Report From Parliament Hill

Eric Melillo, MP, Kenora Riding

Dear Constituents

I had the pleasure of welcoming Chief Merle Loon, Councillor Brenda Fox, and representatives from  Mishkeegogamang First Nation to Ottawa. We talked about the importance of bringing economic certainty to northern Ontario.
9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline
On November 30, the three-digit suicide crisis helpline, 9-8-8, launched. I want to thank my Conservative colleague Todd Doherty for his hard work and advocacy to get this helpline implemented. Now, those who are struggling can call or text 9-8-8. Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Calling for the Speaker to Resign
Recently, the Speaker of the House of Commons filmed a partisan video in his office wearing his official attire and using his title in a message to the Ontario Liberal Party. The Speaker’s conduct is simply unacceptable; it defies all longstanding traditions and expectations attached to the high office he holds.
As Speaker, he is responsible for maintaining order and that rules are followed. He is the one who makes rulings when an MP, regardless of party, violates the rules. For members to retain trust in the Speaker and accept his rulings, he must at all times avoid any displays of partisanship. Conservatives were already concerned that this Speaker’s past hyper-partisanship would mean that he would have difficulty acting in a neutral manner.  
His conduct last weekend has validated those concerns and broken any trust that existed. His public statement attempting to justify his actions ignores the fact that he delivered the remarks in his capacity as Speaker. He then jetted off to Washington, avoiding accountability from MPs, and again delivered a partisan speech while there.
Given the seriousness of this partisan activity that the Speaker has engaged in, opposition MPs are calling for him to resign.
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