Nanaimo-Ladysmith MP to host mobile office events

Barron said these mobile office events are just one way she and her team want to be out in the community to support those in it. Photo provided

Starting tomorrow Tuesday, January 9th, MP for Nanaimo-Ladysmith Lisa Marie Barron will host mobile office events for those unable to see her at her Nanaimo office. 

Barron and her team will be hosting these events in Lanztville, Ladysmith, Gabriola Island, and Cedar. This will allow people in those areas to get assistance with any challenges they may be experiencing with federal services and programs.

Her mobile office event will be in Ladysmith at the Eagles Hall on January 9th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Cedar Hall in Cedar on January 15th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., the Vancouver Island Regional Library on Gabriola Island on January 16th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and the Costin Hall in Lantzille on January 17th from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Barron said these mobile office events are just one way she and her team want to be out in the community to support those in it.

“So my team and I have been since the onset of me getting elected, trying to be as creative as possible in finding ways to be able to connect with people, whether that's hosting town halls, or public events, or setting up at a market,” Barron said. “Making sure that we are going where people are so that they can access the information supports and services that they need.”

As her riding looks over several different communities, Barron said it is important to offer convenient and accessible support to everyone who might not be able to access her downtown Nanaimo office.

“It's a distance for many who may live on Gabriola Island, Protection Island; who may live in North Nanaimo, or Lantzville,” Barron said. “Our hope is that we can be present, available, and accessible for people who live in the riding of Nanaimo-Ladysmith, regardless of where they are.”

She also highlights that constituents can call or email the office to access support and that is not necessary for those to meet face-to-face.

During these events, Barron said people can ask questions and seek assistance on federal services and programs such as the Canada Child Benefit, Canada Pension Plan, Employment Insurance, and immigration. 

“We have people that are just hitting the wall trying to access their Canadian pension. So for us to be able to work with them, get their permissions to go through the process of figuring out where it's at, and then figure out the best way to move forward is one of the important ways that we can support people,” Barron said.

People will also be able to find more information about the new Canadian Dental Care Plan that is rolling out this year. People will be able to ask Barron and her team more about it, what to expect from it, and how to apply if they are qualified.

Barron also notes people wanting to attend the event are encouraged to bring identification and all the paperwork they might need for the program or service so the team can support them as much as possible. 

“We have many people who are having challenges navigating the federal programs that are in place, and we want to hear from people so that we can bring that to the Liberal government to highlight the barriers that are in place, the challenges are in place,” Barron said. 

She said she has team members dedicated to federal services and programs who will be able to support those in the application process.

“[We want] to be able to work individually with those people to ensure that they get the answers that they need and deserve around why it is that their applications are not being processed in the time that it should or why they're having challenges getting their applications approved,” Barron said.

Barron said more mobile office events could be in the future but for now, she will have tables at her free swim event at Frank Jameson Community Centre in Ladysmith on January 21st and at her free skate event at the Frank Cran Area in Nanaimo on February 19th. There, people can meet with her and her team to ask questions or raise concerns about items happening in the Nanaimo-Ladysmith riding.

Funding Note: This story was produced with funding support from the Local Journalism Initiative, administered by the Community Radio Fund of Canada.