Two Fraser Valley area MPs have been appointed to the official opposition’s shadow cabinet.
Chilliwack-Hope MP Mark Strahl will be the opposition’s minister for labour, and Brad Vis, MP for Mission–Matsqui–Fraser Canyon, will be the opposition’s minister for housing.
The Conservative’s shadow cabinet was announced this week, following the election of Erin O’Toole as party leader. Prior to the announcement, Strahl was the Conservative Party Whip.
A press release from Strahl’s office says that an integral part of his new role will be “holding the Liberal government to account on files pertaining to Canada’s workers, fighting for those who build our country.”
“Canada is the strongest and most capable country in the world,” Strahl says. “Canadian workers have a great champion in our new Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole. Under his leadership, our party’s mission statement is the Latin phrase ‘Per ardua ad astra’ meaning, ‘Through adversity, to the stars.’ Our mission statement applies to the challenges Canada’s working people are currently facing and the plan Canada’s Conservatives have to help them.”
ALSO READ: O’Toole likely to move quickly to put stamp on federal Conservative party
Strahl says he has a mandate to put workers first.
“This is a critical time for our working people and across the country, families are facing disappointment and uncertainty. Hundreds of thousands of energy workers and forestry workers have lost their jobs. Thousands of autoworkers have been laid off. Many others are struggling just to keep their heads above water.”
Vis says he is honoured be named to the shadow cabinet, calling it the “Conservative government-in-waiting.”
“We have a strong, capable team that is ready for the potential of a fall federal election.”
A press release from his office says the Liberal government is”failing to deliver on numerous issues and sadly, housing is no exception.”
“The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporations’ own data shows that over the past two years, only 0.5 per cent of $1.46 billion allocated through the National Housing Co-Investment Fund has gone to affordable housing projects in B.C. Accessible, targeted federal programs with built-in regional equity provisions are clearly needed,” it reads.
“I look forward to providing solutions and driving policy change to ensure this is the reality for Millennials, Gen Z, and future generations of aspiring homeowners,” Vis adds.
ALSO READ: Mark Strahl re-elected in Chilliwack-Hope for the Conservatives
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