Essex MP Chris Lewis meets constituents at annual levee

Wilson Pouget (left) of LaSalle met up with Essex MP Chris Lewis at the annual levee.

About two dozen Essex County residents braved the wintery weather and stopped by Member of Parliament Chris Lewis’ office in Essex Jan. 25 for an informal meet and greet.

The annual New Year’s levee is a tradition and it gives constituents, of all ages, a chance to ask questions.

Among those was 14-year-old Wilson Pouget, son of Lewis’ chief of staff Marnie Pouget, who wanted to know what the number one thing the MP would change about Essex County.

“Opportunity for the future for our young adults,” quickly responded Lewis.

As he stated last year, and again for 2026, the Essex MP believes that affordability continues to be the number one issue.

“Eight months ago, another young adult asked me why get up and go to work when they can’t afford a house.”

Lewis also answered Pouget by saying there is a lot of divisions that can be avoided, especially when it comes to dealing with our United States neighbours.

“We have to find common ground, it’s not all about politics.”

First elected as a Conservative in 2019, Lewis fielded questions from the River Town Times including the fact that recently, two members of his caucus, Michael Ma and Chris d’Entremont crossed the floor and joined the Liberals.

“If you’re not the ultimate team player, you’re not a team player. Sometimes you just have to swallow your pride,” he said.

This past weekend, Lewis and the rest of the Conservative Party faithful travelled to Calgary for the first convention in three years and one that reviewed Pierre Poilievre’s capability of leading. The Essex MP says he continues to support the leader.

When all was said and done, the Conservative Party of Canada reaffirmed Poilievre’s leadership with a vote of 87.4 per cent in support.

Asked what the Conservatives would do if they were the governing power, Lewis, again quick to answer said that trade deals need to be reached with the U.S. He went on to criticize Prime Minister Mark Carney and says when it comes to dealing with the U.S. Carney is, “poking the bear.”

“It doesn’t need to be this way. We just need to get egos out of the way and park them at the door and put some conversation back on the table.”

Essex MP Chris Lewis meets constituents at annual levee

By Fred Groves