Chris Lewis MP | Essex

February 2021 News

800,000 Jobs Lost: Canada left with the Lowest Unemployment in the G-7 | Feb 28, 2021

The Close of Black History Month | Feb 28, 2021

Click on the graphic to see it in full.

The Volunteer Firefighter’s Tax Credit and Search and the Rescue Volunteer Tax Credit | Feb 28, 2021

Savings Tips for Volunteering Canadians looking at The Volunteer Firefighter’s Tax Credit and Search and the Rescue Volunteer Tax Credit.

Petition Against Bill C-21 regarding Airsoft and Paintball | Feb 27, 2021

MP Dowdall has sponsored Petition e-3201. It was initiated by recognizing the concerns Bill C-21’s had to potentially impact the airsoft and paintball sport.

Hosting a Meeting with Local Union Leaders and Erin O’Toole | Feb 26, 2021

Today I had the honour of hosting a virtual meeting with Dave Cassidy, Tomi Hulkkonen and Ken Turner from unions in the Windsor-Essex area and the Leader of the CPC: Erin O’Toole.

2021: A Higher Tax Season Season | Feb 26, 2021

The EI Premium Rate Hike and Income-Splitting for Family Businesses Rolled Back.

Questioning Witnesses on the Single Event Sports Betting Bill | Feb 25, 2021

I had the opportunity during the Justice Committee to question the National President of Unifor and the Canadian Gaming Association in regards to the Conservative Single Event Sports betting bill.

Watch here.

Named to the Special Committee on the Economic Relationship between Canada and the United States (CAAM) | Feb 25, 2021

Chris Lewis, has been appointed to the Special Committee on the Economic Relationship between Canada and the United States (CAAM). CAAM will conduct hearings to examine and review all aspects of the economic relationship between Canada and the United States.

Bill Addressing Inconsistent Carbon Tax on Farmers passed at 2nd Reading| Feb 25, 2021

Parliament has passed Conservative MP Philip Lawrence’s Bill C-206 at second reading! This bill exempts farmers from paying the carbon tax on gasoline, propane and natural gas.

Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit, Lower Taxes for Local Business, and Eligible Educator School Supply Tax Credit | Feb 25, 2021

Savings Tips for Working Canadians looking at The Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit, Lower Taxes for Local Business Owners, Farmers and Fishermen and the Eligible Educator School Supply Tax Credit.

Take a Look a What we Accomplished in one week | Feb 25, 2021

Parliament passed a Conservative motion creating a special committee on Canada-U.S. relations to get results on vaccines, trade, and pipelines.
A Conservative Bill to extend compassionate care leave following the death of a loved one was passed in Parliament.
Parliament passed a Conservative bill to legalize single-event sports betting.
A Conservative motion calling on Justin Trudeau to recognize the Uyghur genocide in China was passed.
MPs secured support to declare February 22nd as National human Trafficking Awareness Day.

Pension Income-Splitting and Converting RRSPs to RRIFs | Feb 24, 2021

Saving Tips for Canadian Seniors, looking at pension income-splitting and transferring RRSPs into RRIFs.

The Canada Workers Benefit, the Working Income Tax Benefit (WITB), and the Canada Employment Amount. | Feb 23, 2021

Savings Tips for Canadian Workers looking at The Canada Workers Benefit, the Working Income Tax Benefit (WITB), and the Canada Employment Amount.

Canada’s Agricultural Day | Feb 23, 2021

A big THANK YOU to our farming community!

Windsor Star: O’Toole addresses Windsor-Essex business leaders | Feb 23, 2021

“If we don’t reopen it will really affect small- and medium-sized businesses in border communities especially. So we’re going to have a series of policies on this in our next election but we’re already pushing for better now.”

Meeting with Erin O’Toole and Essex County Mayors | Feb 22, 2021

I was happy to host a meeting, Monday, with Conservative Leader, Erin O’Toole and the Essex County Mayors.

Uyghur Genocide Recognized by the House of Commons | Feb 22, 2021

Today we called on Prime Minister Trudeau to officially adopt this position. We are calling for an end to silence – that only helps those who commit crimes against humanity, never the victims.

National Human Trafficking Awareness Day | Feb 22, 2021

Today is Human Trafficking Awareness Day and the importance of constant observation and communication to prevent anyone becoming a victim of this crime is vital.

Meeting with Erin O’Toole and the Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce | Feb 22, 2021

Erin O’Toole, Leader of the The Conservative Party of Canada, and Chris Lewis MP for Essex, met with the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce today to discuss issues surrounding the economic recovery of Canada in the Windsor-Essex area.

Eligibility extension of the Canada Recovery Benefit | Feb 22, 2021

The government has announced that it will extend the eligibility of several emergency benefit programs, including the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB).

Tax Tips for Seniors | Feb 22, 2021

The Home Accessibility Tax Credit: Seniors and persons with disabilities who are eligible for the Disability Tax Credit can qualify for tax relief of 15% on up to $10,000 in eligible expenses, delivered by the previous Conservative government.

