The Maurice Vellacott MP mobile office unit has once again hit the road as Tim Vellacott, public relations assistant, heads out to rural areas of the constituency to listen to the issues at hand with its constituents.
"Of the 308 ridings in Canada, this is the only mobile office," commented Tim, explaining that Maurice had 'grandfathered' the opportunity to have a mobile office. Officially representing 79,000 people in the riding, it is difficult to visit with everyone so by utilizing the mobile unit, it provides an opportunity for Tim to travel to rural destinations and offer the opportunity to talk face-to-face about their issues.
What many people may not realize is that the office of the local member of parliament can offer assistance for many federal issues.
"Ninety to 95 per cent of the files we deal with in the office are related to issues that our constituents may have with various federal programs," commented Tim, going on to explain the office can assist with old age pension (OAP), goods and services tax (GST), Canada pension plan (CPP) both regular and disability, employment insurance (EI), passports, Canadian student loans and Customs and Transport Canada concerns. Whether individuals are having difficulty understanding or completing forms and applications or whether they have not received a response within the appropriate time frame, staff within the Maurice Vellacott MP office are trained and experienced in finding the answers for the public.
Sometimes the problem is as simple as not having sent in the correct documentation and other times it is more complex. Either way, the staff will find the answer or a process.
"Saskatchewan has become open to immigration so citizenship and immigration issues have increased making it the number one issue in the office," said Tim. "Although we can assist the constituents in the process, people must realize that we cannot overturn decisions or expedite applications."
Many people use modern technology such as faxes, email and telephone to contact the office but, with the mobile unit, there is still opportunity for people to stop in and discuss issues in person.
Tim locates the unit near the post office as it has a federal connection within the community as well as being highly visible.
The mobile unit was out for a spring tour from June 5 to July 6 and now the fall tour is taking place from Sept. 19 to mid-October. Tim and the mobile office will visit 16 communities within the constituency including (not in order) Waldheim, Martensville, Warman, Langham, Hague, Osler, Blaine Lake, Borden, Leask, Radisson, Hepburn, Dalmeny, Hafford, Marcelin, Duck Lake and Rosthern.
