Report From Parliament Hill

Eric Melillo, MP, Kenora Riding

Dear Constituents 

It was a busy week in Ottawa as President of the United States, Joe Biden, delivered an address to Parliament. The United States is Canada’s closest ally and largest trading partner, and President Biden’s address underscored the importance of this relationship. Unfortunately, after 8 years, Justin Trudeau has failed to secure a new softwood lumber deal and exempt Canada from Buy America policies. Under the previous Conservative government, deals were struck on exemptions for both softwood lumber and Buy America provisions. When we are back in government, we will fix these issues again.
Election Interference
This week, my Conservative colleagues and I introduced a motion to summon the Prime Minister’s top advisor to testify at the Ethics Committee. 
Canadians need answers regarding alleged interference by the communist government in Beijing. But the Liberals are going to great lengths to cover it up.
This motion failed with NDP and Liberal members voting against it.
Standing up Against the Escalator Tax
Our team also introduced a motion that called on the government to cancel its 6.3% tax increase on beer, wine, and spirits that is coming April 1st. In 2017, the Liberal Government passed legislation that requires the federal excise tax on alcohol to automatically increase at a rate indexed to inflation, without a vote in Parliament.
This year’s increase on alcohol will be the largest in decades, and will unfairly punish craft breweries, local restaurants, and lodges that are already struggling with increased costs due to 40-year inflation highs. It will also make it more difficult for Canadians to enjoy a drink after a long day’s work, or while relaxing with friends or celebrating with their families. 
This motion passed with support from all opposition parties, despite the Liberals voting against it. It is now up to the government to bring forward legislation to remove the escalator tax.
Working for You 
If you’re planning to be in Ottawa and are interested in attending Question Period or taking a tour of Parliament, please let me know and my office can help reserve Question Period and tour tickets. 
As always, if there is anything my office can assist you with, please call me at 807-223-2182 (Dryden) or 807-468-2170 (Kenora) or email me at eric.melillo@parl.gc.ca.   
Sincerely,  
Eric Melillo
Member of Parliament
Kenora Riding