An Update on Information for this Tax Season | Feb 21, 2021

The Tax-Free Savings Account was Rolled Back, the Public Transit Tax Credit Cut, the Family Tax Cut (Income-Splitting) Scrapped, the Family Tax Cut (Income-Splitting) Scrapped and the Education Tax Credit and Textbook Tax Credit Scrapped.

National Post Article on the Liberal’s Hand-Gun Ban| Feb 20, 2021

We must stop targeting law-abiding Canadians and firearm retailers and instead invest in police anti-gang and gun units and the CBSA to provide law enforcement with the resources needed to stop illegal smuggling operations and get dangerous criminals and gangs off our streets.

Liberals Filibuster Health Committee To Hide Vaccine Plan Info | Feb 19, 2021

Last week, Liberal MPs on the committee chose to filibuster this motion and they may continue today, rather than being honest with Canadians.

What is being done to Fix Border Issues and Delays? | Feb 19, 2021

My question yesterday was in regards to the Fast Card and issues affecting constituents crossing the border relative to the new testing regulations. I ask the government, what is being done to fix the delays?

Watch here.

Liberals’ are not Serious about Stopping Dangerous Criminals | Feb 19, 2021

It is shameful that the Liberals voted against and defeated Bill C-238, a Conservative bill that would have imposed tougher sentences for criminals smuggling or who are found in possession of illegal firearms.

Honouring Black History Month in Essex | Feb 18, 2021

February marks Black History Month, an opportunity to honour Black Canadians who have contributed immeasurably to the successes and dreams of our country.

Watch here.

133 Helped to Access Federal Government Programs Since January | Feb 18, 2021

Since January 01, 2021, my office has received and processed 133 constituent inquiries to help with access to and assistance with Federal government programs.

In 2020, we assisted 1283 constituents. We take all incoming calls very seriously and do all we can to ensure the best outcome. I want to hear your concerns and suggestions to secure the future.

Discussing Bill C-21 (Firearms) with CTV Windsor | Feb 17, 2021

Chris Lewis, the MP for Essex, says he will stand up for the rights of lawful gun owners and calls the proposed legislation “horrible and deplorable.” “It’s going to do nobody any good at all,” says Lewis. “It will not stop one crime, it will not stop one smuggled gun coming across the border.”

More here.

Another Failure to Protect Canadians from Illegally Acquired Firearms | Feb 17, 2021

“Taking firearms away from law-abiding citizens does nothing to stop dangerous criminals and gangs who obtain their guns illegally.”

Conservatives pass motion to create committee on Canada-U.S. relations | Feb 16, 2021

Today, Conservatives secured the creation of a special House of Commons committee devoted to Canada-U.S. relations with the support of all parties.

More Ideological Firearms Legislation pushed in Parliament | Feb 16, 2021

Liberals tabled a bill today that will set up a program to buy back the firearms banned this past May; prohibiting the use, sale and importation of more than 1,500 makes and models of legally purchased weapons. Details on the original announcement are available here.

1,032 Inquiries Received Since January | Feb 15, 2021

Since January 01, 2021, my office has received 1,032 policy inquiries. In 2020, that number topped out at 5737. Your views and concerns are important to me.

If you have contacted my office about a policy matter, your patience is appreciated as we work through them as quickly as we can. I want to hear your concerns and suggestions to secure the future.

Justin Trudeau Must Immediately Pull Huawei Funding | Feb 15, 2021

“It is clear to our allies, national security experts, and Canadians that Huawei poses a direct threat to out national security interests. Yet, the Prime Minister chose to partner with this company.

Celebrating National Flag of Canada Day | Feb 15, 2021

Let’s celebrate National Flag of Canada Day! This Flag has been a national symbol of unity for us for 56 years now!

Have a Happy and Safe Family Day! | Feb 15, 2021

Enjoy your 2021 Family Day!

Income Tax Tips that will help Families to Save | Feb 15, 2021

With the Child Care Expense Deductions you can claim payments you have made to someone who has looked after your child while you either earned an income from employment, operated a business alone or as an active partner, attended school or conducted research.

Available Programs: Registered Disability Savings Plan | Feb 14, 2021

The previous Conservative government introduced the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) to ensure long-term financial security for Canadians and families who are dealing with severe disability.

Available Programs: Adoption Expense Tax Credit | Feb 13, 2021

This credit is a 15% non-refundable tax credit that allows adoptive parents to claim eligible adoption expenses relating to the completed adoption of a child, up to a maximum of $16,563.

Available Programs: Child Disability Benefit | Feb 13, 2021

To recognize the additional costs that can add up when caring for a child with a severe disability, families can continue to claim the Child Disability Benefit.

Available Programs: Canada Training Credit | Feb 12, 2021

The Canada Training Credit (CTC) is available for eligible tuition and other fees paid for courses taken in 2020 and subsequent tax years.

Happy New Year! | Feb 12, 2021

Happy New Year to all those celebrating the Lunar New Year!

