarnia-Lambton, who sponsored e-petition 2657 that called for committed, non-married partners (such as fiancés and long-term relationships) who are not captured in any definition of immediate family to be allowed to use the same immediate family exemptions as other Canadians. Here in our riding of Chatham-Kent--Leamington we have an above average level of personal and business cross-border relationships given our proximity to the busiest international crossing in North America. Conservatives call on the Trudeau government to bring forward a clear, fair and compassionate plan that allows Canadians to be reunited with their loved ones.

Now until Sept 20th, Tim Horton's is selling #SmileCookie's for $1 each (plus tax). 100% of the proceeds from these cookies go to local charities. Get your smile cookies today!

Over the next two weeks, Canadian Blood Services will be hosting two separate Blood Donor Events in Chatham. I encourage all who are able to book an appointment as there is always a need for blood and even more so during the ongoing pandemic. Please note that COVID-19 safety measures will be in effect and you will be required to wear a mask.... Tuesday, Sept. 15 from 1-7pm - Chatham YMCA Saturday, Sept. 26 from 9am-1pm - WISH Centre

I recently added my support to Petition e-2657 to allow foreign nationals who are immediate family members of Canadians to enter Canada for family reunification purposes via this letter to the Prime Minister. These measures are required to alleviate the significant physical, mental and emotional hardship being added to multi-national families during an already difficult time.

Recently, Saskatchewan unanimously passed the Interpersonal Violence Disclosure Protocol Act, also known as Clare's Law, in order to protect citizens from abusive situations. As it stands, the federal Privacy Act prevents the RCMP from enforcing Clare's Law. e-Petition 2767 calls upon the Minister of Justice to amend the Privacy Act to allow third-party disclosure of personal information relating to interpersonal and domestic violence for the purpose of protecting an individu...al. I encourage you all to visit the link below and consider adding your name to the list of signatures. https://petitions.ourcommons.ca/en/Petition/Details

STATEMENT ON ELECTION OF ERIN O’TOOLE AS NEW CONSERVATIVE PARTY LEADER Congratulations to our new leader Erin O’Toole, and all the candidates and their teams who have renewed our party. Now, on to victory in the race to save Canada from the manipulation of our democracy to cover up Trudeau’s incompetence and corruption. ... It is encouraging to hear our new leader say we must continue to point out Liberal failings and corruption, but we must also show Canadians our vision for a stronger, more prosperous and more united Canada. Canada can and must do better and Conservatives will work hard to earn the trust and confidence of Canadians in the next election. Our new leader is right when he says that whether you're doing well or barely getting by, whether you worship on Friday, Saturday, Sunday or not at all ... you are an important part of Canada and you have a home in the Conservative Party of Canada. In short, we must be the change we seek. Here in Chatham-KentLeamington, all campaigns were engaged, and I thank everyone for participating in our democracy and being an important part of the largest membership in our party’s history. Based upon numerous conversations I have had with local party members these past weeks, I know that we are eager to craft a new policy platform, and ready ourselves to offer Canadians a clear, credible alternative. The Prime Minister is embroiled in his third corruption investigation, and there will be more. Justin Trudeau has proven to be the most corrupt Prime Minister in Canadian history. In addition to opposing corruption, the suspension of Parliamentary oversight, indebting our children’s future with no accountability and a long trail of broken promises, we as Conservatives are united in opposing and cleaning out the rot and culture of entitlement in Ottawa. Together we will offer a better vision and hope for a better Canada.