Conservative MP Ellis Ross is preparing to open his new constituency offices in Terrace and Smithers, more than two months after the April 28 federal election. The delay, attributed to administrative backlogs, will have left the offices unopened well into the summer.
A spokesperson for Ross said the holdup is the result of procedural hurdles, with the House of Commons Administration required to approve every aspect of the setup鈥攊ncluding office locations, staffing and technology鈥攂efore they can become operational.
鈥淭hey鈥檙e having to do that with all of the new MPs. It鈥檚 a very timely process happening all at once. But we鈥檙e trying to get things going as soon as possible. We have staff ready to go. We just need some more IT set up and then we should be fully functioning.鈥�
The offices will be located at 112-4716 Lazelle Ave. in Terrace and 1226 Main St. in Smithers鈥攊dentical to the locations previously used by former MP Taylor Bachrach.
Ross, the first non-NDP MP elected in Skeena鈥揃ulkley Valley since the riding鈥檚 creation in 2004, is eager to connect with residents throughout the region, the spokesperson said. He is currently at home in Kitimat with a full itinerary of events across the riding.
The newly elected MP enters federal office with a Member鈥檚 Office Budget (MOB) of $429,600 for 2025鈥�2026. That is supplemented by a $54,070 Geographic Supplement and a further $24,410 under Schedule 3, recognizing the riding鈥檚 expansive geography of more than 327,000 square kilometres.
Ross has identified key priorities for his term, including economic development, Indigenous rights, public safety and addiction recovery. Drawing on his background as a former Haisla Nation Chief Councillor and B.C. Liberal MLA, he has called for improved access to treatment services and sees northern ports as critical to Canada鈥檚 trade and energy future.