Available Programs: Simplified Home Office Tax Credit for 2020 | Feb 11, 2021

For 2020, employees who worked from home more than 50% of the time over a period of a least four consecutive weeks in 2020 due to COVID-19 can claim a deduction.

Available Programs: Climate Action Incentive | Feb 10, 2021

Canadians who live in Ontario can claim the climate action incentive with their income tax return.

Erin O’Toole on The Flip Side of Pfizer Vaccine Label Changes | Feb 9, 2021

“Let me be clear, I want the government to succeed in getting vaccines to Canadians, but today’s announcement means that the Liberal government is allowing Pfizer to send fewer vials of vaccines to Canada.

Demand for some to repay CERB scrapped by federal government| Feb 9, 2021

Clear and concise communications are crucial during a crisis. Unfortunately, the Trudeau Liberals gave individuals the wrong information regarding the CERB and as a result many Canadians applied for and received benefits they didn’t qualify for.

NDP and Liberals Shut Down Committee Debates on Keystone XL | Feb 9, 2021

“The Liberals have failed to stand up for the oil and gas sector too many times. Workers in Canada’s energy sector are being left behind by this government and the Liberal members of these committees proved that once again.”

Available Programs: Medical Expense Deductions | Feb 9, 2021

This credit applies to a number of eligible expenses – from home care services, to laser eye surgery, to orthopedics.

Available Programs: Goods and Services Tax (GST) Credit | Feb 8, 2021

If you have a spouse or common-law partner, just one of you can receive this credit. When you file your 2020 tax return, CRA will determine your eligibility and will advise those who are eligible to receive the credit.

Conservatives Calling the Liberals to Account | Feb 7, 2021

Every single day that the Liberals fail to address the delays in vaccines and cancelled deliveries, Canadian businesses continue to shutter, and families are forced to be apart.

Watch here.

Available Programs: the CRB and the CRSB | Feb 7, 2021

Conservatives worked with the government to create support programs that help Canadians who have lost their jobs or saw their hours cut. Learn how the Canada Recovery Benefit and the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit might help you.

200,000 Jobs: Part of the Cost of NDP backed Liberal Policy | Feb 6, 2021

Justin Trudeau and the NDP have left Canada with the biggest deficit and the highest jobless rate in the G7. Their policies are not working. Devastating 200,000 job loss show human & financial cost of Trudeau’s failures on COVID & economy.

Watch here.

213,000 Jobs Lost in January | Feb 6, 2021

Yesterday, Statistics Canada released the job numbers for the month of January. 213,000 Canadians lost jobs in January and the unemployment rate rose 0.6% to 9.4%, the highest rate since August 2020.

How is the CRA’s Database Still Leaving Canadians Behind? | Feb 5, 2021

Between phone calls and Zoom meetings, I was able to fit in a question for today’s Question Period.

Watch here.

Mother waits weeks for feds to sort out problems with COVID-19 benefits system | Feb 5, 2021

“The office of her local MP, Conservative Chris Lewis, told her they’ve heard from a handful of people in the same situation. A Conservative spokesman confirmed half a dozen of the party’s MPs have logged similar issues.”

Studying Domestic Abuse | Feb 4, 2021

Last week I had the opportunity to pose some questions of Genevieve Isshak, Clinical Director of Residential and Community Services, Hiatus House in Windsor-Essex. This was regarding controlling or coercive conduct within intimate relationships (domestic abuse) during the hearing of witnesses as the Justice Committee studies this issue.

Watch here.

Conservatives Motion for a Canada-U.S. Committee | Feb 4, 2021

At a time when both our countries need to be focused on getting people back to work and restoring our ways of life post-COVID-19, this committee will get answers for Canadians and fight to secure our future.

Watch here.

We Need to Focus on Our Economic Relationship with the States| Feb 4, 2021

Today, Conservatives are introducing a motion to create a special committee on a critical pillar of our recovery: the economic relationship between Canada and the United States.

Watch here.

NDP Vote Against Repeal of Shipping Ban | Feb 3, 2021

Check out MP Arnold Viersen’s recent release on the how the NDP and Liberal support of Bills C-229 and C-48 is stranding Albertans and crippling the Canadian Economy.

proposed changes to the Canada Elections Act | Feb 3, 2021

Some of you may have heard about proposed changes to the Canada Elections Act. Here is what is happening: The Liberal government has tabled a bill that proposes changes to the Canada Elections Act.

Last Day to Apply for Canada Summer Jobs | Feb 3, 2021

Today is the last day to submit applications for Canada Summer Jobs funding to hire a young Canadian this year.

Available Programs: Employment Insurance | Feb 2, 2021

Conservatives worked with the government to create support programs that help Canadians who have lost their jobs or saw their hours cut. We have worked to expand the programs to ensure that everyone is covered.

A Warning for Tax Time | Feb 2, 2021

If you received the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) or other benefits in 2020, they are considered taxable income by CRA and there were no source deductions.

Be prepared for a hefty tax bill of up to 15-20% of benefits received, depending on your overall income level.